On June 21, I began a new chapter as the senior editor of the Upper Midwest Local Journalism Center, a multi-media project funded by the Corporation for Public Broadcasting. But you’ll be hearing about us — literally — as Changing Gears: Reinventing the Manufacturing Belt.

For the next few years, Changing Gears will take an in-depth look at ways to revive the Great Lakes region, everywhere from Duluth to Buffalo. Our sponsors are Chicago Public Radio, where I’ll soon be based, Michigan Radio and ideastream in Cleveland. Read more about Changing Gears here and I’ll be back soon with updates.