KIRO NEWSRADIO OPINION

‘It’s unsafe’: Jake and Spike debate Trump’s plan to reopen Alcatraz

May 6, 2025, 2:02 PM | Updated: 2:20 pm

Alcatraz...

A general view of Alcatraz Island. (Photo: Loren Elliot via Getty Images)

(Photo: Loren Elliot via Getty Images)

Alcatraz could be reopened as President Donald Trump recently directed officials to expand the former prison, reported The Associated Press (AP) Monday. While co-host of “The Jake and Spike Show” on KIRO Newsradio, Jake Skorheim, has his own idea for the prison, co-host of “Jake and Spike,” Spike O’Neill believes the plan is too dangerous.

“The place is unsafe,” Spike said Monday. “It’s deteriorating too quickly. It’s too expensive to repair.”

According to The AP, Alcatraz was closed in 1963 due to the high costs of maintaining and staffing the island, along with crumbling infrastructure. The media outlet noted everything had to be brought in by boat.

Jake Skorheim has his own idea for Alcatraz

However, Jake had his own plan.

“You ever been to McCmenimans?” Jake joked. “What if we don’t make it a prison and instead we make it some sort of a Vrbo hotel.”

To which Spike responded, “I’d spend to spend the night on the rock.”

“Have a tiki bar,” Jake said, “I would love it.”

While Jake’s idea is fun, The AP said bringing the prison up to modern-day standards would be a massive investment.

Listen to the full conversation below.

Listen to “The Jake and Spike Show” weekdays from noon to 3 p.m. on KIRO Newsradio 97.3 FM. Subscribe to the podcast here.

KIRO Newsradio Opinion

‘Justice delayed is really justice denied’: Ursula backs $1M push to clear Seattle’s criminal...

Gee Scott and Ursula Reutin Show

‘Justice delayed is justice denied’: Ursula backs $1M fix for Seattle case backlog but asks why city is paying again

Seattle’s criminal case backlog has Gee and Ursula supporting another investment in prosecutors while questioning why the city is still struggling.

53 minutes ago

‘I just don't agree with the timing’: Gee questions councils opposing WA girls’ sports initia...

Gee Scott and Ursula Reutin Show

‘I just don’t agree with the timing’: Gee questions councils opposing WA girls’ sports initiative

Gee Scott agrees with Lynnwood and Edmonds city council members who voted to oppose Washington’s parental rights and girls’ sports initiatives.

3 hours ago

black bear cub...

Jake Skorheim, Co-hot of The Jake and Spike Show

Jake: Wildlife officials put down a bear cub near Index. Why?

This blog post discusses the controversial decision by WDFW to euthanize two black bears after an incident involving an older woman.

7 hours ago

Seattle Public Schools...

Charlie Harger

Harger: 21 Seattle schools could merge. Superintendent Ben Shuldiner is leveling with families about why

About 150 parents and community members filled Robert Eagle Staff Middle School Monday night to talk with Seattle Public Schools Superintendent Ben Shuldiner and his staff. They asked about academic rigor, school safety, and what comes next.

11 hours ago

seattle parking...

Gee Scott and Ursula Reutin Show

‘I can’t stand parking enforcement’: Gee isn’t fighting proposed cuts as Ursula questions the math

KIRO host Gee Scott knows Seattle parking enforcement officers have a job to do. That does not mean he wants more of them writing tickets.

1 day ago

‘What do they owe some of these humans’: Gee questions Microsoft’s responsibility to workers ...

Gee Scott and Ursula Reutin Show

‘What do they owe some of these humans’: Gee questions Microsoft’s duty to workers as it offers voluntary exits

Microsoft’s new voluntary exit program has Gee Scott asking what the company owes the workers who helped build it.

1 day ago

‘It’s unsafe’: Jake and Spike debate Trump’s plan to reopen Alcatraz