NYT Daily • August 2, 2025
Mayor Bass of Los Angeles
Answer:
KAREN
Hint:
["Here’s a helpful hint for your crossword clue:\n\n*\"First name of a prominent political figure in California.\"*\n\nThis hint guides the solver toward thinking of a well-known leader in California (Los Angeles) without directly repeating the clue or giving away the answer. It’s easier than the original clue but still requires some knowledge or deduction."]
Explanation:
The clue **"Mayor Bass of Los Angeles"** leads to the answer **"KAREN"** through a combination of wordplay and cultural reference. 1. **Mayor Bass** – The current mayor of Los Angeles is **Karen Bass**, so the clue directly references her first name. 2. **Cultural Reference** – "Karen" is also a widely recognized slang term for a stereotypically entitled or complaining woman, often used in memes and pop culture. The clue plays on this dual meaning, using the mayor's name while subtly nodding to the cultural connotation. Thus, the answer is a straightforward reference to the mayor's first name, with an added layer of humor for solvers familiar with the slang term.