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 of a rehab session with a man in a wheelchair lifting weights and a doctor shaking hands with a service member in a clinic.

VA Doctor Shortages Put Veterans Care At Risk

VA already has authority to pay certain doctors more when needed to recruit and retain critical health care providers. Lawmakers say that power is not being used, even as staffing...

VA Doctor Shortages Put Veterans Care At Risk

VA already has authority to pay certain doctors more when needed to recruit and retain critical health care providers. Lawmakers say that power is not being used, even as staffing...

Side-by-side blurry video stills showing a woman beside a parked black car with a fluffy light-colored dog near the curb on a sunny residential street.

Prosecutors Charge Pet Sitter After Video Shows Ruthless Dog Beating

Frankie’s owner thought he was safe with a pet sitter she had trusted before. Then a friend sent her a video that changed everything. Police opened an investigation, prosecutors filed...

Prosecutors Charge Pet Sitter After Video Shows Ruthless Dog Beating

Frankie’s owner thought he was safe with a pet sitter she had trusted before. Then a friend sent her a video that changed everything. Police opened an investigation, prosecutors filed...

Side-by-side collage of two beagle portraits behind barriers, both appearing confined and solemn.

Hundreds Of Research Beagles Left Behind At Ridglan Labs

About 1,500 beagles have finally left Ridglan Farms after years of pressure and scrutiny. But reports say hundreds may still remain, and a licensing settlement may not stop in-house research...

Hundreds Of Research Beagles Left Behind At Ridglan Labs

About 1,500 beagles have finally left Ridglan Farms after years of pressure and scrutiny. But reports say hundreds may still remain, and a licensing settlement may not stop in-house research...

Split-screen image of a gray lop-eared rabbit being held in a pet store beside two white rabbits confined in a metal cage.

Pet Store Rabbit Sales Push Vulnerable Animals Toward Neglect

Pet shop rabbits may look safe behind glass, but the story often changes after the sale. Many buyers do not realize how much care rabbits need until the damage is...

Pet Store Rabbit Sales Push Vulnerable Animals Toward Neglect

Pet shop rabbits may look safe behind glass, but the story often changes after the sale. Many buyers do not realize how much care rabbits need until the damage is...

Split-screen image of a white-and-brown dog peering from a dark concrete opening beside several cats crowded inside a wire cage.

Iowa Closes The Loophole That Let Animal Torturers Get Off With A Misdemeanor

Iowa was the last state in the country where first-offense animal torture was not treated as a felony. That changed after lawmakers passed a new law tied to the case...

Iowa Closes The Loophole That Let Animal Torturers Get Off With A Misdemeanor

Iowa was the last state in the country where first-offense animal torture was not treated as a felony. That changed after lawmakers passed a new law tied to the case...

Split-screen image of a monarch butterfly perched on an orange flower beside a striped monarch caterpillar hanging from a leaf.

America’s Most Beloved Butterfly Is Stuck In Federal Limbo

Monarch butterflies were on track for federal protection after years of population collapse. Now that decision has been pushed into an uncertain future, leaving one of North America’s most recognizable...

America’s Most Beloved Butterfly Is Stuck In Federal Limbo

Monarch butterflies were on track for federal protection after years of population collapse. Now that decision has been pushed into an uncertain future, leaving one of North America’s most recognizable...