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

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...

Split image showing the beagle puppy sitting in the pen beside a woman reaching out gently toward the puppy through the damaged enclosure.

Gentle Beagle Rejected for Hunting Finally Finds the Family He Always Needed

Parker spent his puppyhood trapped in a filthy outdoor pen because he was considered “too gentle” to be a hunting dog. What happened after years of isolation changed his life...

Gentle Beagle Rejected for Hunting Finally Finds the Family He Always Needed

Parker spent his puppyhood trapped in a filthy outdoor pen because he was considered “too gentle” to be a hunting dog. What happened after years of isolation changed his life...

Split image showing a hand holding a dog’s paw through kennel bars on the left and three dogs standing in a fenced yard on the right.

Pennsylvania Animals Found In Deplorable Conditions In Illegal Kennels

Pennsylvania authorities removed 62 dogs and 2 cats from a Belle Vernon home in a possible illegal kennel investigation. Earlier surrendered dogs tested positive for parasites, and reports described extreme...

Pennsylvania Animals Found In Deplorable Conditions In Illegal Kennels

Pennsylvania authorities removed 62 dogs and 2 cats from a Belle Vernon home in a possible illegal kennel investigation. Earlier surrendered dogs tested positive for parasites, and reports described extreme...

Split image showing a podcast interview set on the left and a soldier in camouflage working thoughtfully on a laptop on the right.

A New Veteran Podcast Turns Hard Transitions Into Hard Earned Wisdom

Leaving the military can mean losing structure, community, and a clear mission overnight. RealTOC is trying to meet veterans in that moment, not with lectures, but with real stories from...

A New Veteran Podcast Turns Hard Transitions Into Hard Earned Wisdom

Leaving the military can mean losing structure, community, and a clear mission overnight. RealTOC is trying to meet veterans in that moment, not with lectures, but with real stories from...

Split image shows an offshore drilling platform at sea beside a worker cleaning oil from a polluted beach.

Federal Approval Revives Fears Of Another Gulf Oil Disaster

BP’s Kaskida project would drill in ultra-deep waters of the Gulf of Mexico, where failure could threaten marine life, coastal communities, fishing, and tourism. Environmental groups are suing over the...

Federal Approval Revives Fears Of Another Gulf Oil Disaster

BP’s Kaskida project would drill in ultra-deep waters of the Gulf of Mexico, where failure could threaten marine life, coastal communities, fishing, and tourism. Environmental groups are suing over the...