What local news did RALtoday miss over winter break?

From sporting events and accolades to new bar openings, here is what local news RALtoday missed — from Dec. 22, 2023 to Jan. 1, 2024 — while we were busy celebrating the new year.

The Pop-Tarts Bowl mascot.

The Pop-Tarts mascot was seen dancing, wreaking havoc, and later, being eaten.

Screenshot via ESPN College Football on YouTube

While your City Editors were celebrating the New Year offline, we were excited to get back and report a few happenings in the City of Oaks. Here are some local news highlights:

  • Though NC State’s football team didn’t get a chance to take a bite out of the inaugural edible trophy, the Pop-Tarts Bowl mascot was berry entertaining.
  • Speaking of the Wolfpack, the women’s basketball team won its first conference game of the season 72-61 on the road against Virginia, holding its undefeated record.
  • For the first time since Nov. 20, 2017, the National Hockey League named a Canes player, forward Sebastian Aho, as NHL’s “First Star” of the week. Aho earned 11 points in three games from Dec. 27 to Dec. 30.
  • Switching gears to development news: Hoffman & Associates announced retail additions coming soon to Seaboard Station including wellness concepts Sweathouz + Body Fit Training, and a 1840-sqft Starbucks set to open in Spring 2024.
  • Umbrella Dry Bar opened its doors for first sips on New Year’s Eve — you can make a reservation to stop in for a non-alcoholic drink this Friday, Jan. 5.
  • The City of Raleigh launched a handy dandy Guide to the City’s Top Issues to keep Raleighites in the loop about important community happenings.

Did we miss something? Let us know.