As 2023 draws to a close, Pittsburgh City Paper's editorial staff members select their favorite stories from the year. Relive A&E editor Amanda Waltz's 2023 highlights below:

A tribute to the Pittsburgh Cultural Trust adult sippy cup // Dec. 13. 2023

Squeaking in under the wire is this ode to the spill-safe, alcoholic beverage cups used by local theater patrons. Readers seemed to like this one.

Polyamorous Pittsburghers discuss being out in “the most nebby town in the universe” // Nov. 1, 2023

The Instagram trolls came out of the woodwork for this one. People engaging in multiple, healthy romantic relationships that emphasize open communication and mutual respect? How awful. Stay mad, haters. 

Penn Forest Natural Burial Park blends death and “natural causes” in a whole new way // May 17, 2023

No one likes to think about death, but Penn Forest Natural Burial Park strives to make the process easier and, frankly, more beautiful. Visiting the Verona-based green cemetery, where many are buried in ecologically friendly ways, brought a sense of peace.

From lard chips to sweet bologna, here’s a primer on the eastern Pa. foods now available in Pittsburgh // April 12, 2023

Love to share my lard-fried culture with my adopted city. If I hadn't become vegetarian, I'd still be shoveling sweet Lebanon bologna into my mouth on the reg. 

Dancers warned against performing at new club taking over former Cricket Lounge // March 07, 2023

This story serves as a testament to people in the sex work community watching out for one another and helping to ensure the safety of strippers.