"Jan. 25, 2024: NYT Crossword Puzzle Solutions"

Sam Ezersky's Thursday New York Times crossword puzzle features a theme centered around "mercury," with clues hinting at various interpretations of the word. The puzzle is described as fairly gentle by Thursday standards, making it accessible for those who typically struggle with more challenging crosswords. Ezersky, known for his tricky constructions, offers a playful and imaginative grid that includes clues such as "Mercury is in this" for GLASS THERMOMETER and "Mercury" in RETROGRADE. The puzzle also pays homage to Freddie Mercury and the Phoenix Mercury basketball team.