Fred Echols
Producer and ReporterFred Echols is a long-time member of the WVTF Music/RADIO IQ news department and produces news content as well as public affairs programs. Fred's career in broadcasting began in North Carolina's Triad before switching from commercial radio, where he'd held numerous positions including program director. He was a long-time host of All Things Considered on WVTF and Radio IQ, and listeners still hear him on Radio IQ news programs, including during Cardinal Conversations features. He's also heard during our on-air fund drives.
-
In its latest required report to the State Corporation Commission, Appalachian Power told regulators that companies looking to build new data centers are still very interested in locating in Virginia. This comes at a time when some Virginia localities are losing their enthusiasm for new data centers.Cardinal News reporters Matt Busse and Julianna Stephenson have recently written about the data center issue and they spoke with Fred Echols. -
If federal regulators approve, a Florida company would build two pumped storage hydroelectric generating plants a few miles apart in Wise County near the Kentucky line.
-
Fees for hunting licenses and other outdoor activities in Virginia could be raised for the first time in more than a decade under a proposal from the Department of Wildlife Resources.
-
The company that owns The Kentucky Derby is looking to open two new gaming emporiums in Virginia. If approved by voters, one would be in Pulaski and the other in Amherst County.
-
Recognition of drug addiction as a public health emergency rather than a matter of law enforcement has gained greater acceptance. But when Hope Initiative was formed in Roanoke a decade ago the idea didn't have a great deal of support.
-
APCO is also seeking approval for changes to its billing structure. The company says the new rules would give customers the means to save money on their power bills.
-
One aspect of the data center industry in Virginia that isn't often talked about is the system of supply chains that provide equipment and support for the industry. Rural areas of the state are increasingly involved in that work and have seen job growth as a result. Dwayne Yancey with Cardinal News has looked at what's known and not known about how supply chains are developing. He spoke with Fred Echols.
-
Virginia is shifting management responsibility for its nursing scholarship support programs from the Department of Health to the Virginia Health Workforce Development Authority.
-
A proposed extra-high-voltage power line that would run from Campbell County to Culpeper County is drawing active opposition along its possible route. The line would carry 765-kilovolts of electricity, a rarity in Virginia.
-
Governor Spanberger's office says background checks for people who buy guns in private transactions in Virginia will resume immediately. The checks by Virginia State Police were stopped by court a ruling last October but re-authorized more than a month ago by the General Assembly. Despite that action by lawmakers, no background checks for private sales had been done until now. Elizabeth Beyer is covering this story for Cardinal News, and she talked about it with Fred Echols.
