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 a woman seated on a bright pink elephant on one side and the same elephant walking past a photographer on the other.

Backlash Erupts After Elderly Elephant Used For Viral Pink Photoshoot Prop Dies

A pink-painted elephant in Jaipur became the center of a growing storm after the animal later died and the photographer said she was threatened online.

Backlash Erupts After Elderly Elephant Used For Viral Pink Photoshoot Prop Dies

A pink-painted elephant in Jaipur became the center of a growing storm after the animal later died and the photographer said she was threatened online.

Man kneels on a front lawn at sunset, holding a small American flag outside a suburban home.

VA Home Loan Failure Leaves Veterans On Edge Of Foreclosure

Veterans were promised support through the VA home loan program. Now many are losing their homes after a key rescue option disappeared before a real replacement was ready.

VA Home Loan Failure Leaves Veterans On Edge Of Foreclosure

Veterans were promised support through the VA home loan program. Now many are losing their homes after a key rescue option disappeared before a real replacement was ready.

Trump Administration's Gulf Drilling Exemption Puts Rare Wildlife In Deep Danger

Trump Administration's Gulf Drilling Exemption Puts Rare Wildlife In Deep Danger

A rare federal committee has cleared Gulf oil drilling past key Endangered Species Act protections, and some of the animals in the path of that decision are already on the...

Trump Administration's Gulf Drilling Exemption Puts Rare Wildlife In Deep Danger

A rare federal committee has cleared Gulf oil drilling past key Endangered Species Act protections, and some of the animals in the path of that decision are already on the...

Split image of Rob Schneider, wearing a blue shirt and tan cap in the left image, and a red jacket and black hat in the right image.

Rob Schneider Demands Mandatory Service for Americas Youth

Rob Schneider has stepped into one of the most volatile debates in American public life by urging the United States to restore compulsory national service as war with Iran drags...

Rob Schneider Demands Mandatory Service for Americas Youth

Rob Schneider has stepped into one of the most volatile debates in American public life by urging the United States to restore compulsory national service as war with Iran drags...

Colorado Moves To Shut Down The Cruel Puppy Mill Pipeline

Colorado Moves To Shut Down The Cruel Puppy Mill Pipeline

Colorado is confronting a system that keeps puppy mill dogs in misery while unsuspecting families pay the price.

Colorado Moves To Shut Down The Cruel Puppy Mill Pipeline

Colorado is confronting a system that keeps puppy mill dogs in misery while unsuspecting families pay the price.

Adult cat resting with a kitten nestled against it, both with eyes closed on a rough surface.

Shelter Cat Deaths Plunge as Foster Networks and Community Programs Change the Odds

Fewer cats are dying in America’s shelters than a decade ago, but kitten season could still push fragile systems to the edge.

Shelter Cat Deaths Plunge as Foster Networks and Community Programs Change the Odds

Fewer cats are dying in America’s shelters than a decade ago, but kitten season could still push fragile systems to the edge.