NY Times Crossword
May 9, 2016
Dan Schoenholz

The answers to the clues below will have two related things in common.

1. Article of tropical apparel
2. Reddish-brown female horse
3. Emergency worker (with first)
4. Biblical idol
5. Catch phrase (with me and money)

Answers:

1. ALOHA SHIRT
2. BAY MARE
3. FIRST RESPONDER
4. GOLDEN CALF
5. SHOW ME THE MONEY

First thing they have in common:

The first word of each answer is the nickname of a U.S. state. (For #5, it's the first two words):

1. ALOHA STATE - HAWAII
2. BAY STATE - MASSACHUSETTS
3. FIRST STATE - DELAWARE
4. GOLDEN STATE - CALIFORNIA
5. SHOW ME STATE - MISSOURI

Second thing they have in common:

The second word of each answer contains the postal abbreviation of the indicated state. (For #5, it's the fourth word):

1. Hawaii - Aloha sHIrt
2. Massachusetts - bay MAre
3. Delaware - first responDEr
4. California - golden CAlf
5. Missouri - show me the MOney

Note from JA: (personal opinion) Super-clever idea, showing how puzzle gems are hiding in plain sight - awaiting the master's eye.