The last look at Jimmy Hoffa

Last portraits of Jimmy Hoffa by Tony Spina

Last portraits of Jimmy Hoffa by Tony Spina

50 years ago on the morning of July 30th, 1975 Chief Photographer for the Detroit Free Press Tony Spina took what would be the last pictures of former Teamsters president James Riddle Hoffa. Wayne State’s Walter P Reuther Labor Library shares:

Spina was sent to visit Hoffa at his cottage on Square Lake in Lake Orion to take portraits of him for the Free Press and Newsweek. The images were not intended for a specific story; they were meant to update older photo files, which were likely outdated due to Hoffa’s incarceration from 1967 to 1971. At the time, Hoffa was challenging a federal restriction that barred him from holding a leadership position in the Teamsters until 1980, thus making him newsworthy once again.

According to Spina’s account, the backyard photo shoot was almost entirely uneventful. The two were old friends and chatted as they moved around the backyard, chasing the best light. The only notable moment occurred when Hoffa had to step away to take a call about a meeting scheduled for after lunch. It is assumed that this was the meeting held at the Machus Red Fox Restaurant in Bloomfield Hills, from which Hoffa never returned. 

Lots more in the Reuther Library and for sure check out photos in the awesome Tony Spina Collection online!

Jimmy Hoffa Negatives Walter P Reuther Library.jpg
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Flame Out: Twin Flames cult leaders raided in Northern Michigan

FBI Twin Flames Raid in Suttons Bay by Glen Arbor Sun

FBI Twin Flames Raid in Suttons Bay by Glen Arbor Sun

The Glen Arbor Sun shares that yesterday morning (July 1) federal, state and local law enforcement officers raided the Leelanau County home of Jeff and Shaleia Divine, leaders of the Twin Flames Universe organization, which critics and multiple documentaries have described as a cult that manipulates its online followers:

Early in the afternoon on July 1, Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel issued a press release that announced an ongoing investigation into the Twin Flames Universe as well as a second raid against people associated with the coercive group. According to Nessel’s office, the search warrants were carried out by special agents from the Department of Attorney General, along with the U.S. Department of Labor—Office of Inspector General, and law enforcement officers from Michigan State Police, the Leelanau County Sheriff’s Office and the Grand Traverse County Sheriff’s Office.

A blue Michigan State Police vehicle was seen outside the Divine residence, as well as several unmarked vehicles. A Leelanau County Sheriff’s vehicle was seen leaving the neighborhood on M-22 following the raid.

“Today, my office executed multiple search warrants upon individuals atop the Twin Flames Universe (TFU) organization and its associated properties, under the authority of a judge finding probable cause that crimes have been committed by TFU and their leadership,” said Nessel in her statement. “Anyone with information about potential criminal conduct regarding Twin Flames Universe, or their members, are encouraged to contact my office, and may do so anonymously.”

In a YouTube video announcing the investigation, Nessel added that Christine and Jason Emerick were also targets of the investigation. Emerick has been listed as the TFU’s chief operations officer and has a mailing address outside of Traverse City.

You can read lots more in the Sun and also check out other stories including this in-depth story of the uproar around the Twin Flames cult published after the release of the Netflix documentary.

If you have information about Twin Flames Universe that you think would aid the Attorney General’s investigation, please email the investigative team (AG-TFUinfo@michigan.gov) or visit their online TFU tip form (mi.gov/agtfu).

Twin Flames Cult Leaders Jeff and Shaleia Ayan in downtown Suttons Bay by Glen Arbor Sun
Twin Flames Cult Leaders Jeff and Shaleia Ayan in downtown Suttons Bay via Instagram
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