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 of bison grazing in a meadow and a bald eagle in profile.

Trump Administration Strips Away Key Habitat Protection for Endangered Wildlife

A federal rule has changed how one of America's most important wildlife laws treats habitat destruction. For decades, Endangered Species Act regulations recognized that destroying the places animals breed, feed, and...

Trump Administration Strips Away Key Habitat Protection for Endangered Wildlife

A federal rule has changed how one of America's most important wildlife laws treats habitat destruction. For decades, Endangered Species Act regulations recognized that destroying the places animals breed, feed, and...

Big Cats Still Face Exploitation Through Public Contact Loopholes

Big Cats Still Face Exploitation Through Public Contact Loopholes

Big cat cubs may look harmless in photos, but public-contact encounters can hide a larger problem. These animals are often handled for profit during a short window when they are...

Big Cats Still Face Exploitation Through Public Contact Loopholes

Big cat cubs may look harmless in photos, but public-contact encounters can hide a larger problem. These animals are often handled for profit during a short window when they are...

Therapist holding happy and sad face cards while a child points to one during an emotional learning activity.

Experts Warn The Autism Spectrum Label May Be Failing The People It Was Meant To Help

Millions know the phrase “on the spectrum.” But some autism experts say that familiar wording can flatten real lives into a misleading line from “mild” to “severe.” The debate reaches...

Experts Warn The Autism Spectrum Label May Be Failing The People It Was Meant To Help

Millions know the phrase “on the spectrum.” But some autism experts say that familiar wording can flatten real lives into a misleading line from “mild” to “severe.” The debate reaches...

Split image of a puppy behind a fence and a dog’s paw gripping cage wire, highlighting confinement conditions.

Puppy Mill Breeders Keep Operating Through Dangerous Licensing Loopholes

Problem breeders can keep dogs moving through the commercial pipeline by shifting licenses, names, associates, or properties. The USDA has the authority to license and inspect commercial breeders, but loopholes...

Puppy Mill Breeders Keep Operating Through Dangerous Licensing Loopholes

Problem breeders can keep dogs moving through the commercial pipeline by shifting licenses, names, associates, or properties. The USDA has the authority to license and inspect commercial breeders, but loopholes...

Split image of a child wearing headphones looking out a window and hands assembling puzzle pieces.

Scientists Find A Stuck Brain Signal That Could Help Explain Autism Biology

Scientists have found a tiny brain signal that may help explain why some cellular systems go into overdrive in autism.

Scientists Find A Stuck Brain Signal That Could Help Explain Autism Biology

Scientists have found a tiny brain signal that may help explain why some cellular systems go into overdrive in autism.

Split image showing polluted water with ducks on one side and plastic-filled ocean with whale tail on the other.

PFAS Sludge Threatens Wildlife Habitat Across America

PFAS contamination does not stay neatly contained after sewage sludge is spread on land. These persistent chemicals can move through soil, water, plants, insects, fish, livestock, wild game, and birds.

PFAS Sludge Threatens Wildlife Habitat Across America

PFAS contamination does not stay neatly contained after sewage sludge is spread on land. These persistent chemicals can move through soil, water, plants, insects, fish, livestock, wild game, and birds.

DEV MODE ACTIVE. BRAND: gg