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Got there, I think. I'm assuming that I don't need to make any changes to the grid, once filled. (Other than shading 8 cells which indicate where the setter thinks 9 should be)?

Yes, that's right Granama

As the preamble is written, anyone who disagrees with the setter apparently doesn't need to highlight anything. That being said, word searches are my kryptonite. Are the 8 cells in a straight line?

Same with me buddy. Yes, they are.

Buddy, my 8 are.
I rather enjoyed the solving and the construction is clever but a little more of a hint in the preamble or title as to the subjects would have been welcome. The final step was a bit ho hum though.

Thanks again Muraria. 🙂

Thanks both.

All done bar the 8 letters. If it's a comment on 45 there is a warning to loose rural ladies that he might be a hazard to HEDGE GAL, but I don't think those are the 8 letters needed ... and several minutes staring haven't found them. POKE STUD is nearly there, however. Carry on looking, cockie.

Hi cockie,
It's nothing as cryptic. It doesn't read as 8 straight letters, just think about where many people think no.9 should be after certain events earlier this year.

D'oh! The Deutsche Bank loans fall due this year though, and who knows how keen they will be to roll them over. And our friends in the South Manhattan DA's office are still beavering away. The fat lady is still silent. Aint no coiffeur in Guantanamo.

😂