James Eli Shiffer

Topic Team Leader
Before coming to the Star Tribune in 2005, Shiffer worked at The News & Observer of Raleigh, N.C., where he was an editor and reporter. Shiffer is the author of "The King of Skid Row," a local history book. He lives in Minneapolis with his family.

Latest from James Eli Shiffer

Local

E-mails, public records reveal what happened before Third Precinct was abandoned

Three days of rage culminated in the burning of the Third Precinct, an event unprecedented in modern American history.
August 12, 2020
The Minneapolis Third Police Precinct state was set on fire during a third night of protests following the death of George Floyd while in Minneapolis police custody, on Thursday, May 28, 2020.
Variety

64 years later, neighbor of mystery girl in haunting photos introduces himself

The revival of Janet Lee Dahl's memory sparked a flurry of e-mails and phone calls. A former neighbor remembers her life and death.
August 24, 2019
Janet Lee Dahl and Mark Kozlak in a photo taken in 1955 by Janet's mother, Gertrude.
Variety

Discarded photos reveal the haunting story of a Minnesota girl

More than 200 snapshots discovered in a California flea market trace the life of a Minnesota child.
June 30, 2019
Snapshots from Janet Lee Dahl's brief life.
Variety

On an accidental safari, a park in Uganda boasts a wealth of wildlife

During a surprise safari, Queen Elizabeth National Park offered up a host of sights.
January 19, 2019
A herd of elephants makes its way through Queen Elizabeth National Park, which has great wildlife diversity, including fruit bats being studied by the CDC. MUST CREDIT: Washington Post photo by Bonnie Jo Mount.
Books

Review: 'Dirty Doc Ames and the Scandal That Shook Minneapolis,' by Erik Rivenes

NONFICTION: Minneapolis Mayor "Doc" Ames was known for his visits to brothels, rigged poker games, and free-flowing booze.
March 23, 2018
A Minneapolis Tribune cartoon from June 28, 1902, near the end of the political career of Minneapolis mayor A.A. "Doc" Ames, illustrates the grand jury's attitude toward corruption.
Local

Minnesota open records law needs a name equal to its purpose

The Minnesota Government Data Practices Act needs a new title. Desperately.
January 6, 2018
The Minnesota State Capitol.
Variety

On an accidental safari, a park in Uganda boasts a wealth of wildlife

During a surprise safari, Queen Elizabeth National Park offered up a host of sights.
January 19, 2019
A herd of elephants makes its way through Queen Elizabeth National Park, which has great wildlife diversity, including fruit bats being studied by the CDC. MUST CREDIT: Washington Post photo by Bonnie Jo Mount.
Books

Review: 'Dirty Doc Ames and the Scandal That Shook Minneapolis,' by Erik Rivenes

NONFICTION: Minneapolis Mayor "Doc" Ames was known for his visits to brothels, rigged poker games, and free-flowing booze.
March 23, 2018
A Minneapolis Tribune cartoon from June 28, 1902, near the end of the political career of Minneapolis mayor A.A. "Doc" Ames, illustrates the grand jury's attitude toward corruption.
Local

Minnesota open records law needs a name equal to its purpose

The Minnesota Government Data Practices Act needs a new title. Desperately.
January 6, 2018
The Minnesota State Capitol.
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