The answers to the clues below will have something in common.

1. It's what's happening now
2. Just before it's too late
3. When they go off, the show goes on
4. Steam engine pioneer
5. Baseball team's asset
6. Lower Manhattan
7. That's a moray
8. Music or train VIP

Answers:

1. Current events
2. Under the wire
3. Houselights
4. James Watt
5. Switch hitter
6. The Battery
7. Electric eel
8. Conductor

Credit: NY Times Crossword
Threba Johnson
STEAMED UP  (adapted)