Weekly Enigma: Automatic Spelling Adjustment
In the world of word games, palindromes — phrases that read the same backward as forward — are a familiar delight. However, the answer to a unique and intriguing riddle posed by Eric Chaikin on NPR's Sunday Puzzle on August 7, 2025, remains a mystery as of August 6.
The challenge, part of Eric Chaikin's weekly puzzle series, presents a media experience that seems to contrast negative emotions with "pleasant news." As of now, the official solution has not been disclosed, with listeners invited to submit their answers by August 7th, 3 p.m. ET.
Meanwhile, the creative juices have been flowing in the palindrome department. For instance, Jon Wentz, from Stillwater, Minn., submitted a palindrome for last week's two-week challenge. His entry was "God, y'know Spot's IQ is tops. Wonky dog!" — a palindrome that includes the elusive letter Q.
In case you're up for the challenge, the current puzzle asks for a palindrome that contains the letter Q. If your answer is selected, you'll have the opportunity to play the on-air puzzle. Don't forget to include a phone number where NPR can reach you, should you be the lucky winner.
This week's challenge comes from Eric Chaikin, of Westlake Village, Calif. He has set a riddle that requires identifying the channel and specific content shown on a TV broadcast that appears to depict anger, evil, slander, and ruin as pleasant news.
As always, NPR retains the copyright for these puzzles in 2025. So, keep those brain cells active, and we'll see you on the other side of the deadline!
- In the midst of the challenging riddle from Eric Chaikin, could there be a hidden palindrome related to technology, such as a 'smartphone gadgets news' that presents unpleasant events as pleasant?
- Despite the requested palindrome this week containing the Q letter, perhaps the answer to the TV broadcast riddle could be a news segment about a new Q-enabled smart device or gadget, portraying negative emotions as exciting and desirable.
