Christopher Tyree
As seen in:
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Medium,
PBS,
Flipboard,
Phys.org,
The Hindu,
Irish Independent,
ProPublica,
Medical Xpress,
The World from PRX,
The Virginian-Pilot
and
Covers:
Investigative, transmedia journalist focused on telling stories of the human condition
Doesn't Cover:
entertainment
Journalism=Democracy. ED and Co-founder of Virginia Center for Investigative Journalism. VCIJ.org Tweets represent my own views. He/Him
Articles by Christopher Tyree
A rural diabetes clinic struggles to provide care
Federal cuts and policy changes have pushed more than 113,000 patients out of Medicaid and the Children's Health Insurance Program in Virginia. The changes have cut reimbursements that sustain clinics in communities like Franklin, a city in the middle of Virginia's diabetes belt.
A rural diabetes clinic struggles to provide care
Federal cuts and policy changes have pushed more than 113,000 patients out of Medicaid and the Children's Health Insurance Program in Virginia. The changes have cut reimbursements that sustain clinics in communities like Franklin, a city in the middle of Virginia's diabetes belt.
A rural diabetes clinic struggles to provide care
Virginia Center for Investigative Journalism Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Federal cuts and policy changes have pushed more than 113,000 patients out of Medicaid and the Children’s Health Insurance Program in Virginia. The changes have cut reimbursements that sustain clinics in communities like Franklin, a city in the middle of Virginia's diabetes belt. Click here to read this story.
Living for Coal, Dying for Breath
Christopher Tyree is a Virginia native and the senior director and co-founder of the Virginia Center for Investigative Journalism. For more than 30 years, his cameras and pen have carried him to report on stories on nearly every continent. His award-winning projects have helped shape policy and spur awareness of important issues.
Living for Coal, Dying for Breath
Virginia Center for Investigative Journalism Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email CLICK HERE TO ENTER THE STORY THIS STORY WAS SUPPORTED BY THE PULITZER CENTER.
History in Virginia - long in the making
Virginia Center for Investigative Journalism Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Christopher Tyree / Virginia Center for Investigative Journalism at WHRO At a time of major political divisions, Abigail Spanberger speaks about her vision for a unified and economically sound Commonwealth during her inaugural address on January 17, 2026. Democrat Abigail Spanberger becomes Virginia’s first female governor, acknowledging generations who fought for a political voice.
A Virginia farmer faces a tumultuous season, future
Virginia Center for Investigative Journalism Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Christopher Tyree / VCIJ at WHRO U.S. tariffs and immigration enforcement have challenged Virginia farmers as the harvest season ends. For one Virginia farmer, the next season seems uncertain. Click here to launch this visual story.
“Uprooted”: What a Black Community Lost When a Virginia University Grew
Skip to main content Close Close Creative Commons Donate Email Add Email Facebook Instagram Mastodon Facebook Messenger Mobile Podcast Print ProPublica Search Secure WhatsApp YouTube “Uprooted”: What a Black Community Lost When a Virginia University Grew This short documentary reveals a Black community’s decadeslong battle to hold onto its land as officials in Newport News, Virginia, used eminent domain to establish and expand Christopher Newport University.
An Appalachian publisher thrives in the midst of industry upheaval - Editor and Publisher
Posted Tuesday, September 10, 2024 11:32 am Anne Adams drove her 27-year-old Mazda over the gently rolling hills of Highland County, Virginia, a faded but prominent “Press” sticker glued to the front windshield. She passed farms, bright white churches and the occasional sugar shack — for which the region is well known for making maple syrup — on her way to the day’s assignment.
The Family Photographs That Helped Us Investigate How a University Displaced a Black Community
In the second half of the 20th century, the establishment and expansion of public universities across Virginia uprooted Black families, hindering their efforts to accumulate wealth in the most American way — homeownership. ProPublica is a nonprofit newsroom that investigates abuses of power. Sign up for Dispatches, a newsletter that spotlights wrongdoing around the country, to receive our stories in your inbox every week. James and Barbara Johnson flip through a book of their memories.
Virginia Lawmakers Approve Commission to Examine Universities’ Displacement of Black Communities
In the second half of the 20th century, the establishment and expansion of public universities across Virginia uprooted Black families, hindering their efforts to accumulate wealth in the most American way — homeownership. This article was produced for ProPublica’s Local Reporting Network in partnership with the Virginia Center for Investigative Reporting at WHRO. Sign up for Dispatches to get stories like this one as soon as they are published.
Norfolk Has A Plan To Save Itself From Rising Seas. For Many, It’s A $2.7 Billion Mystery
BY JIM MORRISON The meetings to discuss Norfolk’s $2.7 billion storm risk plan were on opposite sides of the Elizabeth River, a month apart in March and April 2023. The first gathered leaders of some of the city’s poorest Black neighborhoods on the south side, people who consider themselves afterthoughts often ignored by city leaders focused on boosting downtown.
“Uprooted” Explores How University Expansion and Eminent Domain Led to Black Land Loss
In the second half of the 20th century, the establishment and expansion of public universities across Virginia uprooted Black families, hindering their efforts to accumulate wealth in the most American way — homeownership. This video was produced for ProPublica’s Local Reporting Network in partnership with the Virginia Center for Investigative Journalism at WHRO. Sign up for Dispatches _to get stories like this one as soon as they are published.
“Uprooted” Explores How University Expansion and Eminent Domain Led to Black Land Loss
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Opinion & Analysis 16 hours ago Donald Trump is not the only threat to democracy The Washington Post - By Letters to the Editor • 16h Dan Balz might be reassured by the failure of the mega rich’s millions to “produce the support of voters” for the likes of Virginia Gov.
By Brandi Kellam, Christopher Tyree, Louis Hansen, Lisa Riordan Seville Verified, Mauricio Rodríguez Pons Verified
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Flipboard
Virginia’s Public Universities Have a Long History of Displacing Black Residents
In the second half of the 20th century, the establishment and expansion of public universities across Virginia uprooted Black families, hindering their efforts to accumulate wealth in the most American way — homeownership. This article was produced for ProPublica’s Local Reporting Network in partnership with the Virginia Center for Investigative Journalism. Sign up for Dispatches to get stories like this one as soon as they are published.
‘I Just Don't Want To Die’: Black Pregnant Women Are Turning To Midwives For Personalized Care - And A Better Chance At Survival
PHOTOGRAPHS BY KAREN KASMAUSKI BY LOUIS HANSEN THE VIRGINIA CENTER FOR INVESTIGATIVE JOURNALISM AT WHRO Midwife Victoria Buchanan hears a common refrain from pregnant Black women in her care: “Oh, I just don’t want to die,” Buchanan said they tell her. “I just want to come out of here alive. I want to have a healthy baby.
Candidates In Hampton Roads, Richmond, Raked In More Than $1 Million In Final Primary Sprint
BY JIMMY CLOUTIER VIRGINIA CENTER FOR INVESTIGATIVE JOURNALISM AT WHRO Virginia legislative candidates across Greater Richmond and Hampton Roads raised nearly $3.8 million in the last three weeks of June — mostly from big donors giving more than $10,000 to their campaigns, according to an OpenSecrets analysis of campaign finance reports filed on July 17.
Moving toward independence
By Justin Ide The Virginia Center for Investigative Journalism at WHRO The road to adulthood begins for most when they graduate from high school and move on to a first job or college, to paying bills and living on their own. But for people with cognitive disabilities or autism, leaving high school is a more monumental step, one that will transform their relation to their families and the community that supports them.
Forever chemicals a perpetual threat to Virginia drinking water
By Christopher Tyree Virginia Center for Investigative Journalism at WHRO On the bright afternoon of Oct. 27, 1998, a civilian pilot and his crew of two were on final approach in their experimental Learjet to the NASA Wallops Flight Facility on Virginia’s Eastern Shore. The crew had been testing a new nose wheel tire for certification by landing through a long pool of shallow water on the runway.
On The Line: Clifton Forge and Iron Gate
Using gravity, and some rather strong mules, self-taught civil engineer Moncure Robinson moved a cart of coal along a set of rail tracks he designed in 1831. From a coal seam in Midlothian, Robinson guided his cargo 13 miles away to Manchester's wharves on the James River—making Virginia’s Chesterfield Railroad one of the first to operate in the United States and stoking Virginia’s economic engine.
Scrimp, scroll, square off: First-time homebuyers in Virginia face rising prices and fierce competition
By Christopher Tyree and Louis Hansen Zach Jernigan and his wife, Ellie, had already slogged through dozens of houses and scrolled through countless Zillow listings in their quest to become homeowners. On a recent weekday morning, the millennial couple had three more home tours lined up in suburban Richmond. But it was hard to get too excited, knowing their odds of finding the perfect home.
Estime talks brotherhood and "keeping the chains moving" following first win of the season
Notre Dame finally notched a win Saturday against the California Golden Bears — in no small part due to the running back corps. After struggling to get the run game going in the first two games of the season, the Irish notched 147 rushing yards split between three players. One of them was sophomore running back Audric Estime, who led the rushing category with 76 yards (51.7%). “It was really rewarding just busting our tails off during the week, having a tough week,” he said.
The Observer predicts Cal vs. Notre Dame
Emily DeFazio, Associate Sports Editor I am not sure where to begin in predicting Saturday’s outcome; I have few words left after having to eat so many of them last week. The Irish would have to win out in order for my 10-2 season prediction to be correct, and with USC and Clemson still left to take on, I have my doubts. The offense was already struggling, and the loss of sophomore quarterback Tyler Buchner is a tough pill to swallow.
Notre Dame's keys to victory against Cal
Marcus Freeman is still searching for his first win as a head coach, after starting his career off 0-3. Prior to the season, many predicted that this weekend’s matchup would be a walk in the park for the Irish. But the season has not gone as planned for anyone in South Bend. Oddsmakers, however, still believe in the Irish, as they are currently listed as 11-point favorites heading into the contest.
As Irish search for answers, special teams provides consistency
During Saturday’s game against Marshall, there wasn’t any individual player who was the reason for success, or lack thereof. Throughout the 60 minutes of play, there was rare consistency between any one player. Tight end Michael Mayer stacked up 103 receiving yards, followed by wide receiver Lorenzo Styles with 69. Running back Audric Estime was second to only sophomore quarterback Tyler Buchner who had a total of 33 rushing yards.
VCIJ has a new home at WHRO Public Media — Virginia Center for Investigative Journalism
The Virginia Center for Investigative Journalism is excited to announce that it has joinedthe growing news operation at WHRO Public Media. Launched in 2019 by veteran Virginia journalists Christopher Tyree and Louis Hansen, VCIJ has been offering enhanced news coverage and in-depth reporting on issues vital to residents of the commonwealth. That won’t change.
Spearhead Trails - Path Forward For Southwest Virginia, Or A Slippery Slope?
STORY BY LAURA LAFAY AND LOUIS HANSEN VIRGINIA CENTER FOR INVESTIGATIVE JOURNALISM AT WHRO On a Tuesday in early October, a caravan of all-terrain vehicles left the tiny outpost of St. Paul in the mountains of far southwest Virginia, and headed into the woods. Aboard rode a handful of VIPs, among them two governors, Virginia’s Ralph Northam and Maryland’s Larry Hogan.
A new focus on Charlottesville’s trauma — Virginia Center for Investigative Journalism
Virginia Voices Five years after the Unite the Right violence, a new exhibit peers past the bloodshed By Louis Hansen Virginia Center for Investigative Journalism at WHRO After years as a street photographer, Eze Amos turned his lens on the upheaval in his adopted hometown of Charlottesville. In 2017, Amos photographed the series of demonstrations and protests leading up to the violence of the Unite the Right rally.
Generation Activist — Orb Media
“We need a more participative young generation to come up and raise their voices and play a bigger role in democracy,” said Shahrul Saari, 43, acting chair of Bersih 2.0, a Malaysian democracy watchdog. Youth have always voted in lower numbers. But while surveys show that democracy remains the most desired form of government, fewer young people are joining as volunteers, party members, or campaigners. This participation gap is widening.
Financial Shock - Orb Media
Several obstacles stand in the way of successfully achieving the stated goals prescribed by the UFA2020 initiative. Improving access to formal lines of credit — one of the pillars of financial inclusion — can end up burying families under crushing loads of debt if not accompanied by controls on interest rates and financial education for consumers.
Money Emergency - Orb Media
SO, WHAT DOES THIS DATA TELL US? The Global Findex reveals that 38% of adults don’t have a formal financial services account of any type; they aren’t “financially included.” Considering large rural areas in the world where banking centers aren’t found or are limited in number, this number doesn’t sound too alarming. The Orb team became curious about how these two issues — access to emergency funds and financial inclusion — intermingled.
Bold Predictions for a Brave New World
How a Timely Grant from the National Science Foundation Enabled the University of Virginia to Lead a Transformational Effort to Combat COVID and Future Pandemics By Christopher Tyree Chris.tyee@virginia.edu December 3, 2019 Outside the U.S. National Science Foundation headquarters in Alexandria, Virginia, an unexpected light snow was falling, adding to a feeling of excitement for Madhav Marathe and his team of researchers from the University of Virginia and across the world.
UVA Earns International Bragging Rights for Driverless Racing
While many of today’s semi-autonomous vehicles are capable of staying in lanes or passing other vehicles on highways, they still aren’t proven to be safe and reliable in unpredictable situations, known to engineers and developers as edge cases. It is this last 10% of autonomous vehicle development that has proved elusive to engineers and kept fully autonomous vehicles from entering the commercial market. Nine teams from 21 universities qualified to race in the day-long event on Saturday.
UVA Earns International Bragging Rights for Driverless Racing
Cavalier Autonomous Racing Team Clocks Fastest All-American Laps at Historic Indy Event - and Chance to Help Drive Autonomous Vehicle Industry By Christopher Tyree chris.tyree@virginia.edu The University of Virginia's Cavalier Autonomous Racing team on Saturday earned its place as the fastest all-American self-driving race car team.
The Race Is On
UVA Engineering's Cavalier Autonomous Racing Team is Set to Compete Saturday, Oct. 23, at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway in the World’s First High-speed Autonomous Vehicle Race By Chris Tyree and Audra Book When lights flash and flags wave at Indianapolis Motor Speedway this weekend, one iconic scene will be missing: race car drivers with helmets and bright-colored safety suits poking up from the cockpits of their rockets on wheels.
For some Virginia frontline workers, a struggle for Covid-19 compensation — Virginia Center for Investigative Journalism
By Dan Morrison Virginia Center for Investigative Journalism Each work day at Dulles International Airport, customer service agent Tadese Boru faced hundreds of travelers, many stepping in close to show their boarding pass one last time before departure. Months into the pandemic, passengers still wore their masks with varying degrees of attention – snug and tight, wedged under the nose, forgotten below the chin, dangling from an ear.
A year into Covid, Virginia school reopenings still in doubt — Virginia Center for Investigative Journalism
By Emma Davis Virginia Center for Investigative Journalism Jessica Delk has been waiting months for Henrico Public Schools to open back up for in-person learning. Delk’s three children spent nearly a year in the virtual world of online classes during the Covid-19 pandemic. They were ready, Delk said, when they started to go back to school in February. The choice to send her children back to the classroom was long overdue, she said.
When Isolation is both the Problem and the Solution — Virginia Center for Investigative Journalism
Personal stories from life around the commonwealth Bringing shelter and support to troubled rural families during Covid By Caleb Guedes-Reed Virginia Center for Investigative Journalism Laura Beth Weaver began working at the Women’s Resource Center in Radford, Va. in 2011 and was promoted to director in 2019. The non-profit center has been providing shelter, counseling and programs to adult and child victims of sexual and domestic violence since 1977.
When Isolation is both the Problem and the Solution — Virginia Center for Investigative Journalism
Personal stories from life around the commonwealth Bringing shelter and support to troubled rural families during Covid By Caleb Guedes-Reed Virginia Center for Investigative Journalism Laura Beth Weaver began working at the Women’s Resource Center in Radford, Va. in 2011 and was promoted to director in 2019. The non-profit center has been providing shelter, counseling and programs to adult and child victims of sexual and domestic violence since 1977.
Virginia Voices // In Virginia prisons, fear spreads with virus — Virginia Center for Investigative Journalism
As told to Louis Hansen, VCIJ executive editor David Braxton was a small-time drug dealer in the late 1990s, shuttling cocaine and marijuana between New York City and Virginia. One transaction turned violent. Braxton and his cousin were charged with beating to death another dealer in a field in Fauquier County. A jury convicted Braxton of the murder in 1998 and sentenced him to life in prison. Braxton has spent the past 22 years behind bars.
The Need for Speed: UVA Engineering Boosts Hypersonic Travel
Imagine tossing your carry-on into the overhead bin of an airplane in Washington, then disembarking about 90 minutes later in London, barely enough time to get tray service. Those who’ve sat in the middle seat on a transatlantic flight will tell you they wished their plane could travel at hypersonic speeds. The idea isn’t that far-fetched – or far off – given a renewed interest in hypersonic flight.
The Need for Speed
Research into hypersonic travel is soaring again in the United States, and UVA Engineering is contributing historic expertise. By Christopher Tyree chris.tyree@virginia.edu Imagine tossing your carry-on into the overhead bin of an airplane in Washington, then disembarking about 90 minutes later in London, barely enough time to get tray service. Those who’ve sat in the middle seat on a transatlantic flight will tell you they wished their plane could travel at hypersonic speeds.
In Coal Country, a Political Journey from Blue to Deep Red — Virginia Center for Investigative Journalism
By Mason Adams, VCIJ GRUNDY — The sharp divisions of one of the most polarizing presidential elections in modern history feel strangely removed from the heart of Virginia’s coal country. The political divide still runs through social media and cable news — but yards, storefronts and bumpers indicate Southwest Virginia residents are largely unified in their preference for president.
Protection Gaps Raise COVID Risks For Migrant Workers
This story was reported by Christopher Tyree, Lynn Waltz and Alan Rodriguez Espinoza as part of a collaborative project between the Virginia Center for Investigative Journalism, VPM and James Madison University. Tristan Lorei and Katelyn Waltmeyer of James Madison University contributed to this report. Geovanni Miranda Garcia labored through an apple orchard in the Shenandoah Valley one recent warm October afternoon, sorting freshly picked apples. One after another, for hours on end.
Making their voices heard — Virginia Center for Investigative Journalism
First-Time voters in a presidential election share their motivation for voting in this presidential election. Photo Essay by Matt Eich, Julia Rendleman, Christopher Tyree In 2016, the only age group to see an increase in the percentage of voters was those aged 18-29. Still, this group lagged far behind all other age groups in voting percentage, with only 46.1% of these young, eligible voters casting a ballot according to the US Census Bureau.
Gaps in farmworker protections elevate covid risks for Virginia’s migrant workers
Gaps in farmworker protections elevate covid risks for Virginia’s migrant workers By Christopher Tyree, VCIJ, Lynn Waltz, Scripps Howard School of Journalism and Communications, Hampton University and Alan Rodriguez Espinoza, Virginia Public Media Tristan Lorei and Katelyn Waltmeyer of James Madison University contributed to this report. Geovanni Miranda Garcia labored through an apple orchard in the Shenandoah Valley one recent warm October afternoon, sorting freshly picked apples.
UVA Engineering Students Refurbish N95 Masks
Jump to Footer October 14, 2020 UVA Engineering student volunteers repair N95 masks for use at UVA Health System By Christopher Tyree chris.tyree@virginia.edu UVA Biomedical Engineering students took time out during office hours with Associate Professor William Guilford to repiar some of the 35,000 N95 masks that were part of the National Strategic Stockpile. The masks themesleves were fine. However, the elastic bands had, over time, become brittle.
Virginia Voices — Virginia Center for Investigative Journalism
Personal stories from life around the commonwealth Coronavirus pandemic clouds college future for Virginia freshman Eliana Nachman, 18, is a recent graduate of Hermitage High School in Henrico, VA, and has been accepted to Mary Washington University this fall, where classes start on Aug. 24. The university initially planned a hybrid of online and in-person instruction to minimize the risk of spreading the coronavirus. But as infections grew, the university announced on Aug.
A statue can come down in a day. Dismantling an unjust system takes much longer
The case of Travion Blount illustrates how Virginia’s juvenile justice system can throw away the lives of teen offenders. STORY BY LOUIS HANSEN PHOTOGRAPHS BY ROGER M. RICHARDS Virginia Center for Investigative Journalism When I met Travion Blount, he was wearing a prison jumper and shackles. It was 2013. I can’t remember as much as I’d like, only a large, empty room with stainless steel tables and benches. He was lanky, slouched, with his hair cut short. Two guards watched over us.
A statue can come down in a day. Dismantling an unjust system takes much longer
The case of Travion Blount illustrates how Virginia’s juvenile justice system can throw away the lives of teen offenders. STORY BY LOUIS HANSEN PHOTOGRAPHS BY ROGER M. RICHARDS Virginia Center for Investigative Journalism When I met Travion Blount, he was wearing a prison jumper and shackles. It was 2013. I can’t remember as much as I’d like, only a large, empty room with stainless steel tables and benches. He was lanky, slouched, with his hair cut short. Two guards watched over us.
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