Go Unlimited with Magzter GOLD
Get unlimited access to 10,000+ magazines, newspapers and Premium stories for just
Try GOLD - Free
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
-
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.
This story is from the May 06, 2025 edition of The Straits Times.
Subscribe to Magzter GOLD to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 10,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
MORE STORIES FROM The Straits Times
The Straits Times
How to throw a kid's birthday bash with minimal preparation
My daughter, JJ, turned nine recently. Instead of throwing her a party with a surfeit of sugary treats and garrulous friends, my wife and I opted for a more subdued celebration.
4 mins
May 25, 2026
The Straits Times
For 80 years, Japan has tied its own hands. Will it now get a 'normal' military?
Murmurs grow to amend the post-war pacifist Constitution and formalise a force that can defend the country.
7 mins
May 25, 2026
The Straits Times
Lifelong learning • Many helping hands to support persons with disabilities
We thank Mr Wesley Loh for sharing his learning journey and giving constructive suggestions (More SkillsFuture support for people with disabilities an equitable measure, May 18).
1 mins
May 25, 2026
The Straits Times
Trump says US will not ‘rush into a deal’ with Iran
President Donald Trump said on May 24 that he had told US negotiators “not to rush into a deal” with Iran, amid anticipation that an agreement to end the war in the Middle East was close.
3 mins
May 25, 2026
The Straits Times
Schools Events should end early so students have enough sleep
Poor sleep is detrimental to students’ performance in school and overall mental and physical well-being.
1 min
May 25, 2026
The Straits Times
Parental education level affects children's AI usage patterns
how they are engaging with AI, rather than simply whether they have access to the technology.
2 mins
May 25, 2026
The Straits Times
Study finds over half of 8-year-olds in S’pore have used AI; most popular tool is ChatGPT
More than half of eight-year-olds in Singapore have used artificial intelligence (AI) tools, with usage rising sharply by ages 10 and 13.
3 mins
May 25, 2026
The Straits Times
Current F1 rules 'not doable' for Verstappen
Formula One’s rules might be maddening enough to drive out one of its best racers.
2 mins
May 25, 2026
The Straits Times
SHAI REVELS IN ‘FLOPPER' CHANTS
MVP welcomes the hostility from San Antonio crowd as Thunder eye 3-1 lead
3 mins
May 25, 2026
The Straits Times
Hypersonic missile lands near Kyiv in overnight Russian attack
Four killed, 80 injured as Ukraine suffers hours-long barrage of missiles and drones
3 mins
May 25, 2026
Listen
Translate
Change font size