Mariah Woelfel covers city government at WBEZ. Before joining the City Hall beat in 2021, Mariah worked as a general assignment reporter and producer at the station, where she covered the creation of and start to Illinois’ multimillion dollar recreational cannabis industry, as well as the city and state’s healthcare systems during the COVID-19 pandemic. Prior to WBEZ, Mariah worked as a reporter, producer and All Things Considered host at WVIK, an NPR member station in western Illinois.
She grew up in Chicago and currently lives on the city’s West Side with her dog, Lola.
Mariah Woelfel
Reporter
Stories by Mariah Woelfel
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Chicago City Council approves $51 million in aid for migrants after racially heated debate
The money will be used for staffing, food and other resources for migrants being bused to Chicago from other states.
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Chicago City Council delays migrant funding but approves new committee structure
As Johnson led his first City Council meeting as mayor, he gave key appointments to allies who endorsed him.
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A plan to spend $51 million to aid migrants rekindles a heated debate in a new Chicago City Council
While the measure is expected to pass, aldermen are debating prioritizing funding for migrant aid before investments for neighborhoods.
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Brandon Johnson is sworn in as Chicago mayor
As Johnson begins his term as Chicago mayor, he faces two immediate issues: an influx of migrants and potential summer violence.
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Mayor Lori Lightfoot declares a state of emergency as the number of migrants coming to Chicago spikes
The mayor’s declaration came as a panel of aldermen gave initial approval for $50 million to help the migrants being bused to the city.
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Mayor Lori Lightfoot says reform, equity and pandemic leadership will be her legacy
Lightfoot downplayed criticism and pointed to her success in managing COVID-19, civil unrest and championing neighborhood investment.
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Mayor-Elect Brandon Johnson’s new chief of staff is mum on policing proposals, but sees power staying with the mayor’s office
Rich Guidice, a former head of emergency management, says he hasn’t been fully briefed on Johnson’s policing plans, but plans to be a bridge with independent aldermen.
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Mayor-elect Brandon Johnson’s plans to double the number of jobs for Chicago’s teens faces many hurdles
Hiring more teens is part of Johnson’s immediate plan to stem crime. A study shows Chicago’s teen employment lags the national rate.
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Teary speeches, haikus and old war stories: Chicago City Council members bid farewell
Mayor Lori Lightfoot ended her final City Council meeting on Wednesday without a farewell address of her own.
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These are the moments that defined Chicago’s outgoing City Council
From mayoral elbowing to pandemic Zoom meetings, federal indictments and the Great Exodus, the City Council’s last four years have been quite tumultuous.
