Janelle O’Dea
@jayohday.bsky.social
Journalist w/ the Illinois Answers Project based in St. Louis investigating stories in the Metro East & Southern Illinois. 217 native.
Priors: Center for Public Integrity, St. Louis Post-Dispatch.
Tips? jodea@illinoisanswers.org, Signal at jayohday.11
Priors: Center for Public Integrity, St. Louis Post-Dispatch.
Tips? jodea@illinoisanswers.org, Signal at jayohday.11
Pinned
Janelle O’Dea
@jayohday.bsky.social
· Dec 15
A Once Dying Mall in Southern Illinois is Getting a Mighty Makeover, Thanks to $112M Bond Deal, But The Project Has Hit a Speed Bump
Marion officials say the redevelopment is on track, but one of the three main developers has already dropped out, facing a slew of lawsuits.
illinoisanswers.org
A once dying Mall in Southern Illinois is getting a mighty makeover, thanks to $112M bond deal, but the project has hit a speed bump — the latest from me and @bhundsdorfer.bsky.social for @illinoisanswers.bsky.social @capitolnewsil.bsky.social illinoisanswers.org/2025/12/15/a...
Correction: jackknifed on *Gravois*
This reporter regrets the error.
This reporter regrets the error.
Friend of mine who lives near I-44 at Lafayette said she took her car around the block — and saw a jackknifed semi on the interstate. Her advice? “STAY HOME” if you can
Think it’s going to be a minute til any of us can go anywhere #stlwx
Think it’s going to be a minute til any of us can go anywhere #stlwx
January 25, 2026 at 11:31 PM
Correction: jackknifed on *Gravois*
This reporter regrets the error.
This reporter regrets the error.
Friend of mine who lives near I-44 at Lafayette said she took her car around the block — and saw a jackknifed semi on the interstate. Her advice? “STAY HOME” if you can
Think it’s going to be a minute til any of us can go anywhere #stlwx
Think it’s going to be a minute til any of us can go anywhere #stlwx
January 25, 2026 at 11:23 PM
Friend of mine who lives near I-44 at Lafayette said she took her car around the block — and saw a jackknifed semi on the interstate. Her advice? “STAY HOME” if you can
Think it’s going to be a minute til any of us can go anywhere #stlwx
Think it’s going to be a minute til any of us can go anywhere #stlwx
Phoebe is all of us, part 2. You have to stick a foot out when it gets too hot.
I am sorry to tell you, though, that your feet are probably not as cute as this one.
I am sorry to tell you, though, that your feet are probably not as cute as this one.
January 25, 2026 at 11:20 PM
Phoebe is all of us, part 2. You have to stick a foot out when it gets too hot.
I am sorry to tell you, though, that your feet are probably not as cute as this one.
I am sorry to tell you, though, that your feet are probably not as cute as this one.
Reposted by Janelle O’Dea
So @jayohday.bsky.social called this voter roll garbage back in 2024, after the GOP pressured states to leave a compact that keeps voter rolls accurate.
"People in those states who haven’t updated their voter registration after moving will likely find it more challenging to cast a ballot."
"People in those states who haven’t updated their voter registration after moving will likely find it more challenging to cast a ballot."
States ditched an election partnership. Voters will feel the consequences.
Missouri pulled out of a collaboration known as the Electronic Registration Information Center, or ERIC, which helps states keep voter rolls accurate — such as flagging when people move.
publicintegrity.org
January 25, 2026 at 11:02 PM
So @jayohday.bsky.social called this voter roll garbage back in 2024, after the GOP pressured states to leave a compact that keeps voter rolls accurate.
"People in those states who haven’t updated their voter registration after moving will likely find it more challenging to cast a ballot."
"People in those states who haven’t updated their voter registration after moving will likely find it more challenging to cast a ballot."
Reposted by Janelle O’Dea
Reporter: You received a letter from AG Pam Bondi making several demands….
Walz: I would just give a pro tip to the AG. There's 2 million documents in the Epstein files we're still waiting on. Go ahead and work on those
Walz: I would just give a pro tip to the AG. There's 2 million documents in the Epstein files we're still waiting on. Go ahead and work on those
January 25, 2026 at 7:31 PM
Reporter: You received a letter from AG Pam Bondi making several demands….
Walz: I would just give a pro tip to the AG. There's 2 million documents in the Epstein files we're still waiting on. Go ahead and work on those
Walz: I would just give a pro tip to the AG. There's 2 million documents in the Epstein files we're still waiting on. Go ahead and work on those
Reposted by Janelle O’Dea
The killing of Alex Pretti is a heartbreaking tragedy. It should also be a wake-up call to every American, regardless of party, that many of our core values as a nation are increasingly under assault.
January 25, 2026 at 5:39 PM
The killing of Alex Pretti is a heartbreaking tragedy. It should also be a wake-up call to every American, regardless of party, that many of our core values as a nation are increasingly under assault.
Reposted by Janelle O’Dea
Can I remind you that if you are not used to a fairly heavy cardiovascular workout, it is not a good idea to decide to shovel snow today. Dear Friend lost her husband last year only in his early 50s shoveling snow. We don’t want to repeat.
January 25, 2026 at 5:16 PM
Can I remind you that if you are not used to a fairly heavy cardiovascular workout, it is not a good idea to decide to shovel snow today. Dear Friend lost her husband last year only in his early 50s shoveling snow. We don’t want to repeat.
Reposted by Janelle O’Dea
The victim of today's ICE shooting in Minneapolis is the 5th person to be shot and killed by federal immigration agents since President Trump began his crackdown last year.
This is the 19th time they've opened fire.
We're tracking incidents here:
This is the 19th time they've opened fire.
We're tracking incidents here:
How Many People Have Been Shot in ICE Raids?
The Trace is tracking gun incidents connected to Trump’s immigration crackdown. Know of one? Please be in touch.
www.thetrace.org
January 24, 2026 at 6:34 PM
The victim of today's ICE shooting in Minneapolis is the 5th person to be shot and killed by federal immigration agents since President Trump began his crackdown last year.
This is the 19th time they've opened fire.
We're tracking incidents here:
This is the 19th time they've opened fire.
We're tracking incidents here:
Reposted by Janelle O’Dea
Kare 11 local news just read, in full, this statement from Michael and Susan Pretti, the parents of Alex Pretti.
"Please get the truth out about our son."
"Please get the truth out about our son."
January 25, 2026 at 12:43 AM
Kare 11 local news just read, in full, this statement from Michael and Susan Pretti, the parents of Alex Pretti.
"Please get the truth out about our son."
"Please get the truth out about our son."
Reposted by Janelle O’Dea
You have to read this. Firsthand affidavit from one of the women who was there and recording the video. She talks about how Alex Pretti was directing traffic when she arrived. She watched him be killed in front of her. She's afraid to go home, worried she'll be arrested.
January 25, 2026 at 1:15 AM
You have to read this. Firsthand affidavit from one of the women who was there and recording the video. She talks about how Alex Pretti was directing traffic when she arrived. She watched him be killed in front of her. She's afraid to go home, worried she'll be arrested.
Perfect snow day book to start reading. Thanks @tonymess.bsky.social!
January 24, 2026 at 11:26 PM
Perfect snow day book to start reading. Thanks @tonymess.bsky.social!
Phoebe is all of us 🥶
January 24, 2026 at 8:39 PM
Phoebe is all of us 🥶
This is what democracy looks like.
January 23, 2026 at 10:42 PM
This is what democracy looks like.
Reposted by Janelle O’Dea
Reposted by Janelle O’Dea
Good morning. Don't forget to pick up extra 🍎 🍇 fruit and 🥦 🥕 veggies with your starm bread, milk, eggs. You can always bake or make soup.
German refugee Severin Roesen's Two-Tiered Still Life with Fruit and Sunset, ca. 1867, oil on canvas at Nelson Atkins Art Museum
see ALT text
German refugee Severin Roesen's Two-Tiered Still Life with Fruit and Sunset, ca. 1867, oil on canvas at Nelson Atkins Art Museum
see ALT text
January 23, 2026 at 1:21 PM
Good morning. Don't forget to pick up extra 🍎 🍇 fruit and 🥦 🥕 veggies with your starm bread, milk, eggs. You can always bake or make soup.
German refugee Severin Roesen's Two-Tiered Still Life with Fruit and Sunset, ca. 1867, oil on canvas at Nelson Atkins Art Museum
see ALT text
German refugee Severin Roesen's Two-Tiered Still Life with Fruit and Sunset, ca. 1867, oil on canvas at Nelson Atkins Art Museum
see ALT text
How little miss feels about going to the vet (routine, all is well)
January 23, 2026 at 5:47 PM
How little miss feels about going to the vet (routine, all is well)
Reposted by Janelle O’Dea
Sharing again:
I’m a Minneapolis sociologist who studies violence. Here’s how ICE observers are helping.
www.ms.now/opinion/minn...
I’m a Minneapolis sociologist who studies violence. Here’s how ICE observers are helping.
www.ms.now/opinion/minn...
Opinion | I'm a Minneapolis sociologist who studies violence. Here's how ICE observers are helping.
Research into how violence occurs shows that disapproval from the people around you can help reduce it.
www.ms.now
January 23, 2026 at 12:06 AM
Sharing again:
I’m a Minneapolis sociologist who studies violence. Here’s how ICE observers are helping.
www.ms.now/opinion/minn...
I’m a Minneapolis sociologist who studies violence. Here’s how ICE observers are helping.
www.ms.now/opinion/minn...
Ah, there is is. My first
Hi [first name] -
Email of the year!
Hi [first name] -
Email of the year!
January 20, 2026 at 4:31 PM
Ah, there is is. My first
Hi [first name] -
Email of the year!
Hi [first name] -
Email of the year!
Normally I’m a bit of a Luddite when we have iPhone OS changes, but I loooove the new DJ feature in Apple Music. Am I making breakfast in the kitchen — or am I in the clerb?? It’s hard to tell.
January 19, 2026 at 5:36 PM
Normally I’m a bit of a Luddite when we have iPhone OS changes, but I loooove the new DJ feature in Apple Music. Am I making breakfast in the kitchen — or am I in the clerb?? It’s hard to tell.
Reposted by Janelle O’Dea
Now that we’re all about “complying with the law” re Minnesota, does that extend to complying with the law re Epstein files?
January 17, 2026 at 1:48 AM
Now that we’re all about “complying with the law” re Minnesota, does that extend to complying with the law re Epstein files?
The Hampton/Pernod church sign is always 🎯
Seen in south St. Louis
Seen in south St. Louis
January 17, 2026 at 1:26 AM
The Hampton/Pernod church sign is always 🎯
Seen in south St. Louis
Seen in south St. Louis
Reposted by Janelle O’Dea
Breaking news: The Justice Department has issued subpoenas for Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz and Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey as part of an investigation alleging that they are impeding federal law enforcement officers’ abilities to do their jobs in the state.
Justice Dept. launches criminal investigation of Minnesota governor
The Justice Department has issued subpoenas for Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz and Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey as part of an investigation into impeding law enforcement.
www.washingtonpost.com
January 16, 2026 at 11:14 PM
Breaking news: The Justice Department has issued subpoenas for Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz and Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey as part of an investigation alleging that they are impeding federal law enforcement officers’ abilities to do their jobs in the state.
Reposted by Janelle O’Dea
I was telling one of my kids that it was physically impossible for an ad to play between songs on any of the records I own, and they asked "and you only have to pay for it once?" and you could see how strange that seemed. You cannot overstate how many basic rules of media consumption have changed.
January 16, 2026 at 4:59 AM
I was telling one of my kids that it was physically impossible for an ad to play between songs on any of the records I own, and they asked "and you only have to pay for it once?" and you could see how strange that seemed. You cannot overstate how many basic rules of media consumption have changed.
Reposted by Janelle O’Dea
The President telling a prime time network news host effectively "I got you this job" is not something you see every day.
DOKOUPIL: When I travel the country, they tell me they don't feel it because grocery prices are up--
TRUMP: They're going to now. I've only been here for 11 months. I inherited a mess. If she got in, you wouldn't have this job right now.
TRUMP: They're going to now. I've only been here for 11 months. I inherited a mess. If she got in, you wouldn't have this job right now.
January 14, 2026 at 1:32 AM
The President telling a prime time network news host effectively "I got you this job" is not something you see every day.