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 happy senior dog in a birthday hat beside a solemn older gray dog, contrasting joyful and aging expressions.

A Grieving Dog Dad Built A Lifeline For Old Shelter Dogs After One Changed His Life

Lily was already 10 when Sam brought her home. She gave him seven unforgettable years, then left behind a mission bigger than one family. Now her story is helping senior...

A Grieving Dog Dad Built A Lifeline For Old Shelter Dogs After One Changed His Life

Lily was already 10 when Sam brought her home. She gave him seven unforgettable years, then left behind a mission bigger than one family. Now her story is helping senior...

Split image showing a person lying on cardboard while receiving bread from another hand beside a close-up portrait of an older bearded man wearing a cap and camouflage jacket.

Homeless Veterans Are Vanishing In VA Paperwork Because Of Referral Program Failures

Veterans who tell VA they are homeless or at risk should not be lost in paperwork. Federal watchdogs found missed follow-ups and huge gaps in HUD-VASH referral documentation.

Homeless Veterans Are Vanishing In VA Paperwork Because Of Referral Program Failures

Veterans who tell VA they are homeless or at risk should not be lost in paperwork. Federal watchdogs found missed follow-ups and huge gaps in HUD-VASH referral documentation.

Split image showing a white dog standing indoors and the same dog sitting in a car wearing an orange jacket.

Dog Saved From Death Row Rallies An Entire Town Behind Him

Ox was once just a number on a list in a South Carolina kill shelter, with only days left before he was scheduled to be euthanized. After one foster stepped...

Dog Saved From Death Row Rallies An Entire Town Behind Him

Ox was once just a number on a list in a South Carolina kill shelter, with only days left before he was scheduled to be euthanized. After one foster stepped...

Split image showing a mallard duck standing in shallow lake water beside kayakers paddling along a rocky Lake Tahoe shore.

Toxic Glyphosate Is Being Sprayed Near Tahoe Wildlife Habitat

The U.S. Forest Service approved a restoration plan that could allow glyphosate and other herbicides in the Lake Tahoe Basin after the Caldor Fire. Residents and conservation advocates are demanding...

Toxic Glyphosate Is Being Sprayed Near Tahoe Wildlife Habitat

The U.S. Forest Service approved a restoration plan that could allow glyphosate and other herbicides in the Lake Tahoe Basin after the Caldor Fire. Residents and conservation advocates are demanding...

Split image of a close-up wet fur seal beside a large group of fur seals crowded on a rocky beach.

Industrial Trawlers Threaten Nursing Fur Seal Mothers

Northern fur seal pups wait on St. Paul Island while their mothers search the Bering Sea for pollock. Conservationists say industrial trawlers are competing with nursing mothers in critical feeding...

Industrial Trawlers Threaten Nursing Fur Seal Mothers

Northern fur seal pups wait on St. Paul Island while their mothers search the Bering Sea for pollock. Conservationists say industrial trawlers are competing with nursing mothers in critical feeding...

Split image showing aerial views of humpback whales swimming together in turquoise water and deep blue water.

A Record Whale Gathering Reveals A Stunning Ocean Comeback

A stretch of ocean off South Africa turned chaotic when hundreds of humpback whales surfaced, fed, and filled the water with spray.

A Record Whale Gathering Reveals A Stunning Ocean Comeback

A stretch of ocean off South Africa turned chaotic when hundreds of humpback whales surfaced, fed, and filled the water with spray.