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.
-
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.
-
As technology advances, artificial intelligence is becoming more prominent in the healthcare system. In many cases patients may not fully understand — or even be aware of — the involvement of AI in their care.
-
A dispute over the cost of replacing utility poles remains unsettled as Virginia looks to continue expanding broadband internet access. Comcast and Appalachian Power share the cost of replacing poles that can't support broadband infrastructure. In February, the FCC said APCO was charging Comcast too much for pole replacement. Now, Comcast says it's still being overcharged.Cardinal News reporter Tad Dickens is covering this story and he spoke with Fred Echols.
-
A company that grows tomatoes in a 1.4-million square foot greenhouse in Southwest Virginia is putting its first products into stores this spring.
-
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.
