Fred Echols

A new report from the General Assembly's Joint Legislative Audit and Review Commission describes the ongoing shortage of affordable childcare in Virginia. Dwayne Yancey with Cardinal News has been studying that report and shared some of what he found in it with Fred Echols.

Among the most infamous events of the Civil Rights Movement in Virginia was Bloody Monday, the day in 1963 when police in Danville beat and arrested protesters on the streets of downtown. Those arrested that day – and during continuing protests – were largely convicted in non-public trials run by a segregationist judge.Audio recordings of those trials are now available to the public in Danville and Richmond. Fred Echols spoke with Grace Mamon of Cardinal News, who's been researching the struggle for civil rights in Danville for a series of stories.

The most obvious change at the Virginia General Assembly following this month's elections is that when lawmakers return to Richmond next year Democrats will control both the House and the Senate. But there's another power shift that hasn't drawn quite as much attention.Fred Echols talked with Dwayne Yancey of Cardinal News about the geography of the next General Assembly.

The Blue Ridge Parkway is the nation's most visited national park, drawing around 16 million people every year. But the Blue Ridge Parkway Foundation and other supporters say the 17 million dollars it receives annually from the National Park Service isn't enough even for basic maintenance, let alone improvements and services.Fred Echols talked with Ralph Berrier, Jr., who wrote about the parkway for Cardinal News.

All 140 seats in the Virginia General Assembly are on the ballot in this year's election. Voters will decide whether to continue divided government in Richmond or put one party in charge.Dwayne Yancey with Cardinal News has spent several decades covering Virginia politics and shared some of his thoughts about the 2023 vote with Fred Echols.

Many Virginia-based authors are among those who say their work is being used without compensation by artificial intelligence developers. And they say that threatens the authors' livelihoods – both now and in the future.Fred Echols spoke with reporter Tad Dickens who's been covering the story for Cardinal News.

Solar panel farms have become common sights in southside Virginia, where land is inexpensive and sunshine is plentiful. But, some counties in the region have decided it's time slow the growth of solar energy production.Fred Echols talked with Matt Busse who covers that story for Cardinal News.

People who've had their Virginia driver's license revoked because of lapses in insurance coverage or other problems can have a hard time getting that license back. And it can be even more challenging for low income people. But help is now available. Fred Echols spoke with Cardinal News reporter Kate Flannigan who wrote a story about a group called Blue Ridge Mile.

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.