The 20 Most-Read Stories of 2023

When it comes to news, 2023 was no slouch. Generative AI, the Israel-Hamas war, former President Trump's indictments, the Taylor Swift era ... we could go on and on. (And in fact, we did: Check out the 15 defining news events of the year here.) But the 20 stories that make up our most-read list are defining in a very Newser way: We cover the big stuff to keep you informed about what's important—but we also bubble up odd, truly interesting, and irresistible stories that you might not otherwise come across. Here are our 20 most-read stories, as determined by, well, you:

1. Boomers Throw a Wrench Into Housing Market
2. Guess What Just Got Yanked From Dollar Tree?
3. Florida Apologizes for Errant Wake-Up Call
4. United Airlines Is Making a Big Boarding Change
5. $52M Lottery Prize Officially Declared Unclaimed
6. Florida Has a Fresh New Invasive-Species Hell
7. Aldi's Easter Candy Looks a Little Racy
8. Flying to Europe Won't Cost a Small Fortune Soon
9. Boy Dies After 'the Most Exciting Moment of His Life'
10. TV Writer's 1990s Gaffe Is Legend. He Doesn't Mind
11. The Opioid Crisis Is Crossing Over to Something Darker
12. He Made a Living Losing $300K at the Slots Last Year
13. It May Be the Biggest Contract Bust in MLB History
14. Health Studies on Ice Cream Are 'Pretty Bonkers'
15. Uber CEO's Reaction to Cost of 3-Mile Ride: 'Oh My God'
16. Florida Road Workers Make 'Incredible' Find Under Highway
17. Multiple People Now 'on the Radar' in JonBenet Case
18. Customers Reject a Pandemic-Era Restaurant Staple
19. California's Newest Lake Is a Surprise Visitor
20. Costco's Newest Product Keeps Selling Out in Just 'Hours'

(More best of 2023 stories.)