A Navy vet’s new stateside mission: The 2024 election

October 28, 2024 Louis Hansen

Julie Hendricks, a Navy veteran, speaks with another veteran during training for poll workers in Fairfax County, Virginia. Hendricks is director of operations for We the Veterans and Military Families. *Photos by Christopher Tyree // VCIJ at WHRO*

After graduating from the Naval Academy and serving 12 years as a helicopter pilot and instructor, Julie Hendricks has taken on a new commission — poll worker.

Restoring voting rights in Virginia, with fish as the bait

October 15, 2024 Guest User

Richard Walker cooks at a fish fry in Gilpin Court in Richmond. He was using the event to help former convicts with prior felony convictions to restore their voting rights. *Photo by Cianna Morales/WHRO*

Virginia is one of just two states that bans ex-felons from voting unless they receive an executive pardon. Richard Walker uses his nonprofit – and cooking skills – to help other former felons win back their voting rights

A clerk’s daily mission: Provide a window into city government

October 8, 2024 Guest User

Hampton Clerk of City Council Katherine Glass goes over paperwork with some of the council members prior to city council meeting in September. *Photo by Roger M. Richards //VCIJ at WHRO*

Hampton Clerk of City Council Katherine Glass stumbled into local government. She’s been soothing angry citizens, organizing public meetings and counting votes for two decades.

From Navy warships to fighting climate change: One woman’s lifetime in public service

October 1, 2024 Guest User

Retired Rear Adm. Ann Phillips looks out at Wayne Creek from Lakewood Park in Norfolk. Phillips worked on climate resilience efforts at the city park. *Photo by Christopher Tyree // VCIJ at WHRO*

Retired Rear Adm. Ann Phillips was among the first cohorts of women to serve on ships at sea. She said “as soon as somebody tells me no, then I'm like, ‘Hmm, oh yes, watch this.’”