Across
Challenged wicked madcap (9)
Sober report's conclusion mentioned arrests (5)
I haven't cracked this one yet — but Times for the Times have:
Conclusion of report is T, SAID for mentioned takes it in (arrests).
Duck out? A black mark (7)
I haven't cracked this one yet — but Times for the Times have:
A plus B[lack] plus STAIN for mark.
Inspiring object keeps spirit attacking in combat (7)
Family giving away new child (3)
I haven't cracked this one yet — but Times for the Times have:
Family in this case is KIND, remove the N[ew]
Chop Algeria into bits making group of islands (11)
What widow used to wear on back of smart clothes (6)
I haven't cracked this one yet — but Times for the Times have:
WEED is apparently archaic for clothing, not connected to unwanted plants. Widows WEEDS might still be in use, and refers to clothes worn when mourning: see any picture of Victoria after Albert died. Put the last letter of smarT at the front.
Joint parliament welcomes old retired soldier (8)
I haven't cracked this one yet — but Times for the Times have:
Neither an anatomical or recreational joint, but carpentry. Parliament, the Irish one, gives DÁIL, which welcomes an O[ld] VET[eran] or retired soldier in. Don’t try the usual crossword “retire” by reversing something.
Licentious closing time never forgotten (8)
I haven't cracked this one yet — but Times for the Times have:
Licentious is IMMORAL which is (en)closing T[ime].
One scorching vocalist (6)
Teacher at her best using bad language (11)
One punches everyone in the ear (3)
I haven't cracked this one yet — but Times for the Times have:
Aural wordplay (in the ear) of everyone or ALL.
Pass on nasty flu, one hard to control (7)
This writer's work is getting harder (7)
I haven't cracked this one yet — but Times for the Times have:
Setting in the concrete sense. The – um – setter, this writer, is referring to their own work.
Brave, but not to start with, like Jim in novel? (5)
I haven't cracked this one yet — but Times for the Times have:
Brave is PLUCKY, remove the first letter. The reference is to the Kingsley Amis novel Lucky Jim.
Editor is never, not ever, to change puzzle (9)
I haven't cracked this one yet — but Times for the Times have:
An anagram (to change) with the fodder constructed from EDITOR IS NEVER without EVER
Down
Took glasses, finally spotted where taxi might be (5)
I haven't cracked this one yet — but Times for the Times have:
The last letter of spotteD plus the RANK where a taxi might be found, if you’re lucky.
Lodge retains for all to see what's not been taken (7)
I haven't cracked this one yet — but Times for the Times have:
Lodge is RESIDE, into which the U, cinema certification for suitable for all, is inserted.
Prod grandad struggling to move on-screen (4,3,4)
Tourist destination is jolly pleasant without Rodney on vacation (6)
I haven't cracked this one yet — but Times for the Times have:
Jolly pleasant is VERY NICE. Take out the R[odne]Y, the name emptied of its interior letters.
Sweet to sprawl with one soft drink (8)
I haven't cracked this one yet — but Times for the Times have:
Sprawl translates to LOLL, add I (one) POP for soft drink.
In this state because divorced from church? (3)
I haven't cracked this one yet — but Times for the Times have:
I’ll rather generously call this an &lit: because is SINCE, remove the CE derived from the Church of England.
From thieves he stole a large cake — I tucked in (3,4)
I haven't cracked this one yet — but Times for the Times have:
He of the 40 thieves. A L[arge] BABA (a rum baba is a sort of cake that was a permanent fixture on the Wimpy menu). Tuck in the I.
One may be given a lead to follow arrest (3,6)
Deviously vet earnings for western luminary (7,4)
Celebrating success of president hosting current prince (9)
I haven't cracked this one yet — but Times for the Times have:
The president is, of course, TRUMP, holding I for (electrical) current and accompanied by prince HAL, later Henry V. We bloggers have been asked not to make political comments, which leaves you free to make up your own.
Chap was out front nursing a cold, severely restricted (8)
I haven't cracked this one yet — but Times for the Times have:
Chap is MAN, was out front gives LED, insert A C[old].
Two family members in charge of craft (7)
I haven't cracked this one yet — but Times for the Times have:
With a capital C, The Craft can refer to Freemasonry. Here our derived adjective is constructed from MA and SON, two family members, plus the abbreviated I[n] C[harge].
Managed in holiday cottage? It's very hard (7)
Wife is top American beauty? (6)
Insult snubbing leader is not serious (5)
I haven't cracked this one yet — but Times for the Times have:
I’ll go for SLIGHT for insult, and knock off the leading S.
Whimsical female you once upset (3)
I haven't cracked this one yet — but Times for the Times have:
Just F[emale] with YE, the old form of you, reversed or upset.
Type letters or click words in the clue