PHILADELPHIA, April 27, 2026 — Cozen O’Connor Public Strategies, the bipartisan government relations and communications affiliate of international law firm Cozen O’Connor, today announced the addition of Mikecia Witherspoon as principal in its Philadelphia office.
“Gov. JB Pritzker told reporters in Springfield Tuesday that he would like to see state lawmakers pass legislation to keep the Chicago Bears in Illinois sooner rather than later,” by WAND News.
“Gov. JB Pritzker, speaking with reporters after an event with FFA and F-H students Tuesday morning, said that he would be open to signing changes to the estate tax if they hit his desk,” by Capitol News Illinois.
“Gov. JB Pritzker defended his political ally Michael Sacks over the influential Democratic donor’s support for a pro-Israel super-PAC that has proved a divisive force within the state party during the recent primary election,” by Crain’s Chicago Business.
“Gov. JB Pritzker on Tuesday said there were ‘real failures’ in the nation’s immigration system that led to the fatal shooting of Loyola University Chicago student Sheridan Gorman last week, and added that while fixes need to be made to the system, that responsibility lies with the administration of President Donald Trump,” by the Chicago Tribune.
“Mayor Brandon Johnson on Wednesday used his third veto to bury an ordinance that would have frozen the hourly pay of Chicago’s tipped workers at 76% of the minimum wage, and he’s likely to make it stick unless there’s a compromise to give struggling restaurants a short break,” by the Chicago Sun-Times.
“Mayor Brandon Johnson says he was not aware his former deputy mayor for community safety and another aide filed complaints with the Office of Inspector General against the mayor’s top advisers before they were abruptly fired last week,” by Crain’s Chicago Business.
“The Trump administration must temporarily unfreeze almost $2 billion in federal funds for the Chicago Transit Authority’s Red Line Extension project, a federal judge ruled Tuesday,” by the Chicago Tribune.
“Eight years later, she’s fighting to keep her board seat and the voucher after an internal investigation by the CHA and multiple hearings determined that she committed fraud, according to a copy of the hearing officer’s decision reviewed by the Sun-Times and WBEZ,” by the Chicago Sun-Times.
“Another senior official is leaving Mayor Brandon Johnson’s administration, even as the mayor on Tuesday defended his recent decision to abruptly fire two top aides tasked with improving public safety,” by the Chicago Tribune.
In anticipation of winning control of the House in the November midterm elections, Democrats are developing their oversight strategy with an eye towards outflanking President Trump by going around the administration.
A subcommittee of the House Energy and Commerce Committee will hold a hearing this week on Section 230 of the Communications Decency Act, which provides immunity for online platforms regarding third-party content, as the law marks its 30th anniversary.
Turmoil in the private credit market is testing the Trump administration’s regulation by competition approach to the rapidly growing industry. Read the Cozen Currents here.
Security and risk expert and author Michael Gips joins Howard Schweitzer, chief executive officer of Cozen O’Connor Public Strategies, for a conversation on risk assessment, decision-making, and leadership when certainty is not an option. While most leaders are focused on the immediate pressures of the moment, security and risk professionals are scanning the horizon, identifying fractures in the foundation of institutions before they become crises. From AI-driven disruption to politically fueled threats, they operate where ambiguity is constant and the stakes are high. Together, they explore how these professionals stay grounded and persuade leaders to prepare for risks they cannot yet see, and why that mindset is increasingly essential across every sector. Listen here.
Legislative Analyst
Cozen O’Connor Public Strategies, an affiliate of the international law firm Cozen O’Connor, is a bipartisan government relations practice representing clients before the federal government and in cities and states throughout the country. With offices in Washington D.C., Richmond, Albany, New York City, Philadelphia, Harrisburg, Chicago, and Santa Monica, the firm’s public strategies professionals offer a full complement of government affairs services, including legislative and executive branch advocacy, policy analysis, assistance with government procurement and funding programs, and crisis management. Its client base spans multiple industries, including healthcare, transportation, hospitality, education, construction, energy, real estate, entertainment, financial services, and insurance.
Established in 1970, Cozen O’Connor has over 775 attorneys who help clients manage risk and make better business decisions. The firm counsels clients on their most sophisticated legal matters in all areas of the law, including litigation, corporate, and regulatory law. Representing a broad array of leading global corporations and middle-market companies, Cozen O’Connor serves its clients’ needs through 31 offices across two continents.
April 30, 2026
April 30, 2026
April 29, 2026
