Jen Schumann - Rocky Mountain Voice

Hate or free speech? CMU students react to local Turning Point USA polls

Few things stir debate on college campuses like politics—and at CMU, a student group’s whiteboard polls have done just that. Turning Point USA’s Colorado Mesa University chapter (TPUSA CMU) has sparked discussion after posting a series of provocative whiteboard poll questions in the university’s cafeteria. Some students view the questions as open discussion starters, while others see them as hate speech meant to provoke.

Hate or free speech? CMU students react to local Turning Point USA polls Read More »

Is Tina Peters’ life at risk in jail? Attorneys sound the alarm on her health decline

Former Mesa County Clerk Tina Peters’ time in Larimer County Jail is taking a toll, according to her legal team and supporters. They say she’s experiencing memory loss, declining health and mistreatment—claims that have only fueled concerns about her condition. With growing pressure on Governor Jared Polis to grant a pardon, Peters’ case is becoming a test of justice, fairness and political influence in Colorado.

Is Tina Peters’ life at risk in jail? Attorneys sound the alarm on her health decline Read More »

HB25-1211: A developer giveaway disguised as water conservation?

Framed as a water conservation bill, HB25-1211 passed the Colorado House on March 17, with unanimous Republican opposition and four Democrats voting against it. Despite its stated goal of ensuring fairness in water tap fees, critics argue the bill primarily benefits developers over homeowners, forcing local water districts to subsidize high-density developments while shifting costs to existing ratepayers.

HB25-1211: A developer giveaway disguised as water conservation? Read More »

Choked out: How Colorado’s regulatory maze is starving its energy producers

Few states rival Colorado’s wealth of energy resources, but its oil and gas industry is up against increasing challenges. Small and mid-sized operators, once the industry’s backbone, are struggling with a growing tangle of regulations.

Choked out: How Colorado’s regulatory maze is starving its energy producers Read More »

Taxed and voiceless: How a debt trap turned Meadows Metro District residents into an ATM for bondholders

Imagine paying a $200 tax each month for a community infrastructure project that was completed decades ago. To add insult to injury, consider being told that you’ll continue doing so for 100 years.

Taxed and voiceless: How a debt trap turned Meadows Metro District residents into an ATM for bondholders Read More »

Former City Councilman argues for greater transparency in Grand Junction’s election filing process

Top Stories, Approved, Local, Rocky Mountain Voice / March 10, 2025 / Elections, Grand Junction

Three days. That’s all the time a Grand Junction resident has to challenge a candidate’s petition. But there’s one problem: the public doesn’t even know when the clock starts ticking.

Former City Councilman argues for greater transparency in Grand Junction’s election filing process Read More »

Liberty-loving Rep. Ken DeGraaf has a ‘calculated’ approach to lawmaking that prioritizes freedom

Ken DeGraaf laughed in response. Loud and unapologetic. The question? Whether he considered himself the “apex predator” of liberty in Colorado politics.

Liberty-loving Rep. Ken DeGraaf has a ‘calculated’ approach to lawmaking that prioritizes freedom Read More »

In $210M plan to ditch Tri-State, LPEA members feel the financial pinch

Approved, Local, Rocky Mountain Voice / March 6, 2025 / La Plata County, La Plata Electric Association

Rancher J. Paul Brown tends sheep and cattle on his La Plata County spread, facing a $4,000 monthly electric bill. Lisa huddles in a home with her children, skipping heat to ease her electric bill’s bite.

In $210M plan to ditch Tri-State, LPEA members feel the financial pinch Read More »

The fantasy Mayor Mike Johnston paints for Congress on crime is not the everyday reality, residents say

Approved, Local, Rocky Mountain Voice / March 6, 2025 / Crime & Safety, Denver, Mike Johnston

Jeff Workman never imagined that stepping onto his porch would leave him battered, unable to work and afraid to open his door after dark. His brutal attack wasn’t an isolated incident.

The fantasy Mayor Mike Johnston paints for Congress on crime is not the everyday reality, residents say Read More »

In Department of Justice inquiry to Tina Peters’ case, the question is whether she is a political prisoner

Approved, Rocky Mountain Voice, State / March 5, 2025 / Courts, Crime & Safety, Department of Justice, Tina Peters

If an election official was sentenced to nine years in prison, you might assume they had been caught stuffing ballot boxes or rigging results. But, what if they were convicted for preserving election records?

In Department of Justice inquiry to Tina Peters’ case, the question is whether she is a political prisoner Read More »

Author name: Jen Schumann