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EXCLUSIVE: Trump administration eyes Alcatraz reopening to house nation’s ‘worst of the worst’

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EXCLUSIVE: Trump administration eyes Alcatraz reopening to house nation’s ‘worst of the worst’

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EXCLUSIVE: Fox News was granted access to Alcatraz Island Thursday as U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi and Interior Secretary Doug Burgum toured the infamous former prison in California’s San Francisco Bay at the direction of President Donald Trump. 

The visit was part of an official review to determine whether the site could be brought back into use as a high-security federal detention center.

“This was an idea of the president,” White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt explained during a White House briefing Thursday in Washington, D.C. “He spoke about it in May and directed his administration to review a reopening plan for Alcatraz if it is possible.”

TRUMP PUSHES TO REOPEN ALCATRAZ, BUT PELOSI AND NEWSOM DISMISS IT AS A ‘DISTRACTION’

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After Trump’s May 5 announcement about reopening Alcatraz as a working prison, Bondi and Burgum joined Fox News correspondent David Spunt to visit “the Rock” to receive a briefing on the site and assess the 91-year-old former federal prison’s infrastructure. 

The visit, which included walk-throughs of the main cell blocks and off-limits areas normally closed to the public, was a fact-finding mission and not an official announcement of reopening.

Fox News correspondent David Spunt interviews Attorney General Pam Bondi and Interior Secretary Doug Burgum inside Alcatraz Thursday. The exclusive interview took place during their tour of the decommissioned prison. (Fox News)

Bondi and Burgum spent several hours inspecting the crumbling infrastructure while discussing the island’s potential for future federal use. They toured the prison and surrounding island, met with National Park Service (NPS) officials and directed staff to collaborate on a preliminary plan to rehabilitate the complex.

The island is managed by the NPS under the jurisdiction of the Department of the Interior. 

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If reactivated, it would be operated by the Bureau of Prisons, a division of the Department of Justice (DOJ).

“So many people remember Al Capone, but this isn’t about the past. It’s about what Alcatraz could be again,” Spunt reported from the island. “They believe, along with their boss, the president, that this may be the symbol of law and order this administration is looking for.”

Alcatraz operated as a federal prison from 1934 to 1963, originally operating as a military prison in the 1850s. The name derives from “Alcatraces” after Spanish explorer Juan Manuel de Ayala’s 1775 exploration mission of San Francisco Bay. While its etymology has inspired debate, the Bureau of Prisons contends it most likely means “pelican” or “strange bird.”

LEGAL EXPERTS SAY TRUMP CAN DEFINITELY REOPEN ALCATRAZ, BUT COULD FACE ‘AVALANCHE OF LAWSUITS’

U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi listens as a National Park Service official leads her through a restricted tunnel during a private tour of Alcatraz Island Thursday. (Fox News)

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Alcatraz as a federal prison had a maximum capacity of 336 inmates, plus over 150 staff members and their families. At its peak in the early 1960s, the prison’s operating cost per inmate was over $10 per day, nearly double the national average, according to Bureau of Prisons data.

“This is a terrific facility,” Bondi said. “It needs a lot of work, but no one has been known to escape from Alcatraz and survive.”

Bondi told Fox News the prison could theoretically hold a range of offenders, including “violent criminals, federal predators and illegal aliens.” She emphasized the symbolic value of its isolation and reputation for strict control.

Burgum said the goal is to evaluate the feasibility of restoring Alcatraz to its original use. 

“It’s a federal property. Its original use was a prison. We’re here to take a look at whether it can serve that purpose again,” he said.

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The island poses serious logistical challenges. Alcatraz has no direct power or water lines from the San Francisco mainland more than a mile away, and over 1 million gallons of water per month were once ferried in. Restoration would also require major upgrades to meet modern codes, including ADA compliance, environmental regulations and approval from the Bureau of Prisons and federal courts.

The DOJ this week sent letters to California sheriffs seeking information on undocumented migrants being released from state prisons. An administration official noted to Fox News Digital that while these letters reflect the DOJ’s ongoing public safety mission, they are not directly related to the Alcatraz review.

Alcatraz Island gets 1.5 million visitors yearly as a National Park. (Lea Suzuki/The San Francisco Chronicle via Getty Images)

Not everyone is on board. Former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, who represents San Francisco in Congress, called the initiative “the stupidest yet” from Trump.

The administration has not announced a timeline for a decision. Bondi and Burgum will report their findings to the president before any formal steps are taken.

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After its closure in 1963 due to high costs and decaying infrastructure, Alcatraz reopened to the public in 1973 under the Department of the Interior. It is now one of the most visited national historic landmarks in the country, drawing more than 1.5 million tourists annually. That popularity could become a factor in any decision to return it to a secured corrections site.

Alcatraz has long captured the American imagination. Between 1934 and 1963, 14 escape attempts involving 36 men were recorded, but the Bureau of Prisons maintains that no escapee ever made it to freedom. 

Officials believe that frigid, high currents may have claimed the lives of those who vanished.

“This is Alcatraz,” Burgum said. “The name still means something.”

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The DOJ did not immediately respond to Fox News Digital’s request for comment.

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San Francisco, CA

San Francisco Supervisor Jackie Fielder to return following mental health leave

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San Francisco Supervisor Jackie Fielder to return following mental health leave


San Francisco Supervisor Jackie Fielder will resume her duties next week after taking a three-month leave of absence due to mental health.

“I’m coming clear-eyed and grounded and eager to serve in this role again,” Fielder said in a video posted to social media Tuesday.

Fielder was first elected in 2024 to serve District 9, which includes the Mission District and Bernal Heights and Portola neighborhoods. In late March of this year, her staffers announced she was taking a leave of absence to address an “acute personal health crisis” after missing a few weeks of Board of Supervisors meetings.

“I left the work that I love so much, not because I wanted to, but because my mental health demanded it, and I say that with no shame,” she said.

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In the video statement, Fielder mentioned that the pressure of serving as a supervisor took a toll on her mental health.

“I’ve often felt like the weight of this district and city is on my shoulders, and I, through this leave, have had the silver lining of understanding that it never has,” she said. “I was going 100 miles an hour since early 2023 when I started the campaign for supervisor, and being a grassroots candidate is a lot of elbow grease.”

Fielder’s staff continued some of the work in her district while she was gone. She thanked her colleagues and Mayor Daniel Lurie for their support and allowing her to be excused from meetings.

Fielder will return to work Monday and appear at the June 30 board meeting. She is also expected to host listening sessions in her district through July.

“I am an example that it is possible to come back and heal,” she said. “I could not be more honored to serve and more ready to serve.”

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Denver, CO

Nuggets 2026 NBA mock draft tracker 2.0: What national experts predict Denver will do

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Nuggets 2026 NBA mock draft tracker 2.0: What national experts predict Denver will do


The NBA Draft kicks off Tuesday night at the Barclays Center in New York.

The Nuggets, who own the 26th overall pick, are looking to improve a team that was eliminated in the first round of the playoffs for the first time since the 2021-22 season.

Here’s a look at who national draftniks are thinking will land in Denver.

The Athletic | Zach Harper | Updated June 23

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Italy’s Alessandro Pajola defends against Spain’s Sergio De Larrea , right, during the Eurobasket, European Basketball Championship Group C match between Spain and Italy at Spyros Kyprianou Arena, in Limassol, Cyprus, Tuesday, Sept. 2, 2025. (AP Photo/Chara Savvidou)

Sergio de Larrea, guard, 6-6, Valencia

“It’s hard to say whether the Nuggets will have the roster flexibility to use this pick or if they kick it down the road by trading it. This team needs offensive creation outside of what Nikola Jokić does. Jamal Murray is more of a scorer than a creator, and they’ve been missing that guard off the bench to run some offense through. With de Larrea in the mix, they’ll have good size at the guard position and someone who can orchestrate more.” See the full mock draft.

Sports Illustrated | Kevin Sweeney | Updated June 23

Isaiah Evans #3 of the Duke Blue Devils shoots the ball against Rubén Prey #17 of the St. John's Red Storm during the first half in the Sweet Sixteen of the 2026 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Capital One Arena on March 27, 2026 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Emilee Chinn/Getty Images)
Isaiah Evans #3 of the Duke Blue Devils shoots the ball against Rubén Prey #17 of the St. John’s Red Storm during the first half in the Sweet Sixteen of the 2026 NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament at Capital One Arena on March 27, 2026 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Emilee Chinn/Getty Images)

Isaiah Evans, F, Duke

“Evans is a polarizing prospect after two years at Duke. At his best, he’s one of the most dynamic shooters in this draft, capable of getting his shot off with next-to-no separation and regularly going on streaks of multiple threes in short spurts. His overall impact on the game can be muted at times though, especially when threes aren’t falling. He’s a below-average athlete and mediocre defensively.” See the full mock draft.

Other picks:

  • Second round, 49th overall pick: Aaron Nkrumah, G, Tennessee State

The Sporting News | Stephen Noh | Updated June 23

Isaiah Evans, F, Duke

“Denver has built a great offense without relying much on 3-pointers. What if they could take an even bigger step on that end of the floor?

“Evans could provide that extra oomph. He’s a good shooter who should be able to drill wide open looks while playing off Nikola Jokic. He has the size to defend capably. And he’s a decent athlete who can attack closeouts well.” See the full mock draft.

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CBS Sports | Adam Finkelstein | Updated June 22

Ebuka Okorie #1 of the Stanford Cardinal reacts after he made a three-point basket against the Stanford Cardinal at Stanford Maples Pavilion on Jan. 14, 2026 in Palo Alto, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
Ebuka Okorie #1 of the Stanford Cardinal reacts after he made a three-point basket against the Stanford Cardinal at Stanford Maples Pavilion on Jan. 14, 2026 in Palo Alto, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)

Ebuka Okorie, G, Stanford

“The Pistons, Grizzlies, and Wolves have done the most work on Okorie, but Denver has a real need for a paint touch point guard, especially as Nikola Jokic begins to age and they are forced to explore other ways of creating offense. Ejiofor has reportedly been to Denver as well. Veesaar would fit their system; Reed would be another potential backup five if he were available, and Isaiah Evans and Meleek Thomas could provide floor spacing.” See the full mock draft.

Yahoo Sports | Kevin O’Connor | Updated June 22

Ebuka Okorie, G, Stanford

“The Nuggets need some variety to their half-court offense aside from having Nikola Jokić initiate everything. Well, here’s a guy who could help. Okorie is the best driving guard in the class, a 6-1 jitterbug who manipulates defenders with a tight handle, sudden changes of speed, and an advanced feel for the game. He’s not an above-the-rim athlete, though, and not long ago he was a kid from New Hampshire who ranked outside the top 100 and committed to Harvard. Then Stanford found him, he flipped his commitment, and he proceeded to lead the ACC in scoring with eight 30-point games and a habit for hitting clutch shots. NBA teams will have to decide whether what carved up the ACC will survive against bigger, longer defenders.” See the full mock draft.

Other picks: 

  • Second round, 49th overall pick: Tobe Awaka, F, Arizona

CBS Sports | Gary Parrish | Updated June 23

Koa Peat #10 of the Arizona Wildcats looks on against the Michigan Wolverines in the Final Four of the 2026 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Lucas Oil Stadium on April 04, 2026 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
Koa Peat #10 of the Arizona Wildcats looks on against the Michigan Wolverines in the Final Four of the 2026 NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament at Lucas Oil Stadium on April 04, 2026 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)

Koa Peat, F, Arizona

“Peat impacts winning in a variety of ways and was among the reasons Arizona won the Big 12’s regular-season championship before advancing to the Final Four. Good size. Good body. Intriguing prospect. The issue is that he’s a 6-7 wing who doesn’t really shoot, evidence being that Peat only took 20 3-pointers in 36 games with the Wildcats. That’s not ideal for the modern-NBA and why Peat’s draft-range seems vast.” See the full mock draft.

SB Nation | Ricky O’Donnell | Updated June 23

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Koa Peat, F, Arizona

No writeup available. See the full mock draft.

ESPN | Jeremy Woo | Updated June 23

Labaron Philon #0 of the Alabama Crimson Tide dribbles against Trey McKenney #1 of the Michigan Wolverines in the Sweet 16 of the 2026 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at the United Center on March 27, 2026 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
Labaron Philon #0 of the Alabama Crimson Tide dribbles against Trey McKenney #1 of the Michigan Wolverines in the Sweet 16 of the 2026 NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament at the United Center on March 27, 2026 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)

Labaron Philon Jr., G, Alabama

“This would be quite a fall for Philon, who has interest in the late lottery from the Bucks if they opt for a guard at No. 13. But it seems likely that one of the point guards falls toward the back of the first round with the way the board has shaped up — particularly in this scenario, where the Pistons don’t take one.

“Philon’s range has seemed particularly wide of late, and teams have speculated that he could slip, with his recent workout for the Timberwolves (who have since traded out of the first round) raising some eyebrows.” See the full mock draft.

Other picks: 

  • Second round, 49th overall pick: Jaden Bradley, G, Arizona

Bleacher Report | Jonathan Wasserman | Updated June 22

Tarris Reed Jr. #5 of the UConn Huskies shoots the ball over Aday Mara #15 of the Michigan Wolverines during the first half of a game in the National Championship of the 2026 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Lucas Oil Stadium on April 06, 2026 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images)
Tarris Reed Jr. #5 of the UConn Huskies shoots the ball over Aday Mara #15 of the Michigan Wolverines during the first half of a game in the National Championship of the 2026 NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament at Lucas Oil Stadium on April 06, 2026 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images)

Tarris Reed Jr., C, UConn

“Tarris Reed Jr. has been receiving strong reviews from workouts after putting together a rare statistical season, posting a 9.0 block percentage, 13.0 offensive rebounding percentage and 15.0 assist percentage.

“His combination of strength, paint touch, passing and rim protection should put him in first-round conversations for teams that want bigs.” See the full mock draft.

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Other picks:

  • Second round, 49th overall pick: Dillon Mitchell, F, St. John’s

USA Today | Bryan Kalbrosky | Updated June 23

Meleek Thomas #1 of the Arkansas Razorbacks dribbles the ball against the Arizona Wildcats during the first half in the Sweet Sixteen of the 2026 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at SAP Center on March 26, 2026 in San Jose, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
Meleek Thomas #1 of the Arkansas Razorbacks dribbles the ball against the Arizona Wildcats during the first half in the Sweet 16 of the 2026 NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament at SAP Center on March 26, 2026 in San Jose, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)

Meleek Thomas, G, Arkansas



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Seattle, WA

How to watch Bosnia vs. Qatar in next Seattle World Cup match

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How to watch Bosnia vs. Qatar in next Seattle World Cup match


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Soccer fans waiting for affordable World Cup tickets might be in luck this week.

Two games in Seattle — Bosnia and Herzegovina vs Qatar (12 p.m. PT), Egypt vs. Iran (8 p.m. PT) — are dipping well below the $1,000 minimum price for Seattle’s first two games.

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After an opening tie between Egypt and Belgium and a dominant 2-0 USA win over Australia, the city welcomes four more teams this week to finish out group play at the 2026 World Cup in Seattle.

Here’s everything you need to know ahead of the final group stage matches.

How much are tickets for the Bosnia vs. Qatar game in Seattle?

Tickets for the next World Cup match in Seattle start at $380, and $276 via FIFA.

How can I watch the Bosnia vs. Qatar game?

  • Location: Seattle, WA
  • Date: June 24, 2026
  • Kickoff: 12 p.m. PT
  • TV: FS1
  • Streaming: FOX One, Peacock

When are the remaining World Cup games in Seattle?

  • Wednesday, June 24, 12 p.m. PT (Bosnia and Herzegovina vs. Qatar) – Shop tickets
  • Friday, June 26, 8 p.m. PT (Egypt vs. Iran)  – Shop tickets
  • Wednesday, July 1 (Round of 32 match) – Shop tickets
  • Monday, July 6 (Round of 16 match) – Shop tickets

Seattle ticket prices by game

  • Bosnia and Herzegovina vs. Qatar (June 24, 12 p.m. PT): starting at $380, $276 via FIFA
  • Egypt vs. Iran (June 26, 8 p.m. PT): starting at $630, $529 via FIFA
  • Round of 32 match (July 1): starting at $1,119, $977.04 via FIFA
  • Round of 16 match (July 6): starting at $3,011, $3,393 via FIFA

Where can I buy FIFA World Cup tickets?

Zachary Fletcher is a trending news reporter with USA TODAY Network’s Washington state team. Keep up with him on X (@zdfletch), BlueSky (@zfletcher.bsky.social) or reach him at zfletcher@usatodayco.com.



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