Janelle O’Dea
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jayohday.bsky.social
Janelle O’Dea
@jayohday.bsky.social
1.2K followers 470 following 420 posts
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? [email protected], Signal at jayohday.11
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jayohday.bsky.social
Janelle O’Dea @jayohday.bsky.social · 2d
The former chief of police in Carlyle, Illinois, Mark Pingsterhaus, is being investigated for possible charges that include wire fraud and theft of federal funds. illinoisanswers.org/2026/02/03/s...
Search warrant reveals FBI is investigating former Carlyle police chief
Article Summary This summary was written by the reporters and editors who worked on this story. CARLYLE — A search warrant executed by the FBI revealed the target of a […]
illinoisanswers.org
jayohday.bsky.social
Read the latest from me and @bhundsdorfer.bsky.social for @illinoisanswers.bsky.social @capitolnewsil.bsky.social

illinoisanswers.org/2026/02/03/s...
February 6, 2026 at 7:45 PM
jayohday.bsky.social
The other aspect of this that does not get much attention:

There is a deep grief within all of us women every single time we watch men refuse to hold other men accountable. And it happens over and over and over again, right in front of us. A constant refrain of “we don’t care about you”
karenho.bsky.social Karen K. Ho @karenho.bsky.social · 1d
the Epstein files are really devastating because they remind me of how many girls and women miss out on professional opportunities, mentorship and careers because of how many powerful, rich and influential men only view girls and women — and interactions with them — through the lens of sex
February 5, 2026 at 11:36 PM
Reposted by Janelle O’Dea
illinoisanswers.bsky.social
A search warrant reveals the FBI is investigating former Carlyle police chief.

Read the story with @capitolnewsil.bsky.social here: https://illinoisanswers.org/2026/02/03/search-warrant-reveals-fbi-is-investigating-former-carlyle-police-chief/
Search warrant reveals FBI is investigating former Carlyle police chief
Article Summary This summary was written by the reporters and editors who worked on this story. CARLYLE — A search warrant executed by the FBI revealed the target of a […]
illinoisanswers.org
February 4, 2026 at 9:58 PM
jayohday.bsky.social
The former chief of police in Carlyle, Illinois, Mark Pingsterhaus, is being investigated for possible charges that include wire fraud and theft of federal funds. illinoisanswers.org/2026/02/03/s...
Search warrant reveals FBI is investigating former Carlyle police chief
Article Summary This summary was written by the reporters and editors who worked on this story. CARLYLE — A search warrant executed by the FBI revealed the target of a […]
illinoisanswers.org
February 4, 2026 at 6:10 PM
Reposted by Janelle O’Dea
capitolnewsil.bsky.social
Carlyle police chief, who resigned Dec. 1, is the subject of an FBI investigation. @bhundsdorfer.bsky.social & @jayohday.bsky.social from @illinoisanswers.bsky.social➡️ https://loom.ly/UirT2MQ
Search warrant reveals FBI is investigating former Carlyle police chief
Article Summary The former chief of police in downstate Carlyle, Mark Pingsterhaus, is being investigated for possible charges that include
capitolnewsillinois.com
February 3, 2026 at 9:04 PM
Reposted by Janelle O’Dea
thedailyshow.com
Jon Stewart on the latest Epstein dump, the lack of accountability, and how the real sanctuary cities in America are "where money and power protect you from the consequences of sex trafficking"
February 3, 2026 at 4:06 PM
Reposted by Janelle O’Dea
minakimes.bsky.social
A reminder that Bad Bunny performs in front of the biggest audience on earth in seven days
February 2, 2026 at 2:22 AM
jayohday.bsky.social
I watched the 1990 movie “Misery” last night — had never seen it — and it once again confirmed any 80s or 90s thriller worth its salt has a scene with one character opening newspaper archive books in the library and having an “ah-ha!” moment

Inspired by the Rewind Rewatch podcast
February 1, 2026 at 7:26 PM
Reposted by Janelle O’Dea
startribune.com
Hundreds of people spelled out the distress signal "SOS" on Bde Maka Ska in Minneapolis on Friday, Jan. 30.

📷️ Provided by Jeff Schad
January 31, 2026 at 6:10 PM
jayohday.bsky.social
Psst:

55 days until opening day ⚾️
2025 sunny day at Busch Stadium/hey there’s the arch
January 31, 2026 at 11:19 PM
jayohday.bsky.social
I passed by at the tail end of it but just saw a bunch of protesters and cop cars dispersing from near BJC, near Kingshighway and Forest Park Ave. Caught one sign: “white silence is violence”
January 31, 2026 at 12:00 AM
Reposted by Janelle O’Dea
illinoisanswers.bsky.social
An off-duty suburban cop crashed his car with his kids inside, fled home and held police at bay for four hours while armed, police records show. The standoff ended with a hug — and no charges that day.
https://bit.ly/4c0pGYQ
‘You’re One of Us’: After Off-Duty Cop Crashed Car Then Holed Up at Home in Armed Standoff with Police, He Got a Big Hug and Initially Faced No Charges
Officer Ryan Harter eventually was charged with misdemeanors — nearly three weeks later.
bit.ly
January 30, 2026 at 3:07 PM
Reposted by Janelle O’Dea
charlesornstein.bsky.social
“I’m not aware of something like this happening ever before.” FBI’s Search of Georgia Election Center Is “Dangerous,” Experts Warn, by @dougbockclark.bsky.social @jenafifield.bsky.social
FBI’s Search of Georgia Election Center Is “Dangerous,” Experts Warn
The search warrant, which sought 2020 election ballots, tabulator tapes, digital data and voter rolls from Fulton County, marked what experts described as a significant escalation in President Donald ...
www.propublica.org
January 29, 2026 at 1:34 PM
jayohday.bsky.social
When I worked at the Post-Dispatch, I felt like I made the same map over and over again. Didn’t matter the service or data point — trash removal, lead poisoning, demolitions, vacant property, snow removal — same level of disparity, same places.

How. Many. Times. do we have to write the same story?
January 28, 2026 at 9:42 PM
Reposted by Janelle O’Dea
juliametraux.bsky.social
The Trump administration formally withdrew federal guidance that required pharmacies to dispense methotrexate. Chronically ill people may face more challenges in getting this drug for their health. My latest for @motherjones.com. www.motherjones.com/politics/202...
HHS will allow pharmacies to boycott lifesaving drugs used in medication abortion
Misoprostol and methotrexate do more than end pregnancies—but anti-abortion pharmacists can now refuse to offer them and still get federal funds.
www.motherjones.com
January 28, 2026 at 7:20 PM
jayohday.bsky.social
Correction: jackknifed on *Gravois*

This reporter regrets the error.
jayohday.bsky.social Janelle O’Dea @jayohday.bsky.social · 12d
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
January 25, 2026 at 11:31 PM
jayohday.bsky.social
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
January 25, 2026 at 11:23 PM
jayohday.bsky.social
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.
Cat foot full of toe beans poking out of the covers
January 25, 2026 at 11:20 PM
Reposted by Janelle O’Dea
juliedicaro.bsky.social
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."
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
Reposted by Janelle O’Dea
acyn.bsky.social
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
January 25, 2026 at 7:31 PM
Reposted by Janelle O’Dea
barackobama.bsky.social
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
Reposted by Janelle O’Dea
thanksabrunch.bsky.social
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
Reposted by Janelle O’Dea
jenmascia.bsky.social
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:
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
Reposted by Janelle O’Dea
jeffrueter.bsky.social
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."
Statement from Michael and Susan Pretti Parents of Alex Jeffrey Pretti “We are heartbroken but also very angry. Alex was a kindhearted soul who cared deeply for his family and friends and also the American veterans whom he cared for as an ICU nurse at the Minneapolis VA hospital. Alex wanted to make a difference in this world. Unfortunately, he will not be with us to see his impact. I do not throw around the ‘hero’ term lightly. However, his last thought and act was to protect a woman. The sickening lies told about our son by the administration are reprehensible and disgusting. Alex is clearly not holding a gun when attacked by Trump’s murdering and cowardly ICE thugs. He had his phone in his right hand and his empty left hand is raised above his head while trying to protect the woman ICE just pushed down, all while being pepper sprayed. Please get the truth out about our son. He was a good man. Thank you.
January 25, 2026 at 12:43 AM
Reposted by Janelle O’Dea
reichlinmelnick.bsky.social
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.
1. I am a resident of the Whittier neighborhood of Minneapolis, Minnesota. I am over 18 years of age. I am a children's entertainer who specializes in face painting. 2. On Saturday, January 24, 2026, at about 8:50 am, I was getting ready to go to work when I heard whistles outside. I knew the whistles meant that ICE agents were in the area, so I decided to check it out on my way to work. I've been involved in observing in my community because it is so important to document what ICE is doing to my neighbors. Connecting to your local community and knowing who your neighbors are is something I profoundly value. 3. I drove to Nicollet Ave. and 26th where I could hear the whistles coming from. I turned south onto Nicollet. There were already several ICE agents there and they'd set up a sort of vehicle convoy on Nicollet and 28th. There were also about 15 observers there, recording and observing ICE. 4. I saw ICE agents surrounding cars and punching car windows. I also saw them stopping vehicles further down Nicollet, so I backed up because I didn't feel safe continuing on. 5. I noticed a man sort of acting to help traffic move more smoothly. He helped me find a place to park. I got out with my whistle and my camera. I went over to him and said something like, "I'm going to film and use my whistle." 6. It seemed like most ICE activity was happening a little farther down the street from us, near 27th. Someone was being thrown to the ground. 7. I started recording. There was an agent by a car across the street. Two observers were a few feet away from the agent, blowing their whistles. One was wearing a backpack. 8. I and the man who was observing and helping direct traffic were standing in the street. There was a phone in the man's hand recording a video. 9. An agent approached and asked us to back up, so I moved slowly back onto the sidewalk. 10. The man stayed in the street, filming as the other observers I mentioned earlier were being forced backward by another ICE agent threatening them with pepper spray. The man went closer to support them as they got threatened, just with his camera out. I didn't see him reach for or hold a gun. 11. Then the ICE agent shoved one of the other observers to the ground. Then he started pepper spraying all three of them directly in the face and all over. The man with the phone put his hands above his head and the agent sprayed him again and pushed him. 12. Then the man tried to help up the woman the ICE agent had shoved to the ground. The ICE agents just kept spraying. More agents came over and grabbed the man who was still trying to help the woman get up. All three of the observers looked to have been badly affected by the pepper spray. I could feel the pepper spray in my eyes. 13. The agents pulled the man on the ground. I didn't see him touch any of them-he wasn't even turned toward them. It didn't look like he was trying to resist, just trying to help the woman up. I didn't see him with a gun. They threw him to the ground. Four or five agents had him on the ground and they just started shooting him. They shot him so many times. 14.1 don't know why they shot him. He was only helping. I was five feet from him and they just shot him. 15. The video I recorded of what happened accurately depicts the events leading up to the agents shooting him and several minutes afterwards. The video is attached as Exhibit 1. 16. I have read the statement from DHS about what happened and it is wrong. The man did not approach the agents with a gun. He approached them with a camera. He was just trying to help a woman get up and they took him to the ground. 17. I feel afraid. Only hours have passed since they shot a man right in front me and I don't feel like I can go home because I heard agents were looking for me. I don't know what the agents will do when they find me. I do know that they're not telling the truth about what happened. I've heard that other witnesses might have been arrested and taken to the Whipple Building. 18. I am disgusted and gutted at how they are treating my neighbors and my state. I keep alternating between crying and feeling determined it is important to remember the value of documenting injustice. We show up for the people who need us to bear witness, because it can't just be one group of people bearing the brunt of their tyranny. This is a struggle to protect our freedom and democracy, those things are on the line. He lost his life for those values. I declare under penalty of perjury that everything I have stated in this document is true and correct. Dated and signed on Jan 24, 2026 in Hennepin County, State of Minnesota.
January 25, 2026 at 1:15 AM