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 man with a prosthetic leg seated on steps beside a veteran receiving support from a woman during a conversation.

Predatory Claims Companies Are Draining Veterans' Hard-Earned Benefits

Disabled veterans seeking earned benefits are being targeted by companies that charge steep fees for claims help they could receive for free from accredited representatives.

Predatory Claims Companies Are Draining Veterans' Hard-Earned Benefits

Disabled veterans seeking earned benefits are being targeted by companies that charge steep fees for claims help they could receive for free from accredited representatives.

Split image showing a whale shark silhouette underwater beside a distant surf-cam view of a dark shape near shore.

Shadowy Sea Giant Drifts Past Coastal Surf Cam, Onlookers Have Several Theories

A rainy surf cam in Western Australia caught something large, dark, and hard to explain moving through the lineup. Some viewers saw a shark. Others saw a whale, an oarfish,...

Shadowy Sea Giant Drifts Past Coastal Surf Cam, Onlookers Have Several Theories

A rainy surf cam in Western Australia caught something large, dark, and hard to explain moving through the lineup. Some viewers saw a shark. Others saw a whale, an oarfish,...

Split image showing a veteran meeting with an official at a desk on the left and a person with a prosthetic leg using rehab stairs on the right.

Veterans Blindsided By Massive Medical Bills Due To VA Billing Failures

VA relieved veterans of more than $272 million in potential medical bills after a copayment processing backlog. That decision helped. But veterans should not have to wait for one-time relief...

Veterans Blindsided By Massive Medical Bills Due To VA Billing Failures

VA relieved veterans of more than $272 million in potential medical bills after a copayment processing backlog. That decision helped. But veterans should not have to wait for one-time relief...

Split image showing a cyanide poison device in the ground on the left and a black-and-white dog sitting in grass on the right.

Federal Agencies Open The Door To Deadly Cyanide Poison Traps

Cyanide bombs are not a relic of the past. Federal guidance could allow these deadly M-44 poison devices to be considered again on public lands, where families hike, dogs explore,...

Federal Agencies Open The Door To Deadly Cyanide Poison Traps

Cyanide bombs are not a relic of the past. Federal guidance could allow these deadly M-44 poison devices to be considered again on public lands, where families hike, dogs explore,...

Split image showing a macro portrait of a yellow-legged hornet on the left and a side view of another hornet standing on wood on the right.

Live Yellow Legged Hornet Found And Bees Are At Risk

A live yellow-legged hornet has been intercepted at a Washington port, raising new concern for honey bees, native pollinators, and the crops that depend on them. Officials say one hornet...

Live Yellow Legged Hornet Found And Bees Are At Risk

A live yellow-legged hornet has been intercepted at a Washington port, raising new concern for honey bees, native pollinators, and the crops that depend on them. Officials say one hornet...

Split image of a long-haired calico cat on a windowsill and a close-up of a gray tabby cat among green leaves.

Outdoor Roaming Puts Cats And Wildlife In Needless Danger

A cat at the door may look like they are asking for freedom. But outside, that freedom can come with cars, poisons, predators, parasites, disease, and fights they may not...

Outdoor Roaming Puts Cats And Wildlife In Needless Danger

A cat at the door may look like they are asking for freedom. But outside, that freedom can come with cars, poisons, predators, parasites, disease, and fights they may not...

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