Rwanda says it’s talking with the US about taking in third-country deportees. Here’s why

• May 6, 2025

By CARA ANNA

Rwanda drew international attention, and some outrage, by agreeing to take in Britain’s rejected asylum-seekers in a plan that collapsed last year. Now Rwanda says it is talking with the Trump administration about a similar idea – and it might find more success.

The negotiations mark an expansion in U.S. efforts to deport people to countries other than their own. It has sent hundreds of Venezuelans and others to Costa Rica, El Salvador and Panama but has yet to announce any major deals with governments in Africa, Asia or Europe.

Rwanda has long stood out on the continent for its recovery from the genocide that killed over 800,000 ethnic Tutsis and moderate Hutus in 1994, as it has promoted itself under longtime President Paul Kagame as an oasis of stability. But human rights groups allege that the veneer of order has a painful price, with sometimes deadly crackdowns on perceived dissent.

Rwanda has argued that despite being one of Africa’s most densely populated countries, it has space to help alleviate what many countries in Europe – and the United States – consider to be a growing problem with unwanted migrants.

What’s been said so far

Rwanda’s foreign minister confirmed to The Associated Press on Monday that talks were under way with the U.S. about a potential agreement to host deported migrants, after telling state media the talks were in the “early stage.” Olivier Nduhungirehe did not give details but said it was consistent with Rwanda’s long-standing commitment to the pursuit of migration solutions.

The U.S. State Department declined to comment on a potential deal, but said engagement with foreign governments is an important part of the U.S. government’s policy to deter illegal migration.

Local media reports in Rwanda have suggested the U.S. likely would fund a program to have migrants integrated into society through stipends and job assistance initiatives.

The failed Rwanda-Britain deal

The U.K. struck a deal with Rwanda in 2022 to send migrants who arrive in the U.K. as stowaways or in boats to the East African country, where their asylum claims would be processed and, if successful, they would stay.

The plan was stalled by legal challenges and criticized by human rights groups, who called it unethical to deport migrants to a country 4,000 miles (6,400 miles) away that they don’t want to live in.

The plan collapsed last year after the new Labour government took charge. The U.K.’s new home secretary called the plan the “most shocking waste of taxpayer money I have ever seen” and estimated the cost at 700 million pounds ($904 million) in public funds.

No flights to Rwanda took off under the plan, but the U.K. government said the failed plan’s costs included 290 million pounds in payments to Rwanda. Rwanda has said it was not obligated to refund the money.

Human rights concerns

Human rights advocates have long raised concerns over the deaths in Rwandan custody of some perceived government critics, as well as the alleged killings of others who sought exile in places like South Africa. Rwanda at times has responded with angry denials to reports documenting human rights abuses – including the abduction and imprisonment of a U.S. resident who was tricked onto a Kigali-bound aircraft while visiting Dubai. He was later freed after Biden administration pressure.

Rwanda is also criticized over its aggressive military actions in the region. United Nations experts have documented Rwandan support for the rebel uprising that this year seized two cities in neighboring eastern Congo, an area rich in mineral wealth. The unrest led to fears of a resurgence of regional war, and a number of Western countries cut relations or restricted aid. Rwanda has said it is defending ethnic Tutsis in Congo.

The Trump administration, which sanctioned a Rwandan government minister and cited links to the rebels, is trying to broker a peace deal. Agreeing to take in deportees from the U.S. could improve Rwanda’s standing with Washington and others.

Rwanda’s history with migrants

Rwanda in 2019 struck a deal with the U.N. refugee agency to help take in migrants removed from Libya, where many people trying to reach Europe have reported abuses in detention. The U.N. says the transit center in Rwanda has capacity for 700 evacuees. Late last year, it said over 2,400 people had been assisted in what is meant to be a temporary stay during efforts to find “long-term solutions” including resettlement elsewhere.

Before its deal with Britain collapsed, Rwanda showed off another transit center, a refurbished hostel in Kigali, that could host 100 people, with more accommodations made available as needed.

Rwanda said migrants would have their papers processed within three months. People could stay or authorities would assist those who wished to return to their home countries. Rwanda said it would bear full financial responsibilities for five years.

It is not clear whether such terms would be part of a deal with the United States.

​ Orange County Register 

6 swank spots in Orange County for the matriarch on Mother’s Day

• May 6, 2025

Mother’s Day is nearing (Sunday, May 11!), and what better way to highlight and honor her than with a splurge-worthy meal. The following six Orange County restaurants offer top-drawer fare, care of prix-fix brunches and a sophisticated afternoon tea service. Be sure to book soon as reservations, while available at publication time, may fill up posthaste.

Prix-fix dinner at Bourbon Steak (Dana Point): Sup at this Michael Mina spot inside the Waldorf Astoria, happening from 3 until 8 p.m., which will offer a three-course prix-fix menu featuring chilled shellfish (like oyster with champagne mignonette, Maine lobster, and a gulf shrimp cocktail with gin-spiked cocktail sauce), king crab spaghetti, lobster pot pie, roasted Mary’s chicken with caramelized onion jus and more. Mom can choose either a brûléed Basque cheesecake with roasted strawberries or warm spiced beignets with butterscotch custard. Cost: $197 per adult, $95 child (ages 3-12). Find it: Waldorf Astoria Monarch Beach Resort and Club, 1 Monarch Beach Resort North, Dana Point. 949-234-3900

Feasting at Fable & Spirit (Newport Beach): Executive chef David Shofner will offer a brunch and dinner featuring, among other dishes, a shakshuka with baked eggs, poblano, Moroccan-spiced tomato, crème fraiche and queso fresco served with naan and a house-smoked salmon on toasted pumpernickel topped with a citrus-infused red onion, dill crème fraiche, boiled egg and crispy capers. Crispy-edge sourdough pancakes available for those hankering for something sweet. On Sunday, brunch will be offered from 10:30 a.m. until 2 p.m. and dinner goes from 4:30 p.m. until 8 p.m. Find it: 3441 Via Lido, Newport Beach. 949-409-9913

ALSO READ: 7 kid-friendly Orange County breweries for Mother’s Day

Brunch at Haven Craft Kitchen (Orange): Head to Old Towne Orange for an afternoon spiked with Bloody Marys and endless mimosas. Menu highlights will include skillet cornbread and housemade donuts, chorizo hash, chicken and waffles, port belly tacos, duck confit chilaquiles and more. Find it: 190 S. Glassell St., Orange, 714-221-0680

Afternoon tea service at Knife Pleat (Costa Mesa): Pinkies up at this Michelin-starred spot by chef Tony Esnault and restaurateur Yassmin Sarmadi, noted for its afternoon tea service. In addition to selected teas, guests can enjoy a tiered plate filled with composed tea sandwiches and hand-made pastries. Gild the lily, if you dare, with optional caviar and champagne pairings. Seating is limited and price per guest is $135. Sunday tea service added for May 11 especially for Mother’s Day. Find it: South Coast Plaza, 3333 S. Bristol St., 3rd floor, Costa Mesa. 714-266-3388 

Prix-Fixe brunch at the Market by the Meat Cellar (San Juan Capistrano): On Mother’s Day from 11 a.m. until 3 p.m., guests can enjoy a prix-fixe afternoon featuring, among other fare, roasted bone marrow, glazed bacon with hot honey, breakfast quesadillas, biscuits and gravy, the signature steak and eggs (with cuts like Japanese A5 Wagyu and Australian tomahawk), Nutella crepes and French toast. After dining, feel free to peruse the on-site butcher counter, cheesemonger shop and culinary boutique. Find it: River Street Marketplace, 31904 Paseo Adelanto, San Juan Capistrano. 949-503-1548

Prix-fixe brunch at Selanne Steak Tavern (Laguna Beach): A prix-fixe menu awaits at this Coast Highway spot. Starting with an amuse-bouche, the first course features, among other dishes, the choice of a scarlet beet “ravioli,” shaved white asparagus with duck prosciutto and a jammy egg. Second course offers a choice of scallops seared and spiced ahi or lobster bisque. The third course, billed as a “chef’s surprise course,” will be tableside creations with seasonal ingredients. A carving station with prime roasted ribeye, Black Angus tenderloin with a brioche crust, baked Atlantic salmon with dill cream or Peri Peri roasted chicken round out the entrée course. A handful of dessert options, like an almond financier with strawberry compote and pistachio mousseline, a dark chocolate and cherry tart; sticky toffee pudding with butterscotch sauce or ice cream will be on hand. Cost is $120 per adult and $55 per child (ages 5–12). Find it: 1464 South Coast Highway, Laguna Beach. 949-715-9881

​ Orange County Register 

Benson Boone to bring American Heart Tour to Crypto.com Arena

• May 6, 2025

Benson Boone is hitting the road this fall for his first-ever arena headlining trek.

The Grammy-nominated pop singer will bring his American Heart Tour to California with two major stops: San Diego’s Pechanga Arena on Sept. 27 and L.A.’s Crypto.com Arena on Sept. 30.

The North American tour follows the release of Boone’s forthcoming album “American Heart,” due out June 20 via Night Street Records/Warner Records. It kicks off Aug. 22 in Saint Paul and will run through major cities including New York, Toronto, and Salt Lake City.

Boone’s recent Coachella debut showcased his dynamic stage presence, featuring multiple backflips, costume changes, and a surprise appearance by Queen guitarist Brian May for a rendition of “Bohemian Rhapsody.” The performance, which included Boone donning a regal robe and a rhinestone-studded jumpsuit, was among the festival’s most talked-about moments.

The “American Heart” album comprises ten tracks, including the singles “Sorry I’m Here for Someone Else” and “Mystical Magical.” Boone has described the album as his most personal work to date, drawing inspiration from Americana and artists like Bruce Springsteen. The title track, “Young American Heart,” reflects on a near-fatal car accident from his youth.

Tickets for the tour go on sale to the general public at 10 a.m. on May 9 at Ticketmaster.com. American Express Card Members can access a presale starting May 7, with a special fan presale beginning May 8. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit bensonboone.com.

Boone’s previous hits, including the 5x Platinum single “Beautiful Things,” have solidified his status in the pop music scene. With the upcoming release of “American Heart” and a nationwide arena tour, Boone continues to captivate audiences with his theatrical performances, stage stunts, and heartfelt songwriting.

​ Orange County Register 

Orange County girls athlete of the week: Teagan O’Dell, Santa Margarita

• May 6, 2025

Support our high school sports coverage by becoming a digital subscriber. Subscribe now

The Orange County girls athlete of the week:

Name: Teagan O’Dell

School: Santa Margarita

Sport: Swimming

Year: Senior

Noteworthy: The Cal-bound O’Dell broke the 2015 Orange County record of Olympian Katie McLaughlin by winning the 200-yard freestyle at the Trinity League finals in 1 minute, 42.98 seconds. She also captured the 100 butterfly in league-record 52.17 and raced on two winning relays as the Eagles claimed a 25th consecutive league title.

Send nominees for girls athlete of the week to Dan Albano at dalbano@scng.com or @ocvarsityguy on X or Instagram

​ Orange County Register 

World Surf League returns to Pipeline end-of-year event, big changes for 2026

• May 6, 2025

Hawaii’s Pipeline returns as competitive surfing’s big finale location in 2026. The mid-year cut is gone. And the one-day, winner-takes-all, WSL Final 5 championship is no longer.

The World Surf League recently announced big changes to the professional surfing tour for next year, also moving Lower Trestles to be the ninth stop on tour. So the surf spot just south of San Clemente will be making a later appearance than it is this year, when it will host competition in June. Lower Trestles was also recently announced as the site for the LA 28 Olympics.

The surf spot hosted the WSL championships for the first four seasons after the WSL Final 5 format was created in 2021, but this year, the one-day finals were moved to Fiji. And the sweeping changes just announced nix it altogether for 2026.

The finals event was a topic of contention among fans and athletes who often voiced a distaste for the one-day format, arguing a point system earned in a variety of waves throughout the year — as was the tradition since the 1970s — was the right way to determine the sport’s champions.

The 2026 season marks the 50th year of professional surfing, “a milestone that comes alongside a significant evolution of the Championship Tour calendar and competitive format,” WSL officials said in an announcement.

The iconic Pipe Masters in Hawaii will return as the closing event of the season, with longtime title sponsor Vans selling its intellectual rights for the name to the World Surf League Championship Tour, according to the announcement.  The Costa Mesa brand will still serve as the exclusive footwear and apparel partner for the contest.

The next season will start in April 2026, with 12 stops through the year, “reimagined to meet the ambitions and momentum of surfing’s next chapter,” officials said.

The mid-year cut, also a controversial system often bemoaned by surfers and fans, is being dropped for 2026.

The full field of 36 men and 24 women will compete in the first nine “regular-season” events.

After the ninth event at Lower Trestles, the field will be reduced to the top 24 men and 16 women for the two “postseason” events.

“Based on surfer and fan feedback, along with considerations of partner and permitting components, the (Championship Tour) will utilize a cumulative rankings format that combines a high-stakes finale with the depth of a full-season title race,” WSL officials said. “These changes reflect the importance of Pipe and ensure the finale delivers elite performances, meaningful consequences, and defining moments in the World Title race.”

The entire Championship Tour will return to compete at the final event for the Pipe Masters titles, the world champion titles and for requalification to the tour for the next year.

The top eight men and women heading into Pipeline will earn the competitive advantage of deeper seeding in the draw. The Pipe Masters will now award 15,000 points, 1.5 times more than a standard tour event, making it the most consequential stop.

“Pipeline has always held a special place in surfing history, and our fans have made it clear they want to see our sport’s most critical moments unfold there,” WSL CEO Ryan Crosby said, calling Pipeline an “iconic proving ground.”

“These changes represent a new era for the WSL,” he said. “By bringing the finale back to the North Shore and strategically innovating the format, we are celebrating surfing’s legacy and creating the ideal stage for the sport’s most unforgettable moments.”

The contests will also get rid of the non-elimination rounds, creating a more streamlined format.

​ Orange County Register 

What’s in Trump’s big bill? Money for migrant clampdown but tax breaks and program cuts hit ‘bumps’

• May 6, 2025

By LISA MASCARO, Associated Press Congressional Correspondent

WASHINGTON (AP) — Congress is deep into drafting President Donald Trump’s big bill of tax breaks, spending cuts and beefed-up funding to halt migrants, but it’s “bumpy,” one Republican chairman says, with much work ahead to meet House Speaker Mike Johnson’s goal of passing the package out of his chamber by Memorial Day.

In fact, the tax cuts portion is still a work in progress. As are the reductions in Medicaid, food stamps and other mainstay government programs. Mostly, the Republicans, who have the majority in Congress, have made progress on parts that would increase spending, adding some $350 billion to the Pentagon and Homeland Security, including money for the U.S-Mexico border wall.

“There are some bumps in the road,” Rep. Jason Smith of Missouri, the Republican chairman of the powerful Ways and Means tax-writing committee, acknowledged on “Fox News Sunday.”

All told, some 11 committees in the House are compiling their bills, and about half have finished up. They are being approved at the committee level by Republicans, on party-line votes, with Democrats opposed.

But some of the most-watched committees — Ways and Means, Energy and Commerce and Agriculture — have yet to act. Johnson himself acknowledged on Monday that his Memorial Day deadline may slip, but vowed “our timetable is on pace.”

Once all the committees are done, the different pieces of legislation will be rolled together at the Budget Committee into what Trump calls “one big, beautiful bill.”

If the House can pass the package, it next would go to the Senate, which is drafting its own version, for a final product by July 4.

Democrats say they will fight what House party leader Hakeem Jeffries calls the “extreme Republican agenda.”

Here’s a look at what’s in and out, so far.

Funding for 1 million migrant deportations, 20,000 new officers and the border wall

Two of the committees handling immigration- and border security-related matters have wrapped up their legislation.

Central to the Homeland Security Committee’s bill is $46.5 billion to revive construction of Trump’s wall along the U.S.-Mexico border, with some 700 miles of “primary” wall, 900 miles of river barriers and more.

It would provide $4 billion to hire an additional 3,000 new Border Patrol agents as well as 5,000 new customs officers, and $2.1 billion for signing and retention bonuses.

All told, the Homeland Security Committee approved $69 billion in new spending.

At the same time, the Judiciary Committee, which handles interior immigration enforcement and legal proceedings, has also completed its $110 billion bill.

It would impose a $1,000 fee on migrants seeking asylum — something the nation has never done, putting it on par with few others, including Australia and Iran.

And there are more new fees proposed on various other legal paths to entry, including a $3,500 fee for those sponsoring unaccompanied children to enter the U.S., a $2,500 penalty if sponsors of unaccompanied children skip court appearances and a $1,000 fee for individuals paroled into the U.S.

Overall, the plan is to remove 1 million immigrants annually and house 100,000 people in detention centers. It calls for 10,000 more Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers and investigators.

More money for the Pentagon and Trump’s ‘Golden Dome’

The House Armed Services Committee was tasked with drafting legislation with $100 billion in new spending. But they did that and more, passing a bill with $150 billion for the Defense Department and national security.

Among the highlights, it would provide $25 billion for Trump’s “Golden Dome for America,” a long-envisioned missile defense shield, $21 billion to restock the nation’s ammunition arsenal, $34 billion to expand the naval fleet with more shipbuilding and some $5 billion for border security.

It also includes $9 billion for servicemember quality of life-related issues, including housing, health care and special pay.

Overhaul of the student loan repayment plans

A wholesale revamping of the student loan program is the key to the Education and Workforce Committee’s legislation, with $330 billion in budget cuts and savings.

The proposal would replace all existing student loan repayment plans with just two: a standard option with monthly payments spread out over 10 to 25 years depending on the amount borrowed, and a “repayment assistance” plan with monthly payments based on a borrower’s income.

The new income-based plan is generally less generous than those it would replace. Minimum payments for the lowest-income borrowers would be higher, and forgiveness would be provided after 30 years of payments instead of 20 or 25. The new repayment plans would take hold in July 2026.

Among other changes, the bill would repeal Biden-era regulations that made it easier for borrowers to get loans canceled if their colleges defrauded them or closed suddenly.

Federal employee pension cuts

The House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform targeted federal workers’ pensions for a projected $50.9 billion in deficit savings over 10 years.

Most of the savings would come from requiring federal workers hired before 2014 to pay more into the retirement system. They would have to match the 4.4% salary rate paid by federal workers hired since 2014.

The committee also called for basing a retiree’s annuity payment on their average top five earning years instead of the top three. And the committee’s plan would eliminate a temporary, supplemental payment for newly retired federal workers who retire before they are eligible for Social Security.

Republicans argued that federal employee retirement benefits outpace those in the private sector. But critics, including Rep. Michael Turner, R-Ohio, who voted against the committee’s package, said changing a worker’s pension during the middle of employment is wrong.

Democrats said the change would result in less take-home pay for many middle-class Americans in the federal workforce.

More drilling, mining on public lands

The House Natural Resources Committee is set to meet Tuesday to consider its bill, which largely matches Trump’s executive orders to open public lands and waters to more natural resource development.

It would allow increased leasing of public lands for drilling, mining and logging while clearing the path for more development by speeding up government approvals. Royalty rates paid by companies to extract oil, gas and coal would be cut, reversing former President Joe Biden’s attempts to curb fossil fuels to help address climate change.

Oil and gas royalty rates would drop from 16.7% on public lands and 18.75% offshore to a uniform 12.5%. Royalties for coal would drop from 12.5% to 7%.

The measure calls for four oil and gas lease sales in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge over the next decade. It also seeks to boost the ailing coal industry with a mandate to make available for leasing 6,250 square miles of public lands — an area greater in size than Connecticut.

Republican supporters say the lost revenue would be offset by increased development. It’s uncertain if companies would have an appetite for leases given the industry’s precipitous decline in recent years as utilities switched to cleaner burning fuels and renewable energy.

Associated Press writers Kevin Freking and Collin Binkley in Washington and Matthew Brown in Billings, Montana, contributed to this report.

​ Orange County Register 

Homeland Security chief says travelers with no REAL ID can fly for now, but with likely extra steps

• May 6, 2025

By REBECCA SANTANA

WASHINGTON (AP) — Travelers who aren’t REAL ID compliant by the upcoming deadline this week will still be able to fly but should be prepared for extra scrutiny, the head of Homeland Security said Tuesday.

Kristi Noem told a Congressional panel that 81% of travelers already have IDs that comply with the REAL ID requirements. She said security checkpoints will also be accepting passports and tribal identification when the deadline hits Wednesday.

Those who still lack an identification that complies with the REAL ID law “may be diverted to a different line, have an extra step,” Noem said.

“But people will be allowed to fly,” she said. “We will make sure it’s as seamless as possible.”

REAL ID is a federally compliant state-issued license or identification card that Homeland Security says is a more secure form of identification. It was a recommendation by the 9/11 Commission and signed into law in 2005.

The commission recommended the government set security standards for state-issued driver’s licenses and IDs. It was supposed to be rolled out in 2008 but implementation has been repeatedly delayed.

Besides needing a REAL ID to fly domestically, people will also need one to access certain federal buildings and facilities.

In recent weeks, Noem has been warning the American public about the upcoming deadline. In a television ad put out by Homeland Security, she warned that these IDs were needed for air travel and for entering public buildings, adding: “These IDs keep our country safe.”

A REAL ID-compliant driver’s license has a symbol (in most states, a star) in the top corner of the card.

​ Orange County Register 

Gaza aid dries up as Israeli blockade enters a third month

• May 6, 2025

By JULIA FRANKEL

JERUSALEM (AP) — Israel has blockaded all entrances to the Gaza Strip since March.

While pummeling the strip with airstrikes, it has banned any food, water, shelter or medication from being trucked into the Palestinian territory, where the U.N. says the vast majority of the population is reliant on humanitarian aid to survive. Israel says the blockade aims to pressure Hamas to release the hostages it still holds. Of the 59 captives remaining in Gaza, 24 are believed to still be alive.

Here’s a look at the humanitarian crisis spiraling in Gaza, through key statistics and charts:

The current blockade has lasted longer than any previous Israeli halt in aid to Gaza since the Israel-Hamas war began. Hamas attacked Israel on Oct. 7, 2023 and Israel froze aid to Gaza for two weeks. Hamas has been designated as a terrorist organization by the United States, Canada and the European Union.

Now, Gaza is entering its third month without supplies. Thousands of trucks queue along the border of the territory, waiting to be let in. Community kitchens are closing down and bakeries are running out of fuel. Families spend hours waiting in line for small portions of rice.

In their desperation, Palestinians have begun scavenging warehouses and stores for anything left. Aid groups report a rise in looting incidents over the last week. At least some have been looted by armed groups.

Meanwhile, Israel is moving forward with plans to seize all of Gaza and to stay in the Palestinian territory for an unspecified amount of time. It says it will expand operations there, defying calls for an immediate renewal of a ceasefire from families whose relatives are still held hostage in Gaza. Israeli officials say there are 59 hostages in Gaza, including the bodies of 35.

Israel’s offensive has displaced more than 90% of Gaza’s population and, Palestinian health officials say, killed more than 52,000 people, many of them women and children. Palestinian officials do not distinguish between combatants and civilians in their count.

​ Orange County Register