Today's puzzle is from Everdeen! She's been the editorial director for games at the New York Times for the past year, and I love her commitment to the idea that puzzles are for everyone. As a young, non-white woman, sometimes it feels like that isn't true. And it's a very complex situation! I've seen plenty of well-meaning older white men say that they value new voices and then turn around and behave in ways that are deeply off-putting. I like seeing the changes she and her team are making to be welcoming to solvers that are like me (or that are nothing like me!) because I trust her leadership. I was so pleased to be the editor of her very first crossword, and I know that y'all will enjoy it!

(P.S. Eagle-eyed solvers may notice that the grid below does not match they layout that was supposed to correspond to today-- an editorial gaffe on my part! Bonus puzzle is available here!)

Everdeen says: "This is the first puzzle I've ever created after much wailing, gnashing of teeth, and missed deadlines. I joined the crossword world in January and had a lot of ground to make up. I figured the best way to learn would be to try to do it myself. I already admired and respected constructors; now I worship them."