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

Therapist holding happy and sad face cards while a child points to one during an emotional learning activity.

Experts Warn The Autism Spectrum Label May Be Failing The People It Was Meant To Help

Millions know the phrase “on the spectrum.” But some autism experts say that familiar wording can flatten real lives into a misleading line from “mild” to “severe.” The debate reaches...

Experts Warn The Autism Spectrum Label May Be Failing The People It Was Meant To Help

Millions know the phrase “on the spectrum.” But some autism experts say that familiar wording can flatten real lives into a misleading line from “mild” to “severe.” The debate reaches...

Split image of a puppy behind a fence and a dog’s paw gripping cage wire, highlighting confinement conditions.

Puppy Mill Breeders Keep Operating Through Dangerous Licensing Loopholes

Problem breeders can keep dogs moving through the commercial pipeline by shifting licenses, names, associates, or properties. The USDA has the authority to license and inspect commercial breeders, but loopholes...

Puppy Mill Breeders Keep Operating Through Dangerous Licensing Loopholes

Problem breeders can keep dogs moving through the commercial pipeline by shifting licenses, names, associates, or properties. The USDA has the authority to license and inspect commercial breeders, but loopholes...

Split image of a child wearing headphones looking out a window and hands assembling puzzle pieces.

Scientists Find A Stuck Brain Signal That Could Help Explain Autism Biology

Scientists have found a tiny brain signal that may help explain why some cellular systems go into overdrive in autism.

Scientists Find A Stuck Brain Signal That Could Help Explain Autism Biology

Scientists have found a tiny brain signal that may help explain why some cellular systems go into overdrive in autism.

Split image showing polluted water with ducks on one side and plastic-filled ocean with whale tail on the other.

PFAS Sludge Threatens Wildlife Habitat Across America

PFAS contamination does not stay neatly contained after sewage sludge is spread on land. These persistent chemicals can move through soil, water, plants, insects, fish, livestock, wild game, and birds.

PFAS Sludge Threatens Wildlife Habitat Across America

PFAS contamination does not stay neatly contained after sewage sludge is spread on land. These persistent chemicals can move through soil, water, plants, insects, fish, livestock, wild game, and birds.

Split image showing a kitten in rubble on one side and two puppies resting among debris on the other.

Lebanon’s War Leaves Pets And Farm Animals Waiting For Families Who May Never Return

Families in southern Lebanon fled with little warning. Many could not take their pets, chickens, dogs, cats, or livestock. Some never made it home. Now rescuers are moving through damaged...

Lebanon’s War Leaves Pets And Farm Animals Waiting For Families Who May Never Return

Families in southern Lebanon fled with little warning. Many could not take their pets, chickens, dogs, cats, or livestock. Some never made it home. Now rescuers are moving through damaged...

Left: Dog standing in a dumpster among trash looking back; Right: Close-up of a cat with one cloudy eye and one yellow eye.

Animal Cruelty Victims Spend Months In Shelters While Abusers Avoid The Bill

When animals are seized from cruelty, the rescue is not always the end of their suffering. Many remain trapped in shelters while criminal cases move forward, unable to be adopted...

Animal Cruelty Victims Spend Months In Shelters While Abusers Avoid The Bill

When animals are seized from cruelty, the rescue is not always the end of their suffering. Many remain trapped in shelters while criminal cases move forward, unable to be adopted...