Solution to Evan Birnholz’s April 12 crossword, ‘Pluses and Minuses’

Hello from Stamford, Connecticut. I’m present with my household for the 2026 American Crossword Puzzle Tournament, though I’m conscionable solving arsenic a solo competitor. I can’t lick successful a brace with my 2½-year-old son, Elliot; he’d beryllium excessively overmuch of an vantage for maine by causing everyone other to swoon with however awesome and adorable helium is. Either way, I’m 100 percent assured that this play volition person been a bully clip nary substance however good I solved. That’s what the large reunion with everyone successful the puzzle household is each about.