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  • Planning for a Ukraine cease-fire, Turkey hosts talks on Black Sea security

     This article was originally published by Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty and is reprinted with permission.

    Military leaders from several nations are quietly holding under-the-radar talks at the headquarters of the Turkish Navy in Ankara this week, focusing on Black Sea security in the event of a cease-fire between Russia and Ukraine.

    The meetings come days after two European diplomatic sources told RFE/RL that Turkey had declared it was willing to “assume responsibility for the maritime dimension” of a multinational military deployment in Ukraine.

    There are practical reasons for Turkey to do this.

    The 1936 Montreux Convention places strict limits on the tonnage that non-littoral navies can deploy in the Black Sea and for how long. This makes Turkey, which has one of NATO’s strongest militaries, the natural key player.

    It has 17 frigates, for example, compared to just three in Romania’s navy.

    “It’s impossible to solve this without Turkey on the side of the Europeans,” Sam Greene of the Center for European Policy Analysis (CEPA) said at a recent briefing.

    British and French vessels could also be expected to rotate through the Black Sea as part of a peacekeeping or reassurance force.

    But as with the land-based force envisaged by the “coalition of the willing,” the naval mission might also rely on a “US backstop.”

    How Is This Different?

    According to the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS), this would consist of air- and space-based intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance. Although, as the CSIS notes, US Navy ships regularly patrol the Black Sea anyway and could therefore also play a role.

    In this regard, a Black Sea mission would take place under very different conditions to a land one — in that NATO already has a well-established presence there with regular multinational exercises.

    In fact, NATO just completed drills involving naval forces from 12 nations, including Turkey, the United States, Britain, and Romania. Over 12 days, forces simulated responses to hybrid, naval, and air attacks in the region.

    Naval patrols would be focused on multiple missions, such as securing freedom of navigation for commercial shipping (including Ukraine’s vital grain exports), monitoring cease-fire compliance, and mine clearance.

    Andriy Ryzhenko, a reserve captain in the Ukrainian Navy, told RFE/RL’s Current Time that “many ports are completely blocked at the moment,” due to mines.

    “They are Mykolayiv, Ochakiv, Kherson. Other ports are officially open but with limitations…. Mines need to be found and neutralized,” he said.

    ‘Ukraine Has Won’

    Unlike on land, Ukraine feels it is winning or indeed has already won the war at sea.

    A series of spectacular attacks that sank numerous Russian vessels has already pushed Russia’s numerically superior navy out of its bases in occupied Crimea and back to Novorossiysk.

    “Ukraine has won on the sea and now has a complete advantage. That is, it does not allow the enemy near its coasts and it ensures civilian navigation,” Oleksiy Neizhpapa, head of the Ukrainian Navy, told RFE/RL’s Ukrainian Service on April 8.

    “But the enemy has the ability, has weapons that can hit civilian objects, civilian ships directly in ports or at sea. So, of course, the danger remains.”

    This was amply demonstrated by overnight Russian drone attacks on Odesa on April 16.

    Ryzhenko also pointed out that shipping in the Black Sea is not operating along peacetime routes and that these need to be restored.

    “It needs to be possible to go directly from Odesa to the Bosphorus across the middle of the Black Sea and not hiding in the territorial waters of neighboring countries,” he said.

    Ryzhenko added that the talks in Ankara would be focused on these details.

    Low-Profile Talks

    The talks were first announced by the Turkish Defense Ministry on April 13, but officials would not reveal which countries were taking part.

    Later, it was reported that NATO members Bulgaria and Romania would be involved, along with Georgia.

    On April 15, Britain’s Defense Ministry told RFE/RL that it would join the meetings, before Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy revealed that Ukraine and France were also attending.

    “We are talking about the presence of a contingent at sea, and we believe that Turkey can have a serious place in future security guarantees for the sea,” Zelenskyy said.

    “This is not about ending the war, this is about what will happen after the cease-fire — security guarantees,” he added.

    As with previous discussions on a land-based contingent, the United States is not involved in the talks.


    Source: American Military News

  • Uromi Killings: Kano Rep Kicks Against Movement Of Hunters From North To South

    A member of the House of Representatives, Kabiru Alhassan Rurum, has called on the relevant authorities to stop the movements of hunters from the Northern parts of the country to the South on hunting expedition.

    Rurum, who represents Rano, Bunkure and Kibiya Federal Constituency of Kano State, described the practice as archaic and should be banned immediately.

    Citing security concerns, Rurum made the call on Thursday when he paid a condolence visit to the Torankawa community, in Bunkure local government area of Kano state where some of the 16 victims of the recent attack in Uromi, Edo State hailed from.

    The youth in Uromi community had mistaken the 16 hunters who were traveling to Kano, for kidnappers and had subsequently set them ablaze in the most barbaric way.

    The movement of weapon bearing hunters from the North to the South has continued to raise security concerns among stakeholders, including security agencies and host communities.

    Addressing families and friends of the slain hunters, Rurum emphasised that the prevailing insecurity in the country required restraint and sensitivity in the movement of individuals, particularly those bearing weapons, even for traditional purposes such as hunting.

    “The present-day Nigeria requires that people engage in professions and traditions that do not raise suspicion or cause unnecessary tension. Carrying weapons and moving from one end of the country to another in this sensitive period of insecurity sends the wrong signals and could lead to devastating consequences. Our hunters should henceforth put a stop to such movements,” Rurum said.

    The Kano Rep members recalled a recent incident in Ondo State where over 30 hunters from his constituency were detained on suspicion of being criminals.

    He said he had to personally intervene and present evidence to the Ondo State governor before they were released.

    “If those who arrested our Rano hunters in Ondo had acted like those in Uromi, the story would have been different today,” he said.

    The lawmaker announced a personal donation of N5 million to the bereaved families and pledged to construct an Islamiyya primary and secondary schools in the community to cater to the orphans left behind by the slain hunters.

    “These children deserve a future. They must not be forgotten,” he said.

    Uromi Killings: Kano Rep Kicks Against Movement Of Hunters From North To South is first published on The Whistler Newspaper

    Source: The Whistler

  • SF Giants’ Lou Trivino reflects on earning first victory since 2022

    PHILADELPHIA — Lou Trivino didn’t think it would mean much for him to earn his first win in three years. Then, he saw his name in the final box score:

    W: Trivino (1-0)

    “It’s a long time, so it’s cool to be back in the stat column,” Trivino said after the Giants’ 11-4 win on Wednesday. “I didn’t think it would mean a lot to me. Then, I found out I was the winning pitcher. I was like, ‘Okay, that’s kind of meaningful.’ It’s just cool. It’s been a while, and it’s nice to be able to contribute again with such a good team.”

    Bob Melvin, who managed Trivino with the Oakland A’s, called on Trivino to provide much-needed equanimity in a tie ballgame after starter Robbie Ray allowed four earned runs over four innings. Trivino responded by throwing two scoreless innings, striking out two batters and allowing one lone hit. When the Giants scored a run in the top of the fifth, Trivino found himself in line for his eventual win.

    “Had to go through the middle of their order there as well through the lefties,” Melvin said. “It really did settle everything down. He threw strikes. He didn’t walk anybody. That was huge to give us two innings like that.”

    Prior to Wednesday night, Trivino’s last win at the major-league level was on Aug. 21, 2022 as a member of the New York Yankees after missing two full seasons due to injury. Trivino underwent Tommy John surgery in May 2023, then appeared in 11 minor-league games in 2024. The Yankees declined Trivino’s team option after the ’24 season, paving the way for him to sign a minor-league deal with the Giants and re-uniting him with Melvin.

    Trivino wasn’t guaranteed a spot on the Opening Day roster despite his track record, but the 33-year-old pitched his way onto the team by throwing 9 1/3 scoreless innings with 10 strikeouts. The right-hander has appeared in seven games so far this season, allowing three earned runs over 8 2/3 innings (3.12 ERA) with 10 strikeouts.

    “I think it means a little bit more having to earn a spot, and then, again, to be a part of a team — I think we’re very good,” Trivino said. “The pitching is outstanding. The hitting is outstanding. The defense is fantastic. It’s great. It’s a good feeling to be part of something like this.”

    Added third baseman Matt Chapman, Trivino’s teammate with the Oakland A’s from 2018-22: “It’s been a long journey for him. We were pumped for him. He’s obviously been a big part of helping this bullpen out. I know when he’s healthy what he’s capable of. So, it’s good to see him looking like his old self.”

    Source: Paradise Post

  • Andalusia native named new head women’s basketball coach at Univerity of San Diego

    Andalusia native named new head women’s basketball coach at Univerity of San Diego

    Published 2:32 pm Thursday, April 17, 2025

    PHOTO COURTESY OF TOM CHRISTENSEN | USD

    Andalusia native Blanche Alverson was named the head coach of the women’s basketball program at the University of San Diego in March. She is pictured above with University of San Diego Presient James Harris II, left, and Kimya Massey, USD’s executive director of athletics.

    An Andalusia native has rose through the ranks in quick fashion and is taking the reigns as head women’s basketball coach at the University of San Diego.

    Alverson, who attended Andalusia High School through her sophomore year before moving to become a standout varsity basketball player in Buford, Georgia, became one of the youngest coaches in NCAA athletics when she was officially named to lead the Toreros during a press conference on March 25. She is 34-years-old.

    Alverson was officially named USD’s fourth women’s basketball head coach during a press conference on March 25.

    “From the beginning of this process I have been so impressed with the vision and the mission of San Diego and the athletic department,” Alverson said. “I couldn’t be more excited to be the next women’s head basketball coach at USD. I think the future is so bright; there’s a lot of potential for growth and I couldn’t be more excited to be here.  I have met the team and they are amazing. The energy has been phenomenal and I really appreciate them welcoming me in with open arms.”

    In her new position, Alverson will be going to work at USD’s Jenny Craig Pavilion, which has undergone a multi-million dollar renovation over the past year.

    PHOTO COURTESY OF LOREN ANDERSON | USD
    Blanche Alverson on the campus of the University of San Diego.

    “This was a no-brainer decision for me. I am so glad to be at USD; this is an incredible campus, especially with the facilities that are coming for women’s and men’s basketball. It is an exciting time at USD and I couldn’t be more happy to be here.”

    Prior to accepting the head coaching job in San Diego, Alverson spent six season at Georgia Tech where she most recently served as associate head coach. During her time with the Yellowjackets, she helped take the team to four postseason appearances, including three NCAA Tournaments and the program’s second appearance in the Sweet 16.

    “Where she had me was when she talked about herself as an educator-coach — an educator first, a coach second. It fits very much in line with the incredible faculty that we have at this institution,” said USD President James Harris III, during the press conference. “We had an incredible pool of candidates — sitting head coaches and individuals who have been successful at every level — but, Blanche Alverson stood out. When we had our conversation, her focus immediately was on the health and well-being of her student-athletes. She wanted to see them be successful in the classroom and be successful young women who go on to lead productive and meaningful lives. You can tell how much she cares about the students she is coaching.”

    USD Executive Director of Athletics Kimya Massey added, “We focused heavily throughout the hiring process to find a candidate we felt would connect with the community, understand our Catholic mission and values, navigate the changes happening in the NCAA landscape, and of course, getting a good sense to the style of play and how that would translate to the WCC as well as nationally. As we narrowed down candidates, the ability to communicate effectively, the track record of success, the strong recommendations from people we trust, and the ability to recruit and connect with the athletes were evident as we spent more and more time with Blanche. It became clear that she was a great fit for who we are and where we want to go.”

    Alverson said she will focus on building a team culture built on growing relationships and the well-being of student-athletes. “It is an exciting time in women’s basketball. I think one of the biggest things we can do as educators, coaches and leaders is to invest in the young people around us and I am super excited to invest in our team and to lay out the vision for what this program is going to do moving forward. We want to be in the community. We want to win games. But, we also want to take our process day by day and get better every single day.”

    Other prior positions Alverson held during her professional career include two seasons at the University of Southern California where she helped secure a fifth-ranked recruiting class. In 2016-17, she helped lead New Mexico State to a 14-0 record. She also spent time playing professional basketball in Zamora, Spain after earning a bachelor’s degree in Biomedical Sciences at Auburn followed by a master’s degree in Sports Management at Texas Tech.

    As a student-athlete in Buford, Alverson led her team to Georgia’s AA state championship and was named the state’s 2A Player of the Year. She signed a scholarship with Auburn University where she finished second on the university’s all-time three-pointers list and was only the fourth player in program history to notch 1,000 points, 500 rebounds, 100 assists, 100 steals, and 50 blocks. The was a two-team SEC Scholar Athlete of the Year.

    Alverson is the daughter of Andalusia resident Bill Alverson and Cindy Alverson.

    “I want to thank my family. I would not be here today without them,” Alverson said. “I am an educator-coach and my family has a strong background in education. My mom was my middle school principal. We are student-athletes first and education is why we are all here.”

    Source: Andalusia Star

  • New miracle confirmed from Lourdes sanctuary

    In a joyful moment after the rosary on St. Bernadette Soubirous’ feast day April 16 at the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Lourdes in France, the shrine’s rector, Father Michel Daubanes, announced that a 72nd miracle at the famed pilgrimage site has been recognized.

    The sanctuary also confirmed the news on X, saying that Italian woman Antonietta Raco, who suffered from primary lateral sclerosis, “was cured in 2009 during her pilgrimage to Lourdes.”

    Primary lateral sclerosis, known as PLS, is a type of motor neuron disease that affects the nerve cells in the brain that control movement. The breakdown of nerve cells in PLS causes weakness in the muscles that control the legs, arms and tongue, leaving a patient on a wheelchair.

    Raco’s Italian diocese rejoiced on April 16, confirming the news.

    Bishop Vincenzo Carmine Orofino of Tursi-Lagonegro in southern Italy officially declared the miraculous nature of the healing of Raco April 16.

    “Following a pilgrimage to the Grotto of Lourdes in the summer of 2009, after bathing in the pools, on her return home, Mrs. Raco began to move independently and the effects of the unfortunate disease immediately and definitively disappeared,” Bishop Orofino said.

    He added that “after a long period of careful investigation,” the International Medical Committee of Lourdes — an official medical body investigating possible miracles — “declared the healing of the lady to be medically unexplained in the current state of scientific knowledge.”

    The news arrived merely four months after confirming the 71st miracle at the sanctuary, which had been granted to a British soldier, wounded during World War I.

    David Torchala, the sanctuary’s director of communications, told OSV News: “We are delighted to receive this news from Italy.

    “We always wonder why there are so few recognized miracles, only 72, compared to the millions of people who come to Lourdes,” but, he said, “it is important to understand that these miracles are the result of long and arduous medical procedures, research and diagnoses. It’s a long and rigorous process. It also presupposes that cured patients come back to Lourdes to report it, and agree to undergo all this research and further examinations.”

    Torchala told OSV News that “there are currently over 7,000 cases that have been studied and for which declarations of healing have been attested. But then, the final decision to recognize a miracle rests with the bishop of the diocese of the patient who has been cured.”

    He said that after the scientific work of the doctors, “it’s up to the church to recognize that there has indeed been the hand of God in a cure.”

    Torchala emphasized that in addition to the story of the healed woman, “it is an opportunity to pay tribute to all the organizers and volunteers of this extraordinary pilgrimage, the Italian ‘Unitalsi.’”

    “Italians are the most numerous visitors to Lourdes after the French,” he said, adding that they “have a long history of friendship with Lourdes. They come in great numbers, even though they have thousands of their own magnificent churches and sanctuaries dedicated to the Virgin.”

    “Unitalsi is a huge organization that brings in pilgrims all year round from all over Italy. Without all the hospitaliers and volunteers who devote themselves all year round to the sick, this woman wouldn’t have been able to come to Lourdes,” Torchala stressed.

    Bernadette witnessed 18 Marian apparitions beginning on Feb. 11, 1858, and people of her time witnessed first physical and spiritual healing miracles after visiting the shrine or drinking or washing in the spring Our Lady pointed Bernadette to in an apparition.

    Lourdes’ baths have fully reopened after the COVID-19 pandemic in August 2024. The sick, people with disabilities and all other pilgrims can fully immerse in the chilly spring waters in the sanctuary — a powerful spiritual moment of healing and cleansing for many.

    The Italian diocese of the healed woman responded to the recognized miracle saying, “Praise be to God, who with this divine sign has once again manifested his presence among his People and has given us his Most Holy Mother, Mary Immaculate, as a powerful mediator of Grace.”

    Caroline de Sury writes for OSV News from Paris.

    Source: Angelus News

  • Internal Auditor at Whitefield Hotels Limited

    Whitefield Hotels Limited is a hotel that welcomes it’s guest with outstanding services, efficiency, natural warmth and inviting ambience. We will go the extra mile to make your stay a home away from home experience, whether you are here for business, recreation, hideaway or pleasure. The hotels offer unmatched services and facilities.Responsibilities

    Perform and control the full audit cycle including risk management and control management over operations effectiveness, financial reliability and compliance with all applicable directives and regulations.
    Determine internal audit scope and develop annual plans.
    Obtain, analyse, and evaluate accounting documentation, previous report, data, flowchart etc
    Prepare and present reports that that reflects audit's results and document process
    Act as an objective source of independent advice to ensure validity, legality and goal achievement
    Identifies loopholes and recommend risk aversion measures and cost savings
    Maintain open communication with the management and audit committee
    Document process and prepare audit findings memorandum
    Conduct follow up audits to monitor management's intervention.

    Qualifications

    Interested candidates should possess an HND / Bachelor's Degree with 5-7 years experience.

    Click Here To Apply

  • Feature Analyst at Old Mutual April, 2025

    Never pay for any CBT, test or assessment as part of any recruitment process. When in doubt, contact us

    Old Mutual Limited (OML) is a premium African financial services group that offers a broad spectrum of financial solutions to retail and corporate customers across key markets in 14 countries.

    Job Description

    • The Feature Analyst is accountable for facilitating the clarification of the business

    • requirements and for translating the requirements into user stories with acceptance criteria and the related artifacts. The feature analysts work in close collaboration with the business stakeholders, and the agile team to ensure end to end understanding of the epics, features and the value it delivers.

    Requirements

    • 3 to 5 years’ experience in business apps & exposure to IT functions.

    • Has broad knowledge and experience understanding end to end IT solution designs

    • Exposure to ITIL principles/ functions across IT operational environment

    • BA / IT Qualification

    • Business analysis certification

    • Experienced in business and data analysis, solutions design & testing, data modelling.

    • Agile certification would be preferred

    • Experience working with JIRA & Confluence.

    Responsibilities

    Data Collection and Analysis

    • Collate and analyze data using preset tools, methods, and formats. Involves working independently.

    Analysis of “As Is” and “To Be”

    • Support and contribute to the documentation of “as is” and “to be” processes and describe the changes required to migrate to the “to be” capability to record accurately the change required.

    Business Requirements Identification

    • Support collection of business requirements using a variety of methods, such as interviews, document analysis, and workflow analysis, to express requirements clearly and succinctly.

    Requirements Management

    • Identify, elicit, and document project/process requirements, using appropriate modeling technique, if required. Analyze requirements and validate with original users, eliminating confusion. Define the testing scripts and verification criteria to ensure requirements are met. Maintain documentation and traceability throughout project.

    Application Software Road Map

    • Maintain a roadmap to facilitate application software development and ensure the development work is prioritized in line with business requirements.

    Database Specifications

    • Provide information and comments on suitability during the approval process for database specifications to ensure all agreed standards and protocols are followed and data integrity is preserved.

    Enterprise Infrastructure Modernization

    • Participate in the development of architecture blueprints for related systems.

    Horizon Scanning

    • Explore and develop a basic understanding of external developments or emerging issues.

    Application Software Development

    • Contribute to development of existing and new applications by analyzing and identifying areas for modification and improvement. Contribute to development of new applications to meet customer requirements.

    Documentation and Backup

    • Draft and maintain basic technical and/or user documentation to a high standard, and create backup files to ensure instant recovery if problems occur.

    Personal Capability Building

    • Develop own capabilities by participating in assessment and development planning activities as well as formal and informal training and coaching. Develop and maintain an understanding of relevant technology, external regulation, and industry best practices through ongoing education, attending conferences, and reading specialist media.

    Skills

    • Analytics Software, Application Development, Business Intelligence (BI) Analysis, Business Requirements Analysis, Computer Literacy, Database Reporting, Data Compilation, Data Controls, Data Modeling, Data Recovery, Evaluating Information, Gaps Analysis, IT Architecture, Requirements Development, User Requirements Documentation

    Competencies

    • Action Oriented

    • Cultivates Innovation

    • Ensures Accountability

    • Manages Complexity

    • Optimizes Work Processes

    • Plans and Aligns

    Education

    • NQF Level 5 – Higher, Advance or Occupational Certificate or equivalent

    Closing Date

    Click Here To Apply

  • Police share photo of knife allegedly used by suspected Kano serial k!ller

    The spokesperson of the Kano State Police Command, SP Abdullahi Haruna Kiyawa, has posted the weapon used by a suspected serial k!ller, Umar Auwal, alias ‘Abba Dujal’.

     

     

    LIB reported that the 20-year-old resident of Wudil Local Government Area, surrendered to the police and confessed to his involvement in multiple violent crimes, including murder and armed robbery, in different parts of the state and Jigawa State.

     

     

    The suspect is currently in custody at the Command’s Homicide Section, Criminal Investigation Department (CID) for detailed investigation into the veracity of his confessions and further necessary actions. 

     

    Police share photo of knife allegedly used by suspected Kano serial k!ller

     

     

     

    Source: Linda Ikeji

  • BREAKING: Nigerian First Lady, Remi Tinubu’s Convoy Kills Seven-Year-Old Girl In Ondo State

    A vehicle in the convoy of wife of the Nigerian president, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has killed a seven years old girl identified as Saratu Lawal in Akure, Ondo State, SaharaReporters has exclusively gathered.

    Mrs Tinubu was in Akure on Thursday to flag off the South-West leg of the Renewed Hope Initiative to improve the well-being of women and girls across the country and distribute no fewer than 10,000 professional kits — comprising Crocs and scrubs — to nurses and midwives in the South-West region.

    Multiple sources told SaharaReporters that a butter coloured hilux in the First Lady’s convoy knocked Saratu around Oba Ile while the president’s wife was moving from the airport to the venue of the event.

    “A seven years old girl by name Saratu Lawal, and a pupil of Islamiyar Arabic School, Shasha, was knocked down by a butter coloured hilux in the government convoy of her Excellency, the First Lady of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Senator Oluremi Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who is on official visit to Ondo State,” the source told SaharaReporters.

    “The incident occurred today, Thursday 17th April, 2025 in Oba Ile, before the Oba Ile Central Mosque.

    “It claimed the life of the child as every effort to save her could not yield the desired result even when she was rushed to the primary healthcare in Oba Ile.”

    When contacted, Malam Lawali, the father of the deceased, who is a trader at Oba Ile market, said he has “handed everything to God.”

    SaharaReporters learnt the lifeless body of the child has been handed over to the family for burial in line with Islamic injunction.

    Calls put across by SaharaReporters to Ondo Police command’s spokesperson, DSP Ayanlade Olushola were not picked nor returned.
     
    Text message sent to his line was yet to be replied as at the time of this report.

    Source: Sahara Reporters

  • NYT Connections Today: Hints and Answer for April 18, 2025

    NYT Connections is the one word association game known for the difficulty and amusement that it brings. However, if you are part of the folks lost as to what today’s Connections answer is, then you are in the right place. We post a NYT Connections answers guide every day to help you solve each day’s puzzle easily. So, let’s not waste time and check out Connections hints for today’s game #677 to help you get to the answers for April 18, 2025.

    What is NYT Connections Game?

    After Wordle’s overwhelming success, The New York Times embraced the fun and launched another word puzzle game called Connections. NYT Connections is a popular word puzzle game available to play for free on mobile and desktop.

    Thankfully, it’s easy getting started with NYT Connections. This word association game spreads 16 random words across a 4 x 4 grid. Players must find well, connections among these words and divide them across four categories, colored yellow, green, blue, and purple, based on difficulty.

    Connections Hint Today for April 18, 2025

    As mentioned above, the NYT Connections puzzle has four different categories that are divided into color-coded difficulties. From the Yellow category being the easiest to the hardest Purple one, the game can quickly become difficult if you’re unprepared.

    To make your life even easier, here are the NYT Connections hints for today’s categories:

    • Yellow Category – Words used to interrupt people
    • Green Category – Do you like horror movies?
    • Blue Category – You pick these with your fingers
    • Purple Category – Words used to signify owning stuff

    Spoiler Warning:

    Scroll past this point AT YOUR OWN RISK. Major category hints and answers for today’s NYT Connections below.

    Check out Today’s Connections Categories

    The Connections categories today are an interesting mix of themes, which might get a bit difficult for us all. That said, here are the NYT Connections categories for Friday, April 18, 2025.

    • Yellow – INTERJECTIONS
    • Green – HORROR MOVIES, WITH “THE”
    • Blue – THINGS YOU CAN PICK
    • Purple – PERSONAL PROPERTY MINUS “S”

    Do you finally see where each word should go? No? Then, keep scrolling to see the NYT Connections answers for today.

    Today’s Connections Answers for April 18, 2025

    The answers for Connections today, on April 18, 2025, are:

    • INTERJECTIONS – Boy, Goodness, Man, Wow
    • HORROR MOVIES, WITH “THE” – Birds, Exorcist, Haunting, Shining
    • THINGS YOU CAN PICK – Apple, Banjo, Card, Nose
    • PERSONAL PROPERTY MINUS “S” – Belonging, Effect, Good, Possession
    Image Credit: NYT Games (screenshot by Upanishad Sharma/ Beebom

    As you can see for yourself, the NYT Connections for April 18 was merciful to me with an easy 1 out of 5 difficulty. I began with the Green category and, as someone who loves horror movies, got these quite easily. The Purple category was, to be honest, a happenstance, but it did the trick.

    The Yellow group was solved because of my own personality as someone who loves interrupting people. With only four words left, I got them together to get the Purple category and the NYT Connections for April 18.

    How to Play Connections: Tips & Tricks to Solve the Puzzle

    Given the fact you’re here, chances are that you already know how to play NYT Connections. As you might be able to tell by now, Connections by The New York Times is a word association game where players sort out 16 random words into four categories by finding a common ‘connection.’ This can be anything from a common sound to a deeper meaning.

    That said, if you’re still confused, here are the best tips on how to play NYT Connections:

    • Simplicity is key: Connections will often throw ambiguous words at you. While it’s easy to get caught up in the details, the answer almost always lies in the simplest connections possible. So, instead of dear and deer being connected through a hunter-prey dynamic, they most likely connect because of a similar sound.
    • Watch those guesses: A key thing to note is Connections only gives you four chances in 24 hours for a single puzzle. As such, we advise not being trigger happy and carefully weighing in your words before pressing that submit button.
    • Shuffle Away: While a bit tricky, the sneaky Connections editor deliberately puts the first word placement as a misdirection. So the one golden tip here is to press that Shuffle button before you go on solving it.

    If you’re still unsure how to proceed, check out our dedicated how-to-play NYT Connections guide for all the help you need.

    We hope you had similar luck as I did for today’s game. If not, please let us know in the comments below!

    What are the NYT Connections answers for April 17, 2025?

    The Connections categories for April 17 are Yellow: Central sections of the body, Green: Components of a pizza, Blue: Units of beer, and Purple: Baseball greats. For in-depth answers, check out our Connections hints and answers for April 17.

    How to play past Connections games?

    Thankfully, it’s very easy to play old NYT Connections games. Simply head to the Connections archives and pick any date you wish to replay!

    What is the hardest Connections category?

    The Purple category is without a doubt the hardest NYT Connections category to solve. You have been warned!

    Can I play NYT Connections for free?

    Yes, you indeed can, as NYT Connections is a fully free game.

    Upanishad Sharma

    Combining his love for Literature and Tech, Upanishad dived into the world of technology journalism with fire. Now he writes about anything and everything while keeping a keen eye on his first love of gaming. Often found chronically walking around the office.


    Source: Beebom