The New York Times has released its crossword puzzle for October 24, 2026, marking the seventh creation from Robert Logan, who is filling in for regular crossword editor Caitlin Lovinger this weekend. The themeless puzzle features a distinctive target-shaped grid filled with vibrant, debut answers set against a dense, closed center, allowing solvers various approaches to tackling the entries.
Tricky Clues
One of the notable clues, 10A, references the evolution of agriculture with the hint concerning the practice of growing plants without soil, which answers as HYDROPONICS. This reflects a moment in humanity’s progress in cultivating growth beyond traditional methods.
Another intriguing clue, 22A, plays on the interpretation of “Tip of Baja?” Initially leading solvers to consider geography, it concludes with PESO, a reference to monetary tips in Baja California rather than its geographical features.
Clue 28A revolves around notable figures from the Old West, specifically the Earp brothers, known for their involvement in the infamous Tombstone shootout. The answer provided for this clue is ARIZONA, identifying the location of their historic town.
In the crossword, clue 33A prompts players with the phrase “Get up and down, maybe, in golf,” leading to the answer SAVE PAR. This term describes the strategy golfers use when they must complete a hole in two strokes to avoid losing strokes against par.
Lastly, 44A hints at the phrase “International intelligence community?” with the answer MENSA, a society for individuals with high IQs. The name MENSA is derived from Latin, meaning “table,” symbolizing the spirit of collective discussion.
For those looking to challenge themselves, the puzzle encourages solvers to explore the intricacies of the clues set by Logan and unravel the colorful entries that characterize this weekend’s crossword.
