Author

Mark Wedel

Mark Wedel has been a freelance journalist since 1992, covering a bewildering variety of subjects. He also writes books on his epic bike rides across the country. He's written a book on one ride, "Mule Skinner Blues." For more information, see www.markswedel.com.

Mark Wedel's Latest Articles

The Earth asks us to change: Author calls on us to adopt ‘two-eyed seeing’ of science and kinship

"How is it we show Mother Earth that we care so much for her?... We need a transformation toward kinship, that's the living world. I hope you give it a try."

Bringing the world to Kalamazoo for idea exchange; Global Ties hosts diplomacy summit

Global Ties Kalamazoo connects people from around the world with their counterparts for meaningful conversation. To further promote the exchange of ideas, the organization is also hosting a Diplomacy Begins Here summit on July 11 and 12. Find out more here.

County’s Housing for All building momentum in Kalamazoo

Approved in 2020, the Kalamazoo County Homes for All Millage was a historic gesture by voters to increase housing affordability in the area. What's been the progress so far? County Housing Director Mary Balkema recently gave a rundown of past, present, and future projects.

Root Solutions: Climate optimism over climate doomerism can inspire the changes we need to make

"And if we can incentivize enough choices towards sustainability, then we can cut back on air pollution and all these extra costs that everyone's paying. We can make our world more sustainable and livable and healthier and fun."

Market forces among barriers to overcome as community searches for more affordable housing

When you dig into the causes behind the lack of affordable housing in Kalamazoo County it turns out one of the big ones is there are not enough houses to meet the demand. 

Kalamazoo Commuter Challenge encourages new cyclists to Love to Ride to work

With new bike lanes and lights installed in downtown Kalamazoo, it's time for cyclists to test them out. If you work downtown or nearby, consider joining the Kalamazoo Commuter Challenge taking place from May 17 to 30.

Kalamazoo Lyceum: Intentionality, commitment, communication key ingredients for creating community

Community is where you are and what you cultivate, according to panel members at the Kalamazoo Lyceum. Writer Mark Wedel was there to be your 'fly on the wall' for a discussion on 'Hope for the Community.'

Review: Opening night at The Gilmore an edge-of-the-seat, genre-hopping, triple ovation-al affair

Formerly an arts and culture reviewer for a daily newspaper, SW Second Wave's Mark Wedel revisits his roots to take in The Gilmore International Piano Festival's opening night — a magical 'amusement park ride' that was 'full of surprises.'

An Edison Dreamery: Trained childcare staff employed at early education centers across Kalamazoo

"Outside of work, they just love me, and I'm still teaching them outside of work, you know, how to behave.... Just looking out for the children and making sure that they feel safe in the community, and that they know there's somebody's always there if it's not at work or at the center.

Electric vehicle Carshare program in Kalamazoo and Portage expands the mobility landscape

"We know that if we can reduce the cost of transportation, then that improves people's ability to afford quality housing or quality childcare or quality healthcare," says Matthew Hollander of the new EV car rental program in place at Edison's The Creamery.

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