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NYT Mini Crossword Goes Paid, Participation Plummets

10/19/2025

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Summary

Story summary

The New York Times Mini Crossword refreshes daily at 10 p.m. ET for a quick challenge.
The Mini moved behind a paywall, ending free access.
The shift has led to a decline in participation.
Each puzzle typically features 10 to 20 clues.
On October 18, 2025, the 1 Across answer was CPR.

History

Historical Context

The New York Times implemented its first paywall in 2011, following a trend initiated by The Wall Street Journal in 1996. While the paywall model aimed to boost revenue amid declining print circulation, it resulted in a 50% drop in unique visitors. This ongoing struggle between monetization and user engagement reflects broader challenges faced by media organizations in adapting to digital content consumption.

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Story summary

The New York Times Mini Crossword refreshes daily at 10 p.m. ET for a quick challenge.
The Mini moved behind a paywall, ending free access.
The shift has led to a decline in participation.
Each puzzle typically features 10 to 20 clues.
On October 18, 2025, the 1 Across answer was CPR.

1 / 2