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

Panoramic aerial image of a coastal city facing a powerful storm, with dark rain clouds and lightning striking offshore.

Why Do Hurricanes Rarely Hit The West Coast? Cold Seas And Shear Break Their Punch

Why does the East take the hits while the West mostly dodges them? Our latest story breaks it down. The Gulf Stream keeps Atlantic waters near the 80°F fuel line,...

Why Do Hurricanes Rarely Hit The West Coast? Cold Seas And Shear Break Their Punch

Why does the East take the hits while the West mostly dodges them? Our latest story breaks it down. The Gulf Stream keeps Atlantic waters near the 80°F fuel line,...

Surfer lying flat on a board, paddling toward the horizon as the sun sets over glowing golden water.

Pacific Students Force World Court Shift On Climate Justice

A handful of Pacific law students faced down rising seas and a wall of indifference—and took their fight to the world’s highest court. The result: a sweeping opinion that ties...

Pacific Students Force World Court Shift On Climate Justice

A handful of Pacific law students faced down rising seas and a wall of indifference—and took their fight to the world’s highest court. The result: a sweeping opinion that ties...

Four small dogs sitting and lying together on a pink background, facing forward with curious and alert expressions.

Animal Abusers Walk Free As Federal Enforcement Collapses

Across the United States, animal suffering is going unpunished. Federal inspectors now hand out “official warnings” instead of fines, even when dogs, monkeys, and elephants endure brutal neglect. Key welfare...

Animal Abusers Walk Free As Federal Enforcement Collapses

Across the United States, animal suffering is going unpunished. Federal inspectors now hand out “official warnings” instead of fines, even when dogs, monkeys, and elephants endure brutal neglect. Key welfare...

Examiner monitoring a laptop displaying polygraph charts while a man with sensors on his chest and arm sits in the background.

Generals Face Random Polygraphs As Pentagon Secrecy Rules Tighten

The Pentagon is rolling out mandatory NDAs and random lie detectors for thousands—from four-stars to desk staff. Officials call it security. Critics call it intimidation. Reporters face tighter rules, access...

Generals Face Random Polygraphs As Pentagon Secrecy Rules Tighten

The Pentagon is rolling out mandatory NDAs and random lie detectors for thousands—from four-stars to desk staff. Officials call it security. Critics call it intimidation. Reporters face tighter rules, access...

Side-by-side images showing two dogs and their surroundings: on the left, a close-up of a Dalmatian standing in green grass with yellow flowers; on the right, a young girl sitting in a lush garden with a white puppy wearing a purple ribbon.

Pretty Plants and Cozy Scents Can Turn Deadly Behind Closed Doors

Your home looks perfect—until a single petal or perfumed mist turns it into an ER visit. Lilies can shut down cat kidneys. Sago palm can ravage livers. A “relaxing” diffuser can...

Pretty Plants and Cozy Scents Can Turn Deadly Behind Closed Doors

Your home looks perfect—until a single petal or perfumed mist turns it into an ER visit. Lilies can shut down cat kidneys. Sago palm can ravage livers. A “relaxing” diffuser can...

The White House Is Forcing Ideological Compliance On U.S. Universities, Or Else

The White House Is Forcing Ideological Compliance On U.S. Universities, Or Else

Nine elite universities just got a choice with real teeth: align with the White House agenda or risk losing the funding edge they depend on. Caps on international students.

The White House Is Forcing Ideological Compliance On U.S. Universities, Or Else

Nine elite universities just got a choice with real teeth: align with the White House agenda or risk losing the funding edge they depend on. Caps on international students.