"Cracking the Clues: NYT Crossword Answers Unveiled for Sep. 11, 2023"

The New York Times crossword puzzle for September 11, 2023, constructed by Hoang-Kim Vu, features a theme inspired by Maya Angelou's poem "Still I Rise." The theme revolves around words and phrases that depict rising or ascending, with the letter "I" drifting diagonally upward through the grid. Tricky clues include hidden names, slang abbreviations, and word origins. The original version of the puzzle had additional theme answers but was revised for better fill and difficulty. Additionally, the Easy Mode newsletter offers a more accessible version of the Friday crossword for those who find it challenging.