January 9, 2026

Title: ONE OF TWO WAYS

Constructor: Joe Rodini

Editor: Amie Walker

Theme synopsis:

• RECORD PROFITS (20A: Highest earnings ever, or write down earnings)
• PRESENT COMPANY (38A: The people here right now, or introduce people)
• PERMIT PARKING (56A: Feature of a certain residential street, or let drivers leave their cars on a street)

ONE OF TWO WAYS: Each theme answer can be interpreted ONE OF TWO WAYS, depending on the pronunciation and definition of the first word.

Random thoughts and interesting things:

• JOAN (23A: Cusack who voices Jessie in the "Toy Story" films) The animated movie Toy Story was released in 1995. There have been three additional Toy Story movies since then, with Toy Story 5 planned for June of this year. There have also been a number of spin-off movies and TV shows. The character of Jessie – voiced by JOAN Cusack – was introduced in Toy Story 2 (1999). Jessie is a cowgirl doll.
• LAWS (46A: What bills may become) This clue reminds me of the Schoolhouse Rock song, "I'm Just a Bill," which describes the process a bill goes through to become a LAW. "I'm just a bill, yes I'm only a bill ... But I know I'll be a LAW someday / At least I hope and pray that I will / But today, I am still just a bill."
• HYDRATE (48A: Drink water after a workout, say) Just taking this opportunity to ask if you've been drinking water today. Remember to HYDRATE!
• ACLU (67A: Bill of Rights advocacy org.) and PRESS (12D: Freedom of the ___ (First Amendment right)) In the U.S., the Bill of Rights refers to the first ten amendments of the U.S. Constitution. These amendments guarantee specific personal freedoms and rights. The First Amendment concerns Freedom of the PRESS. Other amendments include those that address freedom of speech and the right to assemble. The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) is a nonprofit organization that works – through litigation and lobbying – to protect the individual rights of all people in the United States. I'm always happy for an opportunity to shout-out the ACLU and the amazing work they do.
• POMPEO (7D: "Grey's Anatomy" star Ellen) The medical drama Grey's Anatomy premiered in 2005 and has run for 22 seasons so far. The show is set in Washington at the fictional Seattle Grace Hospital, which is later named the Grey Sloan Memorial Hospital. Meredith Grey, portrayed by Ellen POMPEO, is the narrator and title character on Grey's Anatomy. Although Ellen POMPEO made her last regular appearance on the show in Season 19, she continues to narrate the show and make occasional appearances.
• FIONA (22D: Princess in "Shrek") The animated move Shrek came out 25 years ago. There are now four movies in the Shrek franchise, with a fifth planned for a 2027 release. Princess FIONA is voiced by Cameron Diaz.
• OPERA (28D: La Scala performance) La Scala is an OPERA house in Milan, Italy. It first opened in 1778.
• RCA (35D: Record label for Childish Gambino) Childish Gambino is the musical stage name of Donald Glover Jr. He has released three albums with RCA: 3.15.20 (2020), Bando Stone & the New World (2024), and Atavista (2024, a rerelease of 3.15.20).
• CREEK (52D: Word after word"Schitt's" or "Dawson's") This is a fun clue. Schitt's CREEK (2015-2020) is a TV sitcom about a formerly wealthy family that relocates to a small town named Schitt's Creek, which they once purchased as a joke. Dawson's CREEK (1998-2003) is a TV series about a group of friends – including the titular Dawson – in the fictional town of Capeside, Massachusetts. 
• SON (65D: Dad, to Grandpa) I always have to stop and think a minute about these types of clues. My dad is the SON of my paternal grandpa.
• A few other clues I especially enjoyed:
• SPUN (6A: Took a turn on "Wheel of Fortune")
• NO BRAINER (3D: Obvious choice)
• CAMRY (31D: Toyota sedan that's aptly an anagram of "my car")

This is quite a clever theme. After a moment of initial confusion, I had a nice "Aha!" moment when I realized what was happening with the theme answers. Thank you, Joe, for this enjoyable puzzle.