Michael Butler is a reporter for Technical.ly Philly and a Report For America fellow for 2020-2021. He graduated from Temple University in 2016. He grew up in Augusta, Georgia, as part of a military family and moved around several times over the course of his life. As a freelance journalist, he has contributed to platforms like National Public Radio affiliate WHYY and reported on culture and the arts for publications like Okayplayer and Remezcla. In 2019, he was one of the recipients of the Lenfest Institute for Journalism’s inaugural Next Generation Award grant. Later that year, he was selected by the Maynard Institute for Journalism to be a Maynard 200 fellow.

-30-

What will event design look like after coronavirus?

growth

Jul. 10, 2020 3:55 pm

What will event design look like after coronavirus?

By Michael Butler /

From virtual experiences to more outdoor events, experts from Live Nation Urban, Warehouse on Watts and 6ix8ight weigh in on how differently events will look in response to the pandemic.

David Dylan Thomas’ new book examines ways to solve cognitive bias issues in design

access

Jul. 10, 2020 12:36 pm

David Dylan Thomas’ new book examines ways to solve cognitive bias issues in design

By Michael Butler /

In "Design for Cognitve Bias," the Think Company content strategy advocate and frequent public speaker discusses how bias in design can have negative effects, and solutions to remedy the issue.

5 reasons why good UX design is important for digital products, hardware and more

software development

Jul. 9, 2020 7:18 am

5 reasons why good UX design is important for digital products, hardware and more

By Michael Butler /

Comcast Director of UX Engineering Kathryn Stracquatanio on how user experience helps good products become great ones, including by creating "emotional connections."

access

Jul. 7, 2020 12:06 pm

This rural Pennsylvania community built its own tower for high-speed internet access

By Michael Butler /

The new tower on the border of Mifflin and Huntington counties serves around 40 customers.

Philly PPE’s vending machines can replenish your mask supply starting this month

civic

Jul. 2, 2020 12:24 pm

Philly PPE’s vending machines can replenish your mask supply starting this month

By Michael Butler /

With the refurbished snack vending machines, Ben Waxman and Nathaniel Parks have an inventive way of getting masks and other COVID-19-fighting items to Philadelphians.

Temple prof Timothy Welbeck has ideas for how companies can support Black employees during and after this moment

company culture

Jul. 1, 2020 12:09 pm

Temple prof Timothy Welbeck has ideas for how companies can support Black employees during and after this moment

By Michael Butler /

While many have lauded corporate responses to civil unrest, the attorney and hip-hop artist who lectures on African African history and culture remains skeptical.

This recent Penn grad’s summer program will teach tech skills remotely via interactive digital projects

access

Jun. 30, 2020 11:11 am

This recent Penn grad’s summer program will teach tech skills remotely via interactive digital projects

By Michael Butler /

The new education program from Nikil Ragav's inventXYZ will allow students to learn key STEM skills from projects such as coding a COVID-19 simulator and building a Pong video game.

Wistar Institute will use 3D-printed lung models made by Allevi for coronavirus research

growth

Jun. 29, 2020 1:48 pm

Wistar Institute will use 3D-printed lung models made by Allevi for coronavirus research

By Michael Butler /

The Pennovation-based company's bioprinting platform will create the models for scientists at the University City biomedical research center to study the virus behind COVID-19.

How Black-owned barbershops and salons are preparing to reopen during the pandemic

growth

Jun. 26, 2020 12:58 pm

How Black-owned barbershops and salons are preparing to reopen during the pandemic

By Michael Butler /

The owners of Duafe Holistic Hair Studio, Details Barber Studio and Spinning Chairs share how they've kept their small businesses afloat these past few months, and their plans for reopening —safely — as PA enters the green phase.

This SimCity-type game will help players understand urban planning via Philly open data

software development

Jun. 25, 2020 11:50 am

This SimCity-type game will help players understand urban planning via Philly open data

By Michael Butler /

With a grant from the Knight Foundation, the new game being developed through Drexel University's Entrepreneurial Game Studio allows players to act as city managers in West Philadelphia's Mantua.