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

Large group of wading birds gathered in a coastal wetland, feeding among patches of tall marsh grass in shallow water.

Trump Administration's New Environmental Plan Opens the Floodgates for Mass Wetland Destruction

A sweeping proposal from the Trump Administration could erase federal protections from more than 80 percent of America’s wetlands—waters that filter drinking supplies, cushion communities from floods, and anchor entire...

Trump Administration's New Environmental Plan Opens the Floodgates for Mass Wetland Destruction

A sweeping proposal from the Trump Administration could erase federal protections from more than 80 percent of America’s wetlands—waters that filter drinking supplies, cushion communities from floods, and anchor entire...

A sea turtle navigating through murky water filled with plastic bags, fragments, and floating litter.

Study Finds Sea Animals Face Lethal Risks From Shockingly Small Plastic Pieces

How much plastic does it take to kill a sea animal? New research delivers an answer that feels almost impossible to believe. Just six tiny pieces of rubber can doom...

Study Finds Sea Animals Face Lethal Risks From Shockingly Small Plastic Pieces

How much plastic does it take to kill a sea animal? New research delivers an answer that feels almost impossible to believe. Just six tiny pieces of rubber can doom...

A harbor seal’s head peeking above the surface of golden, sunlit water, staring directly at the camera.

Desperate Seal Leaps for Its Life, Landing in Photographer's Boat in Heart-Stopping Orca Chase

A harbor seal in Puget Sound made a split-second decision when a pod of hunting orcas closed in. What followed stunned even seasoned wildlife watchers.

Desperate Seal Leaps for Its Life, Landing in Photographer's Boat in Heart-Stopping Orca Chase

A harbor seal in Puget Sound made a split-second decision when a pod of hunting orcas closed in. What followed stunned even seasoned wildlife watchers.

Close-up of a gray cat with striking blue eyes and detailed fur texture.

90s Nostalgia and Movie Magic Is Making A Big Comeback In Pet Names

From Forrest Gump to Wicked, pop culture isn’t just shaping playlists — it’s shaping pet names. Data shows a surge in dogs and cats named after 90s stars, movie heroes,...

90s Nostalgia and Movie Magic Is Making A Big Comeback In Pet Names

From Forrest Gump to Wicked, pop culture isn’t just shaping playlists — it’s shaping pet names. Data shows a surge in dogs and cats named after 90s stars, movie heroes,...

A dog with a green ball runs across a grassy field.

Sweet Or Savory? Food Is Inspiring This Year’s Cutest Pet Names

Move over Max and Bella — meet Macaron, Mr. Biscuit, and Hashbrowns. Food-inspired pet names are taking over, and the results are downright mouthwatering.matt

Sweet Or Savory? Food Is Inspiring This Year’s Cutest Pet Names

Move over Max and Bella — meet Macaron, Mr. Biscuit, and Hashbrowns. Food-inspired pet names are taking over, and the results are downright mouthwatering.matt

Two playful kittens lying together on a patterned surface, beside a smiling dog.

Sports Fans Are Naming Their Pets After Their Heroes

Sports fans aren’t just cheering for their heroes — they’re naming their pets after them. From Josh Allen the golden retriever to Scottie the cat, athletes are inspiring the latest...

Sports Fans Are Naming Their Pets After Their Heroes

Sports fans aren’t just cheering for their heroes — they’re naming their pets after them. From Josh Allen the golden retriever to Scottie the cat, athletes are inspiring the latest...