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

On the left, rescue workers in gear carry equipment through debris-strewn streets near fire trucks and damaged buildings; on the right, a masked officer stands amid rubble near emergency vehicles.

9/11 Responders Are Getting Dementia Early and the Federal Health Program Doesn't Cover It

More than two decades after 9/11, responders are developing dementia at alarming rates — and the federal health program built to treat them doesn't cover it.

9/11 Responders Are Getting Dementia Early and the Federal Health Program Doesn't Cover It

More than two decades after 9/11, responders are developing dementia at alarming rates — and the federal health program built to treat them doesn't cover it.

On the left, an older bearded man in a blue shirt cradles a black-and-white cat indoors; on the right, a gray-haired woman pets a white dog on a leash in.

Many Seniors Forced to Choose Between Feeding Themselves and Feeding Their Pets

For millions of homebound and low-income seniors, a pet is the difference between isolation and connection — between decline and stability.

Many Seniors Forced to Choose Between Feeding Themselves and Feeding Their Pets

For millions of homebound and low-income seniors, a pet is the difference between isolation and connection — between decline and stability.

On the left, a dust-covered woman stands in a thick yellow haze; on the right, a woman rests her chin on her hand thoughtfully.

She Survived the Twin Towers But the Dust She Breathed Followed Her All the Way to the End

She stepped out of the North Tower into a street full of wounded strangers and walked straight into history. The photograph taken in that lobby would define her public identity...

She Survived the Twin Towers But the Dust She Breathed Followed Her All the Way to the End

She stepped out of the North Tower into a street full of wounded strangers and walked straight into history. The photograph taken in that lobby would define her public identity...

On the left, a middle-aged man in a green military dress uniform smiles for a formal portrait; on the right, the Twin Towers burn dramatically amid smoke and fire.

He Ignored Every Order to Stay Put On 9/11 and Sang His People Down the Stairs to Safety Then Turned Back Around

When the South Tower shook from the second plane's impact, Rick Rescorla was already in the stairwell, bullhorn raised, singing to keep people moving. He got them all out —...

He Ignored Every Order to Stay Put On 9/11 and Sang His People Down the Stairs to Safety Then Turned Back Around

When the South Tower shook from the second plane's impact, Rick Rescorla was already in the stairwell, bullhorn raised, singing to keep people moving. He got them all out —...

On the left, an FDNY deputy chief in turnout gear points urgently amid smoking rubble; on the right, a rescue worker with a search dog navigates debris-strewn streets.

Tens of Thousands of 9/11 Responders Are Still Getting Sick and the Federal Program Meant to Help Is Struggling

Tens of thousands of 9/11 responders and survivors are still getting sick — and the federal program built to treat them is struggling to keep its promise.

Tens of Thousands of 9/11 Responders Are Still Getting Sick and the Federal Program Meant to Help Is Struggling

Tens of thousands of 9/11 responders and survivors are still getting sick — and the federal program built to treat them is struggling to keep its promise.

On the left, two beluga whales swim together underwater in blue depths; on the right, two beluga whales surface with open mouths in turquoise water.

Two Young Male Belugas Named Gimli and Yukon Are Finally Safe After a Years-Long Fight to Save Their Lives

Thirty beluga whales lived under the threat of euthanasia inside a shuttered Canadian park — until a last-minute international rescue pulled them back from the brink. Two young males named...

Two Young Male Belugas Named Gimli and Yukon Are Finally Safe After a Years-Long Fight to Save Their Lives

Thirty beluga whales lived under the threat of euthanasia inside a shuttered Canadian park — until a last-minute international rescue pulled them back from the brink. Two young males named...