Chiefs 7-round mock draft: Kansas City finds Trent McDuffie replacement

It's an offseason of change in Kansas City.

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After their division-winning streak came to an end in 2025, theChiefsare loading up for another go at the Super Bowl in 2026. Major moves on offense and defense will see a much different Kansas City roster.

The Chiefssigned reigning Super Bowl MVP Kenneth Walker IIIto give them more explosiveness at the running back position. WithPatrick Mahomessidelined while recovering from atorn ACL, the teamtraded for former first-round pick Justin Fieldsas another depth piece at quarterback.

On defense, starting cornerbacksJaylen WatsonandTrent McDuffieare both now with theLos Angeles Ramsvia free agency and trade, respectively.The McDuffie tradenetted Kansas City another first-round pick in the 2026 NFL Draft. Up front, defensive linemanKhyiris Tongacomes to the Chiefs from the defending AFC champion Patriots.

It's not all new faces as franchise iconTravis Kelce signed a one-year deal to return to Kansas Cityfor 2026.

2026 NFL DRAFT:Ranking the top 150 best players available

As the dust settles on the major moves of free agency, the team can look ahead to building out its roster in the 2026 NFL draft. Armed with multiple first-round picks, the Chiefs can make key picks to improve the future of the roster. Here's how the Chiefs' draft could look come April:

Kansas City Chiefsmock draft

Round 1, No. 9 overall: Edge Rueben Bain Jr., Miami (FL)

Bain may slip slightly in the top 10 due to arm length concerns but the Chiefs would be happy to get his power and production off the edge. Kansas City struggled to get home with sacks in 2025 and getting one of the most productive edge rushers in college football is an easy boost to the defensive front.

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More:Rueben Bain Jr. compares himself to Mike Tyson during Miami Pro Day

Round 1, No. 29 overall: CB Chris Johnson, San Diego State

McDuffie and Watson are gone and the Chiefs could always use more talent to develop at the position. Johnson is a great value here as a scheme-versatile outside cornerback with size and speed. He would contend withKristian FultonandNohl Williamsfor a starting role as a rookie and a building block for the future.

Round 2, No. 40 overall: TE Eli Stowers, Vanderbilt

Kelce is back in Kansas City but the Chiefs have to be thinking about their future at the position. Stowers is one of the most explosive players in the 2026 class and put on a show at the NFL combine with his dynamic athleticism. He's a bit undersized at 235 pounds but could be a vertical threat from the position the Chiefs haven't had since Kelce's athletic prime. In time, he could grow into a tight end of the future for Mahomes.

Round 3, No. 74 overall: Edge Gabe Jacas, Illinois

One premium pick alone won't help the Chiefs' pass rush woes from 2025. Jacas is a big-bodied edge at 6-foot-4 and 260 pounds who totaled 85 pressures and 20 sacks in his last two seasons at Illinois. There are some questions about his run defense but his high motor will earn him plenty of coverage sacks when possible.

Round 4, No. 109 overall: WR Ted Hurst, Georgia State

Hurst is one of the best small-school standouts in the class with size (6-foot-4, 206 pounds) and speed (4.42 40-yard dash) at outside receiver. The Chiefs haven't had a threat like him on the outside in years. He's shown the ability to shake press coverage well but may need time to get up to speed at the NFL level.

Round 5, No. 148 overall: LB Jimmy Rolder, Michigan

Leo Chenalis now in Washington, and the Chiefswould be well-served by finding at least a depth piece to make up for his departure. Rolder is inexperienced with just 11 career college starts, but he's shown a lot to like, especially in run defense. He's more of a specialist in that for now, without the coverage chops as a rookie.

Round 5, No. 169 overall: OT Keagan Trost, Missouri

Kansas City dealt with injuries on the offensive line, and bringing in an experienced swing tackle would help safeguard against that in the future. Trost played both right and left tackle at Missouri, most recently right. His length will make him a good fit for most any scheme. He's unlikely to contend for a starting role but he'd be a swing tackle

Round 5, No. 176 overall: S VJ Payne, Kansas State

Payne can do a little bit of everything at 6-foot-3 and 206 pounds. He played in the box, slot and free safety in 2025 alone. He's athletic enough to handle lots of assignments in coverage and Steve Spagnuolo could get creative deploying him throughout the defense. His run defense will need work.

Round 6, No. 210 overall: RB Kaelon Black, Indiana

Walker III is a dynamic outside threat at running back and 2025 draft pickBrashard Smithis a receiving specialist. Black could be a good fit alongside those two. The national champion offers great early-down usage with a low center of gravity and churns out yards after contact. He has great short-yardage value and is a willing pass blocker. His lack of receiving chops can be balanced out by Walker and Smith.

1. Las Vegas Raiders – Fernando Mendoza, QB, Indiana 2. New York Jets – Arvell Reese, LB/DE, Ohio State <p style=3. Arizona Cardinals – David Bailey, OLB/DE, Texas Tech

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> <p style=4. Tennessee Titans – Jeremiyah Love, RB, Notre Dame

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> <p style=5. New York Giants – Sonny Styles, LB, Ohio State

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> <p style=6. Cleveland Browns – Monroe Freeling, OT, Georgia

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> <p style=7. Washington Commanders – Rueben Bain Jr., DE, Miami (Fla.)

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> <p style=8. New Orleans Saints – Carnell Tate, WR, Ohio State

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> 9. Kansas City Chiefs – Makai Lemon, WR, USC <p style=10. Cincinnati Bengals – Caleb Downs, S, Ohio State

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> <p style=11. Miami Dolphins – Francis Mauigoa, OT/G, Miami (Fla.)

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> <p style=12. Dallas Cowboys – Mansoor Delane, CB, LSU

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> <p style=13. Los Angeles Rams (from Atlanta Falcons) – Kenyon Sadiq, TE, Oregon

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> <p style=14. Las Vegas Raiders (from Baltimore Ravens) – Olaivavega Ioane, G, Penn State

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> <p style=15. Tampa Bay Buccaneers – Keldric Faulk, DE, Auburn

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> <p style=16. New York Jets (from Indianapolis Colts) – Jordyn Tyson, WR, Arizona State

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> <p style=17. Detroit Lions – Spencer Fano, OT/G, Utah

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> 18. Minnesota Vikings – S Dillon Thieneman, Oregon <p style=19. Carolina Panthers – Kadyn Proctor, OT/G, Alabama

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> <p style=20. Dallas Cowboys (from Green Bay Packers) – Akheem Mesidor, DE, Miami (Fla.)

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> 21. Pittsburgh Steelers – Omar Cooper Jr., WR, Indiana <p style=22. Los Angeles Chargers – Caleb Banks, DT, Florida

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> <p style=23. Philadelphia Eagles – Avieon Terrell, CB, Clemson

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> <p style=24. Cleveland Browns (from Jacksonville Jaguars) – Denzel Boston, WR, Washington

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> <p style=25. Chicago Bears – Peter Woods, DT, Clemson

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> <p style=26. Buffalo Bills – T.J. Parker, DE/OLB, Clemson

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> 27. San Francisco 49ers – Caleb Lomu, OT, Utah <p style=28. Houston Texans – Max Iheanachor, OT, Arizona State

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> <p style=29. Kansas City Chiefs (from Rams) – Jermod McCoy, CB, Tennessee

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> 32. Denver Broncos - KC Concepcion, WR, Texas A&M <p style=31. New England Patriots – Cashius Howell, OLB, Texas A&M

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> <p style=32. Seattle Seahawks – Colton Hood, CB, Tennessee

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" />

NFL mock draft: Free agency, trades change first-round projection

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY:Chiefs 2026 NFL mock draft: Kansas City builds up defense, lands TE

Chiefs 7-round mock draft: Kansas City finds Trent McDuffie replacement

It's an offseason of change in Kansas City. After their division-winning streak came to an end in 2025, the...
Movies and TV shows casting across the US

The glitz and glam of Hollywood captures the attention of Americans starting from an early age. Beyond celebrities' Instagram Stories and red carpet poses, there are actors out there paying their dues and honing their craft in pursuit of a sustainable career or a fulfilling sideline. Submitting to casting calls is a big part of that journey.

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Movies and TV shows casting across the US

Whether you're a working actor or an aspiring one, you might be curious to know which movies and TV shows are casting roles near you.Backstagecompiled a list of projects casting right now across the U.S., and which roles they're looking to fill.

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Scripted TV, Cupertino Attractive College Students in Bathing Suits

- Project type: scripted show- Roles:--- Talent To Portray Attractive College Athletes and College Students at Pool Party (background / extra, 18-35)- Casting locations: New York City, NY- Learn more about the scripted showhere

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'The Movie Lovers'

- Project type: feature film- Roles:--- Various Roles (supporting, 18+)--- Moviegoers (background / extra, 18+)--- DSA Members (background / extra, 18+)- Roles pay up to: $150- Casting locations: Austin, TX- Learn more about the feature filmhere

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Netflix Film 'AIG'

- Project type: feature film- Roles:--- Chic Party Guests (Celebrities, Musicians, Politicians etc.) (background / extra, all genders, 18-75)- Roles pay up to: $224- Casting locations: New York City, NY; Jersey City, NJ; Hoboken, NJ- Learn more about the feature filmhere

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'GS' A24 Chinatown Series

- Project type: scripted show- Roles:--- Actor (lead, female, male, 35+)- Roles pay up to: $224- Casting locations: Brooklyn, NY; Long Island City, NY; Queens, NY; Manhattan, NY- Learn more about the scripted showhere

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People to Portray African American Male Pedestrians & Event Guests (NON SAG AFTRA COVERED)

- Project type: scripted show- Roles:--- African American Male Peds & Event Guests (NON SAG AFTRA COVERED) (background / extra, male, 18-50)- Roles pay up to: $187- Casting locations: New York City, NY- Learn more about the scripted showhere

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'The Gilded Age,' Season 4

- Project type: scripted show- Roles:--- Male Photo Double (SAG-AFTRA Covered) (background / extra, male, 45-65)- Roles pay up to: $262- Casting locations: New York City, NY; Manhattan, NY; Queens, NY; Brooklyn, NY; Jersey City, NJ- Learn more about the scripted showhere

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'House of Highlights: Sports Trivia Show'

- Project type: reality TV- Roles:--- Sports Fan Ages 50-60 (real people, 50-60)--- Sports Fan Ages 5-10 Years Old (real people, 5-10)--- Sports Fan Ages 60-70 (real people, 60-70)- Roles pay up to: $150- Casting locations: New York City, NY- Learn more about the reality TV showhere

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'Safe Haven MC'

- Project type: vertical series- Roles:--- Cash (lead, male, 25-35)- Roles pay up to: $4,400- Casting locations: Brooklyn, NY; New York, NY- Learn more about the vertical serieshere

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'Lights Out: Who's Out' Vertical Thriller Series

- Project type: vertical series- Roles:--- Richard (lead, male, 40-50)--- Mia (lead, female, 25-30)--- Liam (lead, male, 25-30)- Roles pay up to: $4,800- Casting locations: Worldwide- Learn more about the vertical serieshere

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'Minivan,' College Students (Non-SAG)

- Project type: scripted show- Roles:--- College Students (background / extra, 18-29)- Roles pay up to: $187- Casting locations: New York City, NY; Yonkers, NY; Purchase, NY; Rye, NY; Nanuet, NY- Learn more about the scripted showhere

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'The Gilded Age,' Season 4, Troy, NY

- Project type: scripted show- Roles:--- Event Guests (Non-SAG-AFTRA Covered) (background / extra, 18+)--- Event Guests (SAG-AFTRA Covered) (background / extra, 18+)- Roles pay up to: $224- Casting locations: Troy, NY; Albany, NY; Schenectady, NY- Learn more about the scripted showhere

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'Sunday,' Universal Pictures

- Project type: feature film- Roles:--- Satanic Protesters (background / extra, 18-60)- Roles pay up to: $1,870- Casting locations: Brooklyn, NY; New York, NY; East Meadow, NY- Learn more about the feature filmhere

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'I Dream of Pizza'

- Project type: feature film- Roles:--- Roberto (lead, male, 25-35)- Roles pay up to: $17,000- Casting locations: Worldwide- Learn more about the feature filmhere

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Docu Series, Barstow, CA Locals

- Project type: documentary series- Roles:--- Featured Mother of Missing Men (background / extra, female, 18+)- Roles pay up to: $120- Casting locations: Barstow, CA; Newberry Springs, CA- Learn more about the documentary serieshere

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'Out The Kitchen'

- Project type: scripted show- Roles:--- Tough Officers- Tent. Work Apr. 24 (SAG-AFTRA Covered) (background / extra, 25-55)--- NYPD- Tent. Work Apr. 1 (SAG-AFTRA Covered) (background / extra, 25-55)--- Older Criminal (SAG-AFTRA Covered) (background / extra, male, 70-99)- Roles pay up to: $224- Casting locations: New York City, NY- Learn more about the scripted showhere

This storywas produced byBackstageand reviewed and distributed byStacker.

Movies and TV shows casting across the US

The glitz and glam of Hollywood captures the attention of Americans starting from an early age. Beyond celebrities...
Nicole Kidman Makes Ex Feel 'Disrespected' Amid Simon Baker Rumors — Source

Nicole KidmanandSimon Baker's growing closeness is reportedly making her ex,Keith Urban, feel "disrespected." The actors worked together on the film "Scarpetta." They sparked rumors after their cozy display of affection on the red carpet. Sources claim this has not only unsettled both actors' exes, Rebecca Rigg and Urban, but also left the country singer feeling "betrayed."

Nicole Kidman's ex Keith Urban feels 'betrayed' by Simon Baker PDA, per source

Nicole Kidmanseems to have moved on from her divorce from her ex, Keith Urban. The couple was married for almost 19 years. However, they separated last year when the "Babygirl" actor reportedly filed for divorce due to "irreconcilable differences."

Months after the divorce, the Oscar-winning actor made headlines for seemingly indulging in PDA with her "Scarpetta" co-star,Simon Baker. They were allegedly seen holding hands at the movie premiere. This sparked speculation about whether something is going on between the two. This definitely hasn't sat well with Urban, who allegedly feels "betrayed" by the entire turn of events.

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A source toldGlobe magazinethat the Grammy-winning artist considers Baker a good friend. This is why he couldn't believe he would do this to him, and this "feels like a betrayal" to him.

While he is being told by others that the closeness was just for film promotion, seeing them holding hands has hit a nerve for him, a source claims. The insider added, "From where he's standing, it looks like a line has been crossed, whether they admit to it or not."

Another source claims that after their divorce, Urban was painted in a negative light. However, as per the source, he never really defended himself or said anything "out of respect for Nicole." However, with these latest developments, he allegedly feels disrespected by his ex-wife. The turn of events has been "extra upsetting" for Urban, who reportedly feels hurt by how things have unfolded in the public eye.

The postNicole Kidman Makes Ex Feel 'Disrespected' Amid Simon Baker Rumors — Sourceappeared first onReality Tea.

Nicole Kidman Makes Ex Feel ‘Disrespected’ Amid Simon Baker Rumors — Source

Nicole KidmanandSimon Baker's growing closeness is reportedly making her ex,Keith Urban, feel "disrespected." The actors work...
Dan Levy Shares the One Thing That's Given Him 'Great Comfort' After Death of Schitt's Creek Costar Catherine O'Hara

Dan Levy paid tribute to his late Schitt's Creek costar Catherine O'Hara during an appearance on The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon on Tuesday, March 31

People Dan Levy and Catherine O'HaraCredit: Swan Gallet/WWD via Getty

NEED TO KNOW

  • The Canadian actress died on Jan. 30 "after a brief illness," her rep previously told PEOPLE in a statement

  • Levy told Fallon what's been a "great comfort" to him following O'Hara's death

Dan Levyis sharing the one thing he has found comfort in following the death of hisSchitt's Creekcostar and close friend,Catherine O'Hara.

During an appearance onThe Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallonon Tuesday, March 31, the host mentioned that Levy's first time on the talk show had been alongside his fellowSchitt's Creekcast members, which included O'Hara.

The Canadian actress diedon Jan. 30 "after a brief illness,"her rep previously told PEOPLEin a statement.

Levy, 42, told Fallon, 51, after the host offered his condolences, "Listen, it's like a collective loss, I think. She was the greatest. She's irreplaceable."

"The great comfort for me has just been to see how loved she was, you know what I mean? The outpouring. Everyone felt like they kind of knew her," Levy continued.

Fallon described O'Hara as "one of the funniest comedians I've ever seen. Can do characters … Gorgeous," as Dan added, "Unbelievably talented at improvising. One of the great, great, great, great queens."

O'Hara was known for her roles inHome Alone,Best in Show,Beetlejuice,The Nightmare Before Christmasand much more.

The legendary actress starred as over-the-top actress and matriarch Moira Rose in hit sitcomSchitt's Creekopposite Dan, who played her on-screen son (David Rose), Dan's fatherEugene Levy,who played her husband, Johnny Rose, andAnnie Murphy, who played her daughter (Alexis Rose).

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After news of O'Hara's death was reported, Dan shared a tribute onInstagram, alongside two photographs of the pair, writing, "What a gift to have gotten to dance in the warm glow of Catherine O'Hara's brilliance for all those years."

"Having spent over fifty years collaborating with my Dad, Catherine was extended family before she ever played my family. It's hard to imagine a world without her in it. I will cherish every funny memory I was fortunate enough to make with her," the actor added.

He concluded, "My heart goes out to Bo, Matthew, Luke and every member of her big, beautiful family."

Eugene, 79, also remembered his decades-long friendship with O'Hara ina statement shared with PEOPLEat the time.

"Words seem inadequate to express the loss I feel today," the actor said. "I had the honor of knowing and working with the great Catherine O'Hara for over fifty years."

"From our beginnings on the Second City stage, to SCTV, to the movies we did with Chris Guest, to our six glorious years onSchitt's Creek, I cherished our working relationship, but most of all our friendship," Eugene continued. "And I will miss her. My heart goes out to Bo, Matthew, Luke, and the entire O'Hara family."

Read the original article onPeople

Dan Levy Shares the One Thing That’s Given Him ‘Great Comfort’ After Death of Schitt’s Creek Costar Catherine O’Hara

Dan Levy paid tribute to his late Schitt's Creek costar Catherine O'Hara during an appearance on The Tonight Sho...
Photos show the scene in Beirut's Jnah area after an Israeli airstrike hits Lebanese capital

BEIRUT (AP) — An Israeli strike hit a building in a Beirut neighborhood just south of the heart of the Lebanese capital overnight. Cars were set ablaze as rescue workers rushed to search for victims. At least five people were killed and 21 others were wounded in the attack that came without warning, according to Lebanon's Health Ministry.

Associated Press A firefighter extinguishes a car at the site of Israeli airstrikes, in Beirut, Lebanon, Wednesday, April 1, 2026. (AP Photo/Hussein Malla) Firefighters and rescue workers work at the site of Israeli airstrikes, in Beirut, Lebanon, Wednesday, April 1, 2026. (AP Photo/Hussein Malla) People stand near a damaged van beside scattered debris following an Israeli strike in Beirut, Lebanon, Wednesday, April 1, 2026. (AP Photo/Hassan Ammar) Rescue workers inspect the scene of an Israeli airstrike as fires burn among damaged vehicles, in Beirut, Lebanon, Wednesday, April 1, 2026. (AP Photo/Hussein Malla) A shoe lies amid debris as a man rides a scooter past the site of an Israeli strike in Beirut, Lebanon, Wednesday, April 1, 2026. (AP Photo/Hassan Ammar) Rescue workers inspect the scene of Israeli airstrikes, in Beirut, Lebanon, Wednesday, April 1, 2026. (AP Photo/Hussein Malla) Firefighters and rescue workers inspect the site of Israeli airstrikes, in Beirut, Lebanon, Wednesday, April 1, 2026. (AP Photo/Hussein Malla) Two men ride scooters past charred debris at the site of an Israeli strike in Beirut, Lebanon, Wednesday, April 1, 2026. (AP Photo/Hassan Ammar) Rescue workers inspect the scene of an Israeli airstrike as fires burn among damaged vehicles, in Beirut, Lebanon, Wednesday, April 1, 2026. (AP Photo/Hussein Malla) A police vehicle is seen through a shattered windshield at the site of an Israeli strike in Beirut, Lebanon, Wednesday, April 1, 2026. (AP Photo/Hassan Ammar) A man rides a scooter past a burned tree and charred debris following an Israeli strike in Beirut, Lebanon, Wednesday, April 1, 2026. (AP Photo/Hassan Ammar)

APTOPIX Lebanon Israel Iran War

Associated Press photographers at the scene said first responders were recovering victims as firefighters scrambled to tackle the fire. Jnah is a residential neighborhood that also has a busy commercial area.

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The Israeli military said it conductedovernight strikes targeting members of the Hezbollah militant group.

This is a photo gallery curated by AP photo editors.

Photos show the scene in Beirut's Jnah area after an Israeli airstrike hits Lebanese capital

BEIRUT (AP) — An Israeli strike hit a building in a Beirut neighborhood just south of the heart of the Lebanese capital o...
Supreme Court weighs Trump's contentious attempt to limit birthright citizenship

WASHINGTON — Tackling one of President Donald Trump's most provocative policies, the Supreme Court on Wednesday considers the lawfulness of his proposal to limit the constitutional guarantee of birthright citizenship for people born on U.S. soil.

NBC Universal Olga Urbina and her 9 months son Ares Webster participate in a protest outside the US Supreme Court (Drew Angerer / AFP via Getty Images)

Announced on the first day of Trump's second term in office as part of his hard-line immigration policy, theexecutive orderat issue would limit birthright citizenship to people who have at least one parent who is a U.S. citizen or a permanent resident.

As a result, babies born to temporary visitors who entered the country legally or to people who entered illegally would not be citizens at birth.

Trump said Tuesday heplans to attend the oral argumentin person, which would be a first for a sitting president.

His executive order upends the traditional understanding of a provision of the Constitution's 14th Amendment known as the citizenship clause.

"All persons born or naturalized in the United States, and subject to the jurisdiction thereof, are citizens of the United States," the clause states.

The clause, ratified with the amendment after the Civil War to provide equal rights to formerly enslaved Black people, has long been assumed by officials at all levels of the government to apply to almost anyone born in the United States, regardless of the legal status of their parents.

The few exceptions understood at the time included children born to diplomats and foreign invaders.

Trump's executive order was immediately blocked by courts around the country and has never been in effect. Most legal experts predict he faces an uphill battle to win the case.

The plan, if it were implemented, would affect thousands of babies born every year across the U.S.

One woman, who asked not to be identified to protect her family, was heavily pregnant last year when she heard about the executive order. Originally from Argentina, she now lives in Florida on a student visa and was immediately alarmed about what legal status her child would have.

"My baby was actually going to be one of the first ones impacted. I immediately went into panic mode," she said in an interview.

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Determined to make sure her now-8-month-old son's citizenship was secured, she started making arrangements to apply for a passport for him before he was even born.

Although her son now has his passport, she said she is deeply sympathetic to other families expecting babies who remain unsure what will happen.

"I know there's probably a lot of different families and moms, pregnant moms, in my situation that are probably stressed," she said.

The administration's legal argument focuses on the "subject to the jurisdiction thereof" language in the citizenship clause, saying it has a much broader meaning than hitherto believed.

Solicitor General D. John Sauer argued in court papers that the citizenship clause was intended to apply primarily to the children of free slaves. People must be under the direct "political jurisdiction" of the U.S. and not have any allegiance to another country, he wrote.

He cited, among other things, the 1884 Supreme Court ruling in a case called Elk v. Wilkins that spelled out why Native Americans did not, at the time, have birthright citizenship. That case "squarely rejected the premise that anyone born in U.S. territory, no matter the circumstances, is automatically a citizen so long as the federal government can regulate them," Sauer wrote.

Experts on Native American law have questioned the government's reliance on that case,telling NBC Newsit was limited specifically to the unique status of tribes under U.S. law.

The American Civil Liberties Union, which is leading the legal challenge to Trump's executive order, responded in its brief that the text of the 14th Amendment is largely self-explanatory, as are the history and tradition of how it has been interpreted.

The group's lawyers also point to an 1898 Supreme Court ruling called United States v. Wong Kim Ark, which concluded that a man born in San Francisco to parents who were both from China was a U.S. citizen.

In addition to probing the language of the 14th Amendment, the justices may also examine whether the executive order falls afoul of a federal immigration law that usessimilar language, including "subject to the jurisdiction thereof." The court could rule that the executive order is unlawful under that law without having to decide the 14th Amendment question and put the onus on Congress to act.

The Supreme Court has a 6-3 conservative majority, whichrepeatedly ruled in Trump's favorlast year. But the court handed him amajor defeatin February when it ruled that his broad use of tariffs was unlawful.

Trump responded to that ruling withharsh criticismof the justices who voted against him in the 6-3 decision, calling them "disloyal to the Constitution."

Supreme Court weighs Trump's contentious attempt to limit birthright citizenship

WASHINGTON — Tackling one of President Donald Trump's most provocative policies, the Supreme Court on Wednesday consi...

 

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