Jesse Goldberg’s Wall Street Journal crossword, “Crosswalks”—Jim P’s evaluation

Theme: BLACK CATS (38a, [Unlucky symbols, four of which can be found in this puzzle]). Four entries are clued as phrases that include the letters CAT, but these CATs are disguised as black squares within the grid. Note that every a part of every entry is a legitimate crossword phrase, though the primary halves aren’t clued individually.

Wall St Journal crossword answer · “Crosswalks” · Jesse Goldberg · Thu., 1.5.23

• 14a. [Outmoded library fixture] CARD (CAT)ALOG with 15a [Slept like ___] A LOG.
• 26a. [How sensitive subjects should be handled] DELI(CAT)ELY with 27a [English cathedral city] ELY.
• 54a. [Kingbird, for one] FLY(CAT)CHER with 55a [Oscar winner with four #1 Billboard hits] CHER.
• 68a. [They’re not going places] STAY(CAT)IONS with 69a [Charge carriers] IONS.

Nice! I caught on nearly instantly and knew what to search for by the point I acquired to the second theme reply. The revealer then gave me the verification I used to be anticipating.

I’m unsure I’m bought on the title although. Obviously it’s a foul omen to have a black cat cross one’s path, however I’m unsure how that interprets into the title.

ELY Cathedral

There’s various good long-ish fill, particularly in these huge corners (although nothing longer than seven letters). Highlights embody “ACT FAST!,” GALILEE, ALFALFA, DAY TRIP, PRALINE, BASSINET, ARAPAHO, and LUNCHEON.

Clue of observe: 27a [English cathedral city] ELY. Most of you solely know ELY from crosswords, however you gained’t catch me complaining about it since I’ve visited the cathedral a number of instances and my daughter even had her highschool commencement ceremony there. Beautiful church!

Nice puzzle. 3.75 stars.