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

A rider in a blue jacket and helmet jumps a horse over an obstacle.

Irish Town Panics as “Lion” Roaming Woods Turns Out to Be Dog Named Mouse

Panic spread through a quiet Irish village after footage showed what looked like a lion slipping into the woods. Families stayed inside. Theories flew. Had a big cat escaped from...

Irish Town Panics as “Lion” Roaming Woods Turns Out to Be Dog Named Mouse

Panic spread through a quiet Irish village after footage showed what looked like a lion slipping into the woods. Families stayed inside. Theories flew. Had a big cat escaped from...

Stack of books in front of a military uniform and American flag background.

GI Bill Students Face Rent And Tuition Chaos As Shutdown Cuts Lifelines

When the government shut down, student veterans and survivors expected benefits to keep flowing. Instead, hotlines went dark, offices closed, and a tech rollout collided with rent due dates.

GI Bill Students Face Rent And Tuition Chaos As Shutdown Cuts Lifelines

When the government shut down, student veterans and survivors expected benefits to keep flowing. Instead, hotlines went dark, offices closed, and a tech rollout collided with rent due dates.

Two volunteers sitting with a dog against a neutral backdrop.

A Blanket Ban Is Leaving Vulnerable Dogs Stranded And Canadians Heartbroken

Canada’s 2022 ban on “commercial” dogs from high-risk rabies countries didn’t just close a loophole—it closed the door on rescue. Families ready to adopt are told no.

A Blanket Ban Is Leaving Vulnerable Dogs Stranded And Canadians Heartbroken

Canada’s 2022 ban on “commercial” dogs from high-risk rabies countries didn’t just close a loophole—it closed the door on rescue. Families ready to adopt are told no.

A doctor assists a patient in a hospital; a golden retriever is petted nearby.

Therapy Dog’s Touch Awakens Woman From Medically Induced Coma Against All Odds

Doctors had nearly given up hope when Priscilla Timmons’ heart stopped three times. After days in a coma, her family prayed for a sign of life.

Therapy Dog’s Touch Awakens Woman From Medically Induced Coma Against All Odds

Doctors had nearly given up hope when Priscilla Timmons’ heart stopped three times. After days in a coma, her family prayed for a sign of life.

A cow with tangled yarn around its head stands near a tree.

Texas Town Falls in Love with Deer Caught in Its Own Emo Phase

A Texas community has been captivated by a deer with a truly unexpected look — a hammock tangled in his antlers. Locals call him the “emo deer,” comparing his new...

Texas Town Falls in Love with Deer Caught in Its Own Emo Phase

A Texas community has been captivated by a deer with a truly unexpected look — a hammock tangled in his antlers. Locals call him the “emo deer,” comparing his new...

Half a Million Owls Marked for Death as Washington Fights over the Forest

Half a Million Owls Marked for Death as Washington Fights over the Forest

Hundreds of thousands of barred owls are now in the crosshairs—shot to give the northern spotted owl a chance. The Senate just kept the plan alive. Timber groups, tribes, animal...

Half a Million Owls Marked for Death as Washington Fights over the Forest

Hundreds of thousands of barred owls are now in the crosshairs—shot to give the northern spotted owl a chance. The Senate just kept the plan alive. Timber groups, tribes, animal...