Sat Nov 16 13:00:00 UTC 2024: ## Rare Saturday Crossword Puzzle from Peter Gordon Challenges Solvers
**New York, NY** – Veteran crossword constructor Peter Gordon has returned to the Saturday New York Times Crossword puzzle after a 22-year hiatus, marking a significant event for puzzle enthusiasts. His latest creation, a themeless puzzle, features a challenging array of clues and surprising entries, according to early reviews.
The puzzle, described as a “sharp collection of excellent clues,” presents solvers with a satisfying, albeit difficult, experience. One particularly challenging crossing involved identifying Apia Samoa (14A, Headquarters of Talofa Airways) and Opal Lee (2D, ____ Lee, activist who led the movement to make Juneteenth a federal holiday). Another difficult clue involved the relatively obscure word “roister” (24A, Revel noisily).
The puzzle also includes a clever clue (35A, Phrase on ID tags) which plays on the double meaning of “ID tags,” referring to the slogan on Idaho’s license plates rather than identification badges. The inclusion of Maria Tallchief (17A, Ballerina who popularized “The Nutcracker”), a less frequently used crossword entry, adds to the puzzle’s historical depth.
Gordon’s return to the Saturday puzzle, his first since 2001, is a noteworthy event considering his 35-year contribution to the Times Crossword. This themeless puzzle showcases his continued skill in crafting intricate and engaging crossword experiences.
First Piper 