Explore daily insights on the USA TODAY crossword puzzle by . Uncover expert takes and answers in our crossword blog.

BEASTS (36A: Lions, tigers and bears (Oh my!)) This clue made me smile. My cat, Willow, is always delighted to see her big cat cousins in the puzzle. She looks delighted in this photo, doesn't she?

And finally, the last clue [60D: Fitting place for this clue's answer] is just right. The credit for that clue goes to the editors though! MEN (9D: "X-___ '97" (superhero cartoon)) X-MEN '97 is an ...

ERA (65D: Word aptly found in "generation") This is a fun hidden word clue. It is indeed apt that the word ERA is found in the word generation. STICK DOWN: The bottom word of each vertical theme ...