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

Medical professionals consult with a soldier in a healthcare setting.

Veterans Face Longer Waits as VA Prepares To Cut 35,000 Health Care Positions

The Department of Veterans Affairs is preparing to eliminate as many as 35,000 health care positions, a move that could reshape how millions of veterans receive care. The plan focuses...

Veterans Face Longer Waits as VA Prepares To Cut 35,000 Health Care Positions

The Department of Veterans Affairs is preparing to eliminate as many as 35,000 health care positions, a move that could reshape how millions of veterans receive care. The plan focuses...

Close-up of a rider's boot in a stirrup on a gray horse.

Did New York Lawmakers Take a Secret Ride And Leave Horses Paying the Price?

New York lawmakers step into racing carts and disappear behind the gates of Yonkers Raceway. No cameras. Little notice. Real horses running at full speed.

Did New York Lawmakers Take a Secret Ride And Leave Horses Paying the Price?

New York lawmakers step into racing carts and disappear behind the gates of Yonkers Raceway. No cameras. Little notice. Real horses running at full speed.

A gorilla raises its hand beside a frog grasping another frog in water.

Frog Battle and Gorilla High Kick Captivate In Comedy Wildlife Photo Awards 2025

A young gorilla leaping through a forest clearing. A pair of frogs locked in a dramatic mid-pond struggle. A fox ready to “hit the dance floor.” This year’s Comedy Wildlife...

Frog Battle and Gorilla High Kick Captivate In Comedy Wildlife Photo Awards 2025

A young gorilla leaping through a forest clearing. A pair of frogs locked in a dramatic mid-pond struggle. A fox ready to “hit the dance floor.” This year’s Comedy Wildlife...

Two children joyfully interact with dogs in a park setting, showcasing companionship and happiness.

Holiday Adoption Rush Gives Hundreds of Pets a Final Shot at Safety

Some survived neglect. Some simply ran out of time. All of them want warmth, safety, and a place to call home as winter closes in.

Holiday Adoption Rush Gives Hundreds of Pets a Final Shot at Safety

Some survived neglect. Some simply ran out of time. All of them want warmth, safety, and a place to call home as winter closes in.

Police officers interact at a decorated door during a festive season.

Doe’s Christmas Store Rampage Ends in a Heart-Pounding Rescue

A quiet Christmas shop in Tennessee erupted into chaos when a terrified doe burst through the front door and tore through aisles of ornaments, garland, and displays.

Doe’s Christmas Store Rampage Ends in a Heart-Pounding Rescue

A quiet Christmas shop in Tennessee erupted into chaos when a terrified doe burst through the front door and tore through aisles of ornaments, garland, and displays.

An octopus with vibrant colors is seen against a dark background, displaying its tentacles.

Seven-Arm 'Septopus' Sparks Mystery Along North Sea Coast

A quiet walk along a Scottish beach turned surreal when massive sucker-lined arms appeared in the sand. Conservation teams soon realized this wasn’t a local species at all but a...

Seven-Arm 'Septopus' Sparks Mystery Along North Sea Coast

A quiet walk along a Scottish beach turned surreal when massive sucker-lined arms appeared in the sand. Conservation teams soon realized this wasn’t a local species at all but a...