The New York Times Crossword

Across

1 Actress Rachel of “The Notebook” 8 Newsman who famously defined news as “something somebody doesn’t want printed” 14 ___ Avenue (Monopoly property landed on the most) 16 Ascribe 17 Big mess 18 Attractive feature 19 Makes copies of, maybe 20 Responsibility 22 Building material for Great Plains settlers 23 Decorated one 24 Cut short 25 1980s “Meet the Press” host Marvin 26 Attends to as one might a captured soldier 29 Hit group? 30 Something you’d rather not discuss 32 They’re written for two-part harmony 33 Amateur geologist’s purchase 34 Lawn care item 35 Course of sewers, for short 36 Retro candy containers 37 Drinks bourbon neat, maybe 38 Ecuador is a member of it 42 Fifth word of the lyrics to “American Pie” 43 Mass event 44 Land of ___ (destination in “The Pilgrim’s Progress”) 46 Play maker? 48 Heat in one’s car 50 Oxygen-dependent organism 51 They get canned 52 He’s inclined to agree 53 Pot holder?

Down

1 Amusement 2 Saint ___ of Assisi, co-founder of the Order of Poor Ladies 3 Missal stand’s place 4 Puts off 5 Last monarch of the House of Stuart 6 Hangout for Homer 7 Family nickname 8 Ask for a donation 9 Winged runners 10 Mo. when the Civil War began 11 Tries to catch 12 Crime reporters? 13 Take orders, possibly 15 “Star Wars” extras 21 Small biters 24 Dickensian surname 25 Only person to guest-host “The Tonight Show With Jay Leno” 27 More upscale 28 State 29 Like some photo paper 30 Gowns that are rarely worn out 31 A zebra has a short one 32 Livestock auction info 33 Vacation spot 37 Fabulous singer 39 Original scheme 40 Breathless, say 41 One beaten by an ape 43 “___ #1’s” (2005 country music album) 44 Exposed to the elements 45 13th-century composition 47 Certain cat 49 Small part of a meal