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

Split image showing a blurred dog behind a cage on the left and two volunteers providing veterinary care to a tan dog on the right.

Smoke From FBI's Meth Incineration Sends Animal Shelter Staff To Hospital

A Montana animal shelter became the scene of chaos when FBI agents used its furnace to burn seized meth. Toxic smoke filled the building, sending workers to the hospital and...

Smoke From FBI's Meth Incineration Sends Animal Shelter Staff To Hospital

A Montana animal shelter became the scene of chaos when FBI agents used its furnace to burn seized meth. Toxic smoke filled the building, sending workers to the hospital and...

Split image showing a hunter aiming a shotgun on the left and a deer with antlers in the snow on the right.

Poachers Go Undetected While States Bleed Millions In Lost Conservation Funds

Wildlife crime is happening in the shadows, and nearly all of it slips through undetected. The toll is staggering—billions lost, animals gone, and conservation crippled.

Poachers Go Undetected While States Bleed Millions In Lost Conservation Funds

Wildlife crime is happening in the shadows, and nearly all of it slips through undetected. The toll is staggering—billions lost, animals gone, and conservation crippled.

Split image: left side shows a shark beneath ocean waves, right side shows a large shark in deep water with a smaller fish nearby.

Endangered Sharks Disguised As Cheap Meat In American Stores

Endangered ocean giants are showing up on American dinner plates under misleading labels. A new study reveals that meat sold as “shark” in U.S. markets and online often comes from critically...

Endangered Sharks Disguised As Cheap Meat In American Stores

Endangered ocean giants are showing up on American dinner plates under misleading labels. A new study reveals that meat sold as “shark” in U.S. markets and online often comes from critically...

Split image showing a police officer with his German Shepherd at Ground Zero on the left, and a golden retriever resting in a stretcher on the right.

Brave Dogs Fought Through Smoke and Rubble to Save Lives on 9/11

When the towers fell on 9/11, it wasn’t just firefighters and police rushing into danger. More than 300 dogs clawed through rubble, searched for survivors, and lifted spirits when hope...

Brave Dogs Fought Through Smoke and Rubble to Save Lives on 9/11

When the towers fell on 9/11, it wasn’t just firefighters and police rushing into danger. More than 300 dogs clawed through rubble, searched for survivors, and lifted spirits when hope...

Split image showing Statue of Liberty with Twin Towers burning in the background on the left, and people viewing a wall of September 11 victim portraits on the right.

These Heroes Of 9/11 Gave Their Lives So Thousands More Could Survive

On September 11, 2001, ordinary Americans became extraordinary heroes. From a security chief who sang his coworkers to safety, to a firefighter who shielded strangers with his own coat, their...

These Heroes Of 9/11 Gave Their Lives So Thousands More Could Survive

On September 11, 2001, ordinary Americans became extraordinary heroes. From a security chief who sang his coworkers to safety, to a firefighter who shielded strangers with his own coat, their...

Adorable Deep Sea Snailfish Found Thriving In Crushing Darkness

Adorable Deep Sea Snailfish Found Thriving In Crushing Darkness

Miles beneath the ocean’s surface, scientists stumbled upon a pink, bumpy fish with wide eyes and delicate fins. It wasn’t just unusual—it was a brand-new species.

Adorable Deep Sea Snailfish Found Thriving In Crushing Darkness

Miles beneath the ocean’s surface, scientists stumbled upon a pink, bumpy fish with wide eyes and delicate fins. It wasn’t just unusual—it was a brand-new species.