Sun Done?

Unless something miraculous happens - and frankly, there's a lot in New York that could use a miracle right now, right, Mets fans? - The New York Sun will publish its last issue on Monday, September 29.

Crossword? Right now, there's nothing on their crossword pages on their website. That can't be a good sign. However, if you access the Sun directories via Will Johnston's Puzzle Pointers, Peter Gordon has puzzles locked and loaded through the end of next week (Friday, October 3).

I suggest you pull down these files while you still can before The Sun takes its servers offline. And please show your love for Peter and his very hard work by making a donation to Peter Gordon, 15 Shadow Lane, Great Neck, NY 11021, or pokefun@optonline.net. Thank you.

"Sun" Going Down?

According to this media report, the New York Sun newspaper - home of one of the most challenging daily crosswords in the country - may fold within weeks, if new cash is not found.

The modern incarnation of the New York Sun, based on the name of a newspaper that folded in 1950, began publication in April 2002. Soon afterward, the paper began its daily crossword, edited by Peter Gordon. The newspaper itself has a smallish paid circulation and gives many of its copies away, but Gordon's crosswords have become known far and wide as one of the only worthy challengers to Will Shortz' daily dominance - and many find Gordon's work as editor to be top notch and the most challenging daily solve of all.

Second US Sudoku Championship Announced

Thomas Snyder will try to regain his title at the 2nd Annual U.S. Sudoku Championship, sponsored by the Philadelphia Inquirer and hosted by Will Shortz. It will take place from October 24-25 at the Philadelphia Conference Center. Top prize in the expert bracket will be $10,000. More information in the link at the sidebar.

12th Westchester Tournament Announced

The Pleasantville Fund For Learning has announced its annual evening of crosswords, and this year it's a little earlier (shades of the ACPT!). The 12th annual tournament hosted by Will Shortz on his own turf will be Friday, October 3, beginning at 7:30 p.m. Format should be the same as in years past - three preliminary puzzles (October 6, 7 and 8 NYT puzzles) with the podium puzzle being Thursday's.

Last year's tournament was won handily by our own Bob Mackey. Will he repeat? Come on out to the St. John's Episcopal Church on October 3 and find out - and if you can't be here, we'll be sure to let you know.