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.

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The extra $600 a week mattered to the unemployed people who received it. What’s next?

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Jul. 28, 2020 11:12 am

The extra $600 a week mattered to the unemployed people who received it. What’s next?

By Michael Butler /

Here's what unemployment benefits have meant for three people who lost work early in the pandemic, from paying for emergency dental bills to helping recipients better prepare for the future.

Medtech company Headway won Pennovation Accelerator’s 2020 virtual pitch day

growth

Jul. 27, 2020 9:33 am

Medtech company Headway won Pennovation Accelerator’s 2020 virtual pitch day

By Michael Butler /

Pennovation Center's third accelerator ended with two startups winning prizes, including one that seeks to improve the way surgeons communicate with each other during minimally invasive surgery.

This Black Latinx woman is bridging the gap between culture and gaming in esports

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Jul. 24, 2020 10:52 am

This Black Latinx woman is bridging the gap between culture and gaming in esports

By Michael Butler /

New Jersey native Erin Ashley Simon says her passion for gaming has led her to a rewarding career path as a unique voice in a quickly growing industry.

Fairmount Park’s summer scavenger hunts are going virtual. Here’s how to play

software development

Jul. 23, 2020 12:14 pm

Fairmount Park’s summer scavenger hunts are going virtual. Here’s how to play

By Michael Butler /

The GooseChase app will challenge park visitors with new missions each week, starting July 27.

This award-winning video game designed by Drexel students shows the plight of refugees

software development

Jul. 22, 2020 1:51 pm

This award-winning video game designed by Drexel students shows the plight of refugees

By Michael Butler /

Using a science fiction theme allowed Resilience's production team to "speak more allegorically about the refugee experience," Executive Producer Lily Lauben said.

SeventySix Capital’s Sports Advisory venture brings consulting to athletes’ ‘social capital’

growth

Jul. 21, 2020 2:07 pm

SeventySix Capital’s Sports Advisory venture brings consulting to athletes’ ‘social capital’

By Michael Butler /

The VC firm's new consulting group aims to better equip the people and orgs it works with for the paradigm shift in esports, sports betting, media and social responsibility.

This Elfreth’s Alley podcast connects audiences to 300 years of its museum’s history in a new way

civic

Jul. 21, 2020 10:49 am

This Elfreth’s Alley podcast connects audiences to 300 years of its museum’s history in a new way

By Michael Butler /

Can't visit the historical site in person? No problem: Here's how and why its museum created "The Alley Cast" for during the pandemic and beyond.

How REC Philly plans to reopen its Fashion District HQ while supporting Philly creatives

growth

Jul. 17, 2020 2:29 pm

How REC Philly plans to reopen its Fashion District HQ while supporting Philly creatives

By Michael Butler /

As the pandemic continues, the people behind the coworking and studio space have established a relief fund and extensive virtual programming.

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Jul. 17, 2020 11:41 am

Benefits Data Trust’s new CTO on diversity in engineering and using tech to help people access public benefits faster

By Michael Butler /

With an engineer's problem-solving strategy, Leona Thomas said she's eager to apply her professional and personal experience to support the Center City nonprofit's mission.

This new app from an exited founder will make COVID-19 screening a touchless process

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Jul. 16, 2020 10:56 am

This new app from an exited founder will make COVID-19 screening a touchless process

By Michael Butler /

Here's how threshhold.world founder and CEO Dan Lammot — whose previous venture, roundCorner, was acquired by Salesforce — thinks technology can contribute to greater societal change.