The Futility of the Mini Crossword Era The recent release of Slate's mini crossword for July 17, 2026, has sparked debate among enthusiasts and casual puzzle solvers.
On its surface, it appears to be just another iteration of the popular format, but scratch beneath and you'll find a symptom of a larger issue: the homogenization of puzzles in the digital age.
Algorithms now dictate much of our entertainment, and puzzles have become increasingly formulaic as a result.