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 outdoor shelter kennels beside a young woman cuddling a calico cat.

Cities Across America Push To End Preventable Shelter Deaths

More than 1,500 mayors just backed a nationwide effort to save more dogs and cats in shelters. As no-kill communities continue to grow, local leaders are taking a larger role...

Cities Across America Push To End Preventable Shelter Deaths

More than 1,500 mayors just backed a nationwide effort to save more dogs and cats in shelters. As no-kill communities continue to grow, local leaders are taking a larger role...

Split image of a brown dog behind wire fencing beside four brown dogs pressed together behind white kennel bars.

Spay And Neuter Access Can Save Shelter Pets

A city review found that a no- and low-cost spay/neuter program performed thousands fewer surgeries than expected, even as shelters took in tens of thousands of dogs and cats. Affordable...

Spay And Neuter Access Can Save Shelter Pets

A city review found that a no- and low-cost spay/neuter program performed thousands fewer surgeries than expected, even as shelters took in tens of thousands of dogs and cats. Affordable...

Split image showing a dog looking out from a cracked car window beside a yellow Labrador panting inside a parked red car.

More States Let Good Samaritans Save Pets From Deadly Hot Cars

A parked car can turn deadly for a pet in minutes—even with the windows cracked. Now, more states are changing the law to help ordinary people step in before tragedy...

More States Let Good Samaritans Save Pets From Deadly Hot Cars

A parked car can turn deadly for a pet in minutes—even with the windows cracked. Now, more states are changing the law to help ordinary people step in before tragedy...

Split image of a brown dog lying on pavement with bared teeth beside a red station wagon with a crated dog in the back.

How A Mild Day Can Turn Deadly For Dogs In Direct Sun

A dog was reportedly left outside for hours with no shade, food, or water while direct sunlight turned a 73-degree day into 115-degree conditions. Michigan law requires “adequate care,” but...

How A Mild Day Can Turn Deadly For Dogs In Direct Sun

A dog was reportedly left outside for hours with no shade, food, or water while direct sunlight turned a 73-degree day into 115-degree conditions. Michigan law requires “adequate care,” but...

Mountain lion in side profile, lit by warm sunlight, staring ahead against a softly blurred brown rocky background.

Development Sprawl Is Cutting Off Mountain Lion Habitat

Southern California mountain lions are already trapped by roads, sprawl, rodenticides, and shrinking habitat. Now a 1,300-acre development near Castaic Lake could block a critical wildlife path. 

Development Sprawl Is Cutting Off Mountain Lion Habitat

Southern California mountain lions are already trapped by roads, sprawl, rodenticides, and shrinking habitat. Now a 1,300-acre development near Castaic Lake could block a critical wildlife path. 

Split image showing a close-up lake sturgeon in blue water beside three sturgeon gathered near rocks in shallow shoreline water.

Ancient Lake Sturgeon Denied Federal Protection

Lake sturgeon swam through ancient waters long before humans existed, but today they face dams, pollution, habitat loss, and climate threats. Federal officials denied them Endangered Species Act protection, and...

Ancient Lake Sturgeon Denied Federal Protection

Lake sturgeon swam through ancient waters long before humans existed, but today they face dams, pollution, habitat loss, and climate threats. Federal officials denied them Endangered Species Act protection, and...