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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Here’s Where The Effort To Rename Lake Shore Drive Stands — And What It Could Cost
As Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot pushes alternate plans to honor DuSable, WBEZ digs into the potential costs and impact of renaming the iconic roadway.
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A Chicago Alderman Wants Tighter Control On Cannabis Shops As State Lawmakers Aim To Fix Equity In Ownership
Not one pot dispensary in Illinois is majority-owned by an African American. Chicago Alderman Anthony Beale wants all new licenses in the city to get council approval.
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Liquor Store Sales Curfew Plan Worries Some Businesses And Chicago Aldermen
Some Chicago stores say the earlier curfew will hurt their business. And some aldermen say the mayor’s plan lacks proof it will improve safety.
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Chicago Aldermen Delay Vote To Rename Lake Shore Drive After DuSable
Aldermen punted on an effort to rename one of the city’s iconic roadways after the Black man known as the “Founder of Chicago.”
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Lake Shore Drive Could Soon Be Renamed For Black Explorer Jean Baptiste Point DuSable
The Chicago City Council will decide whether to approve the name change after the city’s first non-Native Black resident Wednesday.
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Fully Vaccinated Chicagoans Are Now Encouraged — But Not Required — To Wear Masks
The new city guidance mirrors that from the state and the feds, except the city says people are strongly advised to keep on their masks for now.
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In Illinois, Vaccinated People Can Go Maskless In Most Places
The new guidance leaves it up to businesses to figure out who’s vaccinated and who’s not. But, a spokesperson for the governor says businesses won’t be required to do so.
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Is Dumping A Trove Of Hacked Government Emails Good Or Bad For Democracy?
Tens of thousands of emails from Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot’s staff were posted online. Experts weigh in on what should happen next.
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Even As Rules Relax, Some Chicagoans Say They’re Not Shedding Their Masks
Experts say after months of convincing people why they’re safer with a mask, it’s understandable why some aren’t yet ready to leave the house without them.
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What Seeking An Alternative To ComEd Could Really Mean For Chicago
Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot is seeking competition for ComEd as it negotiates the city’s utility franchise agreement. But some say an alternative to the company may not be the end goal.
