Matthew Russell

Matthew Russell

Matthew Russell is a West Michigan native and with a background in journalism, data analysis, cartography and design thinking. He likes to learn new things and solve old problems whenever possible, and enjoys bicycling, spending time with his daughters, and coffee.

Articles by Matthew Russell

Several cats and kittens are crowded together inside a worn wire cage tied with frayed ropes.

Animals At Risk As Few Barriers Prevent Convicted Abusers From Buying Pets

An animal can survive cruelty, make it to safety, and still remain part of a system that leaves other pets exposed to the same fate. Across the United States, convicted...

Animals At Risk As Few Barriers Prevent Convicted Abusers From Buying Pets

An animal can survive cruelty, make it to safety, and still remain part of a system that leaves other pets exposed to the same fate. Across the United States, convicted...

Mother brown bear stands on a dirt path with three small cubs gathered around her in a green woodland area.

Alaska Bears Face Return Of Baited Killing In National Preserves

Bear baiting may return to Alaska’s national preserves under a new federal proposal. That means bears could once again be lured with piles of food on lands meant to protect...

Alaska Bears Face Return Of Baited Killing In National Preserves

Bear baiting may return to Alaska’s national preserves under a new federal proposal. That means bears could once again be lured with piles of food on lands meant to protect...

Large group of U.S. service members in camouflage uniforms salute during a formal ceremony.

Young Men Face Major Selective Service Shift As Automatic Draft Begins in 2026

A major change is coming to Selective Service, and many Americans are already confusing registration with an active draft.

Young Men Face Major Selective Service Shift As Automatic Draft Begins in 2026

A major change is coming to Selective Service, and many Americans are already confusing registration with an active draft.

Split image showing a close-up of an embedded collar injury on one side and the same brown dog being treated with a bright pink neck bandage on the other.

Dog Rescued From Embedded Collar Gets a New Beginning

She was chained outside, badly hurt, and living with a collar buried into her neck. Now this little dog has a new name, a new family, and a whole new...

Dog Rescued From Embedded Collar Gets a New Beginning

She was chained outside, badly hurt, and living with a collar buried into her neck. Now this little dog has a new name, a new family, and a whole new...

Beekeeper wearing a veil and gloves examines a hive box glowing in warm evening light.

USDA Move Threatens Critical Bee Research After Massive Colony Losses

After widespread honeybee deaths, one federal lab helped identify a likely cause and gave beekeepers answers they needed. Now that same research center could be shut down.

USDA Move Threatens Critical Bee Research After Massive Colony Losses

After widespread honeybee deaths, one federal lab helped identify a likely cause and gave beekeepers answers they needed. Now that same research center could be shut down.

Split image showing a mountain fire lookout tower on one side and a firefighter battling intense flames on the other.

Forest Service Plans To Close Critical Wildfire Research Stations As Danger Grows

The United States Forest Service is moving ahead with plans that could shut down research stations studying wildfire risk, drought, and forest change just as fire danger grows across the...

Forest Service Plans To Close Critical Wildfire Research Stations As Danger Grows

The United States Forest Service is moving ahead with plans that could shut down research stations studying wildfire risk, drought, and forest change just as fire danger grows across the...