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

Close-up of a gorilla with dark fur sitting in shadow, mouth slightly open, showing a hint of teeth and an intense expression.

Viral Footage Of Window-Banging Gorillas Sparks Fears For Their Safety

A new video has reignited concern for the western lowland gorillas still living at Bristol Zoo Gardens in Clifton, three years after public closure. gor

Viral Footage Of Window-Banging Gorillas Sparks Fears For Their Safety

A new video has reignited concern for the western lowland gorillas still living at Bristol Zoo Gardens in Clifton, three years after public closure. gor

Fawn with light brown fur and faint white spots standing in an open grassy field, facing the camera under morning light.

Public Outcry Forces Reprieve For Partially Blind Fawn In State Custody

A tiny fawn named Peanut was days from euthanasia. Then Michiganders flooded phones and inboxes, and everything changed. The DNR has granted a rare permit, sending Peanut to an educational...

Public Outcry Forces Reprieve For Partially Blind Fawn In State Custody

A tiny fawn named Peanut was days from euthanasia. Then Michiganders flooded phones and inboxes, and everything changed. The DNR has granted a rare permit, sending Peanut to an educational...

Orange cat looking upward with bright green eyes and long whiskers, outdoors with a blurred background.

Scientists Reveal the Hidden Switch That Turns Cats Orange

Why are so many ginger cats male—and how can a single, tiny DNA change paint an entire animal sunset orange? Researchers have finally traced the “orange switch” to a surprising...

Scientists Reveal the Hidden Switch That Turns Cats Orange

Why are so many ginger cats male—and how can a single, tiny DNA change paint an entire animal sunset orange? Researchers have finally traced the “orange switch” to a surprising...

New Yorkers Clash Over Carriage Horses As Tragedies Mount

New Yorkers Clash Over Carriage Horses As Tragedies Mount

Carriage rides look timeless in Central Park—but the story behind the reins is anything but simple. A mare’s collapse, a driver’s acquittal, and a mayor’s call for a ban collide...

New Yorkers Clash Over Carriage Horses As Tragedies Mount

Carriage rides look timeless in Central Park—but the story behind the reins is anything but simple. A mare’s collapse, a driver’s acquittal, and a mayor’s call for a ban collide...

Left: Handmade ghost decoration crafted from cheesecloth and a round base with googly eyes, resting on a wooden surface with fall-themed decor. Right: DIY ghost decoration made of white cheesecloth and googly eyes hanging from a tree branch outdoors.

Give Old Dryer Balls New Life as Ghostly Eco Decorations

Forget plastic decorations this Halloween—your laundry leftovers hold the secret to a greener celebration.

Give Old Dryer Balls New Life as Ghostly Eco Decorations

Forget plastic decorations this Halloween—your laundry leftovers hold the secret to a greener celebration.

Two small white pumpkins made from wool dryer balls with short brown twig stems attached.

Transform Your Dryer Balls Into Sustainable Pumpkins For A Small Craft With A Big Impact

What if the key to eco-friendly fall decor is sitting in your laundry room right now? As the seasons change, a growing number of creative crafters are reimagining old wool dryer...

Transform Your Dryer Balls Into Sustainable Pumpkins For A Small Craft With A Big Impact

What if the key to eco-friendly fall decor is sitting in your laundry room right now? As the seasons change, a growing number of creative crafters are reimagining old wool dryer...