Unwind in Style: Discover the Freshly Redesigned L.A. Times Game Experience!

Good day, and welcome to the Essential California newsletter. It’s Sunday. I’m your host, Andrew J. Campa. Here’s the essential information to kick off your weekend:

Explore our games

One of America’s long-standing customs is starting Sundays by tackling the local newspaper’s crossword puzzle. The setting typically presents an individual or a pair in loungewear, enjoying coffee or tea while tapping on their surfaces or chairs with a pencil in contemplation.

This practice dates back to 1913, when the previous New York World newspaper is believed to have published the initial crossword puzzle.

Although the Los Angeles Times features a comprehensive Daily Crossword, its newly redesigned Games section has a plethora of additional offerings.

There are fresh interpretations of beloved classics alongside an initiative from the Games team to attract 21st-century subscribers by incorporating digital enhancements. And they are all complimentary.

Let’s sneak a quick glance.

Wordflower

The L.A. Times’ latest inclusion in the Games collection, “Wordflower,” offers a nostalgic vibe for enthusiasts of the New York Times’ immensely popular “Spelling Bee.”

Each day, challenge yourself to discover words consisting of four or more letters by using the letter situated at the flower’s center. Progress based on the quantity and length of words you identify. Can you achieve Golden Poppy?

We adore “Wordflower,” and we believe you will appreciate its unique features as well.

For example, “Wordflower” includes a timer not found in similar versions, eliminating the need to switch between screens to review the words you’ve already chosen.

Perhaps most crucially, “Wordflower” prominently displays the total number of words required to be discovered where the player can easily see it.

Daily Crossword

Engage with the nation’s longest-running newspaper crossword free of charge daily, and invite friends to surpass your time.

Check back every day for a new puzzle and to explore our recent archive.

The enhanced crossword allows users to play in a larger and more user-friendly interface, which is mobile-optimized for those who prefer playing on the move.

The puzzle is released daily at 9 p.m. Pacific Standard Time.

Mini Crossword

Challenge yourself daily with a complimentary mini edition of the traditional crossword puzzle.

Can you solve the Mini in mere minutes — or even seconds? Engage with a new puzzle every day or peruse the archive.

Sudoku

Put your skills to the test with a new classic number puzzle every day, and return daily for additional free puzzles.

You can begin in easy mode and progress through four levels to reach expert.

Conquer expert mode? Attempt Impossible Sudoku for the ultimate test.

Word Search

Pursuing classics, relax by searching for words from the day’s themed list.

They are concealed horizontally, vertically, diagonally, and backward.

Return daily for a new theme or to browse through the recent archive.

News Quiz

Hopefully, you’re already acquainted with our well-liked news quiz.

This is where your knowledge ranging from pop culture to history, science, and current events gets put to the test.

Assess your comprehension and recall of this week’s headlines with 10 California-focused multiple-choice queries regarding the news — directly from our quizmaster.

There are numerous other games to explore here. Enjoy!

The week’s major stories

(Nic Coury / Associated Press)

Climate change, weather and animal news

Criminal activity, courts, and law enforcement

Holiday joy and heartbreak

USC, Dodgers and other sports highlights

Additional major stories

Obtain unlimited access to the Los Angeles Times. Subscribe here.

Column One

Column One is The Times’ focus for narrative and long-form journalism. Here’s an outstanding article from this week:

(Courtesy of Albert Sanders/Courtesy of Albert Sanders)

Albert Sanders Jr., the boy with grand aspirations and an even greater determination, was frightened. He felt anger and concern. His ambition was to become a lawyer, to impress courtrooms just like Ben Matlock and Perry Mason did on his family’s old console television. Yet in 1994, when he was 14, that dream abruptly seemed unattainable, hence the frustration and anxiety.

More wonderful reads

How can we enhance this newsletter to be more beneficial? Send your feedback to [email protected].

For your weekend

It’s Sunday Funday, featuring Justine Lupe.

(Illustrations by Lindsey Made This; photograph by Jon Kopaloff / WireImage)

Going out

Staying in

L.A. Affairs

Immerse yourself in captivating narratives about dating, relationships, and marriage.

(Lili Todd / For The Times)

Through early dates and internships, there was always that particular sushi restaurant in Pasadena. It’s where they commemorated birthdays and green card arrivals. It’s where she found peace during high stress and worry, and where they celebrated anniversaries. Now, more than seven years into their relationship, the restaurant has become an unexpected symbol of their love.

Wishing you a wonderful weekend, from the Essential California crew

Andrew J. Campa, reporter
Carlos Lozano, news editor

Explore our top stories, topics and the latest articles on latimes.com.