Puzzled Puzzlers
Dear Editor,
As a devoted fan of the weekly crossword, I write with both affection and a raised eyebrow. My husband and I have cherished this ritual ever since we returned to Austin – it’s been our little pocket of lighthearted fun, coffee in hand, pencils at the ready.
Lately, however, the puzzle has started to feel less like a clever challenge and more like an inside joke we’re not in on. Take, for example, the clue leading to “RBTD.” After a thorough (and mildly obsessive) Google search, I’m fairly certain this acronym doesn’t exist – at least not in the mailing industry, or any industry we could decipher before finishing our second cup of coffee.
We miss the themed puzzles, too. They added charm, cohesion, and those satisfying “aha!” moments that made us feel briefly brilliant before reality set back in.
I say this with appreciation for the craft and care that goes into creating crosswords: Please bring back the clarity, the themes, and the joy. We’d love to go back to scratching our heads over clever wordplay – not wondering if we’ve accidentally wandered into an alternate dictionary.
Warmly (and somewhat puzzled),
A Loyal Solver
Choose Your Own Adventure
Dear Editor,
I read with interest your piece on “Unraveling the Red Tape” in the April 3 issue [“Austin’s Slowest City Department Tries to Pick Up the Pace,” News] and I’m glad that you looked into some of the adventures of dealing with [the Development Services Department].
David Cindric
Defending the District
Dear Editor,
As a current AISD student, I’ve been watching the process surrounding the school closures closely. Many community members are worried about what will happen to the property once the schools are closed, and want these campuses to remain as important community centers for their neighborhoods [“What Does the Future Hold for Six Closing AISD Campuses?“, News, April 3].
While I understand the concern over access to parks and learning spaces, my biggest concern is preventing a district takeover from the Texas Education Agency. A large budget deficit (which AISD is currently in) could lead to a takeover, taking away local autonomy over our schools. The effects of a TEA takeover on Austin’s children surpasses the closure of any playground. The AISD Board of Trustees should focus on taking actions that will reduce our budget deficit and prevent a state takeover of our district.
Grace Ford
This article appears in April 17 • 2026.