Jobe for Kentucky

04/21/2026

Lt. Gov. Coleman Announces Run for Governor
By Jeff Jobe
Community Publisher

FRANKFORT — Kentucky’s next race for governor is officially underway.

Lt. Gov. Jacqueline Coleman announced Monday that she will seek the Democratic nomination for governor in 2027, becoming the first major candidate to enter the contest to succeed term-limited Gov. Andy Beshear.

Coleman, who has served as lieutenant governor since 2019 alongside Beshear, framed her campaign as a continuation of the administration’s work on education, economic development and workforce initiatives.

A former educator and basketball coach from Mercer County, Coleman has often taken a leading role in the administration’s education efforts, including early childhood programs and initiatives aimed at improving student outcomes and teacher support.

Her announcement begins what is expected to be a closely watched race in a state that has leaned Republican in federal elections but has elected Democratic governors in recent cycles.

With Beshear unable to seek a third consecutive term under Kentucky law, both parties are expected to field competitive candidates. On the Republican side, several potential contenders have been discussed publicly, though no major announcements have been made to date.

Coleman’s early entry gives her a head start in organizing a statewide campaign and building on the political network established during the Beshear administration.

The 2027 gubernatorial election remains more than a year away, but Monday’s announcement signals the opening phase of what is expected to be a high-profile and closely contested campaign season across Kentucky.

03/01/2026

Friendship, Freedom and Perspective
By Jeff Jobe

In recent years, as I’ve grown older and perhaps a little wiser, I’ve tried to spend more time researching facts for myself and listening more closely to the stories of others.

During travels to Medellín, Colombia, I met my first Iranian friend, David Cohon. We spent several days together with a small group, and in between laughter and light conversation, we shared pieces of our childhoods. What struck me most was not politics — it was survival.

David told me how he and his brother fled Iran just before the conflict intensified years ago. They left one day before the building where his brother worked was destroyed. Everyone inside was killed — by their own government.

Let that sink in.

He spoke of family and friends who were killed. Of a homeland he loves but can never safely return to. Of memories that carry both pride and pain. These weren’t headlines. These weren’t talking points. They were the lived experiences of someone sitting across from me at a table.

This morning I thought of David, and almost on cue he sent me a Facebook link. He told me the woman speaking in the video shares his views. I read through some of the comments. As I did, I couldn’t help but think how easy it is for Americans to debate global issues from the comfort of safety — safety we often take for granted.

In my work covering city councils, fiscal courts and state legislation across Kentucky, I’ve seen passionate disagreement. I’ve seen sharp debate. But I’ve also seen something else — accountability. Elections. Transparency. The ability to speak openly without fear that the building you work in might be reduced to rubble by your own government.

That is not small.

We are not perfect. No nation is. But the difference between flawed democracy and violent authoritarianism is not theoretical. It is measured in lives.

I am proud to be an American. I am grateful for a system where citizens can challenge leadership, demand better, vote differently and speak freely. And yes, I am thankful to live in a country that does not look the other way at evil.

Meeting David reminded me that freedom is not guaranteed everywhere. It is fragile in many parts of the world. For some, it is something they had to flee to find.

Perspective changes things.

God bless America.

02/28/2026

Big Issues Facing Kentucky and America
By Jeff Jobe

The biggest debates in Frankfort and Washington are not distant political arguments. They are showing up in our electric bills, grocery receipts, classrooms and emergency rooms.

Energy remains one of the most important issues for Kentucky. Our state has long benefited from reliable, affordable electricity — a key advantage for industry, small business and working families. As national policy shifts and demand grows from technology and data centers, the central question becomes simple: can we keep power dependable and affordable? For rural Kentucky, that is not a partisan issue. It is practical.

Healthcare is another pressing concern. Rural hospitals face financial strain. EMS services cover large territories with limited resources. Mental health care remains difficult to access. In many of our communities, where you live still determines how quickly you receive care.

Education continues to dominate discussion. Funding formulas, federal programs and workforce preparation all intersect in our local districts. Rural schools face unique challenges, from transportation costs to teacher recruitment. The goal is not political — it is preparing students for opportunity.

The economy weighs heavily on families. Inflation statistics may shift, but families still feel the pressure of higher food, fuel and insurance costs. Small businesses and farmers operate on tight margins. Growth must mean stability for everyday people.

Infrastructure investment is bringing improvements to roads, water systems and broadband in rural areas. Those upgrades are welcome, but they must be managed wisely and sustainably.

As another election cycle approaches, divisions will dominate headlines. Yet across our counties, most people are focused on results: safe communities, strong schools, reliable services and opportunities for their children to build a future close to home.

National issues eventually land on Main Street. They land at county meetings and around kitchen tables.

The debates may be national — but their impact is always local.

02/21/2026

Top Kentucky News Today
As I See It!

By Jeff Jobe
Publisher, JOBEnews

Folks, as a true blue Kentuckian and a community publisher in a county that’s just landed two major international corporate announcements, I’ve been sipping coffee at a local spot, talking with friends, and feeling real hope these days.

Those announcements mean jobs, investment, and momentum—and like a lot of us here, I’m rooting for these companies to keep finding production savings right here in Kentucky instead of shipping it overseas. Our state closed out 2025 strong: $10.5 billion in private investment, nearly 9,600 projected jobs, and foreign-owned facilities already employing over 110,000 Kentuckians. We’ve got the workforce, infrastructure, and location advantages to keep attracting and growing these operations.

While Frankfort’s still buzzing about the Supreme Court’s charter school funding ruling (unanimous takedown of the 2022 law—public dollars stay with “common schools” only), the legislature’s moving fast: House Republicans pushing federal tax-credit workarounds, Senate advancing teacher-safety and sick-leave cash-out bills. Gov. Beshear signed the first session bill (fuel-cost spreading), but jobs and economic growth are what hit home in counties like ours.

Nationally, the court’s recent strike on broad Trump tariffs has shifted things—now Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent says the administration will pivot to Section 122, 232, and 301 authorities, keeping 2026 tariff revenue “virtually unchanged.” For Kentucky’s bourbon, autos, and manufacturing, that could mean steadier costs and less retaliation risk, helping keep production here competitive.

As I see it as a true blue Kentuckian living where these big wins are landing, this is prime time for Kentucky. Those international announcements aren’t just headlines—they’re about families getting ahead and communities thriving. Here’s hoping these companies double down and realize even more savings stateside. We’ve got what it takes.

Y’all stay dry out there today, keep your eyes on the news, and we’ll pick it back up next week. That’s how I see it for Kentucky Top News Today.

(These thoughts are Jeff Jobe’s alone, no sponsoring or community editorial board involvement. Your thoughts are encouraged if can be presented in same respectful tone).

06/15/2025

01/16/2025

BOWLING GREEN, Ky. – Clayton McCarter and Rodney Scott were only teens when they were reported missing out of Bowling Green a decade ago. McCarter, who would now be 25, and Scott, who would now be 23, were last seen on January 15, 2014, according to the Missing People in America database. News 40 ...

12/26/2024

I am very proud of the work we do in each of our newspapers for the communities we serve. Each newspaper has their own team and personality which give us the local relevance but it is these ladies who have trusted and defended me in my vision since the beginning. On February 1, 2003 this company was in business 5 years when I took a big leap of faith and purchased Cave Country Newspapers. I met these strong women at that time and we have been together since then.
Thank you Lesia, Anissa, Pam, Michelle, and Becky for what you do for me, the communities we serve and all our employees. I am sincerely blessed to have each of you in my life.
Jeff Jobe
Owner/Publisher Jobe Publishing, Inc.

05/12/2024

Section of State Highway in Eighty Eight to be named honoring Bobby Richardson By Editor | May 12, 2024 | 0 Section of State Highway in Eighty Eight to be named honoring Bobby Richardson By Allyson Dix, Managing Editor / Barren County Progress Recognizing the lifelong commitment of service of a loca...

01/09/2024

Jobe Publishing is proud to be a member of all the communities we deliver news. Working together has always been our mission and it is nice to be appreciated.

Those in need of a free meal, no questions asked, are welcome at the Washington Center in Scottsville on Monday evenings from 6-8 p.m.

12/26/2023

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Everyone City of Glasgow Kentucky Municipal Government