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 mallard duck standing in shallow lake water beside kayakers paddling along a rocky Lake Tahoe shore.

Toxic Glyphosate Is Being Sprayed Near Tahoe Wildlife Habitat

The U.S. Forest Service approved a restoration plan that could allow glyphosate and other herbicides in the Lake Tahoe Basin after the Caldor Fire. Residents and conservation advocates are demanding...

Toxic Glyphosate Is Being Sprayed Near Tahoe Wildlife Habitat

The U.S. Forest Service approved a restoration plan that could allow glyphosate and other herbicides in the Lake Tahoe Basin after the Caldor Fire. Residents and conservation advocates are demanding...

Split image of a close-up wet fur seal beside a large group of fur seals crowded on a rocky beach.

Industrial Trawlers Threaten Nursing Fur Seal Mothers

Northern fur seal pups wait on St. Paul Island while their mothers search the Bering Sea for pollock. Conservationists say industrial trawlers are competing with nursing mothers in critical feeding...

Industrial Trawlers Threaten Nursing Fur Seal Mothers

Northern fur seal pups wait on St. Paul Island while their mothers search the Bering Sea for pollock. Conservationists say industrial trawlers are competing with nursing mothers in critical feeding...

Split image showing aerial views of humpback whales swimming together in turquoise water and deep blue water.

A Record Whale Gathering Reveals A Stunning Ocean Comeback

A stretch of ocean off South Africa turned chaotic when hundreds of humpback whales surfaced, fed, and filled the water with spray.

A Record Whale Gathering Reveals A Stunning Ocean Comeback

A stretch of ocean off South Africa turned chaotic when hundreds of humpback whales surfaced, fed, and filled the water with spray.

Left: Tabby-and-white bodega cat sits on a shop counter beside jars and bottles, looking alert. Right: Brown tabby cat wearing a collar sits on a sidewalk outside a storefront, looking to the side.

Beloved Bodega Cats Are Still In Legal Limbo When It Comes To Protections

Bodega cats are already part of neighborhood life, but current rules can still treat them as violations. New bills would protect these working cats with veterinary care, vaccinations, spay/neuter support,...

Beloved Bodega Cats Are Still In Legal Limbo When It Comes To Protections

Bodega cats are already part of neighborhood life, but current rules can still treat them as violations. New bills would protect these working cats with veterinary care, vaccinations, spay/neuter support,...

Split image showing a chained black-and-tan dog lying on dirt beside a muddy doghouse where another chained dog rests inside.

Dangerous Tethering Laws Leave Dogs Exposed

A dog tied outside can be trapped in heat, cold, storms, or direct sun with no way to reach safety. Nassau County has passed one of the strictest anti-tethering laws...

Dangerous Tethering Laws Leave Dogs Exposed

A dog tied outside can be trapped in heat, cold, storms, or direct sun with no way to reach safety. Nassau County has passed one of the strictest anti-tethering laws...

Split image showing two beagles behind kennel bars: on the left, a close-up of a beagle with one paw raised against the bars and mouth slightly open; on the right, a beagle wearing a recovery cone rests its chin on its paws behind the bars.

Hundreds Of Beagles Will Finally Leave A Wisconsin Research Farm Behind

Hundreds of beagles are leaving a Wisconsin research facility after a rescue agreement that could end years of confinement, testing, and public pressure. Now, the dogs face a different challenge:...

Hundreds Of Beagles Will Finally Leave A Wisconsin Research Farm Behind

Hundreds of beagles are leaving a Wisconsin research facility after a rescue agreement that could end years of confinement, testing, and public pressure. Now, the dogs face a different challenge:...