News & Politics
You are the nerdiest political nerd if you can figure out our NY political Connections
The New York Times’ game, adapted for city and city government experts.
Only the insiders, like the one approximated in this stock photo of a politician, can win. Mike Kemp
On June 12, 2023, The New York Times added Connections to its array of online word games, and it has become a hit over the past year. The puzzle asks readers to “group words that share a common thread” by creating groups of four that belong together – based on wordplay, similar meanings and other factors. It has proved so popular that others have riffed on the format, with New Jersey’s state government account recently posting “a Jersey twist” of the game on X. So City & State decided to take a crack at a few Connections of our own.
GAME ONE ANSWERS
First name of four most recent ex-governors: ANDREW (Cuomo), DAVID (Paterson), ELIOT (Spitzer), GEORGE (Pataki)
Williamses: NANTASHA, BRANDON, DAMIAN, JUMAANE
Last names in NY bridges: Governor Mario M. CUOMO Bridge, VERRAZZANNO-Narrows Bridge, Ed KOCH Queensboro Bridge, Robert F. KENNEDY Bridge
Last names of members of congressional delegation, shortened: STEFAN(ik), JEFF(ries), GOLD(man), LAW(ler)
GAME TWO ANSWERS
Leadership positions in state Legislature: WHIP, SECRETARY, SPEAKER, CHAIR
New York counties: WAYNE, CLINTON, ORANGE, KINGS
Acronyms for state legislation: DREAM, SAFE, TRUMP, HEAT
Homophones for state legislator last names: WEB (Lea Webb), HASTY (Carl Heastie), CRUISE (Catalina Cruz), ROADS (Steven Rhoads)
GAME THREE ANSWERS
New York municipalities: BUFFALO, DUNKIRK, FLORIDA, BELFAST
New York government acronyms: TED (Transportation and Economic Development), TAP (Tuition Assistance Program), DOT (Department of Transportation), DOE (Department of Education)
Official state symbols: BLUEBIRD, BEAVER, ROSE, GARNET
Last names of New York lawmakers: (Gale) BREWER, (Pamela) HUNTER, (Sandy) NURSE, (Vivian) COOK
GAME FOUR ANSWERS
Government buildings: CAPITOL, OFFICE, COURTHOUSE, HALL
Political authority: CAPITAL, CLOUT, INFLUENCE, POWER
Rent _____: REGULATION, CONTROL, STABILIZATION, HIKE
Politician last name ____er: LAND(er), WALK(er), PARK(er), MAY(er)