New York Times Mini Crossword offers daily challenge for puzzle enthusiasts

The New York Times Mini Crossword remains a popular daily puzzle, offering a quick mental challenge in a compact 5x5 grid. It is designed for those with limited time and is accessible for free online, though archived puzzles require a subscription. For November 30, the across clues include "SIBS" for 1A and "THE ALPS" for 5A. Down clues feature "STRAPS" for 1D and "IHEART" for 2D. The puzzle encourages creative thinking and is suitable for all skill levels. The Mini Crossword serves as an introduction to crossword solving, making it less intimidating than the full-sized version. It is often used as a warm-up for more complex puzzles.