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

On the left, a chimpanzee intently watches a video call on a smartphone held up to it; on the right, a chimpanzee's hand grips rusty metal cage bars.

The Last Pet Chimpanzee in America Lives Alone While The Endangered Species Act Is Ignored

Bow is believed to be the last chimpanzee kept as a private pet in the United States. He lives alone in Missouri while federal agencies with the authority to act...

The Last Pet Chimpanzee in America Lives Alone While The Endangered Species Act Is Ignored

Bow is believed to be the last chimpanzee kept as a private pet in the United States. He lives alone in Missouri while federal agencies with the authority to act...

On the left, a white kitten with heterochromia crouches among pebbles and plants outdoors; on the right, a thin brindle dog lies in a metal shelter kennel.

USDA Claims It Has No Legal Obligation to Enforce Animal Welfare Act

The USDA is arguing in federal court that enforcing the Animal Welfare Act is optional. Here is what that means for animals — and what Congress can do about it.

USDA Claims It Has No Legal Obligation to Enforce Animal Welfare Act

The USDA is arguing in federal court that enforcing the Animal Welfare Act is optional. Here is what that means for animals — and what Congress can do about it.

On the left, a middle-aged man with dark hair and a beard smiles warmly outdoors; on the right, a younger bearded man speaks at a Comic-Con panel.

Noah Wyle's Sexiest Man Alive Photos Hold Deep Sorrow After His Beloved Dog Lily Died Suddenly

Noah Wyle's chocolate Labrador, Lily, leapt into at least three of his Sexiest Man Alive photos during a sun-drenched Malibu shoot — an uninvited costar who made every frame better....

Noah Wyle's Sexiest Man Alive Photos Hold Deep Sorrow After His Beloved Dog Lily Died Suddenly

Noah Wyle's chocolate Labrador, Lily, leapt into at least three of his Sexiest Man Alive photos during a sun-drenched Malibu shoot — an uninvited costar who made every frame better....

On the left, a gray whale spy-hops from the ocean at sunset; on the right, two large dark whales swim together in blue underwater depths.

Fewer Than 370 Right Whales Left and Congress Just Voted to Delay Their Rescue

Fewer than 370 North Atlantic right whales remain, and a bill just passed by the House would delay their fishing-gear protections until 2035. The Senate is the last stop.

Fewer Than 370 Right Whales Left and Congress Just Voted to Delay Their Rescue

Fewer than 370 North Atlantic right whales remain, and a bill just passed by the House would delay their fishing-gear protections until 2035. The Senate is the last stop.

On the left, muddy slurry pours from a metal pipe at a construction or mining site; on the right, oil pump jacks stand in a misty field during rain.

BLM Conservation Rule Wiped Out as Oil and Gas Leasing Expands Across the West

In May 2026, the Trump administration erased a rule that had placed conservation on equal footing with drilling and mining on 245 million acres of public land. Here is what...

BLM Conservation Rule Wiped Out as Oil and Gas Leasing Expands Across the West

In May 2026, the Trump administration erased a rule that had placed conservation on equal footing with drilling and mining on 245 million acres of public land. Here is what...

On the left, two people sit in recliners in a medical infusion setting, conversing; on the right, an older man is embraced warmly from behind by another person.

DOGE Cuts Gut the VA Cancer Registry That Tracks and Treats Veteran Patients

DOGE-directed contract cuts have crippled the VA system that tracks cancer in veterans and connects them to clinical trials — and some patients are running out of time.

DOGE Cuts Gut the VA Cancer Registry That Tracks and Treats Veteran Patients

DOGE-directed contract cuts have crippled the VA system that tracks cancer in veterans and connects them to clinical trials — and some patients are running out of time.