July 4, 2026

Title: HOME SWEET HOME

Constructor: David Steinberg

Editor: Amanda Rafkin

Theme synopsis:

• RED VELVET CAKE (20A: Apt dessert to enjoy on the Fourth of July)
• WHITE CHOCOLATE CHIP COOKIE (28A: With 39-Across, apt dessert to enjoy on the Fourth of July) and (39A: See 28-Across)
• BLUEBERRY PIE (53A: Apt dessert to enjoy on the Fourth of July)

HOME SWEET HOME: The theme answers are desserts whose names begin with the colors of the U.S. flag: RED, WHITE, and BLUE.

Random thoughts and interesting things:

• CAST (5A: The actors in "1776," for instance) 1776 is a 1969 musical by Sherman Edwards and Peter Stone based on the events leading up to the signing of the Declaration of Independence. A 2022 Broadway revival of 1776 featured a racially diverse CAST made up entirely of actors who identify as female, trans, or non-binary. My husband and I saw this revival when it went on tour. It was incredibly thought-provoking.
• SIR (27A: "Aaron Burr, ___" ("Hamilton" song)) "Aaron Burr, SIR" is the second song in Lin-Manuel Miranda's 2015 musical Hamilton.
• SEA (42A: "From ___ to shining ___") "From SEA to shining SEA" is a line from the song "America the Beautiful," whose lyrics were written by Katharine Lee Bates in 1895.
• OSLO (64A: Capital of Norway) In addition to being its capital, OSLO is the largest city in Norway. The city of OSLO was founded in 1040 A.D. Its original name was Ánslo. It has also been named Christiania (also spelled Kristiana). 
• IDOL (65A: "American ___" (singing show)) American IDOL premiered in 2002. The 24th season aired earlier this year, with Hannah Harper declared the winner. Past winners of American IDOL include Kelly Clarkson, Carrie Underwood, and Jordin Sparks.
• THEE (8D: "My Country, 'Tis of ___") Samuel Francis Smith wrote the lyrics for the patriotic song, "My Country, 'Tis of THEE" in 1831. Before the adoption of "The Star-Spangled Banner" as the official national anthem for the U.S. in 1931, "My Country, 'Tis of THEE" was one of the songs used as a national anthem.
• O'NEAL (10D: Lakers legend Shaquille) I have previously written about Shaquille O'NEAL.
• OHIO (25D: The Buckeye State) OHIO's nickname of "The Buckeye State" comes from the OHIO Buckeye trees that grow across the state. The buckeye tree produces brown nut-like seeds that are round and have a lighter-colored circle on one side. Some people believe if you carry a buckeye in your pocket it will bring you good luck.
• MINK (26D: Small, furry weasel relative) MINKs, weasels, sables, and ferrets are all related. They are members of the musteleid family, which also includes otters and skunks.
• AGO (31D: "Four score and seven years ___...") "Four score and seven years AGO our fathers brought forth on this continent, a new nation, conceived in Liberty, and dedicated to the proposition that all men are created equal" are the opening words of the Gettysburg Address, a speech made by President Abraham Lincoln in 1863. The speech was delivered at a formal dedication ceremony of Soldiers' National Cemetery (now known as Gettysburg National Cemetery). 
• OLLIE (47D: Simple skateboard trick) An OLLIE is a skateboarding maneuver that involves the rider and board leaping into the air together. I think the description of an OLLIE as "simple" is a matter of opinion!
• EVER (54D: At any point) EVER is making back-to-back puzzle appearances. We saw it yesterday clued as ["Never have I ___..."].
• ROSE (55D: ___ Parade (January 1 event)) I wrote about the ROSE Parade last month.
• DOG (61D: Alaskan malamute or Boston terrier) I appreciate the choice of using two DOG breeds whose names refer to a U.S. state and a U.S. city, respectively. I'm also partial to Boston terriers, because when I was growing up my family had a DOG that was part pug and part Boston terrier – his name was Boston.
• Other clues and answers I especially liked:
• LADLE (23A: Big spoon at a chili cook-off)
• SOLVE (7D: Do a crossword, perhaps)
• EERIE (52D: How a song in a major key sounds when you play it in a minor key)

Happy Fourth of July! I enjoyed this timely and colorful theme. I also appreciate how David leaned into the USA theme in so many of the clues. And now I'm hungry for RED VELVET CAKE, a WHITE CHOCOLATE CHIP COOKIE, and BLUEBERRY PIE! Thank you, David, for this delightful puzzle.

A note about comments: I welcome your comments on the blog! For one thing it's nice to know folks are reading what I've written. My goal for this blog has always been for it to be informational, conversational, and kind. I ask that you keep those goals in mind when commenting. Unkind comments will be deleted. Note that I am more likely to delete a negative comment if it is posted anonymously. (P.S. You can point out when I make a mistake – in fact, I appreciate that so I can correct it.)