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

Senior yellow Labrador retriever standing on grass outdoors, looking slightly to the side with a gentle expression. Older terrier mix resting on a dog bed indoors, lit by warm sunlight beside a blue pillow.

Scientists Move Closer To Giving Senior Dogs More Healthy Years

A new pill for senior dogs could soon push pet medicine into unfamiliar territory. It is not meant to treat one disease, but to slow the decline that takes so...

Scientists Move Closer To Giving Senior Dogs More Healthy Years

A new pill for senior dogs could soon push pet medicine into unfamiliar territory. It is not meant to treat one disease, but to slow the decline that takes so...

Split image showing a distant bison herd at dusk beside a close-up portrait of a bison’s face in winter.

Trump Administration Targets America’s Buffalo In A Fight Over Public Land

The American bison once nearly vanished from the continent. Now, a federal decision could force hundreds of them off public grasslands in Montana and replace their grazing permits with cattle-only...

Trump Administration Targets America’s Buffalo In A Fight Over Public Land

The American bison once nearly vanished from the continent. Now, a federal decision could force hundreds of them off public grasslands in Montana and replace their grazing permits with cattle-only...

Wolves Found Dead In Suspected Italian Park Poisoning

Wolves Found Dead In Suspected Italian Park Poisoning

Wolves returned to parts of Italy after decades of protection. Now at least 18 have been found dead in and around a national park, and poison is suspected. The danger...

Wolves Found Dead In Suspected Italian Park Poisoning

Wolves returned to parts of Italy after decades of protection. Now at least 18 have been found dead in and around a national park, and poison is suspected. The danger...

Split image showing a sloth hanging from a branch on the left and a close-up portrait of a sloth looking over its shoulder on the right.

Dozens Of Wild Caught Sloths Died In A Failed Tourist Scheme Before It Opened

Dozens of sloths were imported for a Florida tourist attraction. Many never survived long enough to be seen by visitors. The survivors were moved into quarantine care, and one has...

Dozens Of Wild Caught Sloths Died In A Failed Tourist Scheme Before It Opened

Dozens of sloths were imported for a Florida tourist attraction. Many never survived long enough to be seen by visitors. The survivors were moved into quarantine care, and one has...

Protesters holding signs about freeing dogs and Ridglan Farms appear beside two beagles standing alert on grass in a split image.

Ridglan Beagles Bred For Lab Testing May Soon Feel Grass For The First Time

For years, thousands of beagles at Ridglan Farms were bred for research while advocates fought to get them out. Now, a rescue agreement could move as many as 1,500 dogs...

Ridglan Beagles Bred For Lab Testing May Soon Feel Grass For The First Time

For years, thousands of beagles at Ridglan Farms were bred for research while advocates fought to get them out. Now, a rescue agreement could move as many as 1,500 dogs...

Split image showing an elephant with its trunk extended in a zoo pen on the left and a close-up of its face framed by steel barrier cables on the right.

Baby Elephant Taken From Her Family Has Spent 52 Years Alone In A Zoo

Miyako was taken from Thailand as a baby and brought to a zoo in Japan. For about 50 years, she has lived without another elephant, confined to a barren concrete...

Baby Elephant Taken From Her Family Has Spent 52 Years Alone In A Zoo

Miyako was taken from Thailand as a baby and brought to a zoo in Japan. For about 50 years, she has lived without another elephant, confined to a barren concrete...