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.
-
The Virginia General Assembly is in the midst of a debate about tax incentives that have made the state a world leader in attracting data centers. The tax breaks are set to expire in 2035, but some lawmakers want to end them next year. -
BWXT is scaling up its development of tri-structural isotropic fuel – also known as TRISO fuel – to go along with its micro-reactor program.
-
Three recent national studies have found as many as ten mostly rural Virginia hospitals at risk of closure under new federal Medicaid rules. While no closures are seen as imminent, research suggests the state could lose a large share of its current federal Medicaid funding over the next five years.
-
A recent survey along the Blue Ridge Parkway found that increasing light from cities and towns is seriously compromising night views of the heavens even in rural areas.
-
The Commonwealth Cyber Initiative was established by the General Assembly to attract investment in cybersecurity research and development to Virginia's smaller colleges and universities. Those schools have been hard-pressed to compete for funding against larger institutions.
-
According to a new report, about a third of all jobs in Virginia will be affected in some way by artificial intelligence. That includes jobs in a wide range of skill levels and locations.Dwayne Yancey with Cardinal News has studied the report and he talked about it with Fred Echols.
-
Appalachian Power has a plan to move tons of coal ash from its closed generating plant at Glen Lyn in Giles County to a new landfill the company would build nearby in West Virginia.
-
Danville Community College will be adding aircraft maintenance training to its programs this fall. Graduates of the new program will help meet growing demand for maintenance technicians in aviation and other industries. Cardinal News reporter Grace Mamon is covering this story and she spoke with Fred Echols.
-
Early stage planning is underway for a potential two-million-square-foot data center in Wise County. The proposed project would include a power plant.
-
Almost all of Virginia's rural counties and many small and medium-sized cities that had lost population are now seeing more people arriving than leaving.
