Pennsylvania
Jennifer Liptak leaves Allegheny County to rejoin Rich Fitzgerald at Southwestern Pennsylvania Commission – Pittsburgh Union Progress
Jennifer Liptak — who spent 26 years in Allegheny County government, including 12 as the top assistant to former County Executive Rich Fitzgerald — is following her old boss to the Southwestern Pennsylvania Commission.
The county announced Friday that Liptak resigned as county manager for new County Executive Sara Innamorato to join the commission in the newly created position of deputy executive director/chief operating officer. Liptak was Fitzgerald’s chief of staff for 12 years and finished as county manager in the final few months of his term after previously working for the district attorney’s office and serving as County Council’s budget director.
“I’ve been thinking for a long time about work-life balance,” Liptak said in an interview Friday after conducting the monthly meeting of the Pittsburgh Regional Transit board, where she is the vice chair.
“I had the opportunity to stay [with the county]. I felt it was the right time to move on to new opportunities.”
In a news release, Innamorato said it was “bittersweet” for Liptak to move on.
“I want to personally thank her for shepherding my administration with an exceptionally professional and smooth transition for the last six months,” Innamorato said. “We have learned so much from her and enjoyed working with her immensely, but after 12 demanding years as a chief of staff to the county executive and county manager we respect her decision to start a new chapter in her professional journey.”
Fitzgerald said in a news release from SPC that Liptak had a lot to do with improvements in many aspects of the county and he’s pleased she is joining him at SPC. In January, Fitzgerald went to the 10-county planning agency, which sets priorities for spending federal transportation funds, when term limits prevented him from another term as county executive.
“From the success of the airport, investing in infrastructure, rehabilitating bridges, the vibrancy of the trails and parks, and making the county government’s operations more efficient, Jennifer has been instrumental in bringing these initiatives to fruition,” he said. “Now, Jennifer will be able to use her outstanding qualities and experiences to support the 10-county region with its transportation, infrastructure, economic, workforce and quality of life priorities.”
At SPC, Liptak will oversee a 50-member staff and report directly to Fitzgerald.
Deputy County Manager Steve Pilarski will serve as acting manager until a new one is selected by Innamorato and confirmed by County Council.
Ed covers transportation at the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, but he’s currently on strike. Email him at eblazina@unionprogress.com.
Pennsylvania
Emails detail how leaders in one Pa. county worked behind the scenes after ICE detention center surprise
Tuesday, June 16, 2026 12:35AM
MARCUS HOOK, Pa. (WPVI) — Residents in Delaware County are being asked to avoid a neighborhood in Marcus Hook after a mercury spill.
The Delaware County Health Department says the spill happened at a vacant home on the 1000 block of Yates Avenue.
Emergency response and environmental assessment teams were on the scene scene evaluating the situation
As a precaution, residents are being asked to avoid the immediate area.
It’s still unclear what caused the spill.
Copyright © 2026 WPVI-TV. All Rights Reserved.
PHILADELPHIA (WPVI) — Recently rescued Ragdoll cats are now available for adoption from the Pennsylvania SPCA.
Agents were able to save 78 cats and kittens from a home in Lancaster County last week.
“Lots of adults are ready to find homes of their own. While they are still nervous and adjusting to their new surroundings, we know that with patient, understanding adopters, they will gain confidence and blossom into wonderful kitties,” PSPCA said in a social media post.
The shelter says many have not yet been spayed or neutered due to the large number of cats rescued, so keep that in mind if traveling in hopes of adopting.
Animal enforcement executed a search warrant on the home in the 300 block of Spencer Avenue last Tuesday after receiving a tip. They say the animals were living in deplorable and unsanitary conditions, according to officials.
“Some were frightened. Some were sick. All were living in conditions no animal should ever have to endure,” PSPCA said in a social media post.
Investigators say they also found feces and trash throughout the home, where the cats were free-roaming inside.
“The air was harsh, but officers spent hours working through those physically demanding conditions to ensure every animal could be found and brought to safety,” the post said.
Many of the adult cats will be available for adoption at the SPCA’s headquarters in the Hunting Park section of Philadelphia as of Monday.
The rescued kittens are still too young to be adopted.
Adoptions are first-come, first-served, PSPCA says.
You can review the adoption process and fees on the PSPCA website.
Copyright © 2026 WPVI-TV. All Rights Reserved.
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