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 showing a distressed man holding a glass of water on the left and a soldier in winter gear drinking from a large water bottle in the snow on the right.

Toxic PFAS Cleanup Delays Leave Military Families Waiting For Safe Water

For decades, firefighting foam used at military installations left a toxic legacy that still reaches drinking water, farms, homes, and families. Newer federal reviews show how large the cleanup challenge...

Toxic PFAS Cleanup Delays Leave Military Families Waiting For Safe Water

For decades, firefighting foam used at military installations left a toxic legacy that still reaches drinking water, farms, homes, and families. Newer federal reviews show how large the cleanup challenge...

Split image showing a man aiming a shotgun in a dry outdoor landscape on the left and three adult men posing together on a sunny street on the right.

Millionaire Trophy Hunter Dies Beneath Charging Elephants In Gabon Forest

He traveled to Central Africa chasing one more trophy. Instead, a hidden herd of elephants changed everything in seconds. The deadly clash is raising fierce questions about wildlife, risk, and...

Millionaire Trophy Hunter Dies Beneath Charging Elephants In Gabon Forest

He traveled to Central Africa chasing one more trophy. Instead, a hidden herd of elephants changed everything in seconds. The deadly clash is raising fierce questions about wildlife, risk, and...

Monkey lies cramped inside a dark metal cage, gripping the bars with one hand and staring out wide-eyed.

Monkeys Endure Agony In UK Labs For Weight Loss Drug Testing

New reports have sparked outrage over monkeys allegedly restrained and force-fed in UK laboratories tied to the weight-loss drug market. Behind closed doors, intelligent animals may be paying a terrible...

Monkeys Endure Agony In UK Labs For Weight Loss Drug Testing

New reports have sparked outrage over monkeys allegedly restrained and force-fed in UK laboratories tied to the weight-loss drug market. Behind closed doors, intelligent animals may be paying a terrible...

Split image showing a costumed horse on a crowded track beside a second scene of a horse climbing a steep dirt festival course.

Rising Horse Festival Draws Global Concern Over Horse Treatment

A centuries-old festival is facing growing scrutiny as troubling reports emerge about how horses are treated behind the scenes. What looks like tradition may come at a serious cost.

Rising Horse Festival Draws Global Concern Over Horse Treatment

A centuries-old festival is facing growing scrutiny as troubling reports emerge about how horses are treated behind the scenes. What looks like tradition may come at a serious cost.

Close-up of several dogs behind kennel bars next to a woman hugging a shaggy rescue dog outside a fenced shelter area.

Shelter Pet Kill Rates Fall Fast As More Animals Find Homes

A major shift is happening in America’s shelters, and it means tens of thousands more dogs and cats are alive today. The new numbers look hopeful, but they also reveal...

Shelter Pet Kill Rates Fall Fast As More Animals Find Homes

A major shift is happening in America’s shelters, and it means tens of thousands more dogs and cats are alive today. The new numbers look hopeful, but they also reveal...

Split image of a light-colored dog behind a blue fence on the left and a black-and-white cat walking across sunlit pavement on the right.

Dubai Pet Panic Leaves Healthy Animals Facing Death

Some pet owners in Dubai are reportedly trying to leave healthy animals behind as fear spreads and exits grow harder.

Dubai Pet Panic Leaves Healthy Animals Facing Death

Some pet owners in Dubai are reportedly trying to leave healthy animals behind as fear spreads and exits grow harder.