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Ronni Butts is a student journalist attending North Carolina Central University who aspires to be a White House correspondent. Ronni returned as a politics intern for the second time at The Raleigh News & Observer in May 2026 and previously served as a co-editor-in-chief at the Campus Echo, N.C. Central University's student newspaper in the 2025-2026 academic year.

Ronni is a member of The New York Times Corps and a national member of the National Association of Black Journalists.

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My Most Recent Articles

Raleigh News & Observer •

NC Democrats divided over resolution that accuses Israel of genocide

A draft resolution that calls Israel’s actions in Gaza “genocide” has sown division in the North Carolina Democratic Party, especially among some of its Jewish members, proving that disagreements over Israel continue to be a point of contention for the party.

The resolution, obtained by The News & Observer from the party’s Jewish Caucus, also calls for the prosecution in the United States of individuals and entities involved in genocide, regardless of citizenship status, in alignment with a 200...
Campus Echo Online - N.C. Central University's Stu •

Hundreds turn out at vigil for NCCU sophomore; family urges students to support each other - Campus Echo Online

About 200 students, faculty, staff and administrators attended a vigil Monday for Zyarre Prince, an NCCU sophomore who died on Saturday. The vigil, organized by the Student Government Association, celebrated the life of Prince and called for students to support their friends in the midst of mental struggles. 
The university announced Prince’s death in a Fallen Eagle alert Sunday afternoon. 
Prince, who was studying criminal justice, was a public figure on campus, serving as Mister Freshman on NC...
Campus Echo Online - N.C. Central University's Stu •

The Weight of Blackness - Campus Echo Online

This story is a part of a collaborative Black History Month print and digital edition with The Nubian Message on Feb. 26, 2026.
____________________________________________________________________________________
I never had to learn that I was Black— it was something that I always knew, something that I was proud of. But as an adult, my Blackness has become something that I feel.
As a child, my parents weren’t afraid of explaining the scary things of the world—racism, discrimination and microag...
Campus Echo Online - N.C. Central University's Stu •

NCCU’s police department is “changing pilots” under Robert Gaddy’s leadership - Campus Echo Online

Growing up, being a police officer was a common career aspiration among Robert Gaddy’s classmates. But Gaddy stayed true to his goal from the start. Now, he’s living his “best dream” as he steps into his new role as interim police chief at N.C. Central University.
But it wasn’t the police officers on TV or in movies that inspired him most. Gaddy recalls watching Billy George, who lived down the road from his childhood home, cruise down the long country road in his state trooper car. He admired t...
Campus Echo Online - N.C. Central University's Stu •

NCCU establishes new Homecoming policies. Here’s what you need to know. - Campus Echo Online

N.C. Central University is adding new guidelines to this year’s Ultimate Homecoming Experience. 
Homecoming draws thousands of students, alumni and members of the community onto NCCU’s campus annually. But as safety concerns have grown at NCCU and other HBCUs in the state, Chancellor Karrie Dixon said that the university is implementing “thoughtful and necessary changes.”  
Dixon, joined by other university officials, shared information regarding the new policies in a virtual town hall on Tuesda...
Raleigh News & Observer •

House bill about sexuality, religion in schools now law after veto override

The NC General Assembly voted to override Gov. Josh Stein’s veto on a controversial bill tackling sexuality, religion in schools and school libraries — a win for Senate and House Republicans.

The House voted 72-48 to override the veto, with Rep. Naisf Majeed being the only Democrat to vote with Republicans. The bill then moved to the Senate, receiving a 30-19 final vote.

Majeed, a Mecklenburg County Democrat who rarely votes with Republicans, proved to be the decisive vote in overriding Stein’...
Raleigh News & Observer •

Rural Robeson County hospital says Medicaid cuts are ‘deeply concerning’

The only hospital in one of North Carolina’s poorest counties faces a tough challenge after the passage of the Trump administration’s “One Big, Beautiful Bill” Act.

With 58% of Robeson County residents enrolled in Medicaid — and over 15% without any health insurance — UNC Health Southeastern and its patients will be hit hard by federal cuts.

Robeson County has one of the highest rates of Medicaid enrollment in North Carolina, with more than 20% of enrollees enrolled through the state’s recent...
Raleigh News & Observer •

No, don’t leave your child or pet in the car, even with the AC on. Here’s why.

It was 91 degrees in Wake Forest on Tuesday, but the temperature inside the car was over 140 degrees. And it had likely taken less than an hour to get there.

According to No Heat Stroke, the temperature in a vehicle in 90-degree weather can rise 35 degrees in 30 minutes. Even cars in 70-degree weather can reach 110 degrees in 45 minutes.

Wake County and the town of Wake Forest held a community event at the Wake County Northern Regional Center on Tuesday on the danger of leaving children and pe...
Campus Echo Online - N.C. Central University's Stu •

Former Gov. Roy Cooper visits Durham for Senate campaign, promises affordability - Campus Echo Online

Jane Sterling said that she has witnessed the impacts of rising costs firsthand. As a social worker at Carolina Counseling, she said that she often sees people visit the clinic who cannot afford to pay for their copay, especially after Medicaid cuts. 
“I think [Cooper] understands the needs of the people,” Sterling said.
Sterling was one of a few hundred attendees at a rally for former North Carolina Gov. Roy Cooper at a small venue in Durham last Thursday. This was Cooper’s first stop in Durham...

Watch Me Moderate Durham's Mayoral Debate!

In October 2025, I moderated Durham's only mayoral debate in more than 10 years. The debate, between Mayor Leonardo Williams and Anjanée Bell, was held at North Carolina Central University.

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