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
![]()
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.
![]()
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.
![]()
Chicago’s City Council passes a new ward map
The approved map creates the city’s first majority-Asian ward and avoids a public referendum where voters decide boundaries.
![]()
State Rep. Delia Ramirez and Chicago Ald. Gilbert Villegas emerge as frontrunners for 3rd Congressional
The two have name recognition on their side in the heated, four-candidate race for the newly created district.
![]()
Mayor Lori Lightfoot picks Bally’s to be Chicago’s first casino
The casino could open a temporary site next year, but not everyone is thrilled about the potential new neighbor.
![]()
What to know about Illinois law if the Supreme Court strikes down Roe v. Wade
If the landmark abortion case is overturned, Illinois could be seen as even more of an “oasis” across the nation for those seeking an abortion.
![]()
Chicagoans can now apply for prepaid gas or transit cards
The City Council narrowly approved the $12.5 million taxpayer-funded program proposed by Mayor Lori Lightfoot in response to rising fuel prices.
![]()
Lightfoot called out Chicago media’s lack of diversity. A year later, journalists of color say access to her hasn’t improved.
In a surprise move, Lightfoot granted interviews only to reporters of color for a single day in 2021. But several local journalists say access to the mayor ended just as abruptly.
![]()
Willie Wilson is launching another attempt to be Chicago’s mayor
Just after handing out more than $1 million of free gas, the wealthy businessman announced he’s throwing his hat into next year’s race.
![]()
Ald. Raymond Lopez says he’ll run for Chicago mayor
The Southwest Side alderman is one of Mayor Lori Lightfoot’s harshest critics and has represented the 15th Ward since 2015.
