Yesterday’s LA Times Crossword Answers and Hints

The clue "In on" suggests being aware or knowledgeable about something, often implying being part of a trend, plan, or secret. "Hip to" is a phrase meaning to be clued in or aware of something, which makes HIPTO the fitting answer here.

OMAHA is the solution because it is a major city in Nebraska and the long-time host of the College World Series, held annually at Charles Schwab Field Omaha. This clue directly references the city's well-known association with this iconic collegiate baseball event.

The answer "SATYR" fits because, in Greek mythology, satyrs are forest-dwelling mythological creatures, often depicted as half-human, half-goat beings. Known for their association with nature, revelry, and mischief, they are iconic mythological figures tied to woodland settings, aligning perfectly with the clue "Forest figure of myth."

The clue "Skills assessment" refers to a formal method of evaluating someone's abilities or knowledge, often in an academic or professional context. An "EXAM" is a common tool for such assessments, making it the perfect fit for the clue.

The avocado is the state fruit of California due to its significant agricultural presence there. California produces about 90% of the nation's avocados, making it a defining crop for the state. This aligns with the clue directly, as it asks for the official state fruit.

The clue "Ocean waves?" with a question mark signals wordplay. SONAR, an acronym for "Sound Navigation And Ranging," uses sound waves to detect objects underwater, a clever link to "waves" in the ocean. The pun ties "waves" to the sound waves utilized by SONAR technology.

The clue ends with a question mark, signaling wordplay. "Ignores a 'wet floor' sign" suggests someone might slip due to disregarding the caution. "Slips" fits as a pun, referring both to physically slipping on a wet floor and the figurative act of overlooking the warning.

The answer is TEAS because tea is commonly prepared by steeping tea leaves or bags in hot water, making it a "steeped brew." The plural "brews" matches the plural form "TEAS," aligning grammatically with the clue.

The phrase "Silicon __" refers to Silicon Valley, a region in California known as the global hub for technology companies and innovation. "Valley" completes the commonly used name, which represents its geographic location (Santa Clara Valley) and its association with the tech industry.

The clue "Could not stop laughing!" in quotes suggests a spoken or exaggerated phrase. "I died" (or IDIED) is a colloquial expression meaning that something was so funny it figuratively "killed" the person with laughter. It aligns perfectly as a dramatic, humorous reaction.

The answer "BOSSANOVA" fits because it is a renowned Brazilian music genre blending samba rhythms with jazz influences. Popularized in the 1950s-60s, its name translates to "new trend" in Portuguese, reflecting its modern, melodic style. The clue directly matches the definition of this iconic genre.

The clue references "SNAP system," which stands for Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, a governmental aid program for food assistance in the U.S. EBT, or Electronic Benefits Transfer, is the card-based system used to distribute SNAP benefits, making it the correct answer for this clue.

The solution is SOS because "Mayday!" is a distress signal, and SOS is the internationally recognized Morse code distress signal. The clue specifies "letters," indicating SOS consists of the three letters that symbolize urgent help, aligning with "Mayday!" as a plea for rescue.

The clue "Manages" suggests handling or coping with something. "Gets by" is a phrase that means managing or surviving, especially with limited resources or challenges. Its meaning aligns with the clue, making "GETSBY" the correct answer.

The clue "Browser links" refers to the clickable links used to navigate the internet, which are represented as URLs (Uniform Resource Locators). URLs are essentially the addresses used by web browsers to locate web pages, making them a direct match for the clue.

The clue "Quiet, you" is in quotes, signaling a spoken phrase. "CAN IT" is slang for "be quiet" or "stop talking," fitting the tone of the clue perfectly. It's a direct, informal command often used in conversation. Hence, the answer is CANIT.

The clue "Wee" directly relates to something very small in size. "Teeny" is a synonym for "wee," both meaning tiny or minuscule. This straightforward clue relies on vocabulary, with "wee" being commonly interchangeable with "teeny" in describing something diminutive.

The Four Corners region is where Colorado, Utah, Arizona, and New Mexico meet. The Utes are a Native American tribe historically associated with this area, particularly in Utah and Colorado. Thus, "Four Corners Natives" refers to the Utes.

The answer "IRIS" fits the clue "Colorful ring" because the iris is the colored part of the eye that forms a ring around the pupil. It often comes in vibrant colors like blue, green, or brown, aligning with the clue's description of something colorful.

The clue "Sheepish cry?" ends with a question mark, signaling wordplay or a pun. "Sheepish" refers to sheep, whose distinct cry is a "bleat." The question mark also adds a playful hint, connecting the literal sound of a sheep with the figurative clue. Hence, the answer is BLEAT.

The clue "Mars neighbor" refers to planets near Mars in the solar system. Mars is the fourth planet from the Sun, and Earth, the third planet, is its neighboring planet inward toward the Sun. Thus, "EARTH" fits as Mars’ immediate neighbor.

The answer is ECOLOGIST because ecologists study ecosystems and the relationships between organisms and their environments. Their expertise is crucial in understanding and addressing climate change, making them a fitting example of "Many a climate change expert." The plural "many" suggests a general field rather than a specific title.

The answer is XMEN because Wolverine is a well-known member of the X-Men, a fictional team of superheroes in Marvel Comics. "Cohort" refers to a group or team, making the X-Men Wolverine's group, or "cohort." This knowledge connects directly to pop culture and comic references.

The answer "ERA" fits the clue "Historical period" because "ERA" refers to a distinct span of time in history marked by significant events, characteristics, or conditions (e.g., the Renaissance Era or Industrial Era). It's a concise term commonly used to denote historical periods.

The answer is GLEN because Glen Campbell, a legendary country musician, is famous for singing "Wichita Lineman," a hit song released in 1968. The clue directly refers to the name of the singer, making GLEN the correct solution.

The clue "Shady areas" refers to places that provide shade. ARBORS are structures covered with climbing plants or vines, offering shaded spots. The plural "areas" matches "ARBORS," making it the correct solution. This clue plays on the literal meaning of "shady" rather than implying dishonesty.

PTSD (Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder) is a mental health condition triggered by traumatic events. SSRIs (Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors) are a class of medications commonly prescribed to treat PTSD symptoms like anxiety, depression, and intrusive thoughts, making PTSD the correct answer to this clue.

The answer "TISANES" fits for "Medicinal 8-Down" because tisanes are herbal teas or infusions made from plants, often used for their purported medicinal benefits. The clue directly refers to these beverages, which are commonly associated with healing or soothing properties.

The answer "MARINE" aligns with the clue "Of the sea" because "marine" directly refers to things related to the sea or ocean. It's commonly used to describe sea life, naval operations, or anything connected to the oceanic environment, making it a fitting match.

The word "peace" pairs with "maker" to form "peacemaker," someone who resolves conflicts. Similarly, "pace" pairs with "maker" to form "pacemaker," a device that regulates heart rhythms. Thus, "MAKER" completes both terms, fitting the clue "Word with peace or pace."

In the show SpongeBob SquarePants, SpongeBob's pet is a sea snail named Gary. Despite appearing as a snail, Gary behaves like a domesticated cat, meowing instead of speaking. The clue hints at Gary's species, making “SNAIL” the correct answer.

The clue "Just like ewe" refers to something characteristic of a ewe, which is a female sheep. The term "ovine" describes anything relating to or resembling sheep. Thus, the answer is OVINE as it directly pertains to being "like" a sheep or ewe.

The LEONE is the official currency of Sierra Leone, a country in West Africa. This clue refers to a specific monetary unit used in the West African region, directly pointing to the LEONE as the answer.

The answer, ATRIA, fits because "atria" (plural of atrium) refers to open-roofed interior spaces or courtyards often found within buildings. Historically, in Roman architecture, atria were central courtyards inside homes or public buildings, matching the clue’s description of "interior courtyards."

A NYMPH is a mythological spirit often associated with nature, particularly forests, rivers, and other natural settings. In Greek and Roman myths, nymphs are portrayed as beautiful, youthful figures inhabiting these areas, fitting the clue “Forest figure of myth.”

The answer is ERMA because Erma Bombeck was a famous American humorist and columnist known for her witty and relatable essays about suburban family life. Her humor made her a household name and a staple in 20th-century American writing. The clue specifically refers to her as a humorist.

The clue "Wee" points to something tiny or small. "Itsy" fits as it's often used in the phrase "itsy-bitsy," meaning very small, perfectly aligning with the clue. The simplicity of "Wee" matches the concise nature of "Itsy."

The answer is RON because Ron Cephas Jones was an actor who won two Emmy Awards for his role as William Hill on the acclaimed TV series This Is Us. The blank in the clue refers to his first name, completing his full name.

The answer is ELO because "Evil Woman" is a song by the British rock group Electric Light Orchestra, commonly abbreviated as ELO. This band, led by Jeff Lynne, is known for blending rock and classical elements, and “Evil Woman” was one of their hit tracks from 1975.