Today’s Newsday Saturday Stumper is by Stella Zawistowksi, whose last Stumper appeared in December 2020. I’m happy to see her back. The name of her crosswords-and-trivia website explains why: Tough As Nails. This puzzle was challenging (but doable) and filled with reasons for delight.
Some of them:
2-D, ten letters, “Highly selective.” PERSNICK — no, won’t fit.
16-A, ten letters, “Question at a Q&A.” Heh.
20-A, five letters, “L.A. museum benefactor.” Whatever one might think of the benefactor, it’s a great museum.
21-A, five letters, “Protection from winding.” I first thought of my horribly coiled headphone cord.
36-A, fifteen letters, “Still very much with us.” Just a fun phrase.
43-D, six letters, “Puts together, as pattern pieces.” I have to look into this word, which has an unusual array of meanings.
48-D, five letters, “What many gloves are made of.” The first letter might lead you in the wrong direction.
58-D, three letters, “Only 50-state TV network.” Really? Huh.
61-A, ten letters, “Refuses to stand for it.” Literalizing.
My favorite clues in this puzzle:
23-D, five letters, “Ignore a Simpsons suggestion.” D’oh!
58-A, four letters, “Designations requiring defenses.” I thought “Football positions?”
No spoilers; the answers are in the comments.