Sunday Puzzle Challenge: Common Threads Explained (NPR Style) (2026)

Unravel the Sunday Puzzle: Common Threads! Three things are named, and you've got to find the common thread. From 'Face Needle Hurricane' to 'Men's clothing store Deck of cards Law firm', what's the link? This week's challenge is a brainteaser from Tom Streit. A man says to his friend, "I'm thinking of a 9-letter word that contains my name, Ian, embedded somewhere inside it. If you replace my 3-letter name with your 4-letter name, you'll get a familiar word in 10 letters." Can you crack the code and reveal the two words and the friend's name? Get ready for a fun and thought-provoking challenge!