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

Split image showing kelp forest with fish and a sea lion swimming near the surface.

The Ocean's Most Vital Forests Are Disappearing Before Our Eyes

Kelp forests once stretched for thousands of miles along America's Pacific coast, sheltering fish, sea otters, whales, and hundreds of other species. Between 2008 and 2019, Northern California lost more...

The Ocean's Most Vital Forests Are Disappearing Before Our Eyes

Kelp forests once stretched for thousands of miles along America's Pacific coast, sheltering fish, sea otters, whales, and hundreds of other species. Between 2008 and 2019, Northern California lost more...

On the left, two beluga whales surface side by side in bright turquoise water; on the right, a single beluga whale glides gracefully underwater in deep blue-lit water.

Four Female Beluga Whales Rescued From Canada's Shuttered Marineland Find a New Home at Chicago's Shedd Aquarium

Four beluga whales named Acadia, Osiris, Sierra, and Lillooet arrived at Chicago's Shedd Aquarium in the pre-dawn hours of July 22, completing the first leg of a rescue that years...

Four Female Beluga Whales Rescued From Canada's Shuttered Marineland Find a New Home at Chicago's Shedd Aquarium

Four beluga whales named Acadia, Osiris, Sierra, and Lillooet arrived at Chicago's Shedd Aquarium in the pre-dawn hours of July 22, completing the first leg of a rescue that years...

Portrait of a young U.S. Army soldier in uniform standing in front of an American flag.

19-Year-Old Texas Soldier Killed By Iranian Missile Strike

Pvt. Isabella Gonzales was only 19 when an Iranian missile struck the U.S. base she was helping defend. The Texas soldier had deployed in support of the mission against ISIS....

19-Year-Old Texas Soldier Killed By Iranian Missile Strike

Pvt. Isabella Gonzales was only 19 when an Iranian missile struck the U.S. base she was helping defend. The Texas soldier had deployed in support of the mission against ISIS....

Split image: close-up of a manatee eating greens underwater on the left, and multiple manatees clustered near the surface on the right.

Manatees Face a Deadly Winter as Power Plants Shut Down Across Florida

Every winter, thousands of Florida manatees crowd around power plant discharge channels to stay warm enough to survive. Those plants are shutting down. The natural springs manatees depended on for...

Manatees Face a Deadly Winter as Power Plants Shut Down Across Florida

Every winter, thousands of Florida manatees crowd around power plant discharge channels to stay warm enough to survive. Those plants are shutting down. The natural springs manatees depended on for...

Split image: child floating on their back with a pool noodle in an indoor pool; child concentrating on a blue flotation aid while practicing swimming.

Swimming Lessons Could Save Autistic Children Drawn to Water

For many autistic children, water can offer calm, joy and sensory relief. It can also pose a deadly risk when a child wanders from safety. Families and instructors are responding...

Swimming Lessons Could Save Autistic Children Drawn to Water

For many autistic children, water can offer calm, joy and sensory relief. It can also pose a deadly risk when a child wanders from safety. Families and instructors are responding...

Close-up of a raccoon walking across grass with a raised leg, showing an uneven or distinctive walking motion.

'Jimothy,' Seattle’s Strangest Raccoon Becomes a Viral Neighborhood Celebrity

A raccoon with a tiny torso and an unmistakable silhouette has appeared in Seattle backyards, trees, and balconies. Residents named him Jimothy, and the internet quickly fell for the elusive...

'Jimothy,' Seattle’s Strangest Raccoon Becomes a Viral Neighborhood Celebrity

A raccoon with a tiny torso and an unmistakable silhouette has appeared in Seattle backyards, trees, and balconies. Residents named him Jimothy, and the internet quickly fell for the elusive...