© 2026 WRVO Public Media
NPR News for Central New York
Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations

Sunday Puzzle: Earth Day categories

Sunday Puzzle
NPR
Sunday Puzzle

On-air challenge

In honor of Earth Day on Tuesday, I've brought a game of Categories based on the word EARTH. For each category I give, name something in it starting with each of the letters E-A-R-T-H. For example, if the category were "Two-Syllable Girls' Names," you might say Ellen, Amy, Rachel, Tina, and Helen. Any answer that works is OK, and you can give the answers in any order. Note: In some cases there may be more than one answer.

  1. U.S. Presidents
  2. Three-Letter Parts of the Body
  3. European Capitals
  4. TV Sitcoms

Last week's challenge

Last week's challenge comes from listener Jessica Popp, of Indiana, Pa. Name a famous European tourist site in nine letters. Rearrange its last four letters to name something that its first five letters can be planted in.

Challenge answer 

Acropolis --> A crop can be planted in soil.

Winner

Bob Kozak of Lafayette, Ind.

This week's challenge

This week's challenge comes from Philip Goodman, of Binghamton, N.Y. Name an animal in five letters. Add two letters and rearrange the result to name a bird in seven letters. Then add two letters to that and rearrange the result to name another animal in nine letters. What creatures are these?

If you know the answer to the challenge, submit it here by Thursday, April 24th, at 3 p.m. ET. Listeners whose answers are selected win a chance to play the on-air puzzle. Important: include a phone number where we can reach you.

Copyright 2025 NPR

NPR's Puzzlemaster Will Shortz has appeared on Weekend Edition Sunday since the program's start in 1987. He's also the crossword editor of The New York Times, the former editor of Games magazine, and the founder and director of the American Crossword Puzzle Tournament (since 1978).
Recent cuts to federal funding are challenging our mission to serve central and upstate New York with trusted journalism, vital local coverage, and the diverse programming that informs and connects our communities. This is the moment to join our community of supporters and help keep journalists on the ground, asking hard questions that matter to our region.

Stand with public media and make your gift today—not just for yourself, but for all who depend on WRVO as a trusted resource and civic cornerstone in central and upstate New York.