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

Close-up of a pangolin perched on a branch, surrounded by green leaves in a forest setting.

China Scrubs Pangolin Medicine From Official Handbook As Conservation Pressure Mounts

China just erased pangolin-based medicines from its official rulebook—and one legendary tonic lost its place overnight.

China Scrubs Pangolin Medicine From Official Handbook As Conservation Pressure Mounts

China just erased pangolin-based medicines from its official rulebook—and one legendary tonic lost its place overnight.

Georgia Police Dog Dies Alone In Sweltering Patrol Car After Deputy’s Negligence

Georgia Police Dog Dies Alone In Sweltering Patrol Car After Deputy’s Negligence

She was young, loyal, and full of potential — a bloodhound named Georgia, the newest member of her sheriff’s K-9 team. But one July afternoon, she was left inside a...

Georgia Police Dog Dies Alone In Sweltering Patrol Car After Deputy’s Negligence

She was young, loyal, and full of potential — a bloodhound named Georgia, the newest member of her sheriff’s K-9 team. But one July afternoon, she was left inside a...

Soldier in combat gear and helmet drinks from a blue water bottle while resting in a cold outdoor environment.

Pentagon Delays Leave Military Families Drinking PFAS-Contaminated Water

Military communities asked for answers. They got new delays. PFAS—“forever chemicals” tied to cancers and immune harm—still linger under homes, barracks, and playgrounds while cleanup targets slide into the next...

Pentagon Delays Leave Military Families Drinking PFAS-Contaminated Water

Military communities asked for answers. They got new delays. PFAS—“forever chemicals” tied to cancers and immune harm—still linger under homes, barracks, and playgrounds while cleanup targets slide into the next...

Panoramic aerial image of a coastal city facing a powerful storm, with dark rain clouds and lightning striking offshore.

Why Do Hurricanes Rarely Hit The West Coast? Cold Seas And Shear Break Their Punch

Why does the East take the hits while the West mostly dodges them? Our latest story breaks it down. The Gulf Stream keeps Atlantic waters near the 80°F fuel line,...

Why Do Hurricanes Rarely Hit The West Coast? Cold Seas And Shear Break Their Punch

Why does the East take the hits while the West mostly dodges them? Our latest story breaks it down. The Gulf Stream keeps Atlantic waters near the 80°F fuel line,...

Surfer lying flat on a board, paddling toward the horizon as the sun sets over glowing golden water.

Pacific Students Force World Court Shift On Climate Justice

A handful of Pacific law students faced down rising seas and a wall of indifference—and took their fight to the world’s highest court. The result: a sweeping opinion that ties...

Pacific Students Force World Court Shift On Climate Justice

A handful of Pacific law students faced down rising seas and a wall of indifference—and took their fight to the world’s highest court. The result: a sweeping opinion that ties...

Four small dogs sitting and lying together on a pink background, facing forward with curious and alert expressions.

Animal Abusers Walk Free As Federal Enforcement Collapses

Across the United States, animal suffering is going unpunished. Federal inspectors now hand out “official warnings” instead of fines, even when dogs, monkeys, and elephants endure brutal neglect. Key welfare...

Animal Abusers Walk Free As Federal Enforcement Collapses

Across the United States, animal suffering is going unpunished. Federal inspectors now hand out “official warnings” instead of fines, even when dogs, monkeys, and elephants endure brutal neglect. Key welfare...