For trivia lovers and word nerds alike, September 15, 2025, offered a double shot of challenge and fun as two prominent quizzes made their appearance in the digital sphere. Slate Magazine, well-known for its clever takes on culture and current events, dropped its daily quiz with a twist: a focus on vocabulary, hosted by the ever-resourceful Ray Hamel. Meanwhile, Wausau Pilot & Review, in partnership with The Conversation U.S., rolled out its own weekly news quiz, curated by none other than Fritz Holznagel—a name that will ring a bell for fans of Jeopardy!, as he is a past winner of the Tournament of Champions. For those who revel in testing their knowledge, Monday was a good day indeed.
Let’s start with Slate’s daily offering. According to Slate Magazine, the quiz is part of a weekday series, meaning there’s a new opportunity to flex your mental muscles every single weekday. Ray Hamel, the quiz’s architect, is no stranger to crafting questions that are both challenging and entertaining. On this particular Monday, the topic was vocabulary—specifically, the etymology of the word ‘taboo’. It’s the kind of question that sends you down a rabbit hole, wondering about the origins of words we use without a second thought.
Slate’s quiz isn’t just about getting the right answer and moving on. Once you’ve finished, you’re given the chance to compare your score with the average contestant. That’s a clever twist—suddenly, you’re not just playing against yourself, but against the whole Slate community. For Slate Plus members, the stakes are even higher: they get access to a leaderboard, where the truly competitive can see exactly where they rank among the best. It’s a friendly rivalry, but one that keeps folks coming back for more.
Ray Hamel’s approach to quiz-making is both rigorous and playful. Each set of questions is unique, ensuring that regular participants never quite know what to expect. The focus on vocabulary for September 15 was a nod to the ever-evolving nature of language. Words like ‘taboo’ have fascinating backstories, and by highlighting them, Slate encourages readers to think a little deeper about the words they use every day. As the magazine put it, “Can you ace the quiz and beat the average? Good luck!” It’s a simple challenge, but one that’s hard to resist.
Meanwhile, over at Wausau Pilot & Review, the quiz of the day had a different flavor. This was the weekly news quiz, designed to test how closely readers had followed the events of the past week. The quiz is hosted by Fritz Holznagel, whose credentials are nothing short of impressive. As a past winner of the Jeopardy! Tournament of Champions, Holznagel knows a thing or two about trivia. According to The Conversation, which originally published the quiz content under a Creative Commons license, the aim is to engage readers and keep them sharp on current events.
What sets the Wausau Pilot & Review quiz apart is its focus on news literacy. In a world awash with information, being able to sift through the headlines and remember what matters is a valuable skill. The quiz doesn’t just test rote memory—it encourages readers to reflect on what they’ve learned and to stay engaged with the news cycle. And, in a nice touch, readers are invited to send feedback directly to the quizmaster via email. It’s an open-door policy that fosters a sense of community and dialogue.
Holznagel’s involvement adds a certain gravitas to the proceedings. Jeopardy! fans know that winning the Tournament of Champions is no small feat, and his pedigree lends credibility to the quiz. The Conversation, which republished the quiz, is known for its thoughtful, in-depth reporting, and the partnership with Wausau Pilot & Review ensures that the quiz reaches a wide and engaged audience. For readers, it’s a chance to test themselves against the week’s headlines and see how well they’ve kept up.
Both quizzes, while different in focus, share a common goal: to make learning fun and interactive. Slate’s vocabulary quiz is a daily ritual for many, a way to start the day with a mental workout. The chance to compare scores and climb the leaderboard adds a competitive edge, but at its heart, it’s about curiosity and discovery. As Slate Magazine notes, “Share your score with friends and compete to see who’s the brainiest.” It’s a call to arms for anyone who loves a good challenge.
The Wausau Pilot & Review quiz, on the other hand, is a weekly check-in—a way to measure how much of the week’s news has stuck. In an era where news can feel overwhelming, the quiz offers a moment of reflection. Did you catch that big story? Do you remember the details? It’s a gentle nudge to stay informed, but also a reminder that keeping up with the news can be enjoyable. And with Holznagel at the helm, you know the questions will be fair, challenging, and maybe even a little surprising.
Both quizzes also highlight the importance of community. Whether it’s the Slate Plus leaderboard or the open invitation to email feedback to Holznagel, there’s a sense that these quizzes are more than just solitary pursuits. They’re shared experiences, ways for readers to connect with each other and with the publications they trust. In a digital world that can sometimes feel isolating, that sense of connection is no small thing.
It’s worth noting, too, that both Slate and The Conversation have a reputation for quality. Slate Magazine’s daily quizzes are carefully curated, with attention to detail and a commitment to keeping things fresh. The Conversation, meanwhile, is known for its rigorous standards and commitment to public engagement. The partnership with Wausau Pilot & Review ensures that the quiz reaches local readers while maintaining the high standards set by The Conversation.
For trivia enthusiasts, these quizzes are a welcome addition to the daily and weekly routine. They offer a chance to learn, to compete, and to connect—all while having a bit of fun. And with hosts like Ray Hamel and Fritz Holznagel at the helm, you know you’re in good hands. Whether you’re a word lover, a news junkie, or just someone looking to test your knowledge, September 15, 2025, was a day to mark on the calendar.
As the digital quiz landscape continues to evolve, it’s clear that the appetite for challenging, engaging content remains strong. And with publications like Slate and Wausau Pilot & Review leading the way, the future looks bright for trivia fans everywhere.