Today’s USA TODAY crossword puzzle, crafted by Mark Budovitch and edited by Anna Gundlach, presents a rich tapestry of cultural references and intriguing word play. The December 18, 2024 edition, known as ‘Scatterbrain,’ invites participants to unravel its cleverly hidden anagram theme.
Claressa Shields, the professional boxer and mixed martial artist, shines in today’s puzzle with the clue ‘SPAR.’ Shields, known for her Olympic gold medals and multiple world championships, was also the first woman to receive the Best Boxer ESPY award in 2023. Her accomplishments in the ring add a knockout touch to this crossword.
On the cinematic front, ‘ROSIE’ emerges as the corrupt police officer from the 2008 film ‘Pineapple Express,’ offering solvers a taste of action-packed drama. The summary might be best left to IMDb, which describes it as a thrilling chase involving a process server and his marijuana dealer—certainly a vivid clue to ponder.
Moving from Hollywood to the heartland, ENID, Oklahoma, dubbed the ‘Wheat Capital,’ features prominently. Renowned for its grain storage rather than production, the ENID Terminal Grain Elevators Historic District stands as a testament to this distinction.
John Grisham’s ‘THE PELICAN BRIEF’ serves as another key component, weaving legal intrigue into the puzzle. This bestseller, adapted into a film starring Julia Roberts and Denzel Washington, recounts the story of a law student entangled in a dangerous conspiracy.
New York City’s MANHATTAN BRIDGE, known for its footpath connecting Manhattan and Brooklyn, provides a metropolitan flair to the puzzle. The bridge’s seven lanes and four subway tracks make it a bustling landmark.
Australia’s iconic Sydney OPERA House, with its unique architecture and vibrant cultural presence, adds an international touch. Whether hosting the Sydney Symphony Orchestra or Opera Australia, this venue symbolizes artistic excellence.
Musical notes and tempo measurements bring a harmonious element with clues like TEMPO and NOTE, inviting solvers to groove through the puzzle. Lake ERIE, dubbed ‘crossword-friend’ for its frequent appearances, makes a splash with its connection to the Detroit River.
IDAHO, ‘The Gem State,’ hides a wealth of over 72 types of gems like garnet and opal. The state’s unofficial nickname, ‘The Potato State,’ does justice to its contribution to America’s potato supply.
Literary giants like TONI Morrison find their place in the crossword through her Pulitzer Prize-winning novel ‘Beloved,’ immortalized on screen by Oprah Winfrey. Clues like these celebrate literary achievements alongside popular culture references.
Whether it’s BEERS like Samuel Adams or Stella Artois, the puzzle ensures that solvers have a refreshing break with their challenges. The allusion to Canadian symbols like the maple LEAF further enriches the cultural mosaic.
Music enthusiasts will appreciate the nod to the classic song ‘PAPA Was a Rollin’ Stone,’ revived by Slash and Demi Lovato, ensuring the puzzle hits the right notes.
RHO, the Greek letter, reminds solvers of the academic and fraternal traditions, while Milton’s ‘Paradise Lost’ offers a literary journey through EDEN.
Ultimately, the anagram SCATTERBRAIN encapsulates the puzzle’s theme, scattering the letters ‘BRAIN’ across various answers like THE PELICAN BRIEF, MANHATTAN BRIDGE, and VEGETARIAN BACON.
This edition of USA TODAY’s crossword unfurls a tapestry of cultural and historical references, inviting solvers to navigate through an engaging mix of past and present. The clever anagram theme adds an extra layer of challenge, making each solved clue a small victory in a broader adventure.
