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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COVID-19 Cases In Illinois Are Up Again, But Experts Say This Surge May Be Different
Indoor masking is now recommended in most of Illinois. But, health experts explain this delta-fueled COVID-19 surge may not be as deadly.
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Could A New Agency Save Chicago’s 4 Million Trees?
In Chicago, areas flush with resources are also flush with trees. But a new city agency could be tasked with changing that “tree inequity.“
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Lightfoot Says There Is No Need For The City’s Investigator To Join Probe Into Lifeguard Abuse
Chicago’s mayor quickly shot down a proposal from two aldermen who said the city should help the park district’s internal watchdog.
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In A Historic Reform, Elected Civilians Will Now Help Oversee Chicago’s Police Department
The ordinance, passed 36 to 13, is a compromise between two previously competing proposals from Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot and community activists who’ve been pushing for several different iterations of police oversight for years.
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City Council Approves Chicago’s Next Megadevelopment In Bronzeville
Chicago aldermen gave final approval to the Bronzeville Lakefront development Wednesday, which is on the site City Hall had hoped to use for its failed 2016 Olympic bid.
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Fitness Center, Turf Fields And Spray Pool Coming With New Chicago Park District Headquarters In Brighton Park
The Chicago Park District is moving its headquarters to the Southwest Side, bringing amenities and office space for nearly 200 employees.
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Lake Shore Drive Name Change Is Back Before Council — But Will It Get A Vote?
After political maneuvering kept Chicago aldermen from voting on the proposal to rename the iconic roadway after DuSable last month, the pitch is expected to be back Wednesday.
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Once Again, Chicago Police Reform Proposals Get Delayed
Lacking needed votes even after last-minute changes, the long-awaited activist led-proposal to reform the Chicago Police Department was tabled.
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Tip Your Server Well, Keep A Mask Handy And Other Advice As Illinois Prepares To Fully Reopen
The state will fully lift restrictions on capacity at restaurants and bars, but unvaccinated people will still be asked to mask up and distance.
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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.
