Kristen Schorsch

Previously, she covered health care, government, crime, courts, higher education and news of the weird (think coffin parties) for Crain’s Chicago Business, the Chicago Tribune, the Daily Southtown and the Iowa City Press-Citizen.
Kristen has won more than a dozen local and national awards for her work. Her stories have sparked policy changes and spurred investigations.
Kristen is a former longtime board member of the Chicago Headline Club and helps organize the club’s annual FOIAFest about public information and transparency. She has a bachelor’s degree in journalism from the University of Illinois and is a proud Daily Illini alumna.
Stories by Kristen Schorsch
Elderly Anxious For The COVID-19 Vaccine Face A Confusing Wait
As the state aims to start vaccinating people 65 and older, many seniors face confusion and unknowns about the process.
Leading Black Illinois Lawmakers Call For Nearly 3-Year Halt To Hospital Closures
The proposed moratorium comes as Mercy Hospital on Chicago’s South Side plans to close. Lawmakers say that would worsen health disparities.
Chicago Hospitals Race To Vaccinate Staff And Push To Move On To Others
As second doses begin for health care workers, Chicago hospitals met with Mayor Lori Lightfoot to figure out how to speed up COVID-19 vaccinations so that next priority groups can start.
During COVID-19, Chicago Med Students Are A Lifeline For Health Care Workers Seeking PPE
Chicago-area medical students have distributed more than half a million pieces of personal protective equipment, or PPE, to help slow the spread of the coronavirus.
Illinois Regulators Say Mercy Hospital Must Stay Open For Now
State regulators rejected Mercy Hospital’s plans to close, saying shuttering the hospital in the midst of a pandemic would devastate surrounding communities.
Health Care Workers In Chicago And Across Illinois Roll Up Their Sleeves For COVID-19 Vaccine
The vaccine is finally here. Here’s how some doctors are lining up to get immunized this week.
Illinois Regulators To Decide The Fate Of Mercy Hospital This Week
Mercy on the Near South Side says it’s been losing money and patients for years, but advocates are rallying to save the historic hospital.
When Some Small Hospitals In Chicago Were Full, Bigger Ones Had Beds To Spare
New data show disparities that hospitals serving communities of color have felt for months: “We’re playing chess with patients … and we’re getting overwhelmed.”
Chicago Clinics Are Working To Build Trust With Black Patients Who Are Wary Of COVID-19 Vaccine
With only 42% of Black adults in a national study saying they’re willing to take the COVID-19 vaccine, Chicago clinics serving communities of color see work ahead.
Despite The Pandemic, Cook County Board Approves 2021 Budget With No New Taxes
Cook County leaders are cautious about what their finances could look like next year if they don’t get federal COVID-19 money again.