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

U.S. Air Force aerial refueling aircraft flying overhead against a partly cloudy sky.

Six U.S. Troops Dead After Refueling Plane Crashes in Western Iraq

Six U.S. service members are dead after a KC-135 refueling plane went down in western Iraq. The aircraft fell in what the military called friendly airspace. What happened in the...

Six U.S. Troops Dead After Refueling Plane Crashes in Western Iraq

Six U.S. service members are dead after a KC-135 refueling plane went down in western Iraq. The aircraft fell in what the military called friendly airspace. What happened in the...

Split image showing a woman speaking on the left and a child reading a colorful illustrated children’s book with an adult on the right.

Kentucky’s Fight Over Dolly Parton’s Book Program Puts Thousands of Children at Risk

A fight over funding in Kentucky has put Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library in the spotlight for all the wrong reasons. Free books have reached more than 120,000 young children each...

Kentucky’s Fight Over Dolly Parton’s Book Program Puts Thousands of Children at Risk

A fight over funding in Kentucky has put Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library in the spotlight for all the wrong reasons. Free books have reached more than 120,000 young children each...

Split image showing a Roman dog mosaic on the left and a carved stone dog statue on the right, both historical depictions of dogs in ancient Rome.

Ancient Romans Grieved Their Pets With Words That Still Break Hearts

Ancient Romans left behind pet epitaphs that read with startling intimacy today. Some mourn lost kisses. Others beg strangers not to laugh at a dog’s grave. The words are blunt,...

Ancient Romans Grieved Their Pets With Words That Still Break Hearts

Ancient Romans left behind pet epitaphs that read with startling intimacy today. Some mourn lost kisses. Others beg strangers not to laugh at a dog’s grave. The words are blunt,...

Black cat crouching beside a pet carrier in a corner outdoors, appearing frightened and defensive.

Stray Mother Cat Nurses Orphan Puppy After Tragedy Strikes Both Families

After losing two of her own kittens, Mabrouka did something no one expected. She opened her heart to a helpless orphaned puppy and cared for him like her own.

Stray Mother Cat Nurses Orphan Puppy After Tragedy Strikes Both Families

After losing two of her own kittens, Mabrouka did something no one expected. She opened her heart to a helpless orphaned puppy and cared for him like her own.

Elite Space Brigade Soldier Dies After Iranian Missile Strike as War Claims Seventh U.S. Life

Elite Space Brigade Soldier Dies After Iranian Missile Strike as War Claims Seventh U.S. Life

A 26-year-old American soldier has become the seventh U.S. service member killed in the growing war with Iran.

Elite Space Brigade Soldier Dies After Iranian Missile Strike as War Claims Seventh U.S. Life

A 26-year-old American soldier has become the seventh U.S. service member killed in the growing war with Iran.

Small dachshund harnessed to a bright yellow hot dog cart costume attached to a dog wheelchair.

Paralyzed Dog Refuses To Slow Down And Inspires Everyone He Meets

When Sammy suffered a devastating spinal injury at just three years old, many feared his life would never be the same. Instead, the tiny dog rolled forward with unstoppable determination,...

Paralyzed Dog Refuses To Slow Down And Inspires Everyone He Meets

When Sammy suffered a devastating spinal injury at just three years old, many feared his life would never be the same. Instead, the tiny dog rolled forward with unstoppable determination,...