Every year, I love looking back at all the stellar work the editorial team at Pittsburgh City Paper has created, and then arguing with myself about which ones were the best. Each member of this staff brings something different, and we wouldn’t be quite the same without any one of them. Here are s ome of my favorite stories produced by my favorite people this year: Walnut Street’s Christmas #Treegate is vexing a Shadyside Facebook group by Arts Entertainment Editor Amanda Waltz // Nov. 25, 2025 This was a recent entry by Amanda, but it quickly ascended to my top spot for her this year … and probably into my top five by her, ever. We heard there was friction online about the Shadyside Christmas tree, so Amanda casually swung by, surveyed the scene, and then nearly effortlessly click-clacked out this hilarious little report that had me cackling from my office chair. The Pittsburgh International Airport hosts a media tour of the new terminal and future art installations on Sept. 4, 2025. Credit: CP Photo: Mars Johnson Pittsburgh’s newest museum is … the airport? by News Editor Colin Williams // Sept. 4 2025 Amid election guides and seemingly endless Transit Talks, Colin still manages to find time to write compelling news stories all year long, but this one stuck out for me because I remember it making me feel especially excited. Colin was an early PIT airport Stan, and they turned me (and probably many of you) into one as well with this early sneak peek. CP’s Rachel Wilkinson reacts to the waffle sundae at the Crazy Mason Milkshake Bar. Credit: CP Photo: Mars Johnson We survived the new Crazy Mason Milkshake Bar at the Waterfront (but at what cost?) by Staff Writer Rachel Wilkinson // July 3, 2025 It wasn’t a personal desire for a cheesecake-topped milkshake that drew Rachel to Crazy Mason. It was the fact that, apparently, everyone in town desired said cheesecake-topped milkshake. The lines were around the block, and she simply had to know why. While she left the ice cream shop full of dairy and regret, she managed to give an honest evaluation of the place without “yucking anyone’s yum” or “kink-shaming.” I, frankly, still want to go. Students from Perry High School help organize the food pantry Credit: CP photo by Jake Mysliwczyk With SNAP in jeopardy, here’s where to find food assistance across Pittsburgh by Audience Engagement Specialist Stacy Rounds // Oct. 28, 2025 I have many opportunities to be proud of the talent and work ethic displayed by every City Paper team member, but sometimes I also find myself proud of their service, and this was one such occasion. When many Pittsburghers were about to lose access to affordable food, Stacy sprang into action, rounding up resources for those in need, and keeping an open call out for readers to send her more tips so the post could be updated. The story was widely shared, and hopefully helped our neighbors find the assistance they needed. “Chainsaw” Jenna Whiting slices a customer’s sandwich with a chainsaw at Sheetz in Cranberry on July 25, 2025. Credit: Mars Johnson Jenna Whiting slices a customer’s sandwich with a chainsaw at Sheetz in Cranberry by Staff Photographer Mars Johnson // July 25, 2025 I think there must somehow secretly be seven Marses because they’re everywhere, photographing political protests, quirky contests and conventions, undie bike rides, and everything in between. So when we heard that folks were going to be slicing through Sheetz sandwiches with a chainsaw, obviously, Mars went to cover it, producing several delightful photos, including this one. This silly little act brought the subject so much pure joy, and Mars captures it perfectly. The post CP Year in Review: Executive Editor Ali Trachta’s favorite stories of 2025 appeared first on Pittsburgh City Paper | News, Dining, Music, Best Of, Arts, Film. ...read more read less