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Constructor: Dan Hrynick

Editor: Anna Gundlach

What I Learned from Today’s Puzzle

• WII SPORTS RESORT (63A: 2009 Nintendo game where players compete on Wuhu Island) WII Sports Resort was released in 2009 as a sequel to Nintendo’s 2006 game WII SPORTS. The game features 12 sports and uses a WII MotionPlus accessory to detect movement. As the clue indicates, the game is set on the tropical Wuhu Island, which the player “skydives” to after watching several instructional videos. Although I am not familiar with WII SPORTS RESORT, I discovered that I have mentioned it before, back in 2020 when I learned about Matt, a hard-to-beat computer player in the game.

Random Thoughts & Interesting Things

• HOLI (14A: Hindu Festival of Colors) HOLI, also known as the “festival of spring” and the “festival of colors,” is a Hindu festival celebrating the end of winter and the arrival of spring. The date of HOLI varies with the lunar calendar. This year HOLI was celebrated on March 13 and 14.
• ARROW (16A: Bit of ammo for Lara Croft) and TOMB (7D: “Lara Croft: ___ Raider) Lara Croft: TOMB Raider is a franchise that began with video games and has expanded to include movies (with Alicia Vikander playing the role of Lara Croft). Referencing Lara Croft in the ARROW clue is a nice way to link these two clues together.
• STL (27A: “Gateway to the West” city (Abbr.)) St. Louis (STL), Missouri is home to the Gateway Arch, and “Gateway to the West” is one of the city’s nicknames. St. Louis is not the only U.S. city to use the nickname “Gateway to the West.” The nickname is also used by Omaha, Nebraska; Fort Wayne, Indiana; and Fargo, North Dakota.
• WE BUILT THIS CITY (40A: Starship song written as a lament against the closure of L.A.’s live music clubs) Starship released the song “WE BUILT THIS CITY” in 1985 as part of their debut album, Knee Deep in the Hoopla. Although the song was originally written about Los Angeles (by songwriters Martin Page and Bernie Taupin), the Starship version references Starship’s hometown of San Francisco. Personally, this song always reminds me of the board game Catan, because I start to sing it anytime I build a CITY in the game. (Making me a joy to play Catan with…!)
• IDLI (55A: South Asian rice cake) IDLI is a savory rice cake that originated in South India. It is often served as a breakfast food.
• GUS (58A: “Milk” director Van Sant) Milk is a 2008 biographical movie about the life of Harvey Milk, California’s first openly gay elected official. Harvey Milk was elected to the San Francisco Board of Supervisors in 1977. Eleven months into his term, Harvey MILK and Mayor George Moscone were assassinated by a disgruntled city supervisor. GUS Van Sant directed Milk, and was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Director for his work.
• TORTAS (60A: Mexican sandwiches) The word TORTA can refer to a variety of dishes depending on the cuisine. In Mexican cuisine, TORTAS are sandwiches. In Tagalog-speaking areas of the Philippines, TORTAS are omelettes. And in South America and much of Europe, a TORTA is a cake or pie.
• EDIE (70A: “The Sopranos: star Falco) EDIE Falco is known for her portrayals of Carmela Soprano on the TV series The Sopranos (1999-2007), and the title character on the TV series Nurse Jackie (2009-2015).
• ARLO (11D: Singer Guthrie) ARLO Guthrie is a folk singer-songwriter. Following in the tradition of his father, Woody Guthrie (1912-1967), ARLO Guthrie is known for his protest songs as well as his songs that tell a story.
• THETA (28D: Greek letter in geometry class) THETA is the eighth letter of the Greek alphabet (occurring after eta and before iota). In geometry, theta (θ) is used to represent the measure of an angle, essentially acting as a variable representing an unknown angle measurement.
• DATES (30D: Medjool fruits) Medjool DATES are a large, sweet variety of DATES. The Medjool cultivar originates from Morocco.
• EYES (39D: Body parts left exposed by balaclavas) A balaclava, also known as a ski mask, is a type of headgear commonly used in Alpine skiing or snowboarding. Depending on how its worn, the front of the face may be left uncovered, or only the EYES.
• ORSON (54D: “Citizen Kane” director Welles) Citizen Kane (1914) was the directorial and acting debut of ORSON Welles (1915-1985). The movie’s central character, Charles Foster Kane – depicted by ORSON Welles, is a composite character based on several men, including William Randolph Hearst, who did not allow the movie to be mentioned in his newspapers. 
• SRI (65D: ___ Lanka) SRI Lanka is an island country in South Asia. It is located in the Indian Ocean, just off the southeast coast of the Indian Peninsula. SRI Lanka has two capitals. Its legislative capital is SRI Jayawardenepura Kotte, and its executive and judicial capital is Colombo.
• A few other clues I especially enjoyed:
  • KID’S MEAL (5D: Food ordered from a menu with a maze on it)
  • SNOOT (8D: “Booped” part of a puppet)
  • MURALISTS (35D: People who make art on walls)
  • DINO (56D: ___ nuggets (T. rex-shaped chicken)

In the sketch comedy show’s latest cold open, Trump (James Austin Johnson) unveiled his administration’s new tariffs, which he described as a “series of random numbers, like the numbers on the computer screen in ‘Severance.’ ” He riffed about how confusing the rollout of the tariffs was while declaring that this was all part of his plan to “Make America Great Depression Again,” or “MAGDA.”

“It’ll be better than great,” Johnson’s Trump said. “It’ll be a fantastic, unbelievable depression, the likes of which we’ve never seen before. This depression is going to be so great, we’ll be the ones eating the cats and the dogs.”

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In a profile for The New York Times published Wednesday in conjunction with the official launch of As Ever, Meghan explained that the brand gives her flexibility as mom to her two children with Prince Harry: 5-year-old Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet, 3.

“I need to work, and I love to work,” Meghan told NYT, adding that the brand “is a way I can connect my home life and my work.” The Duchess of Sussex, now 43, told The New York Times that she had a job from age 13 until she met Harry.

Duchess Meghan, authenticity and why she just can’t win with new Netflix show

She also shot back at critics, who claim she is unrelatable to the average person, rhetorically asking The New York Times reporter: “Don’t they know my life hasn’t always been like this?” Before meeting Harry, the actress-turned-activist was divorced and starred on USA Network legal drama “Suits.”

In a profile in The New York Times published Friday, the “Fast Car” hitmaker and music legend opened up to the outlet about the vinyl reissue of her self-titled debut album. The album was released 37 years ago on April 5, 1987.

“This is an opportunity for me to be able to say why I wanted to do this project and what it means to me instead of letting the chatter speak for myself,” Chapman told the NYT.

Notably, Chapman did not speak to press after her performance of “Fast Car” with country singer Luke Combs at last year’s Grammy Awards. She also rarely makes public appearances and no longer tours.

The Excerpt podcast: Tracy Chapman, Luke Combs at the Grammys. Need we say more?

The “Talkin ‘Bout A Revolution” singer revealed that the album was supposed to come out in 2023, it’s 35th year.

Midler ‒ the outspoken star of screen and stage, whose politics lean left ‒ shared the news with fans in an Instagram post Wednesday.

“What a joyful day!” a picture Midler posted said. “I sold my (gulp) Tesla! No longer do I have to drive a symbol of racism, greed and ignorance! Life is suddenly so much better!!”

Midler’s comments were seemingly made in reference to Musk’s involvement in President Donald Trump’s second administration as the Tesla and SpaceX founder seeks to dramatically reshape American government by reducing the size and scope of federal departments and agencies.

Sheryl Crow waves goodbye to towed Tesla car after slamming ‘President Musk’: See video

The world’s richest man has led the Department of Government Efficiency, or DOGE. He has been the subject of frequent criticism and backlash over his efforts to slash federal jobs and cut costs at a rapid speed.

Jase Robertson opened up about his father’s health on a Wednesday episode of the family’s podcast “Unashamed With the Robertson Family.”

“The number one question I get everywhere I go: ‘How’s your dad doing?’” he said during the episode. “Now, I’m just giving the blunt truth: I say, ‘Not good.’”

The family patriarch has been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease.

He added that the Robertson family is “doing the best we can.” Despite their dad’s health concerns, Robertson revealed that their beloved mom Kay Robertson, 77, is recovering after a fall.

The “Reclaiming” podcast host attended Thursday’s opening night performance of “Good Night, and Good Luck,” the Broadway debut of legendary screen actor George Clooney in New York City.

Lewinsky, 51, turned heads on the red carpet wearing her signature black in an off-the-shoulder dress, which featured dramatic asymmetric ruffles, as her brown locks were pulled back into her typical half up-down hairstyle.

The play is based off of Clooney’s six-time Oscar-nominated film, which was released in 2005 as a response of sorts to the Iraq War.

‘Good Night, and Good Luck’ review: George Clooney preaches to the choir in Broadway debut

The political drama’s stage adaptation, which opened April 3 at the Winter Garden Theatre, features the Oscar-winning Clooney’s portrayal of CBS news icon Edward R. Murrow’s legendary exposé on then-embattled Senator Joseph McCarthy. He co-wrote the script with longtime collaborator Grant Heslov and played a supporting role in the original movie as CBS News producer Fred Friendly, recasting himself this time as Murrow.

Following a shocking penultimate episode that saw seven characters killed off, Season 2 of the “Yellowstone” prequel “1923” is heading toward an “explosive two-hour finale event.”

In the final episode of the season, “Jacob and his crew eagerly await Spencer’s return at the train station,” while Alexandra braves the cold, and Teonna has a fateful run in, according to Paramount+.

It was a harsh season for the Duttons, who faced biting cold weather and treacherous adversaries with their legacy under threat. “1923” is the second “Yellowstone” prequel, following the events of the limited series “1883” (released in 2021) and before the current day “Yellowstone.”

Constructor: Jesse Guzman

Editor: Amanda Rafkin

What I Learned from Today’s Puzzle

• DEGRASSI (7D: Canadian teen drama franchise) The DEGRASSI franchise began with the TV series The Kids of DEGRASSI Street (1979-1986), which was co-created by Kit Hood and Linda Schuyler. There are now four other TV series in the franchise, as well as movies and books. The franchise was inducted into Canada’s Walk of Fame in 2023.
• TRIET (14D: “Anatomy of a Fall” director Justine) Anatomy of a Fall (2023) is a French film about a woman trying to prove her innocence after her husband’s death. The legal drama won the Palme d’Or (the highest prize awarded) at the Cannes Film Festival in 2023. Justine TRIET directed the movie, as well as co-writing the screenplay with Arthur Harari.

Random Thoughts & Interesting Things

• BEE GEES (22A: “Stayin’ Alive” band) The BEE GEES released “Stayin’ Alive” 48 years ago, in 1977, as part of the soundtrack for the movie Saturday Night Fever. In addition to being a catchy tune that can easily become an earworm, “Stayin’ Alive” is one of the songs that can be used to assist people administering CPR to perform chest compressions at the correct rate. The song has around 103 beats per minute, and the recommended rate of chest compressions for CPR is 100-120 beats per minute.
• TSA (23A: Org. that would prevent snakes on a plane (hopefully)) Ha! This clue made me laugh. It’s a nice shoutout to the 2006 movie Snakes on a Plane.
• ARE (27A: The “r” in “u r a qt”) In textspeak, “u r a qt,” stands for “you ARE a cutie.”
• GREASE (29A: Musical with the song “Summer Nights”) The best-known version of “Summer Nights” is sung by John Travolta and Olivia Newton-John. They recorded it in 1978 for the movie adaptation of the musical.
• CONTOUR LINE (31A: Curve on a topographic map) On a topographic map, a CONTOUR LINE connects points of equal elevation.
• EMO (45A: Aesthetic similar to “scene”) The scene subculture arose in the 2000s from the EMO subculture, so it makes sense that they are similar. Scene fashion is characterized by skinny jeans, bright-colored clothing, and straight, long hair (that is sometimes dyed in bright colors).
• MIT (60A: Sch. that hosts an annual Mystery Hunt) The Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) is located in Cambridge, Massachusetts. Each year, about 120 teams – comprised of 5 to 150 people each – compete in a puzzle hunt. A puzzle hunt is a series of puzzles linked together in some way, that when solved accomplishes an objective. In the case of the MIT Mystery Hunt, the ultimate objective is to find a “coin” hidden on the MIT campus. The MIT Mystery Hunt is held in January, with each hunt being designed by the team that won the previous year.
• ESOTERIC (3D: Like obscure knowledge) ESOTERIC is a lovely-sounding word.
• BABY (5D: Beanie ___ (stuffed animal)) The first Beanie BABY was created in 1993. The nine original Beanie babies were Legs the Frog, Squealer the Pig, Spot the Dog, Flash the Dolphin, Splash the Whale, Chocolate the Moose, Patti the Platypus, Brownie the Bear, and Pinchers the Lobster. Any mention of Beanie Babies reminds me of my daughter, who went through a phase of collecting them when she was growing up.
• BRB (22D: Letters meaning “gimme one sec”) BRB = be right back
• NO FILTER (32D: Hashtag that celebrates natural beauty) Although I don’t use #NOFILTER when I post on social media, I certainly could, as I tend not to use FILTERs. The main reason I use NO FILTER, however, is simply that I find there are too many choices, and I can’t decide, so I default to NO FILTER. I am all for celebrating natural beauty, however, so that’s a nice side effect of my indecision.
• EAGLE CAM (34D: It can record a lofty nest) EAGLE CAMs are extremely cool (in my opinion), as they are a non-invasive way for people to get a peek at the lives of EAGLEs, something we wouldn’t otherwise be able to see. There are many different EAGLE CAMs. Here’s a link to an EAGLE CAM in Decorah, Iowa.
• PIEROGI (37D: Polish dumpling) Typical fillings for the dumplings known as PIEROGI are potato, cheese, or sauerkraut. They are often served with sour cream.
• A few other clues I especially enjoyed:
  • REINS (4D: Santa’s handful)
  • I’M SO THERE (6D: “Sign me up!”)
  • STAGE MOM (13D: Parent living vicariously through a theater kid)
  • YES (20D: Dubious answer to “Are you asleep?”)