Yesterday’s LA Times Crossword Answers and Hints

The clue "R&D execs" refers to executives in charge of research and development. CTOs, or Chief Technology Officers, are often responsible for overseeing technology strategies and innovations, which align closely with R&D activities. Thus, CTOs is the correct answer for this clue.

The clue "Unique" directly points to something singular or one-of-a-kind. The word "LONE" describes something solitary, singular, or without others, which perfectly aligns with the meaning of "unique" as something that stands alone or is unparalleled.

The answer is AMEX, short for American Express. The "Black Card" refers to the exclusive Centurion Card issued by American Express, often called the "Black Card" due to its elite status and black design. "Co." is shorthand for "company," matching AMEX as the issuing company.

The clue "Welcome site?" includes a question mark, signaling wordplay. A "mat," like a welcome mat, is commonly placed at a home's entrance to greet guests. The pun plays on "site" as a physical location where you would find a welcoming item.

The word "stipend" refers to a fixed regular sum of money paid as an allowance or salary, matching the clue "Fixed allowance." It aligns precisely with the meaning, as a stipend is typically a set and predictable form of compensation or support.

The phrase "Really starting to shine" suggests something transitioning from dull or lifeless to vibrant or vivid. "COMING ALIVE" metaphorically captures this transformation, conveying the idea of gaining vitality, energy, or brilliance—essentially "shining" in a figurative sense.

The clue "Revise" suggests modifying or making changes to something. The word "AMEND" directly aligns with this definition, as it means to alter, improve, or correct, often used in the context of editing documents, laws, or statements. Thus, "AMEND" is the apt solution.

The clue "Splinter groups" refers to smaller factions or subgroups that break away from a larger group, often in religious, political, or social contexts. "SECTS" perfectly fits as it commonly describes such breakaway groups, especially in the context of religion or ideology.

The answer "ITOO" references the poem "I, Too" by Langston Hughes, a significant work of the Harlem Renaissance. The poem begins with "I, too, sing America," expressing themes of racial equality and inclusion. The blank in the clue is completed with "I TOO" to match the poem's voice.

The answer is NED because in Peter Carey's novel "True History of the Kelly Gang," the story is narrated by Ned Kelly, the infamous Australian outlaw. The book is written as if it’s Ned’s personal account of his life and exploits. Thus, the narrator is Ned Kelly.

The clue "Entities that carry rock and roll?" involves wordplay with "rock" and "roll." ORECARS are mining vehicles that transport "rock" (mined ore) and can "roll" on tracks. The pun ties the literal function of ore cars to the playful interpretation of the phrase.

The answer is AMY SEDARIS because she is the comedian and actress who provides the distinctive voice for Princess Carolyn, a main character in the animated series BoJack Horseman. Known for her comedic talents, Amy Sedaris has a recognizable voice that brings the character to life.

A "desire path" is an unplanned shortcut created by repeated foot traffic, often appearing as a natural trail worn into grass or dirt. The clue's pun ("unplanned shortcut") cleverly describes this phenomenon, linking the literal formation of such paths to the figurative idea of an unintended route.

The clue contains wordplay, indicated by the question mark. "Snippy" cleverly refers to cutting, which happens in hair salons. A salon is a business where hairstylists (employees) often "get snippy" with scissors while cutting hair. Thus, SALON is the fitting answer.

In the HBO series "Hacks," Hannah Einbinder plays a key character named Ava Daniels. The clue references her role directly, and "Ava" is the correct answer as it is the first name of the character she portrays, making it a straightforward solution.

The answer "BIKO" refers to a traditional Filipino dessert made of glutinous rice, coconut milk, and brown sugar. It is a sweet rice cake often served on special occasions in the Philippines, aligning perfectly with the clue "Sweet rice cake from the Philippines."

The clue "Group of Caribbean islands?" uses a pun indicated by the question mark. A "group" refers to a music group, and Calypso is a music genre originating in the Caribbean. Thus, CALYPSOBAND cleverly plays on the idea of a musical "group" associated with the Caribbean.

The answer "BARBIECORE" refers to a vibrant, hyper-feminine fashion and aesthetic trend inspired by Barbie, often characterized by hot pink tones, glam, and playful styling. This perfectly matches the clue "Hot pink aesthetic," as the trend is synonymous with bold, pink-centric designs and nostalgia tied to the iconic doll.

The clue "Changing sea levels?" ends with a question mark, signaling wordplay. "Changing sea levels" cleverly describes "OCEAN TIDES," as tides are the natural and periodic changes in sea levels caused by the gravitational pull of the moon and sun. Thus, "OCEANTIDES" perfectly fits.

The clue "Mexican bar tender?" ends with a question mark, signaling wordplay. Here, "bar" cleverly refers to a bar of currency, and the Mexican currency is the PESO. Thus, a "Mexican bar tender" figuratively means something tied to Mexican money, making PESO the correct answer.

The answer "JOT" fits "Wee bit" because "jot" refers to a very small amount, aligning perfectly with the clue's meaning of something tiny or minimal. This straightforward clue doesn’t involve wordplay, simply pointing to a synonym for a minuscule amount.

The clue "Nice try" is in quotes, signaling it's a spoken phrase. "Nice try" is often a dismissive or rejecting response, matching the casual, conversational tone of "NOPE," which is a slangy way of saying "no" or rejecting something. Perfect fit for the clue's context!

The answer "ISH" works because it’s a common informal suffix used to indicate approximation or "somewhat." For example, "bluish" means somewhat blue or "5ish" means approximately 5. Therefore, "ISH" directly conveys "somewhat" in casual usage.

The clue "Some indie releases" refers to music or albums released independently by artists. "EPs" stands for Extended Plays, which are shorter-than-album music releases commonly produced by indie artists. They often contain a few tracks and are a popular format for independent musicians to share their work.

In MMA (Mixed Martial Arts), a TKO (technical knockout) is declared when a fighter cannot safely continue the match, often following the referee's call. "MMA calls" cleverly references this decision, making TKOS the fitting answer as it’s a plural abbreviation for multiple such calls.

The clue "Place for grilling or roasting?" ends with a question mark, signaling wordplay. "Grilling" or "roasting" metaphorically refers to being intensely questioned or criticized, often under pressure. The "HOTSEAT" is a figurative term for such a situation, aptly fitting as the answer.

The answer "SKISUIT" fits because "Resort" refers to ski resorts, where skiing is a common activity. "Wear" implies clothing, and a SKISUIT is a one-piece outfit commonly worn for skiing, providing warmth and protection—perfect attire for such a resort activity.

The clue "Top" can refer to the lid of a container, which serves as the "top" or covering. It's a straightforward synonym; both "top" and "lid" imply something that covers or caps an object.

The clue "__ bull" refers to an official edict or proclamation issued by the Pope, known as a "papal bull." The term comes from the Latin word bulla, meaning the seal used to authenticate such documents, thus relating directly to "PAPAL" (of or by the Pope).

TALIA Shire is a prominent actress known for her roles in films like The Godfather and Rocky. She appeared in the series Mythical Kitchen: Nonnas, recognized here by her first name, TALIA, which matches the clue's phrasing referring to her directly as "Nonnas" actress.

RAYON is a synthetic fiber known for its smooth, silky texture and shiny, lustrous appearance. It is made chemically from natural materials like wood pulp, fitting the "synthetic" aspect of the clue, while its glossy finish aligns with "lustrous."

The clue "Chica's title: Abbr." points to a Spanish title for a young woman. "Chica" means "girl" in Spanish, and the abbreviation for "señorita" (miss) is "SRTA." The abbreviation matches the clue's note of being shortened, and it aligns with the reference to Spanish.

The cassowary and the rhea are both large, flightless birds, making them "kin" in the sense of being related within the category of ratites (a group of flightless birds). While cassowaries are native to Australasia, rheas are native to South America, fitting the clue’s connection.

The clue "Spots for checks and balances?" includes a playful double meaning. ATMs are places (spots) where people can cash checks (literal checks) and manage their bank account balances. The question mark hints at this pun on financial transactions and the phrase "checks and balances."

The solution "PSST" matches the clue "Whisper before 'Pass it on!'" because "PSST" is a soft, whispered sound often used to get someone's attention discreetly, fitting the idea of a quiet whisper to initiate passing along a message.

The clue "Serena slam?" plays on wordplay. Serena Williams, a tennis legend, is known for her powerful serves. In tennis, an unreturnable serve is called an "ACE." The pun here connects Serena's dominance in tennis with the term "slam" (forceful serve). Thus, the answer is ACE.

GTO is the solution because it refers to the Pontiac GTO, a classic muscle car produced by Pontiac starting in the 1960s. Known as one of the first true muscle cars, the GTO is an iconic vehicle and fits the clue "Classic Pontiac" perfectly.