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

Florida’s Black Market for Horse Meat Fuels Devastation and Heartbreak
Stolen horses, heartbroken families, and a black-market trade that’s both brutal and illegal. Florida's underground horse meat industry is tearing communities apart and leaving law enforcement struggling to keep up....
Florida’s Black Market for Horse Meat Fuels Devastation and Heartbreak
Stolen horses, heartbroken families, and a black-market trade that’s both brutal and illegal. Florida's underground horse meat industry is tearing communities apart and leaving law enforcement struggling to keep up....

Rare Staten Island Frog Teeters on the Edge of Extinction
The Atlantic leopard frog is disappearing, with only six populations left in New York. Habitat destruction and climate change are pushing this rare species toward extinction.
Rare Staten Island Frog Teeters on the Edge of Extinction
The Atlantic leopard frog is disappearing, with only six populations left in New York. Habitat destruction and climate change are pushing this rare species toward extinction.

Silent Suffering — The Dark Truth Behind Debarking Dogs
Discover the shocking risks and ethical concerns behind debarking surgery. From severe health complications to the emotional toll on your furry friend, this procedure may not be the solution you...
Silent Suffering — The Dark Truth Behind Debarking Dogs
Discover the shocking risks and ethical concerns behind debarking surgery. From severe health complications to the emotional toll on your furry friend, this procedure may not be the solution you...

Smuggling, Shortages, and Scandals Drive America’s Monkey Research Crisis
America’s labs are in a frenzy as a monkey crisis shakes the pharmaceutical industry. Smuggling, soaring prices, and an unstoppable demand for these primates leave researchers—and regulators—on edge.
Smuggling, Shortages, and Scandals Drive America’s Monkey Research Crisis
America’s labs are in a frenzy as a monkey crisis shakes the pharmaceutical industry. Smuggling, soaring prices, and an unstoppable demand for these primates leave researchers—and regulators—on edge.

Whaling Nations Defy Global Ban and Push Iconic Species to the Brink
The battle to save the world’s whales isn’t over. Despite a global ban, three nations persist in hunting these majestic creatures, endangering marine ecosystems and defying international agreements.
Whaling Nations Defy Global Ban and Push Iconic Species to the Brink
The battle to save the world’s whales isn’t over. Despite a global ban, three nations persist in hunting these majestic creatures, endangering marine ecosystems and defying international agreements.

Hikers Vanish Without a Trace in National Parks as Search Efforts Fall Short
Every year, people enter America’s national parks and are never seen again. Some are seasoned hikers, others are day-trippers who simply vanish without a trace. Search teams race against time,...
Hikers Vanish Without a Trace in National Parks as Search Efforts Fall Short
Every year, people enter America’s national parks and are never seen again. Some are seasoned hikers, others are day-trippers who simply vanish without a trace. Search teams race against time,...