I pulled out 37D Pollution in city skies: SMOG because early in the pandemic, Los Angeles had pretty good air quality, but now even after a heavy rain, the smog comes back really quickly. I’m staying pretty much inside now anyway. Outside is too cold and wet, and omicron, you know? I just found out about yet another friend who has been vaccinated, boosted, and had covid early on who has caught omicron. Like, what is going onnnnnnnnnn. Be safe, plz!

Theme!

17A *TV remote inserts, often: AABATTERIES.
21A *Sobriety support group session, informally: AAMEETING.
30A *Animal whose name means “earth pig” in Afrikaans: AARDVARK.
40A *”Winnie-the-Pooh” writer: AAMILNE.
47A *4.0 on a transcript: AAVERAGE.
53A *Three-time Emmy winner for “Breaking Bad”: AARONPAUL.

63A Tennessee Smokies or Portland Sea Dogs … or what the answers to the starred clues comprise?: DOUBLEATEAM.

Finished this one in 7:01.