You heard it here first: It&#8217;s time to play our Monday crossword. This week&#8217;s puzzle was constructed by Jeremy Venook and edited by Hoang-Kim Vu. 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.

The Crossword, Oct. 12: Ripped From The Headlines

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Maitreyi Anantharaman

Cari Spears #23 spikes the ball during the third set of a match against the USC Trojans at Gregory Gymnasium on September 2, 2026 in Austin, Texas.

Crosswords

The Crossword, Oct. 5: Overheard In New York

Rihanna and A$AP Rocky are seen arriving at the Metropolitan Museum of Art on May 4, 2026 in New York City.

The Crossword, Sept. 28: You Gonna Remember Me (Themeless)

(L-R) Donna Kelce, Singer Taylor Swift and actor Tom Cruise attend the game between the Kansas City Chiefs and the Denver Broncos at Arrowhead Stadium on September 14, 2026 in Kansas City, Missouri.

The Crossword, Sept. 21: Cheeky Move

Lionel Messi #10 of Argentina interacts with Lamine Yamal #19 of Spain during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Final match between Spain and Argentina at New York New Jersey Stadium on July 19, 2026 in East Rutherford, New Jersey.

The Crossword, Sept. 14: Miscalculation

Ohio State Buckeyes goaltender Amanda Thiele (30) makes a save during the first period of the Women's Frozen Four Championship game between the Ohio State Buckeyes and the Wisconsin Badgers on March 23rd, 2025, at Ridder Arena in Minneapolis, MN.

The Crossword, Sept. 7: Big Resemblance

Nicole Gosling #61 of the Montréal Victoire celebrates her goal with teammates on the bench during the third period against the Ottawa Charge in Game One of the PWHL Walter Cup Final at Place Bell on May 14, 2026 in Laval, Quebec, Canada.

The Crossword, Aug. 31:  Prepare For Trouble, And Make It Double (Themeless)

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Tom Ley

Soccer

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Ray Ratto

The Brewers Will Just Keep Doing This Until Someone Stops Them


<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Staff Writer</p>


Israel Daramola

LANDOVER, MARYLAND - OCTOBER 11: Jayden Daniels #5 of the Washington Commanders reacts during the second quarter of the game against the New York Giants at Northwest Stadium on October 11, 2026 in Landover, Maryland.

Well, That’s The Dumbest Thing I’ve Seen In Some Time


<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Diana Moskovitz is Defector&#8217;s investigations editor. You can contact her at diana@defector.com or dfmoskovitz@protonmail.com. She&#8217;s also on Signal @dmoskovitz.99</p>


Diana Moskovitz

Philadelphia Eagles head coach Nick Sirianni looks on during the game between the Philadelphia Eagles and the Los Angeles Rams on October 4th, 2026 at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia, PA.

Welcome The Philadelphia Eagles To Jaguars Junction

Oklahoma Sooners offensive lineman Heath Ozaeta #77 wears the Golden Hat and does Horns Down after winning the Allstate Red River Rivalry between the Texas Longhorns and Oklahoma Sooners on October 10, 2026, at Cotton Bowl Stadium in Dallas, TX.

College Football

OU-Texas Is The Last Truly Bonkers College Football Rivalry

Munetaka Murakami #5 of the Chicago White Sox looks on from the dugout during the seventh inning in game five of the American League Division Series against the Cleveland Guardians at Progressive Field on October 10, 2026 in Cleveland, Ohio. He looks frustrated.

The White Sox Lean Into The “Windy” In “Windy City”

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Ohio State Buckeyes wide receiver Jeremiah Smith (4) runs in to score after catching a 54-yard touchdown pass during a Big Ten Conference college football game between the Ohio State Buckeyes and the Iowa Hawkeyes on October 03, 2026, at Kinnick Stadium in Iowa City, IA.