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 Mountain Valley Pipeline – which saw all its court challenges ended by Congress in June – has taken another step toward completion with an agreement that appears to resolve concerns about pipe that's been exposed to the elements for several years.Fred Echols spoke with Matt Busse who's covering the story for Cardinal News. -
The latest numbers from the Census Bureau show that Virginia's statewide median household income fell by more than two-percent last year as payrolls and population dropped in Northern Virginia.Dwayne Yancey with Cardinal News has been examining the data and talked about it with Fred Echols.
-
One of every eight American adults is taking an anti-depressant and 20-percent have recently received some type mental health care. By these and other measures the nation is facing a mental health crisis.Two Virginia healthcare systems are seeking to meet the growing need by revamping the way they treat mental health patients.Fred Echols spoke with Matt Busse who has reported on these changes for Cardinal News.
-
Virginia's Standards of Learning test scores are out and they show more evidence that many K-through-12 students struggled during the pandemic.Fred Echols talked with Cardinal News reporter Lisa Rowan who's been covering the issue.
-
Even though it's not legal to sell marijuana in Virginia, it can be shared as gift.Now a new kind of retail shop has come to the Commonwealth in which people can buy various kinds of things and receive marijuana as a “free” thank-you gift.Fred Echols talked with reporter Susan Cameron who's been covering the story for Cardinal News.
-
Among the negative effects associated with tick bites is a condition called alpha-gal syndrome. It can cause food allergies and even life-threatening shock in susceptible individuals. One of the places where the syndrome is seen most frequently is Bedford County, between Roanoke and Lynchburg. Fred Echols spoke with Amy Jablonski who wrote about alpha-gal syndrome for Cardinal News.
-
The federal government is looking to develop new tech industry hubs around the country through competitive grants. Even though it's a competition, two grant applicants – The Virginia Nuclear Energy Consortium and The Lynchburg Regional Business Alliance – are actively supporting each other's efforts.Fred Echols talked with Matt Busse who's covering the story for Cardinal News.
-
Caesar's Casino in Danville has been open in its temporary location since mid-May and the reviews are generally positive so far. Fred Echols spoke with Grace Mamon who reports from Danville for Cardinal News and has been covering the casino story.
-
Southwest Virginia is among the places where the federal government hopes to find rare earth elements and other minerals essential for digital technology, national security and the U. S. economy. Fred Echols spoke with Cardinal News reporter Matt Busse who's covering story.
-
This past weekend would have been the sales-tax holiday for back-to-school shopping in Virginia. But the law is no longer on the books.Fred Echols talked with Dwayne Yancey of Cardinal News about what happened and why there isn't much of a visible effort to bring it back.
