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-screen image of a gray lop-eared rabbit being held in a pet store beside two white rabbits confined in a metal cage.

Pet Store Rabbit Sales Push Vulnerable Animals Toward Neglect

Pet shop rabbits may look safe behind glass, but the story often changes after the sale. Many buyers do not realize how much care rabbits need until the damage is...

Pet Store Rabbit Sales Push Vulnerable Animals Toward Neglect

Pet shop rabbits may look safe behind glass, but the story often changes after the sale. Many buyers do not realize how much care rabbits need until the damage is...

Split-screen image of a white-and-brown dog peering from a dark concrete opening beside several cats crowded inside a wire cage.

Iowa Closes The Loophole That Let Animal Torturers Get Off With A Misdemeanor

Iowa was the last state in the country where first-offense animal torture was not treated as a felony. That changed after lawmakers passed a new law tied to the case...

Iowa Closes The Loophole That Let Animal Torturers Get Off With A Misdemeanor

Iowa was the last state in the country where first-offense animal torture was not treated as a felony. That changed after lawmakers passed a new law tied to the case...

Split-screen image of a monarch butterfly perched on an orange flower beside a striped monarch caterpillar hanging from a leaf.

America’s Most Beloved Butterfly Is Stuck In Federal Limbo

Monarch butterflies were on track for federal protection after years of population collapse. Now that decision has been pushed into an uncertain future, leaving one of North America’s most recognizable...

America’s Most Beloved Butterfly Is Stuck In Federal Limbo

Monarch butterflies were on track for federal protection after years of population collapse. Now that decision has been pushed into an uncertain future, leaving one of North America’s most recognizable...

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Cat Caretakers Fear Strays Were Targeted With Poison After Capturing Video Evidence

A disturbing video has animal advocates demanding answers after food left for stray cats was allegedly doused with bleach. The cats may have had no way to know the meal...

Cat Caretakers Fear Strays Were Targeted With Poison After Capturing Video Evidence

A disturbing video has animal advocates demanding answers after food left for stray cats was allegedly doused with bleach. The cats may have had no way to know the meal...

Split image showing a brown bear with three cubs on a muddy shore on the left and military helicopters flying across a sunset sky on the right.

Helicopter Bear Hunts Raise New Wildlife Concerns

A court ruling has opened the door for Alaska wildlife agents to shoot black and brown bears from helicopters. The state says it wants to help caribou, but critics say...

Helicopter Bear Hunts Raise New Wildlife Concerns

A court ruling has opened the door for Alaska wildlife agents to shoot black and brown bears from helicopters. The state says it wants to help caribou, but critics say...

Split image showing bighorn sheep in a mountain landscape on the left and a silhouette of a hunter aiming a shotgun on a ridge at sunset, with glowing orange clouds filling the sky on the right.

Hunting Restrictions Are Being Lifted Across Public Lands

Federal officials are loosening hunting restrictions across national parks, wildlife refuges, and wilderness areas. Some changes could affect trails, habitat, and fragile public lands.

Hunting Restrictions Are Being Lifted Across Public Lands

Federal officials are loosening hunting restrictions across national parks, wildlife refuges, and wilderness areas. Some changes could affect trails, habitat, and fragile public lands.

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