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

On the left, a middle-aged man in a green military dress uniform smiles for a formal portrait; on the right, the Twin Towers burn dramatically amid smoke and fire.

He Ignored Every Order to Stay Put On 9/11 and Sang His People Down the Stairs to Safety Then Turned Back Around

When the South Tower shook from the second plane's impact, Rick Rescorla was already in the stairwell, bullhorn raised, singing to keep people moving. He got them all out —...

He Ignored Every Order to Stay Put On 9/11 and Sang His People Down the Stairs to Safety Then Turned Back Around

When the South Tower shook from the second plane's impact, Rick Rescorla was already in the stairwell, bullhorn raised, singing to keep people moving. He got them all out —...

On the left, an FDNY deputy chief in turnout gear points urgently amid smoking rubble; on the right, a rescue worker with a search dog navigates debris-strewn streets.

Tens of Thousands of 9/11 Responders Are Still Getting Sick and the Federal Program Meant to Help Is Struggling

Tens of thousands of 9/11 responders and survivors are still getting sick — and the federal program built to treat them is struggling to keep its promise.

Tens of Thousands of 9/11 Responders Are Still Getting Sick and the Federal Program Meant to Help Is Struggling

Tens of thousands of 9/11 responders and survivors are still getting sick — and the federal program built to treat them is struggling to keep its promise.

On the left, two beluga whales swim together underwater in blue depths; on the right, two beluga whales surface with open mouths in turquoise water.

Two Young Male Belugas Named Gimli and Yukon Are Finally Safe After a Years-Long Fight to Save Their Lives

Thirty beluga whales lived under the threat of euthanasia inside a shuttered Canadian park — until a last-minute international rescue pulled them back from the brink. Two young males named...

Two Young Male Belugas Named Gimli and Yukon Are Finally Safe After a Years-Long Fight to Save Their Lives

Thirty beluga whales lived under the threat of euthanasia inside a shuttered Canadian park — until a last-minute international rescue pulled them back from the brink. Two young males named...

On the left, a bald eagle soars over a shimmering lake with forested cliffs behind it; on the right, a clouded leopard gazes forward intently among rocky surroundings.

Federal Wildlife Refuges Are Running Without the Staff Needed to Keep Them Alive

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has lost nearly 20 percent of its workforce since January 2025. Endangered species reviews have ground to a halt. Wetlands are going unmanaged. Wildlife...

Federal Wildlife Refuges Are Running Without the Staff Needed to Keep Them Alive

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has lost nearly 20 percent of its workforce since January 2025. Endangered species reviews have ground to a halt. Wetlands are going unmanaged. Wildlife...

On the left, a lean brown and white dog on a leash stands on grass; on the right, a raised clenched fist with a blurred dog visible in the background.

This State Shows How Civil Courts Could Speed Up Animal Rescues

When officers suspect an animal is being mistreated, getting legal access to intervene isn't simple. Criminal warrants take time.

This State Shows How Civil Courts Could Speed Up Animal Rescues

When officers suspect an animal is being mistreated, getting legal access to intervene isn't simple. Criminal warrants take time.

On the left, a sleek shark glides through clear blue ocean water amid smaller fish; on the right, a great white shark lunges from dark water with jaws open, biting.

Scientists Keep Finding the Wildest Things Ever Stuffed Inside Shark Stomachs

A suit of medieval armor. A whole reindeer — antlers and all. A tattooed human arm that cracked open a murder investigation. Sharks have been swallowing the most jaw-dropping objects...

Scientists Keep Finding the Wildest Things Ever Stuffed Inside Shark Stomachs

A suit of medieval armor. A whole reindeer — antlers and all. A tattooed human arm that cracked open a murder investigation. Sharks have been swallowing the most jaw-dropping objects...