The Mountain Minute: 11/25/2025

🎧 Mountain Minute – November 25, 2025
Colorado is feeling the consequences of failed leadership — from solitary confinement controversies and collapsing safety nets to rate hikes and massive school-district debt. But communities are stepping up where government falters. Here’s your sharp, unfiltered rundown from Team RMV.

Colorado News:
🔹 Tina Peters Placed in Solitary Confinement
After filing a grievance inside the facility, Peters was strip-searched, moved to medical, and placed in solitary for up to 17 days with nearly all communication cut off. Meanwhile, the AG and Mesa County DA urged Gov. Polis to block a federal request to transfer her into federal custody, calling the situation politically charged.
Read more: https://rockymountainvoice.com/2025/11/24/tina-peters-placed-in-solitary-as-officials-warn-polis-against-federal-intervention/

🔹 Denver Pantry Evicted — Thousands Lose Food Access
Joy’s Kitchen, which serves 5,000 families a month, was abruptly evicted from its warehouse. Volunteers emptied next month’s food budget to run emergency pop-ups so families wouldn’t go hungry heading into the holidays.
Read more: https://rockymountainvoice.com/2025/11/24/denver-food-pantry-scrambles-after-sudden-eviction-disrupts-aid-to-thousands/

🔹 Colorado Cuts Health Subsidies for Illegal Immigrants
Due to federal tax-credit changes, the state is now using a lottery to decide which of the 12,000 OmniSalud enrollees keep zero-cost coverage. More than 5,000 undocumented residents who received fully subsidized plans this year will lose coverage and face unaffordable premiums.
Read more: https://rockymountainvoice.com/2025/11/24/colorado-cuts-health-subsidies-for-illegal-immigrants-with-lottery-system-deciding-who-keeps-coverage/

🔹 Mesa County’s “Historic” Mental-Health Moment
With suicide rates nearly double the national average, local churches are stepping in where the system is failing. Canyon View Vineyard Church’s BeWell program has delivered 500+ free sessions, integrating CBT, EMDR, and faith-based support. A donor pledged up to $400,000 to help expand into a dedicated mental-health center.
Read more: https://rockymountainvoice.com/2025/11/24/trying-to-move-the-needle-in-mesa-countys-mental-health-crisis-as-leaders-call-the-moment-historic/

🔹 Thanksgiving Costs Fall — But Not in Colorado
National Thanksgiving costs dropped 5%, but the average meal in Colorado still runs $61.63, well above the U.S. average. Turkey is cheaper, but produce prices spiked due to weather and labor challenges.
Read more: https://rockymountainvoice.com/2025/11/24/thanksgiving-prices-fall-in-colorado-but-families-still-pay-more-than-most-americans/

🔹 DPS Audit Alarms Taxpayers
Denver Public Schools carries $4.07 billion in long-term liabilities — more than its assets — and is paying interest on nearly $1 billion in unspent bond funds. With enrollment falling and closures looming, questions about accountability are mounting.
Read more: https://rockymountainvoice.com/2025/11/24/audit-raises-questions-over-dps-debt-practices-as-taxpayers-foot-the-bill/

🔹 Xcel Energy Pushes for 2026 Rate Hike
Xcel is proposing a 10% increase in electricity rates for 2026, adding about $10 per month to the average household bill. Community members warn that rising energy costs will force painful tradeoffs for working families.
Read more: https://rockymountainvoice.com/2025/11/24/xcel-energys-plans-for-2026-rate-hike-draws-pushback-from-communities/

National News:
🔹 Over 300 Students Missing After Nigerian School Attack
Updated counts show 303 students and 12 teachers abducted from St. Mary’s Catholic School. Tactical teams and local hunters are searching as devastated parents plead for help.
Read more: https://rockymountainvoice.com/2025/11/24/updated-count-shows-over-300-students-missing-after-attack-on-catholic-school-in-nigeria/

🔹 Unsealed Filing: Meta Misled Public, Put Children at Risk
Internal testimony reveals that Meta used a shocking 17-strike policy for accounts involved in sex trafficking, allowed harmful contact with minors, and hid data on child-safety failures — all while publicly downplaying the risks.
Read more: https://rockymountainvoice.com/2025/11/24/unsealed-filing-says-meta-misled-the-public-and-endangered-children/

🔹 Commentary: “Stop Financing the Second Job”
A new RMV commentary argues that government-inflated childcare costs erase the second paycheck for many families. By the time parents pay for daycare, commuting, convenience food, and taxes, homeschooling can offer more stability, more time with family, and better financial results.
Read more: https://rockymountainvoice.com/2025/11/24/stop-financing-the-second-job/

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And as always — stay sharp, stay bold, and stay in the fight.