-
Friday, January 9, 2026
Apple News: ($) Tight Crew by Ross Trudeau. News+ Subscription Required
Apple News Mini: ($) Daily Mini by Taylor Johnson. News+ Subscription Required
The Atlantic Mini: by Amanda Rafkin; edited by Kelsey Dixon.
AVCX+: ($) January 9, 2026 – “Just Passing By” (themeless) by Hoang-Kim Vu. Subscribe at link.
BEQ: Going Too Far by Brendan Emmett Quigley.
Billboard: by Picture Perfect by Adam Aaronson.
Black Crossword: Mini by Juliana Pache.
The Chicago Maroon: Mini by Chicago Maroon Crossword Team.
Chicago Sun-Times: Chicago-Style (Mini) Crossword by Kelsey Dixon.
Crossword Club: Daily Crossword: January 9, 2026 by Kelsey Dixon.
Crossword Flow: ($) by Joe Marquez. iPad-exclusive app.
People Puzzler: Law & Order Zaddy by Patrick Merrell.
Puzzmo: Put A Ring On It by Jon Gill. Online only
Puzzmo: Mini Crossword by Brooke Husic. Online only
Queerty: Queerty Crossword #458 by Queerty.
Queerty: Queerty Crossword #457 by Queerty.
SFGATE California Mini Crossword: Mini Crossword by Enrique. Online only.
Slate: Slate Midi: Thursday, Jan. 8, 2026 by Hemant Mehta.
Slate: Slate Mini: Thursday, Jan. 8, 2025 by Quiara Vasquez.
Southern Crosswords: southern crosswords mini #91 by michael.
STAT News: Mini Crossword by Rachel Fabi.
Vulture 10×10: The Ape Puzzle by Malaika Handa.
Vulture 10×10: The Trauma Puzzle by Stella Zawistowski.The Boston Globe: Mini Crossword by Sowmya Ramkumar.
Los Angeles Times: by Rebecca Goldstein & Rachel Fabi. Create free Cruciverb account for .puz.
Los Angeles Times Mini: by Elizabeth Gorski.
Merriam Webster: The Missing Letter by Matt Gaffney
New York Sun: ($) Mann-to-Man Talk by Ogden Porter. Reissues from 2008.
New York Times: ($) by Greg Snitkin and Glenn Davis.
New York Times Mini: by Sam Ezersky.
The New Yorker Mini: by Mollie Cowger.
Newsday: 1/9/26 Multiple Meanings by Prasanna Keshava. Online .pdf
Universal: ($) Final Laps by Joe Marquez. Direct link to .puz.
USA Today: One of Two Ways by Joe Rodini.
Vox: by Andrew J. Ries.
The Wall Street Journal: Both Sides Now by Mike Shenk. Direct link to .puz.Crosshare Community: Daily Mini and Featured Puzzles.
Crossherd: Daily Mini. Online only
Crosswordr Community: Community Puzzle Platform.
Crosswords with Friends: Sports Fan Friday App Store | Google Play
Crosswords with Friends: Midi Puzzle App Store | Google Play
Crosswords with Friends: Mini Puzzle App Store | Google Play
Daily POP Crosswords: by Janice Luttrell. App Store | Google Play, Online, phone app only
Duke Chronicle: Mini Crossword 186 (1/9/26) by Jeffrey Broms.
Fast Company: Daily Mini by Joe Rodini.
India Mini Crossword: Daily Mini
LunaMini: On the mend (Mini crossword) by Luna. Online only
Mangesh Ghogre’s Indian Mini Crosswords: Daily Mini by Mangesh Ghogre.
PlayFour: ($) Daily Puzzle. Online only
Squared Away: ($) Daily Puzzle. Online only
The Telegraph: Cross Atlantic Online only
The Times Ponder: ($) Weekly Puzzle. .pdf, online only
Washington Post Daily Mini Meta: by Frank Longo.
YourPuzzleSource: Daily Puzzle (Midi) by Phil Fraas.Out Of Left Field: ($) #302 by Joshua Kosman & Henri Picciotto. Patreon subscription.
Sporcle: Daily Acrostic Online only
TLMB: Don Robertson Interview by The Void .pdf, online onlyFinancial Times: FT Crossword .pdf only
The Guardian: Cryptic crossword No 29,899 by Brendan.
The Hindu Cryptic: Daily Cryptic .pdf, online.
The Independent: Cryptic Crossword .pdf, online onlyCheck out the DCL’s staff recommendations from last week’s puzzles
Other American-style links:
Reviews and Discussion at Diary of a Crossword Fiend | Boatload Puzzles/AARP | “Crosscord” Discord | Crucidrama (en español) | Cruciverbalista (en español) | Easy Crossword (Newsday Archives) | FreeDailyCrosswords | Medium Crossword (Newsday Archives) | Hard Crossword (Newsday Archives) | r/crossword | USA Today Reviews and Discussion at Off the Grid | Squares.io | XWord-Muggles Meta Calendar
Other Cryptic/Variety links:
A Frame Games | cf.kmbweb.de Links Library | CoxRathvon.com | Harper’s ($) | Lovatts | Magpie ($) | Mokelfish Links Library | MyCrossword | NPL | Panda Magazine ($) | Private Eye | PuzzleCrypt archives | Puzzling StackExchange | r/crosswords | Sydney Morning Herald ($) | The Telegraph | The Times (UK) ($), includes The Listener
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Thursday, January 8, 2026
Apple News: ($) Freestyle by Matthew Stock. News+ Subscription Required
Apple News Mini: ($) Daily Mini by Taylor Johnson. News+ Subscription Required
The Atlantic Mini: by Amanda Rafkin; edited by Kelsey Dixon.
Billboard: by Adam Aaronson.
Black Crossword: Mini by Juliana Pache.
Chicago Sun-Times: Chicago-Style (Mini) Crossword by Kelsey Dixon.
ClassiCanadian Crosswords: ($) Identifying Mark by Barb Olson. Subscribe at link.
Crossword Club: Daily Crossword: January 8, 2026 by Quiara Vasquez.
Crossword Flow: ($) by Matthew Luter. iPad-exclusive app.
Daily Beast: Bye-Bye, Love, Weds. Jan. 7, 2026 by Matt Gaffney.
Fireball: ($) Atomic Fireball by Daniel Bodily and George Barany. Subscribe at link.
Jonesin’: Welcome to ’26 by Matt Jones. Direct .puz link
M & M Crosswords: Booky Binchy by Martina Waluk.
Morning Brew: Brew Mini: Every permutation by Jack Murtagh.
Placeholder Puzzles: Puzzle 15 – Rain Rain Go Away by Matthew Gritzmacher and Katja Brinck.
Provincetown Independent: Happy New Year by Sophia Maymudes. .pdf, .puz only
Puzzles That Need A Home: Pardon the Interruption by brian thomas.
Puzzmo: Digital Governance by Rob Dubbin. Online only
Puzzmo: Mini Crossword by Brooke Husic. Online only
Queerty: Queerty Crossword #456 by Queerty.
Queerty: Queerty Crossword #455 by Queerty.
Quid Pro: The GenXword Mini by Andrew Anker. Online at Crosswordr.
SFGATE California Mini Crossword: Mini Crossword by Rebecca Goldstein. Online only.
Slate: Slate Midi: Wednesday, Jan. 7, 2026 by Kavin Pawittranon.
Slate: Slate Mini: Wednesday, Jan. 7, 2026 by Kavin Pawittranon.
Southern Crosswords: southern crosswords mini #90 by michael.
STAT News: Mini Crossword by Rachel Fabi.
Trash Panda Puzzles: 167: The Sonata of Wildcard Games (7x No. 4) by Jason “Jac” Crabtree
Vulture 10×10: The Trauma Puzzle by Stella Zawistowski.The Boston Globe: Mini Crossword by Sowmya Ramkumar.
Los Angeles Times: by Laura Dershewitz. Create free Cruciverb account for .puz.
Los Angeles Times Mini: by Elizabeth Gorski.
Merriam Webster: The Missing Letter by Matt Gaffney
New York Sun: ($) Two Heads Are Better Than One by Patrick Blindauer. Reissues from 2008.
New York Times: ($) by Mallory Montgomery and Zhou Zhang.
New York Times Mini: by Sam Ezersky.
The New Yorker Mini: The Mini Crossword: Thursday, January 8, 2026 by Kate Chin Park.
Newsday: 1/8/26 Grainy by Adam Simpson. Online .pdf
Universal: ($) Jumping Ship by Stella Zawistowski. Direct link to .puz.
USA Today: Wrap Up by Wendy L. Brandes & Sally Hoelscher.
Vox: by Will Nediger.
The Wall Street Journal: No Sweat! by Ella Dershowitz. Direct link to .puz.Crosshare Community: Daily Mini and Featured Puzzles.
Crossherd: Daily Mini. Online only
Crosswordr Community: Community Puzzle Platform.
Crosswords with Friends: Top 40 Thursday App Store | Google Play
Crosswords with Friends: Midi Puzzle App Store | Google Play
Crosswords with Friends: Mini Puzzle App Store | Google Play
Daily POP Crosswords: by Alan Olschwang. App Store | Google Play, Online, phone app only
Fast Company: Daily Mini by Joe Rodini.
India Mini Crossword: Daily Mini
LunaMini: Full house (Mini crossword) by Luna. Online only
Mangesh Ghogre’s Indian Mini Crosswords: Daily Mini by Mangesh Ghogre.
The New Dork Times: New Dork Times Puzzle: Mini 182 by Cole Rush. Subscribe at link.
PlayFour: ($) Daily Puzzle. Online only
Squared Away: ($) Daily Puzzle. Online only
The Telegraph: Cross Atlantic Online only
Washington Post Daily Mini Meta: by Frank Longo.
YourPuzzleSource: Daily Puzzle (Midi) by Phil Fraas.AVCX Cryptic: ($) AVCX Cryptic 1/8/26 by Will Nediger. Subscribe at link.
Sporcle: Daily Acrostic Online onlyFinancial Times: FT Crossword .pdf only
The Guardian: Cryptic crossword No 29,898 by Pasquale.
The Hindu Cryptic: Daily Cryptic .pdf, online.
The Independent: Cryptic Crossword .pdf, online only
The Spectator: ($) Weekly Cryptic Subscribe at link.Check out the DCL’s staff recommendations from last week’s puzzles
Other American-style links:
Reviews and Discussion at Diary of a Crossword Fiend | Boatload Puzzles/AARP | “Crosscord” Discord | Crucidrama (en español) | Cruciverbalista (en español) | Easy Crossword (Newsday Archives) | FreeDailyCrosswords | Medium Crossword (Newsday Archives) | Hard Crossword (Newsday Archives) | r/crossword | USA Today Reviews and Discussion at Off the Grid | Squares.io | XWord-Muggles Meta Calendar
Other Cryptic/Variety links:
A Frame Games | cf.kmbweb.de Links Library | CoxRathvon.com | Harper’s ($) | Lovatts | Magpie ($) | Mokelfish Links Library | MyCrossword | NPL | Panda Magazine ($) | Private Eye | PuzzleCrypt archives | Puzzling StackExchange | r/crosswords | Sydney Morning Herald ($) | The Telegraph | The Times (UK) ($), includes The Listener
-
Wednesday, January 7, 2026
Apple News: ($) Managing Mayhem by Sally Hoelscher and Olivia Mitra Framke. News+ Subscription Required
Apple News Mini: ($) Daily Mini by Taylor Johnson. News+ Subscription Required
The Atlantic Mini: by Amanda Rafkin; edited by Kelsey Dixon.
Billboard: Girl Talk by Adam Aaronson.
Black Crossword: Mini by Juliana Pache.
The Chicago Maroon: Mini by Chicago Maroon Crossword Team.
The Chicago Maroon: Mini by Chicago Maroon Crossword Team.
Chicago Sun-Times: Chicago-Style (Mini) Crossword by Kelsey Dixon.
Club 72: Freestyle 1078: “I’m at my breaking point.” by Tim Croce. .pdf, .puz only
Crossword Club: Daily Crossword: January 7, 2026 by Will Nediger.
Crossword Club: Service Entrance by Trent H. Evans.
Crossword Flow: ($) by Taylor Harris. iPad-exclusive app.
Daily Beast: Look Who’s Back, Tues. Jan. 6, 2026 by Matt Gaffney.
Inteltainment: Themeless #156 by Stella Zawistowski.
Jeff’s Puzzles: Spread the Word by Jeff Linder.
Luckystreak+: ($) puzzle #251: there WAS an answer (themeless) by Ada Nicolle. Subscribe at link.
MEOW: Weekly Meta
Puzzmo: Bun if by Land, Moo if Manatee by kareemayas & Kate Hawkins. Online only
Puzzmo: Mini Crossword by Brooke Husic. Online only
Queerty: Queerty Crossword #454 by Queerty.
Roy Johnson’s Crossword Hub: Cryptic Midi #2 by Roy Johnson.
SFGATE California Mini Crossword: Mini Crossword by Doug Peterson. Online only.
Slate: Slate Midi: Tuesday, Jan. 6, 2026 by Nancy Serrano-Wu.
Slate: Slate Mini: Tuesday, Jan. 6, 2026 by Nate Cardin.
Southern Crosswords: southern crosswords mini #89 by michael.
STAT News: Mini Crossword by Rachel Fabi.
Vulture 10×10: The Secret Square Puzzle by Stella Zawistowski.The Boston Globe: Mini Crossword by Sowmya Ramkumar.
Los Angeles Times: by Joe Deeney. Create free Cruciverb account for .puz.
Los Angeles Times Mini: by Elizabeth Gorski.
Merriam Webster: The Missing Letter by Matt Gaffney
New York Sun: ($) Love on the Shamrocks by Francis Heaney. Reissues from 2008.
New York Times: ($) by Adrianne Baik.
New York Times Mini: by Sam Ezersky.
The New Yorker: Wednesday Crossword by Caitlin Reid.
Newsday: 1/7/26 All Aboard by Fred Piscop. Online .pdf
Universal: ($) Quad Squad by Jesse Guzman. Direct link to .puz.
USA Today: Storage Unit by Matthew Luter.
Vox: by Adesina O. Koiki.
The Wall Street Journal: Hidden Asset by David Alfred Bywaters. Direct link to .puz.Crosshare Community: Daily Mini and Featured Puzzles.
Crossherd: Daily Mini. Online only
Crosswordr Community: Community Puzzle Platform.
Crosswords with Friends: Wayback Wednesday App Store | Google Play
Crosswords with Friends: Midi Puzzle App Store | Google Play
Crosswords with Friends: Mini Puzzle App Store | Google Play
Daily POP Crosswords: by Robin Stears. App Store | Google Play, Online, phone app only
Duke Chronicle: Mini Crossword 185 (1/7/26) by Jeffrey Broms.
Fast Company: Daily Mini by Joe Rodini.
India Mini Crossword: Daily Mini
LunaMini: Convenience stores? (Mini crossword) by Luna. Online only
Mangesh Ghogre’s Indian Mini Crosswords: Daily Mini by Mangesh Ghogre.
PlayFour: ($) Daily Puzzle. Online only
Squared Away: ($) Daily Puzzle. Online only
The Telegraph: Cross Atlantic Online only
Washington Post Daily Mini Meta: by Frank Longo.
YourPuzzleSource: Daily Puzzle (Midi) by Phil Fraas.Ben’s Cryptic Crosswords: Sink or Swim by Ben Robinson Online only
Outside The Fox: ($) Touchwords by Grant Fikes. Subscribe at link.
Sporcle: Daily Acrostic Online only
TLMB: Gloucester Yo-Yo Contest 2006 by The Void .pdf, online onlyFinancial Times: FT Crossword .pdf only
The Guardian: Cryptic crossword No 29,897 by Philistine.
The Hindu Cryptic: Daily Cryptic .pdf, online.
The Independent: Cryptic Crossword .pdf, online onlyCheck out the DCL’s staff recommendations from last week’s puzzles
Other American-style links:
Reviews and Discussion at Diary of a Crossword Fiend | Boatload Puzzles/AARP | “Crosscord” Discord | Crucidrama (en español) | Cruciverbalista (en español) | Easy Crossword (Newsday Archives) | FreeDailyCrosswords | Medium Crossword (Newsday Archives) | Hard Crossword (Newsday Archives) | r/crossword | USA Today Reviews and Discussion at Off the Grid | Squares.io | XWord-Muggles Meta Calendar
Other Cryptic/Variety links:
A Frame Games | cf.kmbweb.de Links Library | CoxRathvon.com | Harper’s ($) | Lovatts | Magpie ($) | Mokelfish Links Library | MyCrossword | NPL | Panda Magazine ($) | Private Eye | PuzzleCrypt archives | Puzzling StackExchange | r/crosswords | Sydney Morning Herald ($) | The Telegraph | The Times (UK) ($), includes The Listener
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Tuesday, January 6, 2026
Apple News: ($) Freestyle by Kavin Pawittranon and Nijah Morris. News+ Subscription Required
Apple News Mini: ($) Daily Mini by Taylor Johnson. News+ Subscription Required
The Atlantic Mini: by Amanda Rafkin; edited by Kelsey Dixon.
BEQ: Themeless Monday #858 by Brendan Emmett Quigley.
Billboard: by Adam Aaronson.
Black Crossword: Mini by Juliana Pache.
The Chicago Maroon: Mini by Chicago Maroon Crossword Team.
Chicago Sun-Times: Chicago-Style (Mini) Crossword by Kelsey Dixon.
Crossword Club: Daily Crossword: January 6, 2026 by Erica Hsiung Wojcik.
Crossword Club: Daily Crossword: January 6, 2026 by Erica Hsiung Wojcik.
Crossword Flow: ($) by Aidan Deshong. iPad-exclusive app.
Daily Beast: It’s Critically Important, Mon. Jan. 5, 2025 by Matt Gaffney.
Defector: ($) Workplace Standards by Madison Shultz. Subscribe at link.
Forever Cozart: Themeless #6 by Connor Angelo Denney.
LuterCross: PUZZLE 239 by Matthew Luter.
Metas On A Tuesday: Weekly Meta
Morning Brew: Decimation by Jack Murtagh.
Puzzmo: What a Trip! by brooke & bewilderingly. Online only
Puzzmo: Mini Crossword by Brooke Husic. Online only
Queerty: Queerty Crossword #453 by Queerty.
SFGATE California Mini Crossword: Mini Crossword by tktktk. Online only.
Slate: Slate Midi: Monday, Jan. 5, 2026 by Quiara Vasquez.
Slate: Slate Mini: Monday, Jan. 5, 2026 by Adrianne Baik.
Southern Crosswords: southern crosswords mini #88 by michael.
STAT News: Mini Crossword by Rachel Fabi.
Vulture 10×10: The Stand-Up Puzzle by Malaika Handa.The Boston Globe: Mini Crossword by Sowmya Ramkumar.
Los Angeles Times: by Robert S. Gard. Create free Cruciverb account for .puz.
Los Angeles Times Mini: by Elizabeth Gorski.
Merriam Webster: The Missing Letter by Matt Gaffney
New York Sun: ($) P.J. Party by Patrick Blindauer. Reissues from 2008.
New York Times: ($) by Paul Coulter.
New York Times Mini: by Sam Ezersky.
The New Yorker: The Crossword by Paolo Pasco.
Newsday: 1/6/26 Happy New Year by Billie Truitt. Online .pdf
Universal: ($) Whoops! by Rich Feely. Direct link to .puz.
USA Today: Love Story (Freestyle) by Willa Angel Chen Miller.
Vox: by Juliana Tringali Golden
The Wall Street Journal: Guessing Game by Andrew Mascillaro. Direct link to .puz.Crosshare Community: Daily Mini and Featured Puzzles.
Crossherd: Daily Mini. Online only
Crosswordr Community: Community Puzzle Platform.
Crosswords with Friends: TV Tuesday App Store | Google Play
Crosswords with Friends: Midi Puzzle App Store | Google Play
Crosswords with Friends: Mini Puzzle App Store | Google Play
Daily POP Crosswords: by Patti Varol. App Store | Google Play, Online, phone app only
Fast Company: Daily Mini by Joe Rodini.
India Mini Crossword: Daily Mini
LunaMini: Square numbers (Mini crossword) by Luna. Online only
Mangesh Ghogre’s Indian Mini Crosswords: Daily Mini by Mangesh Ghogre.
The New Dork Times: New Dork Times Puzzle: Mini 181 by Cole Rush. Subscribe at link.
PlayFour: ($) Daily Puzzle. Online only
Squared Away: ($) Daily Puzzle. Online only
The Telegraph: Cross Atlantic Online only
Washington Post Daily Mini Meta: by Frank Longo.
YourPuzzleSource: Daily Puzzle (Midi) by Phil Fraas.Garden Party: ($) Rows Garden #9.1 by Michael Blake. Subscribe at link.
Keynesian Cryptics: Flower Code by Jack Keynes.
Outside The Box: ($) Rows Garden #11.18 by joon pahk. Subscribe at link.
Sporcle: Daily Acrostic Online only
TLMB: Nott Another Juggling Convention by The Void .pdf, online onlyFinancial Times: FT Crossword .pdf only
The Guardian: Cryptic crossword No 29,896 by Alia.
The Hindu Cryptic: Daily Cryptic .pdf, online.
The Independent: Cryptic Crossword .pdf, online onlyCheck out the DCL’s staff recommendations from last week’s puzzles
Other American-style links:
Reviews and Discussion at Diary of a Crossword Fiend | Boatload Puzzles/AARP | “Crosscord” Discord | Crucidrama (en español) | Cruciverbalista (en español) | Easy Crossword (Newsday Archives) | FreeDailyCrosswords | Medium Crossword (Newsday Archives) | Hard Crossword (Newsday Archives) | r/crossword | USA Today Reviews and Discussion at Off the Grid | Squares.io | XWord-Muggles Meta Calendar
Other Cryptic/Variety links:
A Frame Games | cf.kmbweb.de Links Library | CoxRathvon.com | Harper’s ($) | Lovatts | Magpie ($) | Mokelfish Links Library | MyCrossword | NPL | Panda Magazine ($) | Private Eye | PuzzleCrypt archives | Puzzling StackExchange | r/crosswords | Sydney Morning Herald ($) | The Telegraph | The Times (UK) ($), includes The Listener
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Monday, January 5, 2026
Apple News: ($) by Rafael Musa. News+ Subscription Required
Apple News Mini: ($) Daily Mini by Taylor Johnson. News+ Subscription Required
The Atlantic Mini: by Amanda Rafkin; edited by Kelsey Dixon.
Billboard: I Swear by Stella Zawistowski.
Black Crossword: Mini by Juliana Pache.
Chicago Sun-Times: Chicago-Style (Mini) Crossword by Kelsey Dixon.
Crosswoods: Armageddon by Crosswoods.
Crossword Club: Daily Crossword: January 5, 2026 by Kelsey Dixon.
Crossword Flow: ($) by Stella Zawistowski. iPad-exclusive app.
Daily Beast: It’s Critically Important, Mon. Jan. 5, 2025 by Matt Gaffney.
In Pursuit of Puzzles: Midi #9 by Jeanne D. Breen.
Lil AVCX: ($) Sweet! by Olivia Mitra Framke. Subscribe at link.
Luckystreak Xwords: disaster classes (themed) by frisco17 + ada nicolle.
Monday Fills: Themeless 146 by Dave Murchie.
Muggle Meta Mondays: Weekly Meta
People Puzzler: West Side Story Tough Guy by Shannon Rapp.
The Puzzle Pit: Metal Monday #32 – “Welcome to the Jungle” by Adam Landau. .pdf, .puz only
Puzzmo: Long Drought by Zhouqin Burnikel. Online only
Puzzmo: Tug of War by Owen Goss. Online only
Puzzmo: Mini Crossword by Brooke Husic. Online only
Queerty: Queerty Crossword #452 by Queerty.
SFGATE California Mini Crossword: Mini Crossword by rafa. Online only.
Slate: Slate Crossword: Sunday, Jan. 4, 2026 by Zhouqin Burnikel.
Slate: Slate Mini: Sunday, Jan. 4, 2026 by Kaitlin Hsu.
Southern Crosswords: southern crosswords mini #87 by michael.
STAT News: Mini Crossword by Rachel Fabi.
Trash Panda Puzzles: 166: Proverb of the Jellybeans by Jason “Jac” Crabtree
Vulture 10×10: The January Puzzle by Stella Zawistowski.The Boston Globe: Mini Crossword by Sowmya Ramkumar.
Los Angeles Times: by Morton J. Mendelson. Create free Cruciverb account for .puz.
Los Angeles Times Mini: by Elizabeth Gorski.
Merriam Webster: The Missing Letter by Matt Gaffney
New York Sun: ($) Themeless by Karen M. Tracey. Reissues from 2008.
New York Times: ($) by Lynn Lempel.
New York Times Midi: by Ian Livengood.
New York Times Mini: by Joel Fagliano.
The New Yorker: January 5 by Elizabeth C. Gorski.
Newsday: 1/5/26 Reservations by Guilherme Gilioli. Online .pdf
Universal: ($) Poetry in Motion by Drew Schmenner. Direct link to .puz.
USA Today: Letter Openers by Sam Cordes.
Vox: by Patrick Blindauer
The Wall Street Journal: Able to Change by Zhouqin Burnikel. Direct link to .puz.Crosshare Community: Daily Mini and Featured Puzzles.
Crossherd: Daily Mini. Online only
Crosswordr Community: Community Puzzle Platform.
Crosswords with Friends: Movie Monday App Store | Google Play
Crosswords with Friends: Midi Puzzle App Store | Google Play
Crosswords with Friends: Mini Puzzle App Store | Google Play
Daily POP Crosswords: by Janice Luttrell. App Store | Google Play, Online, phone app only
Fast Company: Daily Mini by Joe Rodini.
India Mini Crossword: Daily Mini
LunaMini: The Doctor (Mini crossword) by Luna. Online only
Mangesh Ghogre’s Indian Mini Crosswords: Daily Mini by Mangesh Ghogre.
PlayFour: ($) Daily Puzzle. Online only
Squared Away: ($) Daily Puzzle. Online only
The Telegraph: Cross Atlantic Online only
Washington Post Daily Mini Meta: by Frank Longo.
YourPuzzleSource: Daily Puzzle (Midi) by Phil Fraas.A Cleverly-Titled Logic Puzzle Blog: Outside the Fox – Triple Crown Fox Derby #5 (January 5-18, 2026) – Touchword by Grant Fikes. .pdf only
The Crossword Scholar: Sneaky Six #32: Learn TV Hercules mostly follows a brainless leader by Aaron Riccio.
Cryptic Crossweird: ($) Disorganized Cutie by Joe Pasini & Momes. Patreon Subscription.
Redhead64: PUZZLE #577: Moving Staircases 16 .pdf only
Sporcle: Daily Acrostic Online only
Steve’s Cryptic Crosswords: by Steve Townsend. Online only
TLMB: Happy Clappy by The Void .pdf, online onlyFinancial Times: FT Crossword .pdf only
The Guardian: Cryptic crossword No 29,895 by Vulcan.
The Hindu Cryptic: Daily Cryptic .pdf, online.
The Independent: Cryptic Crossword .pdf, online onlyCheck out the DCL’s staff recommendations from last week’s puzzles
Other American-style links:
Reviews and Discussion at Diary of a Crossword Fiend | Boatload Puzzles/AARP | “Crosscord” Discord | Crucidrama (en español) | Cruciverbalista (en español) | Easy Crossword (Newsday Archives) | FreeDailyCrosswords | Medium Crossword (Newsday Archives) | Hard Crossword (Newsday Archives) | r/crossword | USA Today Reviews and Discussion at Off the Grid | Squares.io | XWord-Muggles Meta Calendar
Other Cryptic/Variety links:
A Frame Games | cf.kmbweb.de Links Library | CoxRathvon.com | Harper’s ($) | Lovatts | Magpie ($) | Mokelfish Links Library | MyCrossword | NPL | Panda Magazine ($) | Private Eye | PuzzleCrypt archives | Puzzling StackExchange | r/crosswords | Sydney Morning Herald ($) | The Telegraph | The Times (UK) ($), includes The Listener
-
Sunday, January 4, 2026
7 down: your movie sucks by 7down.
Apple News: ($) Off to a Good Start by Chandi Deitmer. News+ Subscription Required
Apple News Mini: ($) Daily Mini by David Steinberg. News+ Subscription Required
The Atlantic: by Zachary Edward-Brown & Malaika Handa; edited by Kelsey Dixon.
Black Crossword: Mini by Juliana Pache.
Chicago Sun-Times: Chicago-Style (Mini) Crossword by Kelsey Dixon.
Crossword Club: Daily Crossword: January 4, 2026 by Kate Chin Park.
Crossword Flow: ($) Still Life by Sally Hoelscher. iPad-exclusive app.
Daily Beast: Happy Ewwww Year! Thurs. Jan. 1, 2025 by Matt Gaffney.
The Hub Crossword: ($) Emotion by Joon Pahk. Patreon subscription.
Jeff’s Puzzles: Themeless 119 by Jeff Linder.
Lexicon Devil: Slow Down a Second (meta) by Richard D. Allen.
M & M Crosswords: Molly Jones by Martina Waluk.
Poppy Puzzles: we come to this place for magic by maddy ziegler.
Pun Of A Kind: A Complete Meal by Mikey G.
Puzzmo: All About Eve by Enrique. Online only
Puzzmo: Mini Crossword by Brooke Husic. Online only
Slate: Slate Mini: Saturday, Jan. 3, 2026 by Dan Kois.
Smooth Sailing Sunday: Weekly Meta
Southern Crosswords: southern crosswords mini #86 by michael.
World of Crosswords: themeless 163 by Marya and Carla.The Boston Globe: Mini Crossword by Sowmya Ramkumar.
Los Angeles Times: CONFOUNDED by Doug Peterson. Create free Cruciverb account for .puz.
Los Angeles Times Mini: by Elizabeth Gorski.
Merl Reagle Archives: January 4, 2026 – Bed and Breakfast Alternatives by Merl Reagle.
Merriam Webster: The Missing Letter by Matt Gaffney
New York Sun: ($) Long Vowels by Peter A. Collins. Reissues from 2008.
New York Times: ($) Base Pairs by Gene Louise De Vera.
New York Times Mini: by Joel Fagliano.
Newsday: 1/4/26 a CENTURY AGO: What Happened in 1926 by Stan Newman. Online .pdf
Premier Crossword: by Frank Longo. .pdf, online only
Sporcle: Sigourney Weaver by bhenderson79. Online only
Universal: ($) Themeless Sunday 166 by Adrian Johnson. Direct link to .puz.
Universal Sunday: Splitting Hairs by Ryan Mathiason. Direct link to .puz.
USA Today: Catch Me if You Can by Sally Hoelscher.
Washington Post: City Limits by Evan Birnholz. Direct link to .puz.Crosshare Community: Daily Mini and Featured Puzzles.
Crossherd: Daily Mini. Online only
Crosswordr Community: Community Puzzle Platform.
Crosswords with Friends: Sunday Funday App Store | Google Play
Crosswords with Friends: Midi Puzzle App Store | Google Play
Crosswords with Friends: Mini Puzzle App Store | Google Play
Daily POP Crosswords: by Patti Varol. App Store | Google Play, Online, phone app only
Fast Company: Team Effort by Joe Rodini.
India Mini Crossword: Daily Mini
LunaMini: Game night (Mini crossword) by Luna. Online only
Mangesh Ghogre’s Indian Mini Crosswords: Daily Mini by Mangesh Ghogre.
PlayFour: ($) Daily Puzzle. Online only
Squared Away: ($) Daily Puzzle. Online only
The Telegraph: Cross Atlantic Online only
TV Crossword: Weekly Puzzle. .pdf, online only
YourPuzzleSource: Weekly 15×15 by Phil Fraas.Sporcle: Daily Acrostic Online only
Stay Golden Puzzles: ($) Rows Garden by Juliana Tringali Golden. Purchase at link.
TLMB: Trebuchet Days I & II by The Void .pdf, online onlyAzed Cryptic: Cryptic
Everyman Cryptic: Cryptic
Financial Times: FT Crossword .pdf only
The Hindu Cryptic: ($) The Hindu Cryptic on Sunday .pdf, online.
The Independent: Cryptic Crossword .pdf, online only
New York Times Variety: ($) Split Decisions by Fred Piscop.Check out the DCL’s staff recommendations from last week’s puzzles
Other American-style links:
Reviews and Discussion at Diary of a Crossword Fiend | Boatload Puzzles/AARP | “Crosscord” Discord | Crucidrama (en español) | Cruciverbalista (en español) | Easy Crossword (Newsday Archives) | FreeDailyCrosswords | Medium Crossword (Newsday Archives) | Hard Crossword (Newsday Archives) | r/crossword | USA Today Reviews and Discussion at Off the Grid | Squares.io | XWord-Muggles Meta Calendar
Other Cryptic/Variety links:
A Frame Games | cf.kmbweb.de Links Library | CoxRathvon.com | Harper’s ($) | Lovatts | Magpie ($) | Mokelfish Links Library | MyCrossword | NPL | Panda Magazine ($) | Private Eye | PuzzleCrypt archives | Puzzling StackExchange | r/crosswords | Sydney Morning Herald ($) | The Telegraph | The Times (UK) ($), includes The Listener
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Saturday, January 3, 2026
Apple News: ($) Freestyle by Adrian Johnson. News+ Subscription Required
Apple News Mini: ($) Daily Mini by Erik Agard. News+ Subscription Required
The Atlantic: by Amanda Rafkin; edited by Kelsey Dixon.
Black Crossword: Mini by Juliana Pache.
Chicago Sun-Times: Chicago-Style (Mini) Crossword by Kelsey Dixon.
Club 72: Freestyle 1077: “The tension is mounting.” by Tim Croce. .pdf, .puz only
Crossword Club: Daily Crossword by Will Nediger.
Crossword Flow: ($) by Ada Nicolle. iPad-exclusive app.
Crossword Nexus Blog: Puzzle #145: Bearing Fruit by Alex Boisvert
Matt Gaffney’s Weekly Crossword Contest: ($) MGWCC #918 — “Fourth And Goal” (Meta) by Matt Gaffney. Subscribe at Patreon.
Morning Brew: Fresh Start by Jack Murtagh.
Puzzmo: This Is So Over My Head by Stella Zawistowski. Online only
Puzzmo: Mini Crossword by Brooke Husic. Online only
Reason: Art Anti-Authority by Stella Zawistowski.
Southern Crosswords: southern crosswords mini #85 by michael.
Spyscape: Round and Round and Round by Jeff Stillman.
Trash Panda Puzzles: 165: Naming the Ferocious Egg (7x No. 3) by Jason “Jac” Crabtree
The Walrus: Gladly! (themeless) by Emma Lawson.The Boston Globe: Mini Crossword by Sowmya Ramkumar.
Los Angeles Times: by Kyle Dolan. Create free Cruciverb account for .puz.
Los Angeles Times Mini: by Elizabeth Gorski.
Merriam Webster: The Missing Letter by Matt Gaffney
New York Magazine: A New Role by Matt Gaffney.
New York Sun: ($) Trains Rolling In by Kevin George. Reissues from 2008.
New York Times: ($) by Hannah Slovut-Einertson.
New York Times Mini: by Joel Fagliano.
Newsday: Saturday Stumper by AuthorName. Online .pdf
Universal: ($) Universal Freestyle 205 by Geoffrey Schorkopf. Direct link to .puz.
USA Today: Twisted Metal by Brian Callahan.
Vox: 1-26 by Andrew J. Ries.
The Wall Street Journal: Not Business as Usual by Randolph Ross. Direct link to .puz.Crosshare Community: Daily Mini and Featured Puzzles.
Crossherd: Daily Mini. Online only
Crosswordr Community: Community Puzzle Platform.
Crosswords with Friends: Smartypants Saturday App Store | Google Play
Crosswords with Friends: Midi Puzzle App Store | Google Play
Crosswords with Friends: Mini Puzzle App Store | Google Play
Daily POP Crosswords: by Bonnie L. Gentry. App Store | Google Play, Online, phone app only
India Mini Crossword: Daily Mini
LunaMini: NATO phonetic alphabet (Mini crossword) by Luna. Online only
Mangesh Ghogre’s Indian Mini Crosswords: Daily Mini by Mangesh Ghogre.
The New Dork Times: New Dork Times Puzzle: Mini 180 by Cole Rush. Subscribe at link.
PlayFour: ($) Daily Puzzle. Online only
Squared Away: ($) Daily Puzzle. Online only
The Telegraph: Cross Atlantic Online only
Washington Post Daily Mini Meta: by Frank Longo.Sporcle: Daily Acrostic Online only
TLMB: Cigar Boxes by The Void .pdf, online only
Tortoiseshell Studio: ($) Bonus Pathfinder by Nathan Curtis. Patreon subscription.Financial Times: FT Crossword .pdf only
Financial Times: FT Crossword: Polymath .pdf only
Financial Times: FT Weekend Magazine Crossword .pdf only
Gemelo Cryptic: Cryptic
The Hindu Cryptic: Daily Cryptic .pdf, online.
The Independent: Cryptic Crossword .pdf, online only
WSJ Variety: Curly Quote by Patrick Berry. Direct link to .pdf.Check out the DCL’s staff recommendations from last week’s puzzles
Other American-style links:
Reviews and Discussion at Diary of a Crossword Fiend | Boatload Puzzles/AARP | “Crosscord” Discord | Crucidrama (en español) | Cruciverbalista (en español) | Easy Crossword (Newsday Archives) | FreeDailyCrosswords | Medium Crossword (Newsday Archives) | Hard Crossword (Newsday Archives) | r/crossword | USA Today Reviews and Discussion at Off the Grid | Squares.io | XWord-Muggles Meta Calendar
Other Cryptic/Variety links:
A Frame Games | cf.kmbweb.de Links Library | CoxRathvon.com | Harper’s ($) | Lovatts | Magpie ($) | Mokelfish Links Library | MyCrossword | NPL | Panda Magazine ($) | Private Eye | PuzzleCrypt archives | Puzzling StackExchange | r/crosswords | Sydney Morning Herald ($) | The Telegraph | The Times (UK) ($), includes The Listener
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Friday, January 2, 2026
Apple News: ($) Cash Crop by Kelvin Zhou. News+ Subscription Required
Apple News Mini: ($) Daily Mini by Taylor Johnson. News+ Subscription Required
Ariadne’s Crossword Library: January 2026 Monthly Contest: “Are You Missing Something?” by Hannah Binney. .pdf, .puz only
The Atlantic Mini: by Amanda Rafkin; edited by Kelsey Dixon.
Billboard: by Comeback City by Adam Aaronson.
Black Crossword: Mini by Juliana Pache.
Brian Gubin: Themed #168 – Carry Out by Brian Gubin.
Chicago Sun-Times: Chicago-Style (Mini) Crossword by Kelsey Dixon.
Crossword Club: Daily Crossword: January 2, 2026 by Kelsey Dixon.
Crossword Curiosities: Dissect the Text by Madison Shultz.
Crossword Flow: ($) A “Hole” Lotta P’s by Kareem Ayas. iPad-exclusive app.
Hyperallergic: The Art Crossword: Art Deco Edition by Natan Last.
People Puzzler: Supports A.F.C. Richmond by Steph Spadaccini.
Puzzmo: Work It Out by Bonnie Eisenman. Online only
Puzzmo: Mini Crossword by Brooke Husic. Online only
SFGATE California Mini Crossword: Mini Crossword. Online only.
Slate: Slate Crossword: Thursday, Jan. 1, 2026 by Adam Levav.
Slate: Slate Mini: Thursday, Jan. 1, 2026 by Quiara Vasquez.
Southern Crosswords: southern crosswords mini #84 by michael.
Vulture 10×10: The Travel Writer Puzzle by Malaika Handa.The Boston Globe: Mini Crossword by Sowmya Ramkumar.
Los Angeles Times: by Nate Curry & Kevin Curry. Create free Cruciverb account for .puz.
Los Angeles Times Mini: by Elizabeth Gorski.
Merriam Webster: The Missing Letter by Matt Gaffney
New York Sun: ($) Four-Legged People by Mark Feldman. Reissues from 2008.
New York Times: ($) by Adam Wagner and Rafael Musa.
New York Times Mini: by Sam Ezersky.
The New Yorker Mini: January 2, 2026 by Kate Chin Park.
Newsday: 1/2/26 Turndowns by Guilherme Gilioli. Online .pdf
Universal: ($) Beyond the Surface by Jake Halperin. Direct link to .puz.
USA Today: Be You by Olivia Mitra Framke.
Vox: by Andrew J. Ries.
The Wall Street Journal: A Quarter of the Way There by Matt Gaffney. Direct link to .puz.Crosshare Community: Daily Mini and Featured Puzzles.
Crossherd: Daily Mini. Online only
Crosswordr Community: Community Puzzle Platform.
Crosswords with Friends: Sports Fan Friday App Store | Google Play
Crosswords with Friends: Midi Puzzle App Store | Google Play
Crosswords with Friends: Mini Puzzle App Store | Google Play
Daily POP Crosswords: by Gail Grabowski. App Store | Google Play, Online, phone app only
Fast Company: Daily Mini by Joe Rodini.
India Mini Crossword: Daily Mini
LunaMini: Luna’s resolution (Mini crossword) by Luna. Online only
Mangesh Ghogre’s Indian Mini Crosswords: Daily Mini by Mangesh Ghogre.
PlayFour: ($) Daily Puzzle. Online only
Squared Away: ($) Daily Puzzle. Online only
The Telegraph: Cross Atlantic Online only
The Times Ponder: ($) Weekly Puzzle. .pdf, online only
Washington Post Daily Mini Meta: by Frank Longo.
YourPuzzleSource: Daily Puzzle (Midi) by Phil Fraas.BEQ: Cryptic Thursday by Brendan Emmett Quigley.
Out Of Left Field: ($) #301 by Joshua Kosman & Henri Picciotto. Patreon subscription.
Sporcle: Daily Acrostic Online only
TLMB: Seriously by The Void .pdf, online onlyFinancial Times: FT Crossword .pdf only
The Guardian: Cryptic crossword No 29,893 by Fed.
The Hindu Cryptic: Daily Cryptic .pdf, online.
The Independent: Cryptic Crossword .pdf, online onlyCheck out the DCL’s staff recommendations from last week’s puzzles
Other American-style links:
Reviews and Discussion at Diary of a Crossword Fiend | Boatload Puzzles/AARP | “Crosscord” Discord | Crucidrama (en español) | Cruciverbalista (en español) | Easy Crossword (Newsday Archives) | FreeDailyCrosswords | Medium Crossword (Newsday Archives) | Hard Crossword (Newsday Archives) | r/crossword | USA Today Reviews and Discussion at Off the Grid | Squares.io | XWord-Muggles Meta Calendar
Other Cryptic/Variety links:
A Frame Games | cf.kmbweb.de Links Library | CoxRathvon.com | Harper’s ($) | Lovatts | Magpie ($) | Mokelfish Links Library | MyCrossword | NPL | Panda Magazine ($) | Private Eye | PuzzleCrypt archives | Puzzling StackExchange | r/crosswords | Sydney Morning Herald ($) | The Telegraph | The Times (UK) ($), includes The Listener
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Thursday, January 1, 2026
Apple News: ($) Freestyle by Elijah Acquah. News+ Subscription Required
Apple News Mini: ($) Daily Mini by Taylor Johnson. News+ Subscription Required
The Atlantic Mini: by Amanda Rafkin; edited by Kelsey Dixon.
Billboard: by Stella Zawistowski.
Black Crossword: Mini by Juliana Pache.
Chicago Sun-Times: Chicago-Style (Mini) Crossword by Kelsey Dixon.
ClassiCanadian Crosswords: ($) Sad Endings by Barb Olson. Subscribe at link.
Crossword Club: Daily Crossword: January 1, 2026 by Erica Hsiung Wojcik.
Crossword Flow: ($) by Igor Ryzhkov. iPad-exclusive app.
Daily Beast: And the Broadcaster Is… Weds. Dec. 31, 2025 by Matt Gaffney.
Jeff’s Puzzles: Resolution – Fiat Pax! by Jeff Linder.
Jonesin’: The Best of 2025 by Matt Jones. Direct .puz link
M & M Crosswords: Grow Wiser by Martina Waluk.
Memorial Hall Library: Never too late to get published.
Playbill Puzzles: Puzzle #1: The Absent Bill? (Meta) by Danny K Bernstein.
Puzzmo: Blast Off! by Willa. Online only
Puzzmo: Mini Crossword by Brooke Husic. Online only
Quid Pro: The GenXword Mini 1/1/26 #tbt by Andrew Anker. Online at Crosswordr.
SFGATE California Mini Crossword: Mini Crossword by Rebecca Goldstein. Online only.
Slate: Slate Mini: Wednesday, Dec. 31, 2025 by Kiran Pandey.
Southern Crosswords: southern crosswords mini #83 by michael.
Souvenir Puzzles: Flip the Calendar (mini) by Nir Shtuhl.
Texas Monthly: Trading Places by Caroline Hand.
Vulture 10×10: The Katz’s Puzzle by Stella Zawistowski.
xwordswithbabka: Barred Grid by Dan Schwartz.The Boston Globe: Mini Crossword by Sowmya Ramkumar.
Los Angeles Times: by Jill Rafaloff & Michelle Sontarp. Create free Cruciverb account for .puz.
Los Angeles Times Mini: by Elizabeth Gorski.
Merriam Webster: The Missing Letter by Matt Gaffney
New York Sun: ($) Warrior by Karen M. Tracey. Reissues from 2008.
New York Times: ($) by Topher Booth.
New York Times Mini: by Sam Ezersky.
New York Times Monthly Bonus: Your Time Starts Now by Rena Cohen.
The New Yorker Mini: The Mini Crossword: Thursday, January 1, 2026 by Mollie Cowget.
Newsday: 1/1/26 Agreed by Prasanna Keshava. Online .pdf
Universal: ($) Muted Color by Zhouqin Burnikel. Direct link to .puz.
USA Today: Begin Again (Freestyle) by Amie Walker.
Vox: by Will Nediger.Crosshare Community: Daily Mini and Featured Puzzles.
Crossherd: Daily Mini. Online only
Crosswordr Community: Community Puzzle Platform.
Crosswords with Friends: Top 40 Thursday App Store | Google Play
Crosswords with Friends: Midi Puzzle App Store | Google Play
Crosswords with Friends: Mini Puzzle App Store | Google Play
Daily POP Crosswords: by Janice Luttrell. App Store | Google Play, Online, phone app only
Fast Company: Daily Mini by Joe Rodini.
India Mini Crossword: Daily Mini
LunaMini: 26 (Mini crossword) by Luna. Online only
Mangesh Ghogre’s Indian Mini Crosswords: Daily Mini by Mangesh Ghogre.
The New Dork Times: New Dork Times Puzzle: Mini 179 by Cole Rush. Subscribe at link.
PlayFour: ($) Daily Puzzle. Online only
Squared Away: ($) Daily Puzzle. Online only
The Telegraph: Cross Atlantic Online only
Washington Post Daily Mini Meta: by Frank Longo.
YourPuzzleSource: Daily Puzzle (Midi) by Phil Fraas.A Cleverly-Titled Logic Puzzle Blog: Wordy Wednesday 681: Touchword 34 by Grant Fikes. .pdf only
Puzzle Tome: Treasure (Cryptic) .pdf, online.
Sporcle: Daily Acrostic Online only
Square Chase: ($) Fresh Start (Variety Cryptic) by Steve Mossberg. Patreon subscription.Financial Times: FT Crossword .pdf only
The Guardian: Cryptic crossword No 29,892 by Vlad.
The Hindu Cryptic: Daily Cryptic .pdf, online.
The Independent: Cryptic Crossword .pdf, online only
New Scientist: ($) Biweekly Cryptic Subscribe at link.
The Spectator: ($) Weekly Cryptic Subscribe at link.Check out the DCL’s staff recommendations from last week’s puzzles
Other American-style links:
Reviews and Discussion at Diary of a Crossword Fiend | Boatload Puzzles/AARP | “Crosscord” Discord | Crucidrama (en español) | Cruciverbalista (en español) | Easy Crossword (Newsday Archives) | FreeDailyCrosswords | Medium Crossword (Newsday Archives) | Hard Crossword (Newsday Archives) | r/crossword | USA Today Reviews and Discussion at Off the Grid | Squares.io | XWord-Muggles Meta Calendar
Other Cryptic/Variety links:
A Frame Games | cf.kmbweb.de Links Library | CoxRathvon.com | Harper’s ($) | Lovatts | Magpie ($) | Mokelfish Links Library | MyCrossword | NPL | Panda Magazine ($) | Private Eye | PuzzleCrypt archives | Puzzling StackExchange | r/crosswords | Sydney Morning Herald ($) | The Telegraph | The Times (UK) ($), includes The Listener
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Crossworld News & Notes: Happy New Year!
It’s been quite a while since our last News & Notes, so most of this will be brief link dumps. However, we’re making sure to get this out today, as registration for the 2026 ACPT opens for previous attendees at noon Eastern (a little less than 12 hours after this email) on January 1st.
The last few years have seen both tournament and hotel spots sell out earlier and earlier, and Will Shortz has announced that the 2026 tournament will be the last in Stamford, as the ACPT moves to Philadelphia in 2027, so interest in this year’s tournament is likely to be sky-high.
More information – and at noon tomorrow, registration – at the tournament website.
Crossword Con, hosted by Puzzmo, will once again take place on the Friday of ACPT weekend in Manhattan. There’s little more than a “save the date” right now, but that’s enough to make plans if you’re interested.
Many thanks to all who donated to our annual fundraiser. If you did donate, and you haven’t received the puzzles, either something has gone wrong or I haven’t been able to connect your donation to an email. Please email us at crossword links [at] gmail [dot] com so I can get the puzzle pack to you.
You can donate at any time of the year and be added to the list for our next fundraiser pack. More information at our Support Us page.
Prior to ACPT, Boswords’ Winter Wondersolve will take place online on Sunday, February 1st. More information and puzzles from Boswords’ two 2025 Themeless Leagues and summer tournament available at the link.
Across The Universe, Natan Last’s book exploring the crossword as a cultural instrument, published around Thanksgiving and is available to purchase, if you don’t already have it. Among many events, media pieces, etc, Natan joined the Because Language podcast to chat about the book. He’ll be on the West Coast and in DC promoting the book through January, if you’re in the areas.
Shifting to a more rapid-fire list of highlights, we’ll start with a reminder to check T Campbell’s Grid in the coming days. His crossword year-in-review posts are always an enjoyable read around the New Year.
A Trans Person Made Your Crossword is a puzzle pack written, edited, test-solved, and typeset by trans and non-binary people in support of US-based transgender charities. Released in June, the pack raised more than $25,000. Organizer Ada Nicolle had a nice interview with The Halifax Examiner about the project. I’m not sure if the puzzles are still available, but the charities are certainly still welcoming donations!
A March profile from Vulture on Will Shortz’ rehab
An interview with NYT Connections editor Wyna Liu in InsideHook
An excellent piece in Slate on cryptic crosswords crossing over to US
If you missed them, we rolled out a new DCL feature in 2025: Constructor Spotlights. Spotlights run roughly monthly, with the aim of highlighting the human/relational side of crosswords. I’m biased, but they’re some of my favorite crossword content of the year, so I hope you’ll catch up on any you missed.
A Globe and Mail profile of the multitalented Will Nediger
Also new this year was Crosstalk: A Crossword Construction Podcast from Daniel Grinberg. Episodes are engaging and insightful, and a window into construction that I think we just don’t get from step by step guides or written instructions.
Josh Kosman and Henri Picciotto, who run the cryptic subscription Out of Left Field, are now selling compilations of their puzzles from The Nation in pdf form.
A fun profile of the 2025 ACPT and some of its solvers. Paolo Pasco no longer works in LinkedIn’s puzzles department, but he penned this reflection following his win.
The New York Times released a hardcover PuzzleMania book featuring new versions of many of the games found in their daily offering and the annual PuzzleMania insert.
By Kids, for Solvers of All Ages wasn’t a daily New York Times puzzle, but was submitted through the normal channel by Nate (10 years old) and Kaela Curry (8). Christina Iverson conducted a brief interview with the pair alongside the puzzle running.
The New York Times released a hardcover PuzzleMania book featuring new versions of many of the games found in their daily offering and the annual PuzzleMania insert.
By Kids, for Solvers of All Ages wasn’t a daily New York Times puzzle, but was submitted through the normal channel by Nate (10 years old) and Kaela Curry (8). Christina Iverson conducted a brief interview with the pair alongside the puzzle running.
The Brookline (MA) News ran a nice piece on the concentration of ACPT solvers from the Boston neighborhood.
Adam Aaronson published an essay on his site exploring what he calls the “square theory,” an apparatus to analyze why wordplay works, whether in clues, puzzle themes, whatever. I can’t recommend it enough.
‘In setting any crossword clue, always, always think of the solver’ is an interview with longtime cryptic setter Azed, but the insights about a solver’s relationship with a clue or puzzle are just as applicable to our side of the pond
Dan Feyer made an appearance on the podcast “The Extraordinarians,” which is devoted to conversations with “chat with the world’s most extraordinary record breakers … a little spotlight on the strangest and most unlikely champions.
The Los Angeles Dodgers’ Jack Dreyer got some headlines this summer for his crossword habit, including a puzzle he constructed himself.
Ryan Judge put together an updated assessment of the most commonly solved crosswords for the “Crosscord” Discord server, sorting for size, themed/themeless, and difficulty. Your mileage may vary, but it’s a good place to start if you’re looking to try out a new puzzle.
These Puzzles Fund Abortion founder Rachel Fabi sat down the joysticks! podcast to discuss the crossword community and TPFA. I hadn’t heard of this podcast previously, but it’s been a fun listen since. In their own words: “joysticks! is a podcast dedicated to the notion that games and their creation are an excellent way to be imaginative about systems and structures of society, and this imagination is a pillar of a more revolutionary world.”A profile on (and puzzle by) constructor Mark McLaughlin by his employer, the University of British Columbia, where he serves as Dean.
“Fill Harmonics” is a fun thing from Parker Higgins. I don’t know how better to describe it than he does, if you click through.
Alex Boisvert introduced another new tool at the Crossword Nexus, the crossword sharer, which allows for crossword sharing and in-browser solving without uploading material to third parties or agreeing to terms of service that are rapidly changing in the AI era.
“Block Party Puzzles” is a Detroit-themed puzzle book from Sala Wanetick and Emily Biegas.
Christopher Newport University ran a piece on student constructor Baylor Gallagher, who learned the hobby from indie puzzle mainstay Neville Fogarty, who teaches at the university.
“Puzzles of 2025” is a crossword/set list hybrid: a 40-track album where each track is a crossword clue. I certainly haven’t ever seen anything like it. Well worth a click through to read through the creators’ notes.Just a few days ago, Jac Crabtree at Trash Panda Puzzles announced his own 7×7 project, hearkening back to Malaika Handa’s daily puzzle from a few years ago, creating a grid for every possible 7×7 crossword design. Malaika’s original project was one of the highlights of 2021, and it’s fun to see it crop up again.
“Puzzmo’s Recent Set Of Daily Puzzles Helped Me See Crosswords In A New Way” highlights Brooke Husic’s recent month-long project to highlight different aspects of core crossword strategies through mini puzzles, each featuring a specific window into the tacit language of crosswords.
In the author’s words:
“Subsequent puzzles explain how crossword makers clue you in to whether they’re asking for someone’s full name or a nickname, how they handle abbreviations, and all the subtle ways that the language of a question can help you answer it. While it might not seem like it at first, there’s a lot of complexity being communicated by phrases like “for short” at the end of a clue, and this series of mini-crosswords have made me far more able to understand those meanings.”
One of Brooke’s guiding tenets at Puzzmo is that any puzzle might be someone’s first crossword. The mini series, beginning on October 1st, is a great resource for anyone you’re trying to introduce to the form.
A fond farewell to end this (long) edition: after 15 years, longtime Wordplay columnist Deb Amlen will retire from the New York Times this Friday. For many, many solvers, Deb’s helpful and humorous writeups were their first “in” to seeing the Times puzzle as a bit less intimidating, and a model for puzzle criticisms and discussion whose influence can be seen anywhere people talk puzzles. Best wishes, Deb!