Press Forward Blue Grass to host Charles M. Blow for conversation on the future of local news

Press Forward Blue Grass, an initiative of Blue Grass Community Foundation, will host New York Times opinion columnist and national political analyst Charles M. Blow for an evening event at 6 p.m. on Feb. 24, at the Lyric Theatre & Cultural Arts Center.

The program will be grounded in the subject matter of Reimagining Local News, a documentary co-produced by Blow with support from Press Forward and the McKnight Foundation. Reimagining Local News examines the challenges shaping local journalism and helps frame a community conversation about local reporting and its role in civic life, public trust and community connection.

“Local news touches every part of our daily lives, from how we understand our neighbors to how we show up for our communities,” said Melissa Newman, Ph.D., executive director of Press Forward Blue Grass. “This event creates space for people to learn, ask questions, and engage in an important conversation about why that matters now more than ever.”

Reimagining Local News is available to stream at reimagininglocalnews.com.

The event is free, but registration is required. Guests are asked to RSVP by Feb. 19 at: bgcf.org/press-forward-bluegrass/an-evening-with-charles-m-blow. 

Event details:

• Tuesday, Feb. 24, 2026
• 6-8 p.m. (Reception from 6-6:45 p.m., Conversation with Charles M. Blow from 7-8 p.m.)
• Lyric Theatre & Cultural Arts Center