LA Times Mini: Yesterday’s Puzzle Solved - Answers & Hints

The answer "SLAM" describes the act of closing a door with great force, often producing a loud, abrupt sound. The clue hints at the action directly, and "slam" matches both the literal meaning and the context of forcefully shutting a door.

The clue "Courtroom worker, briefly" points to a shortened term for a job in the courtroom. "STENO" is short for "stenographer," a professional who transcribes spoken words during legal proceedings. The "briefly" signals the abbreviated form of the word, making STENO the perfect fit.

The House Ways and Means Committee is a prominent committee in the U.S. House of Representatives. Its name includes "Ways" and "Means," referring to methods ("ways") and resources ("means") for funding government activities, especially taxation and revenue-related policies. Thus, MEANS completes the committee's official name.

The clue "Hockey tournament shocker" hints at an unexpected outcome or surprise in a game. In sports, an "UPSET" refers to a lower-ranked team defeating a stronger or favored opponent, which would indeed shock fans during a hockey tournament. The wordplay ties to the surprise element.

GHEE is clarified butter commonly used in South Asian cooking, including chicken curry recipes. It has a rich, nutty flavor and a high smoke point, making it ideal for sautéing and enhancing the dish's taste. This aligns directly with the clue specifying "butter" in the context of curry.