Elizabeth Hernandez
@lizzy-hernandez.bsky.social
Denver Post reporter. Finding humanity in journalism. I write about marginalized groups, social justice, education, libraries, housing, youth, ghosts and general whimsy. Local news stan.
Pinned
Westernaires reenact history with Native American costumes and whoops. Critics say the depictions have no place in a modern West.
The Westernaires’ internal debate over their characterization of Native culture and history illustrates the complicated and changing relationship Colorado has to its Western traditions.
www.denverpost.com
Got a deep dive for ya.
The Westernaires reenacts history w/ Native American outfits & whoops. For decades, Indigenous ppl have criticized them.
An 11 y/o Native girl wonders what it will take to change the org she loves.
www.denverpost.com/2024/11/17/w... via @denverpost.bsky.social
The Westernaires reenacts history w/ Native American outfits & whoops. For decades, Indigenous ppl have criticized them.
An 11 y/o Native girl wonders what it will take to change the org she loves.
www.denverpost.com/2024/11/17/w... via @denverpost.bsky.social
Reposted by Elizabeth Hernandez
The U.S. Air Force Academy's academic accreditation is under review following a formal complaint that the institution no longer has sufficient Ph.D.-level faculty as the federal government reduces its civilian workforce // Story by @thenoellephillips.bsky.social
Air Force Academy’s accreditation under review after cuts to civilian faculty
Concerned alumni and former faculty told The Denver Post they believe the academy is losing too many civilian Ph.D.-level instructors without the ability to replace them with qualified military mem…
www.denverpost.com
November 10, 2025 at 3:56 PM
The U.S. Air Force Academy's academic accreditation is under review following a formal complaint that the institution no longer has sufficient Ph.D.-level faculty as the federal government reduces its civilian workforce // Story by @thenoellephillips.bsky.social
Reposted by Elizabeth Hernandez
Federal agents pulling a woman out of Rayito Del Sol, a daycare by Lane Tech high school
November 5, 2025 at 2:47 PM
Federal agents pulling a woman out of Rayito Del Sol, a daycare by Lane Tech high school
Reposted by Elizabeth Hernandez
BREAKING: Zohran Mamdani wins the New York City mayoral race, NBC News projects. nbcnews.to/4nIzNUC
November 5, 2025 at 2:33 AM
BREAKING: Zohran Mamdani wins the New York City mayoral race, NBC News projects. nbcnews.to/4nIzNUC
Reposted by Elizabeth Hernandez
thank you for all the support; the statement from our union is now live here with some more reporting.
now that this is public I can confirm that the majority of today’s layoffs were women of color. there are no longer any Black women working at Teen Vogue.
now that this is public I can confirm that the majority of today’s layoffs were women of color. there are no longer any Black women working at Teen Vogue.
November 3, 2025 at 11:25 PM
thank you for all the support; the statement from our union is now live here with some more reporting.
now that this is public I can confirm that the majority of today’s layoffs were women of color. there are no longer any Black women working at Teen Vogue.
now that this is public I can confirm that the majority of today’s layoffs were women of color. there are no longer any Black women working at Teen Vogue.
Reposted by Elizabeth Hernandez
Breaking News: The Trump administration was ordered to release billions of dollars in backup funds for SNAP, the nation’s largest anti-hunger program, after the administration said the government shutdown meant it couldn’t tap contingency funds.
Judge orders Trump administration to release billions in SNAP contingency funds
The government did rely on contingency funding to keep food aid going when it shut down during President Donald Trump’s first term.
www.washingtonpost.com
October 31, 2025 at 6:46 PM
Breaking News: The Trump administration was ordered to release billions of dollars in backup funds for SNAP, the nation’s largest anti-hunger program, after the administration said the government shutdown meant it couldn’t tap contingency funds.
Reposted by Elizabeth Hernandez
ICE agents mistakenly identified a Durango father when they pulled him over this week, a senior enforcement official testified in court today, but still arrested the man and his 2 kids in an incident that quickly sparked protests in the Colorado mountain town // Story by @sethklamann.bsky.social
ICE officers mistook Durango father for someone else, official says, but arrested him and children anyway
“It’s my understanding that the father was mistaken for somebody else when (ICE) encountered him,” testified Gregory Davies, Denver’s third-ranking ICE official, in court Fr…
www.denverpost.com
October 31, 2025 at 7:31 PM
ICE agents mistakenly identified a Durango father when they pulled him over this week, a senior enforcement official testified in court today, but still arrested the man and his 2 kids in an incident that quickly sparked protests in the Colorado mountain town // Story by @sethklamann.bsky.social
This was one of those stories you weep through writing.
Your local food bank is desperate for donations right now.
I know it feels big and hopeless sometimes, but you can make a difference.
Your local food bank is desperate for donations right now.
I know it feels big and hopeless sometimes, but you can make a difference.
"I know the stigma around SNAP is it’s people who are lazy and don’t work and want to benefit off the government," a single mother of two young kids tells @lizzy-hernandez.bsky.social. "I work. I always work. I work full-time, so without those benefits, we are not in good shape.”
Coloradans scramble for help as SNAP suspension looms and food banks ‘just don’t have enough’
State and local leaders in Colorado, as well as food bank operators, this week scrambled to help meet the already overwhelming demand of people without means to eat.
www.denverpost.com
October 31, 2025 at 2:54 PM
This was one of those stories you weep through writing.
Your local food bank is desperate for donations right now.
I know it feels big and hopeless sometimes, but you can make a difference.
Your local food bank is desperate for donations right now.
I know it feels big and hopeless sometimes, but you can make a difference.
Reposted by Elizabeth Hernandez
"I know the stigma around SNAP is it’s people who are lazy and don’t work and want to benefit off the government," a single mother of two young kids tells @lizzy-hernandez.bsky.social. "I work. I always work. I work full-time, so without those benefits, we are not in good shape.”
Coloradans scramble for help as SNAP suspension looms and food banks ‘just don’t have enough’
State and local leaders in Colorado, as well as food bank operators, this week scrambled to help meet the already overwhelming demand of people without means to eat.
www.denverpost.com
October 31, 2025 at 2:27 PM
"I know the stigma around SNAP is it’s people who are lazy and don’t work and want to benefit off the government," a single mother of two young kids tells @lizzy-hernandez.bsky.social. "I work. I always work. I work full-time, so without those benefits, we are not in good shape.”
Reposted by Elizabeth Hernandez
This was just posted by a CBS News producer on their Instagram stories.
October 29, 2025 at 9:44 PM
This was just posted by a CBS News producer on their Instagram stories.
Reposted by Elizabeth Hernandez
Windows smashed at multiple Denver LGBTQ+ businesses last weekend trib.al/tt18KD3
Windows smashed at multiple Denver LGBTQ+ businesses last weekend
“These attacks do not resemble random vandalism. They are intimidation designed to push LGBTQIA+ people, families, and especially youth-serving organizations back into fear and isolation.”
trib.al
October 29, 2025 at 12:22 AM
Windows smashed at multiple Denver LGBTQ+ businesses last weekend trib.al/tt18KD3
Reposted by Elizabeth Hernandez
Two children and their father on their way to school were detained by ICE in southwestern Colorado on Monday, sparking protests from demonstrators who tried to prevent the family from being separated and moved to different facilities // Story by @katielang.bsky.social and @sethklamann.bsky.social
ICE’s arrest of father, two children in Durango spark local protests
Two children and their father were detained by federal immigration agents on their way to school in southwestern Colorado on Monday, sparking protests from demonstrators who tried to prevent the fa…
www.denverpost.com
October 28, 2025 at 10:34 PM
Two children and their father on their way to school were detained by ICE in southwestern Colorado on Monday, sparking protests from demonstrators who tried to prevent the family from being separated and moved to different facilities // Story by @katielang.bsky.social and @sethklamann.bsky.social
Reposted by Elizabeth Hernandez
Per Fox News’ Bill Melugin, the head of Denver’s ICE field office has been removed and will likely be replaced with a Border Patrol official, as part of broader DHS reshuffle intended to further escalate arrests:
October 28, 2025 at 12:58 AM
Per Fox News’ Bill Melugin, the head of Denver’s ICE field office has been removed and will likely be replaced with a Border Patrol official, as part of broader DHS reshuffle intended to further escalate arrests:
Reposted by Elizabeth Hernandez
Surveillance in action:
"You know we have cameras in that jurisdiction and you can’t get a breath of fresh air, in or out of that place, without us knowing, correct?”
denverite.com/2025/10/27/b...
"You know we have cameras in that jurisdiction and you can’t get a breath of fresh air, in or out of that place, without us knowing, correct?”
denverite.com/2025/10/27/b...
Police used Flock cameras to accuse a Denver woman of package theft. She had her own evidence
"Like I said, nothing gets in or out of the town without us knowing."
denverite.com
October 28, 2025 at 4:02 AM
Surveillance in action:
"You know we have cameras in that jurisdiction and you can’t get a breath of fresh air, in or out of that place, without us knowing, correct?”
denverite.com/2025/10/27/b...
"You know we have cameras in that jurisdiction and you can’t get a breath of fresh air, in or out of that place, without us knowing, correct?”
denverite.com/2025/10/27/b...
Reposted by Elizabeth Hernandez
ICE detained a Colorado teacher and her family during a routine check-in at a field office last week despite the educator having legal authorization to live and work in the United States, according to school officials // Story by @sethklamann.bsky.social
Douglas County teacher arrested by ICE had legal authorization to work, school says
“We are currently working closely with our legal team and outside immigration attorneys to understand if and how we might be able to help facilitate their return,” Principal Stacy Bush …
www.denverpost.com
October 28, 2025 at 9:06 PM
ICE detained a Colorado teacher and her family during a routine check-in at a field office last week despite the educator having legal authorization to live and work in the United States, according to school officials // Story by @sethklamann.bsky.social
Reposted by Elizabeth Hernandez
Diversity used to be something the University of Denver touted as a positive.
Now, DU employees are resigning amid directives to oust rainbow posters & remove "pride" from resource names.
Here's how anti-DEI is playing out at DU.
www.denverpost.com/2025/10/24/u... via @denverpost.com #higherEd
Now, DU employees are resigning amid directives to oust rainbow posters & remove "pride" from resource names.
Here's how anti-DEI is playing out at DU.
www.denverpost.com/2025/10/24/u... via @denverpost.com #higherEd
Resignations and rainbow removals: What DU’s move to end DEI looks like on campus
Eric Duran said he couldn’t bring himself to dismantle DU’s Pride Lounge, so a colleague removed all LGBTQ-related items from the room.
www.denverpost.com
October 24, 2025 at 4:32 PM
Diversity used to be something the University of Denver touted as a positive.
Now, DU employees are resigning amid directives to oust rainbow posters & remove "pride" from resource names.
Here's how anti-DEI is playing out at DU.
www.denverpost.com/2025/10/24/u... via @denverpost.com #higherEd
Now, DU employees are resigning amid directives to oust rainbow posters & remove "pride" from resource names.
Here's how anti-DEI is playing out at DU.
www.denverpost.com/2025/10/24/u... via @denverpost.com #higherEd
Reposted by Elizabeth Hernandez
Colorado’s most valuable company, Palantir, is among the donors supporting Trump’s ballroom construction, according to a list released by the White House: www.denverpost.com/2025/10/24/c...
Colorado’s most valuable company is among donors for Trump’s White House ballroom
It’s unclear how much Palantir, which has a market cap of nearly $440 billion, contributed to the project.
www.denverpost.com
October 24, 2025 at 7:01 PM
Colorado’s most valuable company, Palantir, is among the donors supporting Trump’s ballroom construction, according to a list released by the White House: www.denverpost.com/2025/10/24/c...
Reposted by Elizabeth Hernandez
Backers of a new Christian public school say if the state doesn’t agree to fund the school, it would amount to religious discrimination.
This ‘Christian public school’ in Colorado could spur a fight over religion in education
Backers of a new Christian public school say if the state doesn’t agree to fund the school, it would amount to religious discrimination.
bit.ly
October 22, 2025 at 2:01 AM
Backers of a new Christian public school say if the state doesn’t agree to fund the school, it would amount to religious discrimination.
Reposted by Elizabeth Hernandez
The federal immigration court in Aurora, Colorado, has issued more than 1,900 removal orders this year — 1,200 more than the same time period last year. “The deportation machine is running at full speed,” Denver immigration attorney Hans Meyer tells @sethklamann.bsky.social
Stuck in Aurora ICE facility, more detainees are agreeing to leave the U.S. voluntarily
The government’s goal, lawyers argue, is to create conditions inside ICE facilities that push immigrants to voluntarily leave or to accept a deportation order.
www.denverpost.com
October 23, 2025 at 9:23 PM
The federal immigration court in Aurora, Colorado, has issued more than 1,900 removal orders this year — 1,200 more than the same time period last year. “The deportation machine is running at full speed,” Denver immigration attorney Hans Meyer tells @sethklamann.bsky.social
Reposted by Elizabeth Hernandez
this headline hums with ancient autumnal dread
October 23, 2025 at 12:41 PM
this headline hums with ancient autumnal dread
Reposted by Elizabeth Hernandez
The former director of the Gender and Sexuality Student Success wing of DU's Cultural Center said he broke down when DU leadership issued a directive last month to scrub the university of resources for LGBTQ people.
“I really did break down. It was a very hard day.”
“I really did break down. It was a very hard day.”
Resignations and rainbow removals: What DU’s move to end DEI looks like on campus
Eric Duran said he couldn’t bring himself to dismantle DU’s Pride Lounge, so a colleague removed all LGBTQ-related items from the room.
trib.al
October 24, 2025 at 4:41 PM
The former director of the Gender and Sexuality Student Success wing of DU's Cultural Center said he broke down when DU leadership issued a directive last month to scrub the university of resources for LGBTQ people.
“I really did break down. It was a very hard day.”
“I really did break down. It was a very hard day.”
Diversity used to be something the University of Denver touted as a positive.
Now, DU employees are resigning amid directives to oust rainbow posters & remove "pride" from resource names.
Here's how anti-DEI is playing out at DU.
www.denverpost.com/2025/10/24/u... via @denverpost.com #higherEd
Now, DU employees are resigning amid directives to oust rainbow posters & remove "pride" from resource names.
Here's how anti-DEI is playing out at DU.
www.denverpost.com/2025/10/24/u... via @denverpost.com #higherEd
Resignations and rainbow removals: What DU’s move to end DEI looks like on campus
Eric Duran said he couldn’t bring himself to dismantle DU’s Pride Lounge, so a colleague removed all LGBTQ-related items from the room.
www.denverpost.com
October 24, 2025 at 4:32 PM
Diversity used to be something the University of Denver touted as a positive.
Now, DU employees are resigning amid directives to oust rainbow posters & remove "pride" from resource names.
Here's how anti-DEI is playing out at DU.
www.denverpost.com/2025/10/24/u... via @denverpost.com #higherEd
Now, DU employees are resigning amid directives to oust rainbow posters & remove "pride" from resource names.
Here's how anti-DEI is playing out at DU.
www.denverpost.com/2025/10/24/u... via @denverpost.com #higherEd
If you're looking to help a neighbor, your local food bank could really use it right now:
Polis urges food bank donations, seeks $10 million in state assistance as shutdown freezes SNAP benefits
www.denverpost.com/2025/10/23/s... via @denverpost.com
Polis urges food bank donations, seeks $10 million in state assistance as shutdown freezes SNAP benefits
www.denverpost.com/2025/10/23/s... via @denverpost.com
Polis urges food bank donations, seeks $10 million in state assistance as shutdown freezes SNAP benefits
More than 600,000 low-income Coloradans, half of whom are children, rely on SNAP benefits every month.
www.denverpost.com
October 23, 2025 at 5:04 PM
If you're looking to help a neighbor, your local food bank could really use it right now:
Polis urges food bank donations, seeks $10 million in state assistance as shutdown freezes SNAP benefits
www.denverpost.com/2025/10/23/s... via @denverpost.com
Polis urges food bank donations, seeks $10 million in state assistance as shutdown freezes SNAP benefits
www.denverpost.com/2025/10/23/s... via @denverpost.com
Reposted by Elizabeth Hernandez
If you're in need of a fun Halloween story as a welcome reprieve from all the political nonsense, this story will make you smile.
The past lives of a ‘spooky’ Colorado casket sold on Facebook Marketplace trib.al/r2UA9Bk
The past lives of a ‘spooky’ Colorado casket sold on Facebook Marketplace
The sturdy wood vessel lined with a silky white interior originated as a traditional mortuary viewing casket before a midlife career change took it to the stage.
trib.al
October 16, 2025 at 12:19 PM
If you're in need of a fun Halloween story as a welcome reprieve from all the political nonsense, this story will make you smile.
Reposted by Elizabeth Hernandez
BREAKING from PP
We found immigration agents have held more than 170 *citizens*
The govt doesn't track citizens held. So we did. We tallied:
Nearly 20 kids, two w/ cancer
More than 20 citizens held for day or more, incommunicado
www.propublica.org/article/immi...
by @nicolefoy.bsky.social
We found immigration agents have held more than 170 *citizens*
The govt doesn't track citizens held. So we did. We tallied:
Nearly 20 kids, two w/ cancer
More than 20 citizens held for day or more, incommunicado
www.propublica.org/article/immi...
by @nicolefoy.bsky.social
More Than 170 U.S. Citizens Have Been Held by Immigration Agents. They’ve Been Kicked, Dragged and Detained for Days.
The government does not track how often immigration agents grab citizens. So ProPublica did. Our tally — almost certainly incomplete — includes people who were held for days without a lawyer. And near...
www.propublica.org
October 16, 2025 at 4:06 PM
BREAKING from PP
We found immigration agents have held more than 170 *citizens*
The govt doesn't track citizens held. So we did. We tallied:
Nearly 20 kids, two w/ cancer
More than 20 citizens held for day or more, incommunicado
www.propublica.org/article/immi...
by @nicolefoy.bsky.social
We found immigration agents have held more than 170 *citizens*
The govt doesn't track citizens held. So we did. We tallied:
Nearly 20 kids, two w/ cancer
More than 20 citizens held for day or more, incommunicado
www.propublica.org/article/immi...
by @nicolefoy.bsky.social
My fun, weird, spooky offering for you this Halloween season 👻
The tales of the past lives of a casket sold on Facebook Marketplace www.denverpost.com/2025/10/16/c... via @denverpost.com
The tales of the past lives of a casket sold on Facebook Marketplace www.denverpost.com/2025/10/16/c... via @denverpost.com
The past lives of a ‘spooky’ Colorado casket sold on Facebook Marketplace
The sturdy wood vessel lined with a silky white interior originated as a traditional mortuary viewing casket before a midlife career change took it to the stage.
www.denverpost.com
October 16, 2025 at 4:30 PM
My fun, weird, spooky offering for you this Halloween season 👻
The tales of the past lives of a casket sold on Facebook Marketplace www.denverpost.com/2025/10/16/c... via @denverpost.com
The tales of the past lives of a casket sold on Facebook Marketplace www.denverpost.com/2025/10/16/c... via @denverpost.com