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, a dark mule peers out of a blue horse trailer; on the right, donkeys look through the barred window of a teal transport vehicle.

Millions of Animals Travel Under a Law Written Before the Automobile

A federal law from 1873 is still the primary protection for livestock in transit. A 2026 GAO report found enforcement is essentially nonexistent and penalties are negligible.

Millions of Animals Travel Under a Law Written Before the Automobile

A federal law from 1873 is still the primary protection for livestock in transit. A 2026 GAO report found enforcement is essentially nonexistent and penalties are negligible.

On the left, an empty highway curves through a dry, mountainous landscape; on the right, a person leans over a concrete highway barrier on the same road.

Two-Year-Old Police Dog Leaped Off a Freeway Overpass and Fought His Way Back From Two Broken Legs and a Fractured Jaw

Bruno walked toward the suspicious object, glanced back at his handler — and then, without warning, cleared the concrete barrier and dropped onto the freeway below. He survived, but the...

Two-Year-Old Police Dog Leaped Off a Freeway Overpass and Fought His Way Back From Two Broken Legs and a Fractured Jaw

Bruno walked toward the suspicious object, glanced back at his handler — and then, without warning, cleared the concrete barrier and dropped onto the freeway below. He survived, but the...

On the left, a soldier in camouflage holds a happy small dog outdoors; on the right, a service dog helps a wheelchair user open a door.

Trained Service Dogs Could Reach Thousands More Veterans If Senate Acts on Bipartisan Bill

A bipartisan Senate bill would fund nonprofit grants to train and place service dogs with veterans living with PTSD, TBI, and other service-connected conditions. It has cleared committee. A floor...

Trained Service Dogs Could Reach Thousands More Veterans If Senate Acts on Bipartisan Bill

A bipartisan Senate bill would fund nonprofit grants to train and place service dogs with veterans living with PTSD, TBI, and other service-connected conditions. It has cleared committee. A floor...

On the left, a bald eagle perches on a pine branch in a forest; on the right, two manatees swim underwater near rocks.

A Single FWS Memo Just Stripped Endangered Species of Decades of Legal Protection

A September 2026 internal FWS directive quietly narrowed the Endangered Species Act's prohibition on "take," removing legal accountability for foreseeable, incidental harm to protected wildlife.

A Single FWS Memo Just Stripped Endangered Species of Decades of Legal Protection

A September 2026 internal FWS directive quietly narrowed the Endangered Species Act's prohibition on "take," removing legal accountability for foreseeable, incidental harm to protected wildlife.

Billy Joel Opens Up About the Brain Disorder That Took Away His Motorcycles, His Ability To Drive and His Stage

Billy Joel Opens Up About the Brain Disorder That Took Away His Motorcycles, His Ability To Drive and His Stage

Billy Joel cannot drive and cannot perform — a rare brain disorder has grounded one of rock's most beloved figures on two fronts at once. Now more than 70 of...

Billy Joel Opens Up About the Brain Disorder That Took Away His Motorcycles, His Ability To Drive and His Stage

Billy Joel cannot drive and cannot perform — a rare brain disorder has grounded one of rock's most beloved figures on two fronts at once. Now more than 70 of...

On the left, a hazmat-suited worker examines a leaking barrel behind caution tape; on the right, a ship sails through a large ocean oil spill.

EPA Gives Facilities Three More Years to Submit Chemical Spill Response Plans

A chemical emergency leaves little time to prepare.

EPA Gives Facilities Three More Years to Submit Chemical Spill Response Plans

A chemical emergency leaves little time to prepare.

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