Janelle O’Dea
@jayohday.bsky.social
Journalist with the Illinois Answers Project based in St. Louis. Priors: Center for Public Integrity, St. Louis Post-Dispatch. Tips? jodea@illinoisanswers.org, Signal at jayohday.11
217 native. IRE fangirl. Unionize ✊
217 native. IRE fangirl. Unionize ✊
Pinned
‘They are literally targeting people.’ ICE comes to southern Illinois
CARLYLE, Ill. — When Jose Jeronimo Guardian showed up at a Spanish language traffic court this week, he didn’t expect to be detained and face expulsion from a country he’d […]
illinoisanswers.org
‘They are literally targeting people.’ ICE comes to southern Illinois
By me and @bhundsdorfer.bsky.social for @illinoisanswers.bsky.social @capitolnewsil.bsky.social illinoisanswers.org/2025/10/31/i...
By me and @bhundsdorfer.bsky.social for @illinoisanswers.bsky.social @capitolnewsil.bsky.social illinoisanswers.org/2025/10/31/i...
Reposted by Janelle O’Dea
As part of its 25th anniversary anthology of journalists reflecting on digital media, @talkingpointsmemo.com asked me to write about when my Guild tried to make Google and Meta pay for journalism. (We totally lost.)
Thanks @allegrak.bsky.social for the edit!
talkingpointsmemo.com/tpm-25/we-tr...
Thanks @allegrak.bsky.social for the edit!
talkingpointsmemo.com/tpm-25/we-tr...
We Tried to Get Big Tech to Pay for Wrecking Journalism. It Didn’t Work Out.
The debate over Who Destroyed Journalism borders on theology among journalists and...
talkingpointsmemo.com
November 15, 2025 at 5:48 PM
As part of its 25th anniversary anthology of journalists reflecting on digital media, @talkingpointsmemo.com asked me to write about when my Guild tried to make Google and Meta pay for journalism. (We totally lost.)
Thanks @allegrak.bsky.social for the edit!
talkingpointsmemo.com/tpm-25/we-tr...
Thanks @allegrak.bsky.social for the edit!
talkingpointsmemo.com/tpm-25/we-tr...
One of my favorite trees in the neighborhood, from today. Just look at that beauty.
November 14, 2025 at 10:40 PM
One of my favorite trees in the neighborhood, from today. Just look at that beauty.
The letter from ICE to Duckworth's office is attached to this follow-up that @bhundsdorfer.bsky.social and I did yesterday for @capitolnewsil.bsky.social @illinoisanswers.bsky.social so you can read it yourself ➡️ illinoisanswers.org/2025/11/13/s...
Staunton Restaurant Owner’s Detention Sparks Probe Into Senator’s Staffer
Federal authorities are investigating an aide to Sen. Duckworth for allegedly misrepresenting himself to visit a Staunton restaurant owner detained by immigration agents.
illinoisanswers.org
November 14, 2025 at 8:15 PM
The letter from ICE to Duckworth's office is attached to this follow-up that @bhundsdorfer.bsky.social and I did yesterday for @capitolnewsil.bsky.social @illinoisanswers.bsky.social so you can read it yourself ➡️ illinoisanswers.org/2025/11/13/s...
Reposted by Janelle O’Dea
Big picture: At least half a dozen major media companies have stared down legal threats from President Trump this year. Some have chosen to fight, others have opted to fold. The BBC is signaling that it will fight. My analysis piece for CNN: www.cnn.com/2025/11/13/m...
Analysis: BBC signals it will fight, not fold under Trump’s political pressure | CNN Business
At least half a dozen major media companies have stared down legal threats from President Trump this year. Some have chosen to fight, others have opted to fold. The BBC is signaling that it will fight...
www.cnn.com
November 14, 2025 at 4:32 AM
Big picture: At least half a dozen major media companies have stared down legal threats from President Trump this year. Some have chosen to fight, others have opted to fold. The BBC is signaling that it will fight. My analysis piece for CNN: www.cnn.com/2025/11/13/m...
Follow-up on Staunton restaurant owner Ismael Ayuzo Sandoval —
His atty filed for a stay on his deportation
Meanwhile, DHS launched a probe into one of Sen. Duckworth’s aides related to Ayuzo’s detainment
from @bhundsdorfer.bsky.social w/ an assist from me illinoisanswers.org/2025/11/13/s...
His atty filed for a stay on his deportation
Meanwhile, DHS launched a probe into one of Sen. Duckworth’s aides related to Ayuzo’s detainment
from @bhundsdorfer.bsky.social w/ an assist from me illinoisanswers.org/2025/11/13/s...
Staunton Restaurant Owner’s Detention Sparks Probe Into Senator’s Staffer
Federal authorities are investigating an aide to Sen. Duckworth for allegedly misrepresenting himself to visit a Staunton restaurant owner detained by immigration agents.
illinoisanswers.org
November 13, 2025 at 11:39 PM
Follow-up on Staunton restaurant owner Ismael Ayuzo Sandoval —
His atty filed for a stay on his deportation
Meanwhile, DHS launched a probe into one of Sen. Duckworth’s aides related to Ayuzo’s detainment
from @bhundsdorfer.bsky.social w/ an assist from me illinoisanswers.org/2025/11/13/s...
His atty filed for a stay on his deportation
Meanwhile, DHS launched a probe into one of Sen. Duckworth’s aides related to Ayuzo’s detainment
from @bhundsdorfer.bsky.social w/ an assist from me illinoisanswers.org/2025/11/13/s...
Reposted by Janelle O’Dea
illinoisanswers.org/2025/11/13/f... good work from @schuba.bsky.social and @peternickeas.bsky.social about the tear gas the feds knowingly unleashed on CPD
Feds Deployed Tear Gas on the Far South Side Even After Cops Told Them They Had No Gas Masks, Sources Say
Chicago police officials had offered to clear a path for the federal agents so they could leave a tense scene of residents protesting the agents’ shooting of a woman
illinoisanswers.org
November 13, 2025 at 2:58 PM
illinoisanswers.org/2025/11/13/f... good work from @schuba.bsky.social and @peternickeas.bsky.social about the tear gas the feds knowingly unleashed on CPD
Reposted by Janelle O’Dea
You probably saw videos of a nighttime raid in Chicago. Agents rappelling from a helicopter, bursting down doors, questioning brown-skinned immigrants.
We investigated -- and found little evidence to support the government’s claims about Tren de Aragua.
www.propublica.org/article/chic...
We investigated -- and found little evidence to support the government’s claims about Tren de Aragua.
www.propublica.org/article/chic...
“I Lost Everything”: Venezuelans Were Rounded Up in a Dramatic Midnight Raid but Never Charged With a Crime
Authorities said Tren de Aragua “terrorists” had taken over the building. A ProPublica investigation found little evidence to back up the government’s claims. For the first time, the Venezuelans arres...
www.propublica.org
November 13, 2025 at 1:28 PM
You probably saw videos of a nighttime raid in Chicago. Agents rappelling from a helicopter, bursting down doors, questioning brown-skinned immigrants.
We investigated -- and found little evidence to support the government’s claims about Tren de Aragua.
www.propublica.org/article/chic...
We investigated -- and found little evidence to support the government’s claims about Tren de Aragua.
www.propublica.org/article/chic...
Reposted by Janelle O’Dea
Today is @jayohday.bsky.social’s birthday, a milestone one.
Two truths and a lie for the occasion:
-She is an aspiring rapper
-She ate 35 cheese curds at one sitting
-She has posed as The Man of Steel while on assignment
Which is the lie?
Let Jay know what you think.
Two truths and a lie for the occasion:
-She is an aspiring rapper
-She ate 35 cheese curds at one sitting
-She has posed as The Man of Steel while on assignment
Which is the lie?
Let Jay know what you think.
November 12, 2025 at 5:48 PM
Today is @jayohday.bsky.social’s birthday, a milestone one.
Two truths and a lie for the occasion:
-She is an aspiring rapper
-She ate 35 cheese curds at one sitting
-She has posed as The Man of Steel while on assignment
Which is the lie?
Let Jay know what you think.
Two truths and a lie for the occasion:
-She is an aspiring rapper
-She ate 35 cheese curds at one sitting
-She has posed as The Man of Steel while on assignment
Which is the lie?
Let Jay know what you think.
Reposted by Janelle O’Dea
Illinois defendants who have been found unfit for trial – and are in need of inpatient fitness restoration – are waiting nearly twice as long for a state hospital bed as they did five years ago.
My latest for @illinoisanswers.bsky.social
illinoisanswers.org/2025/11/11/t...
My latest for @illinoisanswers.bsky.social
illinoisanswers.org/2025/11/11/t...
Too mentally ill for trial, she spent months in an Illinois jail as the state looked for a hospital bed. She died waiting.
Many defendants declared unfit for trial have often waited three months or longer to be transferred to a hospital – regularly exceeding the state’s deadline, an Illinois Answers Project investigation ...
illinoisanswers.org
November 11, 2025 at 4:43 PM
Illinois defendants who have been found unfit for trial – and are in need of inpatient fitness restoration – are waiting nearly twice as long for a state hospital bed as they did five years ago.
My latest for @illinoisanswers.bsky.social
illinoisanswers.org/2025/11/11/t...
My latest for @illinoisanswers.bsky.social
illinoisanswers.org/2025/11/11/t...
Reposted by Janelle O’Dea
Breaking: Marion County agrees to pay out $3M for newspaper raid, express regret kansasreflector.com/2025/11/11/m...
Marion County agrees to pay out $3M for newspaper raid, express regret • Kansas Reflector
A handful of county-level officials who were involved in a small-town Kansas newspaper raid in 2023 will pay a cumulative $3 million to three journalists and a city councilor.
kansasreflector.com
November 11, 2025 at 5:25 PM
Breaking: Marion County agrees to pay out $3M for newspaper raid, express regret kansasreflector.com/2025/11/11/m...
On the road again
November 12, 2025 at 1:14 AM
On the road again
I could not be more proud to be a part of my team.
Read this one, out today, from @meredithnewman.bsky.social
Read this one, out today, from @meredithnewman.bsky.social
Illinois defendants who have been found unfit for trial – and are in need of inpatient fitness restoration – are waiting nearly twice as long for a state hospital bed as they did five years ago.
My latest for @illinoisanswers.bsky.social
illinoisanswers.org/2025/11/11/t...
My latest for @illinoisanswers.bsky.social
illinoisanswers.org/2025/11/11/t...
Too mentally ill for trial, she spent months in an Illinois jail as the state looked for a hospital bed. She died waiting.
Many defendants declared unfit for trial have often waited three months or longer to be transferred to a hospital – regularly exceeding the state’s deadline, an Illinois Answers Project investigation ...
illinoisanswers.org
November 12, 2025 at 1:12 AM
I could not be more proud to be a part of my team.
Read this one, out today, from @meredithnewman.bsky.social
Read this one, out today, from @meredithnewman.bsky.social
Reposted by Janelle O’Dea
Important story from @meredithnewman.bsky.social on a symptom of the state's eroding public health infrastructure: mentally ill defendants spiraling in jail for months while they wait for psychiatric beds — sometimes with fatal consequences
illinoisanswers.org/2025/11/11/t...
illinoisanswers.org/2025/11/11/t...
Too mentally ill for trial, she spent months in an Illinois jail as the state looked for a hospital bed. She died waiting.
Many defendants declared unfit for trial have often waited three months or longer to be transferred to a hospital – regularly exceeding the state’s deadline, an Illinois Answers Project investigation ...
illinoisanswers.org
November 11, 2025 at 4:55 PM
Important story from @meredithnewman.bsky.social on a symptom of the state's eroding public health infrastructure: mentally ill defendants spiraling in jail for months while they wait for psychiatric beds — sometimes with fatal consequences
illinoisanswers.org/2025/11/11/t...
illinoisanswers.org/2025/11/11/t...
Reposted by Janelle O’Dea
“These are due process violations,” Nevdal said in court. “This is an equal protection issue.” A must-read today from @meredithnewman.bsky.social @illinoisanswers.bsky.social illinoisanswers.org/2025/11/11/t...
Too mentally ill for trial, she spent months in an Illinois jail as the state looked for a hospital bed. She died waiting.
Many defendants declared unfit for trial have often waited three months or longer to be transferred to a hospital – regularly exceeding the state’s deadline, an Illinois Answers Project investigation ...
illinoisanswers.org
November 11, 2025 at 3:15 PM
“These are due process violations,” Nevdal said in court. “This is an equal protection issue.” A must-read today from @meredithnewman.bsky.social @illinoisanswers.bsky.social illinoisanswers.org/2025/11/11/t...
Also it’s 40 degrees here in STL today (I know, Chicago, I know) and ugh and I don’t know how I am going to make it for four months until baseball again. Four months is so longgg
Just bought my opening day tickets. So if anyone needs me for anything on March 26 — no you do not.
November 9, 2025 at 9:01 PM
Also it’s 40 degrees here in STL today (I know, Chicago, I know) and ugh and I don’t know how I am going to make it for four months until baseball again. Four months is so longgg
Reposted by Janelle O’Dea
A man rushed to the Broadview ICE facility searching for his wife. They followed every legal step, but ICE took her into another room and she vanished. He tracked her phone there when the signal died. Police told him to “look up her name online.” He sat in the parking lot, weeping, with no answers.
November 9, 2025 at 1:34 PM
A man rushed to the Broadview ICE facility searching for his wife. They followed every legal step, but ICE took her into another room and she vanished. He tracked her phone there when the signal died. Police told him to “look up her name online.” He sat in the parking lot, weeping, with no answers.
Just bought my opening day tickets. So if anyone needs me for anything on March 26 — no you do not.
November 9, 2025 at 4:36 PM
Just bought my opening day tickets. So if anyone needs me for anything on March 26 — no you do not.
Reposted by Janelle O’Dea
I know most of my followers probably know this, but just in context:
A billion is a thousand million.
A trillion is a thousand billion.
A billion is a thousand million.
A trillion is a thousand billion.
November 6, 2025 at 11:09 PM
I know most of my followers probably know this, but just in context:
A billion is a thousand million.
A trillion is a thousand billion.
A billion is a thousand million.
A trillion is a thousand billion.
using qgis again
Hello Darkness My Old Friend GIF
ALT: Hello Darkness My Old Friend GIF
media.tenor.com
November 6, 2025 at 3:05 AM
using qgis again
In case you missed it —
ICE ramped up operations in downstate Illinois, last week, and @bhundsdorfer.bsky.social and I were in Clinton County when it happened
ICE ramped up operations in downstate Illinois, last week, and @bhundsdorfer.bsky.social and I were in Clinton County when it happened
‘They are literally targeting people.’ ICE comes to southern Illinois
By me and @bhundsdorfer.bsky.social for @illinoisanswers.bsky.social @capitolnewsil.bsky.social illinoisanswers.org/2025/10/31/i...
By me and @bhundsdorfer.bsky.social for @illinoisanswers.bsky.social @capitolnewsil.bsky.social illinoisanswers.org/2025/10/31/i...
‘They are literally targeting people.’ ICE comes to southern Illinois
CARLYLE, Ill. — When Jose Jeronimo Guardian showed up at a Spanish language traffic court this week, he didn’t expect to be detained and face expulsion from a country he’d […]
illinoisanswers.org
November 3, 2025 at 6:22 PM
In case you missed it —
ICE ramped up operations in downstate Illinois, last week, and @bhundsdorfer.bsky.social and I were in Clinton County when it happened
ICE ramped up operations in downstate Illinois, last week, and @bhundsdorfer.bsky.social and I were in Clinton County when it happened
Sunset from the Metro East on the first day of CST
Lights on the horizon from left to right: two combines, a coal train coming down the tracks from the west, and cars on IL-40
Lights on the horizon from left to right: two combines, a coal train coming down the tracks from the west, and cars on IL-40
November 3, 2025 at 1:34 AM
Sunset from the Metro East on the first day of CST
Lights on the horizon from left to right: two combines, a coal train coming down the tracks from the west, and cars on IL-40
Lights on the horizon from left to right: two combines, a coal train coming down the tracks from the west, and cars on IL-40
Reposted by Janelle O’Dea
‘They are literally targeting people.’ ICE comes to southern Illinois
By me and @bhundsdorfer.bsky.social for @illinoisanswers.bsky.social @capitolnewsil.bsky.social illinoisanswers.org/2025/10/31/i...
By me and @bhundsdorfer.bsky.social for @illinoisanswers.bsky.social @capitolnewsil.bsky.social illinoisanswers.org/2025/10/31/i...
‘They are literally targeting people.’ ICE comes to southern Illinois
CARLYLE, Ill. — When Jose Jeronimo Guardian showed up at a Spanish language traffic court this week, he didn’t expect to be detained and face expulsion from a country he’d […]
illinoisanswers.org
October 31, 2025 at 8:36 PM
‘They are literally targeting people.’ ICE comes to southern Illinois
By me and @bhundsdorfer.bsky.social for @illinoisanswers.bsky.social @capitolnewsil.bsky.social illinoisanswers.org/2025/10/31/i...
By me and @bhundsdorfer.bsky.social for @illinoisanswers.bsky.social @capitolnewsil.bsky.social illinoisanswers.org/2025/10/31/i...
Reposted by Janelle O’Dea
BREAKING NEWS: An Illinois jury on Wednesday convicted a former sheriff’s deputy of second-degree murder in the shooting death of Sonya Massey, a Black woman who called 911 asking for help.
Former deputy found guilty of murder in the shooting of Sonya Massey, a Black woman who called 911 - IPM Newsroom
Sean Grayson arrived at Sonya Massey’s home in Springfield after she reported seeing a prowler early on July 6, 2024. At the time of the shooting, Massey was holding a pan of hot water.
ipmnewsroom.org
October 29, 2025 at 7:54 PM
BREAKING NEWS: An Illinois jury on Wednesday convicted a former sheriff’s deputy of second-degree murder in the shooting death of Sonya Massey, a Black woman who called 911 asking for help.
Reposted by Janelle O’Dea
As transit funding hangs in the balance in veto session this week, @gracehauck.bsky.social and I have a pair of stories looking at the stakes for a part of the state that's gotten relatively little attention: the collar counties.
t.co/oswatwJcdQ
t.co/oswatwJcdQ
https://illinoisanswers.org/2025/10/28/legal-loophole-scrambled-state-efforts-to-plug-transit-agencies-funding/
t.co
October 28, 2025 at 4:29 PM
As transit funding hangs in the balance in veto session this week, @gracehauck.bsky.social and I have a pair of stories looking at the stakes for a part of the state that's gotten relatively little attention: the collar counties.
t.co/oswatwJcdQ
t.co/oswatwJcdQ