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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Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker wants a special session to deal with overturning of Roe v. Wade
Abortion will remain legal in Illinois, but state leaders reacted swiftly to the Supreme Court’s decision Friday.
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An attempt to repeal Chicago’s 6 mph-over speeding tickets stalls
A measure that would have repealed that portion of the law was delayed in a City Council meeting that devolved into a dramatic battle between Mayor Lori Lightfoot and her staunchest council critics.
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Monique Scott is sworn in to Chicago City Council, replacing her brother as 24th Ward alderman
Her brother, Michael Scott Jr., resigned in May to take a job with the film and television production company, Cinespace.
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As World Sport Chicago’s programs and funding diminished, Kam Buckner’s salary grew
Buckner is running for Chicago mayor and has touted his time on the nonprofit. But an analysis shows the WSC dissolved under his watch.
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Lori Lightfoot launches her reelection campaign for Chicago mayor
In a video campaign launch, Lightfoot embraces headlines about her anger and “taking things personally,” saying she’s had to fight to be heard.
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What you need to know about Chicago’s new curfew for minors
The curfew moves up by one hour. But there are some exceptions.
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Chicago’s first casino is being billed as a pension solution. But it won’t be enough.
As the City Council gives the green light to Bally’s, a look at the financials show revenue would provide 9% of the $2 billion needed for pensions.
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Chicago’s City Council runs through marathon meetings to push a new casino plan forward
After an hours-long debate, a panel of Chicago aldermen advanced the mayor’s plan to bring a Bally’s casino to the city.
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Facing blowback on a new curfew, Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot asks City Council to weigh in
Lightfoot earlier this week issued an executive order moving up the curfew for minors. After the ACLU complained, agendas show a new ordinance pitch is coming.
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City officials outline details of a new curfew for Chicago teenagers
A new executive order directs Chicago police to “immediately increase enforcement” of the new curfew and take teens who don’t comply into custody.
