Todd McCollum is joined by Bob Crankovic - filling in for Russell Dryer, and returning guest James Hayes, candidate for Congress in Pennsylvania’s 12th District. Hayes returns to the podcast to provide an update on his campaign, including voter outreach initiatives, fundraising, door knocking, and the issues he says he is hearing about across Western Pennsylvania.

The conversation covers public safety, energy production, gasoline and electricity costs, nuclear power, data centers, artificial intelligence, and economic development. Hayes discusses the role he believes Pennsylvania’s energy industry can play in regional growth, potential uses for brownfield sites, and how emerging technologies such as AI could affect small businesses and the broader economy.

The group also revisits the U.S. Steel–Nippon Steel partnership and its potential impact on the Mon Valley, steelmaking, advanced manufacturing, and future investment in Western Pennsylvania.

Later, the discussion turns to the recently unsealed City of Pittsburgh search warrant, questions surrounding no-bid contracts, financial oversight, city finances, pensions, and the responsibilities of the legislative branch when it comes to appropriations and accountability. The hosts and Hayes emphasize that the investigation remains ongoing and that no criminal charges had been filed at the time of the discussion.

The episode also examines Allegheny County’s proposed paid parental leave requirements, including possible impacts on small businesses, employers, the county tax base, and economic competitiveness. The group closes with a discussion of the UPMC settlement involving gender-related medical care for minors and a local feel-good story honoring 103-year-old World War II Merchant Marine veteran Anthony “Tony” Vaccarelli.

Special Guests: Bob Crankovic and James Hayes.

In this episode of The Right Side of the Rivers, Eileen Cunningham fills in for Todd McCollum. She and Russell Dryer welcome Jim Edwards, Republican candidate for Pennsylvania’s 35th House District.

A lifelong resident of the Mon Valley, Jim discusses growing up in North Braddock, his ties to Homestead and Munhall, and his decades of military service in the U.S. Air Force and Army. As he prepares to retire as a lieutenant colonel, Jim explains why he sees running for office as another opportunity to serve his community.

The conversation dives into Jim’s campaign priorities, including property-tax relief for seniors, lowering Pennsylvania’s fuel taxes, reducing regulations on small businesses, expanding the local tax base, creating jobs, and revitalizing communities throughout the Mon Valley. Jim also talks about what he is hearing while knocking on doors and his efforts to connect with Republican, Democratic, and independent voters across the district.

The group discusses the importance of the U.S. Steel–Nippon Steel deal, its impact on union jobs and businesses throughout the region, and the need to attract new investment to communities that have experienced decades of economic decline. They also examine public safety, police staffing, prosecution, affordable housing, conditions at Mon View Heights, property taxes, inheritance taxes, and Allegheny County’s continued population loss.

Later, the conversation turns to the redevelopment of Homestead and The Waterfront as an example of what economic growth can look like in the Mon Valley, along with the importance of grassroots organizing, voter registration, door knocking, and rebuilding Republican infrastructure in traditionally Democratic communities.

Plus, Jim shares how listeners can connect with his campaign as he works to become the first Republican to represent the 35th House District.

Special Guests: Eileen Cunningham and James Edwards.

On Episode 30 of The Right Side of the Rivers, Todd McCollum and Russell Dryer welcome Libby Blackburn, Republican candidate for Pennsylvania’s 30th House District.

Libby shares how she stepped into the race following the disqualification of the original Republican candidate and discusses the experience she brings after more than 14 years of service on the North Allegheny School Board. A lifelong resident of the area, longtime community volunteer, former airline employee, and small business owner, Libby explains why she wants to take her record of public service to Harrisburg.

The conversation covers some of the biggest issues facing families in northern Allegheny County, including affordability, rising energy and utility costs, education funding, responsible government spending, property reassessments, and protecting taxpayers. Libby also discusses her approach to working across party lines, her commitment to fiscal responsibility, and why she believes Pennsylvania needs a fairer education funding formula.

The group also takes a broader look at the upcoming Allegheny County property reassessment, the importance of local elections and voter participation, Pittsburgh’s economic challenges, and the region’s continued leadership in healthcare, robotics, and emerging technology.

Plus, hear how Libby earned approximately 2,700 write-in votes to secure her place on the November ballot and why she believes Republicans, independents, and like-minded Democrats can make the difference in the 30th District.

Special Guest: Libby Blackburn.

In this episode of The Right Side of the Rivers, hosts Todd McCollum and Russell Dryer welcome Tim McCune, candidate for Pennsylvania’s 36th Legislative District, for a conversation about his background, why he decided to run for office, and the concerns he is hearing from residents across Pittsburgh’s southern neighborhoods and Brentwood. Tim discusses his years of service as a volunteer firefighter, his community and nonprofit work, and his focus on public safety, taxes, affordability, and making sure elected officials remain connected to the people they represent.

The conversation also explores several issues impacting Pittsburgh and Allegheny County, including new health-monitoring technology at the Allegheny County Jail, concerns surrounding the county pension fund, economic development and data centers, and the potential burden of additional taxes on local residents. The episode rounds out with discussion of local innovation and technology, Pittsburgh’s connection to space exploration, and RCAC's upcoming event commemorating America 250 and the 25th anniversary of September 11.

Special Guest: Tim McCune.

In this episode of The Right Side of the Rivers, hosts Todd McCollum and Russell Dryer welcome Pennsylvania State Representative Valerie Gaydos for a conversation about her path from the private sector to the Pennsylvania House of Representatives and the issues shaping Western Pennsylvania. Drawing on her background in technology, entrepreneurship, and small business, Gaydos discusses economic development, healthcare affordability, advanced manufacturing, artificial intelligence, and the opportunities created by the Pittsburgh International Airport corridor.

The discussion also explores the state budget, government spending, public safety, criminal justice reform, and a recent legislative debate over sentencing laws in Harrisburg. The episode wraps with a look at grassroots campaigning, voter engagement, the importance of electing leaders with real-world business experience, and the recent visit by the Union Pacific "Big Boy" locomotive as part of America's 250th anniversary celebration.

Special Guest: Valerie Gaydos.

In this episode of The Right Side of the Rivers, hosts Todd McCollum and Russell Dryer welcome Mary Jo Wise, Moon Township Supervisor and former Republican candidate for Allegheny County Council, for a wide-ranging discussion on local government, public policy, and the challenges facing Allegheny County. Mary Jo shares her journey into public service, discusses how Moon Township has maintained balanced budgets and bipartisan cooperation, and explains why local government should remain focused on public safety, infrastructure, and responsible fiscal management.

The conversation also explores the future of Pittsburgh International Airport and data centers in Moon Township, the state of Downtown Pittsburgh, county jail leadership, immigration-related legal controversies, emergency services funding, public transit, and the importance of attracting young professionals to Western Pennsylvania. The episode wraps with a look at Picklesburgh, community engagement, and why strong local leadership and commonsense decision-making remain essential to the future of Allegheny County.

Special Guest: Mary Jo Wise.

In this episode of The Right Side of the Rivers, host Todd McCollum is joined by special co-host Bob Crankovic for a conversation with Joe Aguglia, who is running for Pennsylvania’s 20th House District. Joe shares his background as an attorney, prosecutor, policy writer, and public servant, discussing his experience drafting legislation, working in county government, and why he believes commonsense leadership is needed in Harrisburg.

The discussion also explores several major issues currently impacting Pennsylvania and Allegheny County, including recent U.S. Supreme Court rulings involving women’s sports, public safety, government spending, school choice, nonprofit funding, and the growing concerns over local budgets and taxation. The episode wraps up with a look at infrastructure projects across the region, community development, and Joe’s vision for bringing greater accountability, fiscal responsibility, and practical solutions to state government.

Special Guests: Bob Crankovic and Joe Aguglia.

In this episode of The Right Side of the Rivers, host Todd McCollum and special co-host Eileen Cunningham welcome Beaver County Sheriff Tony Guy, Republican candidate for Pennsylvania’s 17th Congressional District. Tony shares his journey from growing up in Aliquippa and serving 25 years with the Pennsylvania State Police to leading the Beaver County Sheriff’s Office and now seeking to represent Western Pennsylvania in Congress. He discusses the values that shaped his career, the lessons learned from law enforcement, and why he believes common-sense leadership is needed in Washington.

The conversation explores some of the most pressing issues facing the region, including public safety, juvenile crime, law enforcement staffing shortages, accountability in the justice system, and the challenges facing Pittsburgh’s downtown neighborhoods. Tony also discusses economic development, the future of manufacturing, the impact of the U.S. Steel–Nippon Steel partnership, and the importance of creating opportunities that allow families to build successful futures in Western Pennsylvania. The episode closes with a discussion of Pittsburgh sports, community pride, and Tony’s vision for bringing practical problem-solving and public service experience to Congress.

Special Guests: Eileen Cunningham and Tony Guy.