One in charge of NY paper, say, lacking freshness? (4)
I believe the answer is:
used
This could be a double definition.
'one in charge of ny paper' is the first definition.
Both the definition and answer are adjectives. Maybe there's a link between them I don't understand?
'lacking freshness?' is the second definition.
(used as opposed to new or clean)
'say' acts as a link.
(Other definitions for used that I've seen before include "Of clothes or cars, second-hand" , "Second-hand, not new" , "Utilised" , "Took advantage of" , "with a previous owner" .)