All hail Raleigh’s annual fest of fumbles—where we don’t deck the halls, we drag the disasters. Our Dropped Acorns are back to roast the wildest lapses in judgement, public faceplants, bureaucratic belly flops and “who approved this” moments. Think of it as the Fall of Fame: cringe, comedy and civic commentary. Call it accountability, call it holiday catharsis—just know the hits (and misses) keep coming. Grab some popcorn and your bev of choice for a front-row seat to the carnage.
Chris Brown didn’t just perform—he detonated Raleigh. Forget gridlock, this was a full-blown traffic apocalypse. The pre-NC State Fair chaos—er, concert—at Carter-Finley sent every major artery into cardiac arrest, leaving commuters stranded for hours and fans rolling in just in time to hear the last few beats (if they even made it in at all). What we really needed was a command center and a collective group therapy sesh. It’s giving less “Go Crazy,” more Go Nowhere… basically a crash course in what not to do.
Photo By Alexander Lukatskiy
Bad Call We played at the airport?! Bless his heart. ESPN’s announcer sent NC State fans into orbit after repeatedly referring to the Carter-Finley matchup against GA Tech as happening in “Raleigh-Durham.” (Sir, that’s an airport, not a city.) Naturally, local meteorologist Wes Hohenstein and Reddit’s finest were quick to call foul—two separate towns, two separate teams and two separate counties… one collective eye roll. It’s giving major geography offside. Someone toss ESPN a map—or a penalty flag for a regional fumble.
The words “do you know who my father is?!” definitely echoed through the halls more than once. NC State’s frat bros are back at it proving that when life hands them privilege, they’d rather chase cheap booze and housing violations. Shocked to discover that actions actually do have consequences, Delta Sigma Phi got the boot from their house after racking up two back-to-back student conduct cases. And in a devastating blow to their storied legacy, the university tossed them off campus until 2027. At least they’re staying on brand?
It’s the ultimate “you had one job” IRL. Teaching kids isn’t always the easiest gig—but not leaving them locked inside school alone should be pretty simple. … Or so you’d think. A 10-year-old with special needs (who normally rides a specialized van home) was left stranded at Joyner Magnet Elementary School long after class let out. One panicked FaceTime to his mother later, and staff claimed the child was simply “missed” after “laying down for a nap.” Another win for the age-old question: If you have your eyes closed, can others still see you? In this case, apparently not.
When a city cop gets cuffed for allegedly coercing a crash victim into “favors” to dodge a DWI, the only thing getting served is irony. Five counts of soliciting prostitution later, now-terminated RPD officer Tremale Cogdell’s credibility has officially gone up in smoke. Guess blue lights weren’t the only thing flashing.
Area schools kicked off August by… melting. Turns out no one thought to check the HVACs welcoming back thousands of sweaty students into what was basically a citywide sauna. Between the busted air, record heat and zero chill (literally), it’s giving “urban heat island” meets “oversight island”—because nothing says back to school like (heat) exhaustion and hindsight.
Bojangled Up! It’s Bo(tched) time?! Knightdale’s new Bojangles fumbled the bag—and the alphabet—with its shiny new sign proudly declaring “Bojagnles,” serving up a hot batch of embarrassment. The internet clucked accordingly—because nothing goes better with fried chicken than a good typo roast. Moral of the story: Maybe add a side of grammar to the menu next to the gravy. Bless their hearts… and their spellcheck.
Meet The Robinsons
Because one Robinson scandal is never enough. While gubernatorial hopeful Mark Robinson keeps his controversial greatest-hits reel alive (see: that digital footprint), his wife Yolanda Hill is putting up her own numbers. Her now-defunct nonprofit Balanced Nutrition racked up over $101K in questionable payments and, after an investigation, DHHS told her to pay it back. Twice. Spoiler: still no check. Instead, Yolanda has pulled a full ghost act—leaving taxpayers out the cash and the couple’s reputation even messier. But, hey, between alleged embezzlement and pro-Nazi commentary, maybe returning taxpayer dollars just didn’t make it onto their family calendar.
Chip Happens Ruffling some feathers and bringing new meaning to crunch at a potato chip shop and gym, two people plowed a car into both businesses on Hillsborough Street and fled the scene—ditching their mangled ride in the process. The crash blew a hole through the street-facing brick and metal wall of Carolina Kettle and barreled into the back wall of local gym Goff Performance, bagging some serious damage. Clearly they were feeling a little more “grate—might dip later” and a little less “all that and a bag of chips.”
Remember the shipping container bar at Peace & Glenwood—the one that’s had more promised groundbreakings and name changes than “the artist formerly known as Prince.” … The Yard. Embargo. You get the point. The “visionary” blueprint by Local Icon Hospitality and CityPlat that’s been promising to “revolutionize” the local bar scene for, what, almost four years now still boasts nothing but a graveyard of glossy renderings to show for it. At this point, it seems the only thing they’re actually shipping is empty promises. Who knew turning an old inspection station into a shipping container bar would involve so much heavy lifting—and apparently require infinite planning stages and zero actual construction. On the bright side, at least we’re treated to fresh renderings on the reg… like some kind of high-concept art exhibit titled What Could’ve Been. The real question is: What are they covering?
Fast & Fettuccine What would you do for a bowl of pasta? One 55YO Raleigh woman took it way too far, crashing her car straight into Cucciolo Terrazza after-hours this summer and mangling the kitchen, gas line and everyone’s appetite in the process. The North Hills Italian haven was forced to close for a few days while she picked up a DWI—and the pieces of her pride. The real noodle scratcher? How she managed to get her car perpendicular to the road leading up to the parking deck. … Guess the pasta wasn’t the only thing spiraling.
*RALEIG* TAKES FLIGHT
Who can afford an “h” in this economy? Clearly not RDU. The airport’s now-viral gate C16 typo to Pittsburg (no “h”) had the internet in stitches. RDU doubled down with a cheeky social media apology (“Dear Pittsburgh: Our bad. Love, Raleig)—racking up likes faster than a budget flight sale. Maybe we blame the government shutdown—no paychecks, no proofreaders? Either way, it’s just peak Raleigh energy—and we love to see it.
Photo By Ak studio and photography
Linguistics Buff ICYMI: Inappropriate—or just slightly unhinged—commentary is basically the new norm for local leaders and politicians (see also: Kristi Noem’s chapter on killing puppies). Jumping aboard the ~intrusive-thought train~ was Wake County Schools board member Sam Hershey, who made national headlines after slamming “mediocre white men” in a rant against DEI critics. Good intentions? Probably. Right time or place? We’d say, probably not.
Wiped Out Economy Ah, NC politicians—always ready to dust off a bad idea. This spring, Republicans floated the so-called “Women’s Safety and Protection Act,” a bathroom bill remix that instantly gave everyone in the state flashbacks to 2016’s economic disaster. Remember that? The OG bathroom bill tanked $3.76 billion in business—PayPal bailed, concerts canned, the NCAA ghosted us. Apparently, some lawmakers forgot. But here’s the plot twist: This time, most reps weren’t biting. The bill snagged only a few sponsors before being quietly shoved into committee to collect dust. Translation: NC’s economy lives to see another day—and we all dodged another self-inflicted mess.
With 65% of Americans feeling financial pressure this season, Verizon offers a strategy to secure top-tier tech, including the new iPhone 17, without the premium price tag.
Sponsored Content
There’s one gift that seems to come with the holiday season no one is thankful for—financial anxiety. A new Beyond Finance survey reveals a stark reality: 65% of Americans feel it’s “nearly impossible” to know how much they can safely spend this year. Furthermore, two-thirds report feeling a deep cultural pressure to overspend, succumbing to “guilt-giving” and “FOMO-spending.”
The good news is that it doesn’t have to be this way. Verizon is giving you the gift of choice on how you give tech, without stressing yourself or your budget. Enter holiday tech under $100!
The Verizon Advantage: Premium Devices “On Us” For those trying to maximize their holiday spend, the biggest wins aren’t found in the bargain bin, but in Verizon’s holiday bundles. You might be thinking, “Wait, I thought we were talking about tech under $100?” But frankly, you can’t get better than “on us.”
Whether you’re a new or existing customer, or an Apple or Android person, you can get a qualifying phone, tablet and watch on us. This offer is available with a new phone line and service plans required for each device without the premium device price tag. And these aren’t last year’s models. We’re talking about the iPhone 17, Google Pixel 10 and Samsung Galaxy S25. You can keep them all for yourself to upgrade your own tech ecosystem, or split them up and give them as gifts. The choice is yours. The best part? No trade-in is required.
Bundling for Big Savings The real gift isn’t the new device, it’s the long-term relief Verizon provides when it comes to managing your monthly budget. Shoppers can unlock significant savings by combining their mobile plan with Verizon 5G Home Internet.
Plans start at just $35 per month, and customers save an additional $15 monthly when they combine bundle mobile and home services. Beyond the bill, this combination bundle opens the door to Verizon’s “Perks,” including the ultimate holiday entertainment package: a bundle of Disney+, Hulu and ESPN+ for just $10 per month. Those are savings you’re not going to find elsewhere.
Connected Kids and Parental Peace of Mind Managing screen time is a challenge for every parent, especially when kids feel left out of the tech craze. For families not ready to hand over a smartphone, Verizon offers Forbes’ recommended best overall smartwatch for kids: the Gizmo Watch 3.
Available directly from Verizon, this watch strikes the perfect balance. It gives children their own piece of cool tech while offering mom and dad peace of mind through parent-approved contact lists and real-time location tracking. To help parents put this under the tree, Verizon is taking $75 off the Gizmo Watch 3 when you add a service plan.
Unique Stocking Stuffers Under $100 For the finishing touches, Verizon has curated a selection of high-quality accessories that fit perfectly into a stocking—and your budget.
AirFly Pro 2 (under $60): It’s perfect for the frequent flier in your family. Plug it into the in-flight entertainment system, connect any bluetooth headphones, and enjoy your favorite in-flight entertainment hands-free!
JBL Clip 5 portable speaker (under $80): Clip it onto your backpack and enjoy up to 12 hours of battery life. Plus, it’s waterproof.
Moft Snap Phone Tripod Stand and Wallet (under $25): This is great for on-the-go. Just open the tripod, place your magsafe phone on the stand, and video chat with family this holiday season. It’s half off right now at just $24.99!
How to Get These Deals Stop guessing about your holiday budget and start optimizing it. Stop by your local Verizon store to take advantage of these offers. And don’t forget, Verizon’s got your back. Bring your AT&T or T-Mobile phone bill from the past 45 days to any Verizon store and get a better deal with us. It’s the gift that keeps giving all year long. verizon.com/deals
Thank you to all of our sponsors—Rolls Royce, ILŪMRA Skin, Elm Partners, Whitley Law Farm, Killjoy and Vitis House—for bringing the sipworthy soiree to fruition. And shoutout to all who came out and sipped their way through cocktails from our 10 Best Bartender noms to vote for their fave, earning Sous Terre’s Sean McKinney the People’s Choice Award! Don’t forget to cast your ballot for Bartender of the Year (and Best Bars) by Dec. 1.
Click on the photo below to peruse our 2025 Cocktail Classic recap photo album and relive the spectacular event—or get a glimpse of why you should join us next year. Feel free to share any photos on social media—just be sure to tag us (@raleighmagazine) and credit Veritas Digital Photography (@veritas_digital_photography)!
It’s that time of year again—voting for our 2025 Best Bars + Best Bartender is now open! From cocktail lounges to dive bars, wine haunts to breweries, now’s your chance to shout out your faves. Cast your picks in one, some or all categories here.
There’s nothing more comforting than stepping into a nice, warm home when it’s frigid outside. For Raleigh homeowners who’ve already checked off their fall maintenance checklist, the focus now shifts to maximizing warmth and efficiency during the unpredictable winter months ahead.
You know how Raleigh winters work—sunny and mild one day, then a surprise ice storm shuts down the Triangle the next. Whether you keep your home toasty with a gas furnace or electric heat such as a heat pump, these five essential tips will help you maintain consistent comfort while managing energy costs throughout the heating season.
Five Ways to Keep Your Raleigh Home Warmer This Winter
Tip #1: Check For Leaks & Gaps
Small gaps around doors and windows can add up to a big chill, making a thorough home inspection an important first step toward warming up your home. Start by double-checking the weather stripping around doors and windows, then break out the caulk gun where needed to seal any compromised areas.
Beyond those usual culprits, however, several additional places warrant investigation that can hinder your ability to keep warm air in and cold air out. Cracks in exterior brickwork represent common trouble spots in Raleigh’s older homes, while gaps around exterior electrical outlets and plumbing can be sealed effectively with weather stripping or caulk.
While you’re in air-tightening mode, verify that your fireplace damper seals correctly when you’re not cozied up in front of it. Also check your kitchen hood, which may be exhausting warm air 24/7, not just when the fan is running—a surprisingly common source of heat loss that many homeowners overlook.
Tip #2: Call in an Expert
Particularly if you have an older home, which is common throughout Raleigh neighborhoods, lack of insulation can result in significant warm air loss or cause one room to be colder than the others. An insulation expert can identify the proper amount and location for additional insulation to maintain a consistently warm house during winter’s temperature swings.
For an even more comprehensive review, consider scheduling a home energy audit, which can help you identify issues such as leaky HVAC ductwork or thermal bridging in walls. Your local utility company may offer discounted audits specifically for area residents, or visit energy.gov for additional home energy-assessment resources.
Tip #3: Get Smart With Your Thermostat
Unlike the previous tips, a smart thermostat doesn’t keep warm air in and cold air out—but it can help you feel that way while also saving on energy costs throughout winter. One of the key benefits of using a smart thermostat is the ability to program and customize your heating schedule according to your lifestyle and Raleigh’s notoriously unpredictable weather patterns.
Smart thermostats allow you to set specific house temperature settings for different times of the day. This means you can have a warm and cozy home when you need it, without wasting energy when you don’t—particularly important during mild winter days that can suddenly turn frigid.
Experts recommend a daytime temperature of 68 degrees Fahrenheit when you’re up and around at home, but you can let that drop by 10 degrees or so at night when you’re snuggled in bed, or when you’re away. With a smart thermostat such as the Trane ComfortLink® II XL850, it’s easy to set a daily schedule or to change temperatures from your mobile device or the Trane Home app, giving you complete control whether you’re home or away.
Tip #4: How Your HVAC System Can Keep Your Home Warmer
A call to your friendly local Trane Comfort Specialist™ for annual maintenance will give you peace of mind at far less than the cost of a new furnace or emergency repair during an ice storm. One of the most common reasons for a winter service call is that “the furnace is not turning on,” making professional attention before severe weather arrives essential.
As a smart practice, turn on your furnace several times before really cold weather hits Raleigh. That way ,if you do need a furnace repair, it’s not an urgent situation when temperatures plummet and service calls spike. Remember, too, that if you have electric heat with a heat pump, that heat pump efficiency decreases as temperatures get to freezing and below. The air coming out of the vents may feel colder than usual, which is normal operation rather than a system malfunction.
In some cases, no matter how good a job you or a professional have done to keep warm air in, your furnace or heat pump may be getting old or simply not up to the task when Raleigh’s weather outside is frightful. If that’s the case for your home, here are a few upgrade options to consider depending on your situation:
To avoid temperature swings: For an energy-efficient way to warm your home evenly during Raleigh’s variable winter conditions, your best bets are a gas furnace with multiple heating stages, a variable speed heat pump, or a variable speed dual-fuel hybrid system.
To eliminate specific cold and hot spots: Using thermostats, sensors and motorized dampers, a zoning system offers accurate temperature control in different areas throughout your house, addressing the uneven heating common in Raleigh’s diverse home styles.
To save energy in a high-efficiency home: For newer homes that require fresh ventilated air, an energy recovery ventilator retains the heat and moisture from the exhaust air before sending it outside, maintaining efficiency even during the coldest winter days.
Staying Warm All Winter Long
By implementing these four tips before Raleigh’s winter weather arrives, you can ensure consistent comfort and efficiency throughout the heating season. Address any heating concerns now while weather remains manageable and HVAC professionals maintain normal availability, avoiding the rush during ice storms and arctic blasts.
For maximum peace of mind during Raleigh’s unpredictable winter months, combine these DIY weatherization efforts with professional HVAC maintenance and smart technology. This comprehensive approach helps ensure your home remains a warm, comfortable sanctuary no matter what winter weather brings to the Triangle.
For more information about winter heating solutions and HVAC maintenance, visit trane.com/residential or contact your local Trane Comfort Specialist™.
