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A note to solvers. For this week, we’re trying a different format, a diagram that separates words with heavy black bars instead of black squares. The result is more compact, but in other ways, including the clues, the puzzle works just the same. —JK & HP

The completed grid includes points essential to an 11-Across 13-Down—or, if you prefer, a 24-Across.

ACROSS

 1 Character (or man) from Italy (6)

 5 The lifter’s core crime (5)

 9 Irrational hatred in part of an online discussion (6)

10 Originally, Paulette and Myrna’s trick (4)

11 See instructions (7)

12 Soak outside bath, ultimately, to stimulate (4)

13 Annul misleading caveat (6)

15 Nomadic invader, by returning, made a landing (6)

17 Interrupt Laurel with “Yo, stick around!” (4,2)

20 Bridge holding back contents of Tribeca network (6)

23 Take a break with the others (4)

24 See instructions (7)

25 Woven fabric with tailored hems (4)

26 Cold, according to a ghost (6)

27 Leaders of some ancient Yoruban societies obey authority (3-2)

28 Diplomat’s dilapidated haunt near center of Qatar (1,5)
 

DOWN

 1 Put away English novelist (5)

 2 Welcome wading bird with head tucked into its breast (5)

 3 Mounting desire to include the Braves on a scoreboard in an orderly fashion (6)

 4 What some farm animals eat: decapitated farm animals (4)

 5 Compact essay about feast (6)

 6 Place of exile, fit up (4)

 7 Toe floss is ridiculous without anything to use it on? (8)

 8 Asian capital, said to be hard-driving (4,1)

11 Body of water flowing with ease (5,3)

13 See instructions (4)

14 Fancy mythical bird and chief of centaurs splitting two eggs (6)

16 Half of this impulsive beat (6)

17 Stalks second team on the way up (5)

18 Scooter runs through, leaves Padua (5)

19 Found small pastry (5)

21 Curious bagels in New York (4)

22 Rising bugle call leads to quarrel (4)
 

SOLUTION TO PUZZLE NO. 3259
 

ACROSS 1 FOSSIL FUE + L (soufflé is anag.) 6 S + CAB 10 ST(UMP)ER (rest anag.) 11 H(AIR + C)UT 12 ADMI (anag.) + T 13 anag. 14 D IS MISSED 17 “I sing” 19 F(AC)ED 20 anag. 22 rite anag. + clues anag. 25 “Cher” 26 anag. 27 O + CAR + IN A 28 hidden 29 AT TEN DANCE

DOWN 1 & 19 FA + STAND + FUR + IOUS 2 SO + ULM + U + SIC 3 I(NPU)T (pun anag.) 4 F + ORETASTE (sea otter anag.) 5 hidden 7 C + ACT I 8 & 21 BAT + TIN + GAVE + RAGE 9 VI(TAMIN)E (a mint anag.) 15 INDE(CE)NT 16 anag. 18 [l]IMITATION 23 anag. 24 hidden 25 hidden