Essayer OR - Gratuit

Trump orders rebuilding and reopening of notorious Alcatraz prison

The Straits Times

|

May 06, 2025

Island prison likely to cost hundreds of millions to restore, may need Congress approval

Trump orders rebuilding and reopening of notorious Alcatraz prison

US President Donald Trump said on May 4 that he had directed officials to rebuild and reopen Alcatraz prison, the notorious federal jail based on a small island in California that shuttered six decades ago.

The jail will house "America's most ruthless and violent offenders", he wrote on his Truth Social platform, adding that the institution will be "substantially enlarged".

Alcatraz was billed as America's most secure prison given the island location, frigid waters and strong currents. No successful escapes were ever officially recorded from Alcatraz, although five prisoners are listed as "missing and presumed drowned".

It closed as a federal prison in 1963 after just 29 years of operation because it was too expensive to continue, according to the Federal Bureau of Prisons (BOP). It was nearly three times more costly to operate than any other federal prison, the BOP website said.

PLUS D'HISTOIRES DE The Straits Times

The Straits Times

The 'smell' things matter for China's luxury car brand Hongqi

One whiff of the plush leather-lined cabin of the lilac-coloured sport utility vehicle (SUV) will tell you exactly where Hongqi sits in the automotive kingdom.

time to read

4 mins

January 10, 2026

The Straits Times

The rise and fall of Chinese tycoon Chen Zhi

For years, well-connected but mysterious tycoon Chen Zhi lived the high life.

time to read

7 mins

January 10, 2026

The Straits Times

Arsenal in a really strong position, says Arteta

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta said the Gunners have come out of a gruelling festive schedule in a stronger position despite the disappointment of being held 0-0 at home to Liverpool on Jan 8.

time to read

2 mins

January 10, 2026

The Straits Times

CAN UNITED STOP THE MANAGER-GO-ROUND?

Here we go, again.

time to read

7 mins

January 10, 2026

The Straits Times

Cambodia hopes for more Chinese support after alleged scam kingpin's extradition

Move reflects extent to which country finds itself backed into a corner in border conflict

time to read

4 mins

January 10, 2026

The Straits Times

The Straits Times

Man who smuggled cigarettes, vapes into Singapore jailed and fined

A man who smuggled vapes and cigarettes into Singapore to sell to his friends was caught red-handed at Woodlands Checkpoint during a check by officers.

time to read

1 min

January 10, 2026

The Straits Times

The Straits Times

A tale of two cities, two Isetans and a retail conundrum

Why is Isetan thriving in Tokyo while consolidating in Singapore? Its story holds lessons for all department stores.

time to read

7 mins

January 10, 2026

The Straits Times

Hwa Chong says no students penalised for voicing opinions on SATS school meals

Hwa Chong Institution (HCI) has refuted a claim made on social media platform Reddit that its students were punished for speaking to the media about their canteen food.

time to read

2 mins

January 10, 2026

The Straits Times

China urges Nestle to work quickly on baby formula recall

BEIJING - The Chinese authorities are urging Nestle to work quickly in recalling baby formula products in the mainland over potential contamination concerns.

time to read

2 mins

January 10, 2026

The Straits Times

Public feedback sought on proposals to facilitate dual listings on SGX, Nasdaq

Paper sets out proposed changes to simplify listing process, bring it closer to US standards

time to read

3 mins

January 10, 2026

Listen

Translate

Share

-
+

Change font size