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2 days ago | 
defector.com | Maitreyi Anantharaman
Soon after Javier Báez signed a six-year, $140 million contract with the Detroit Tigers, he began the least productive stretch of his MLB career, and I began my new life as the world’s No. 1 Javy Báez apologist. Javy hatred, I thought, was the sign of a dull mind.
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2 days ago | 
defector.com | Maitreyi Anantharaman
Take a shot at our Monday crossword! This week's puzzle was constructed by Kate Chin Park and edited by Hoang-Kim Vu. Kate is a puzzle editor and constructor who hopes that if you enjoy crosswords, you'll consider signing up for Westwords, which will take place both virtually and in Berkeley, Calif., on Sunday, June 22! Visit the website to learn more. Defector crosswords, launched in partnership with our friends at AVCX, run every Monday.
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1 week ago | 
defector.com | Maitreyi Anantharaman
This week's puzzle was constructed by Rachel Fabi and edited by Hoang-Kim Vu. Rachel (she/her) is a crossword constructor and a professor of bioethics.
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2 weeks ago | 
defector.com | Maitreyi Anantharaman
The PWHL season resumes on Saturday after a three-week international break for the Women’s World Championship in Czechia. In the absence of play, there has still been some action: The league announced plans to expand to Vancouver next season, at a press conference this week. But people around the PWHL have come to question the breaks, which accommodate an international tournament schedule designed before the league existed.
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3 weeks ago | 
defector.com | Maitreyi Anantharaman
Against the Dodgers last night, the Cubs gave up three runs in the top of the first, scored five runs in the bottom of the first, and none of it really mattered, because what happens at the beginning of a Cubs game has little bearing on what happens at the end. There is no lead so great it can’t be frittered away. There is no deficit too imposing. In the span of five days, they’ve won two of the wackiest games of the MLB season to stay on top of the NL Central.
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3 weeks ago | 
defector.com | Maitreyi Anantharaman
Why not branch out and try our Monday crossword? This week's puzzle was constructed by Sala Wanetick and Emily Biegas, and edited by Hoang-Kim Vu. Sala is a crossword constructor and cheesemonger based outside of Detroit. Her sports knowledge specialty areas include reality stars' romantic partners, and common crossword clues (shoutout to Mia Hamm, Pele, and Epee.) She would love to connect with solvers and constructors—Sala Wanetick on all platforms, she is the only one.
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4 weeks ago | 
defector.com | Maitreyi Anantharaman
On the morning of the WNBA draft, Dominique Malonga stepped out onto the observatory deck of the Empire State Building, sporting a huge, winsome smile and a tiny camcorder in her hand. Against a canvas of groggy faces in matching hoodies, Malonga’s own bright face stood out. She and her fellow draft prospects were midway through a tiring multi-day circuit of media engagements and rookie orientation meetings.
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1 month ago | 
defector.com | Maitreyi Anantharaman
Step up and solve our Monday crossword. This week's puzzle was constructed by Brandon Koppy and edited by Hoang-Kim Vu. Brandon lives in Dripping Springs, Texas, just outside Austin, with his wife and two little girls. You can also find his puzzles in The New York Times or on his blog, see17across.com. Defector crosswords, launched in partnership with our friends at AVCX, run every Monday. If you’re interested in submitting a puzzle to us, you can read our guidelines HERE.
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1 month ago | 
defector.com | Maitreyi Anantharaman
Buckle up: It's time for the Monday crossword. This week's puzzle was constructed by Brian Callahan and edited by Hoang-Kim Vu. Brian (he/him) is a pub trivia fan and dog dad from Chicago. In addition to editing and mentoring for AVCX’s midi arm, Lil AVCX, he occasionally posts puzzles on his blog, oliogrids.comDefector crosswords, launched in partnership with our friends at AVCX, run every Monday. If you’re interested in submitting a puzzle to us, you can read our guidelines HERE.
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1 month ago | 
defector.com | Maitreyi Anantharaman
TAMPA, Fla. — On the keen, soulful UConn women’s basketball internet, Azzi Fudd is “the people’s princess.” She carries herself with regal grace. She’s kind to her young superfans. By teammates’ accounts, she can do no wrong in the eyes of Geno Auriemma. But even fairytales have dark beginnings. A poison apple (or poison Brussels sprouts) marred Fudd’s first trip to the national championship game in her freshman season.
