Jumble Answers for 01/09/2026

CARTOON ANSWER:

SOUND
DECISION
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Puzzle Players!

PIER REVIEWED

Today’s cartoon brings us to a pier where a woman leads a small group of youngsters on a tour. They gather around a map that shows exactly where they are, highlighting the narrow passage between Long Island and the Atlantic. She points out that this body of water was once known as the Devil’s Belt, prompting the boy beside her to admit that it sounds scary. Two girls up front weigh in next, with one saying she likes the new name better and the other quickly agreeing. Judging by everyone’s reactions, the group seems to be in consensus that the name change was the right call.

🧩 CLUE WORD BREAKDOWN

ILDVI = LIVID

Took a couple of glances.

Last used: 09/06/2023 as IDLIV

SFYUS = FUSSY

No trouble at all.

Last used: 08/19/2025 as SUFSY

LUONDF = UNFOLD

My pick for hardest.

Last used: 04/03/2024 as LONFUD

NEROCE = ENCORE

A nice challenge.

Last used: 04/18/2025 as ROCEEN

🔎 Jumble Jeff’s Jems

Everyone in the panel is wearing a short sleeve shirt. The woman leading the tour has a larger brimmed hat with glasses, and the boy beside her is wearing a bucket hat. The map shows Connecticut to the north, Long Island to the south, and a “you are here” marker right at the water’s edge. A seagull is standing on top of the map, with another gull flying in the background. Off to the far right, just above the gull standing on the map, a sailboat is sinking.

FINAL SOLVE

The final answer was an anagram consisting of 13 letters that solved into a 5+8 layout. The way the letters were arranged kept things murky at first. What cleared it up was the location on the map. SOUND surfaced first, leaving DECISION to flow naturally from the remainder. The visual nudge came from the map showing where they were and the group itself agreeing that the new name fit better.

Click-To-Reveal Facts*:
Long Island Sound

➤ How big is Long Island Sound?
The total area of the Sound is approximately 1,300 square miles with a coastline of about 600 miles.
SOURCE
➤ How deep is it?
Waters reach between 60 and 350 feet deep at a channel known as “the Race.” The average depth is 63 feet in the center of the Sound.
SOURCE
➤ How much water is in the Sound?
There are an estimated 18 trillion gallons of water in the Sound. That’s enough to supply New York City with water for roughly 33 years.
SOURCE

*For entertainment purposes only. Consult reliable references for critical use.

💬 Say What?

“Smell the sea, and feel the sky, let your soul and spirits fly.” — Van Morrison

SOURCE

🗳️ Get a Clue* (About Each Other!)

Solving the puzzle might be the main event, but connecting with one another is just as fun. Here’s a quick poll to share your perspective and see where you land among your fellow players.

*For entertainment purposes only. Consult reliable references for critical use.

🎉 National Holidays* — January 9

National Apricot Day — A day celebrating the sweet-tart fruit that shows up everywhere from jams and pastries to dried snacks. Apricots have been enjoyed for centuries and still earn their place in kitchens around the world. SOURCE

National Static Electricity Day — This one shines a light on the invisible force most of us notice only when we get zapped. From sparks and shocks to science lessons, it’s a reminder that electricity is always at work around us. SOURCE

National Law Enforcement Appreciation Day — A day set aside to recognize the service and dedication of law enforcement officers across the country. It encourages gratitude and support for those who work to keep communities safe. SOURCE

National Balloon Ascension Day — Marking the first untethered hot air balloon flight in 1793, this day celebrates human curiosity and the urge to take to the skies. A small moment that helped lift aviation history off the ground. SOURCE

*For entertainment purposes only. Consult reliable references for critical use.

🥄 Viral Recipe

Cookies & Cream Puppy Chow

This no-bake snack keeps making the rounds because it hits every note at once. Crunchy cereal gets coated in melted chocolate, mixed with crushed cookies, then dusted until every piece is packed with flavor. It comes together fast, disappears even faster, and somehow manages to feel nostalgic and indulgent at the same time.

SOURCE

🛒 Daily Drops*

Cold Stone Creamery Valentine’s Treats — Cold Stone’s Valentine’s lineup centers on four new additions designed for the season. The menu includes Fudge Truffle Ice Cream, Red Velvet Cake Batter Ice Cream, a Red Waffle Cone, and a Red Waffle Bowl. The flavors lean rich and chocolate-forward, while the red cone and bowl give everything a limited-time Valentine’s look. These items are available now at participating locations for the holiday season.

SOURCE

Brach’s SweetRite Conversation Hearts — Brach’s is rolling out SweetRite Conversation Hearts with a full refresh, including tangier fruit flavors, a crunchier texture, and a brighter, updated look. The messages now feature double-sided sayings, with some candies displaying ASL symbols and emojis alongside the classic phrases. These are available now at major retailers for the Valentine’s season.

SOURCE

Subway’s New Protein Pockets + Sub of the Day Deal — Subway’s big add is Protein Pockets, launching January 8, starting at $3.99. The four options are Baja Chicken, Peppercorn Ranch Chicken, Italian Trio, and Turkey & Ham. They’re also rolling out a value deal with a rotating 6-inch Sub of the Day for $4.99 at participating locations.

SOURCE

*Prices and participation may vary. Retailers may alter or end promotions without notice. For entertainment purposes only.

🌖 That’s A Wrap

JEST For Fun

(click joke to reveal answer)

➤ Why should you always bring salsa to the beach?
So you can take a dip in the sea!
➤ Where did the syrup like to travel on vacation?
Sandy-Eggo!
➤ How did the mermaid pay off her credit card debt?
She prawned everything she owned!

Calling out these familiar names who show up as reliably as the tide:

  • 🌊 Inquisvlysprby
  • 🏆 SMITTY
  • ⚓ MateodeColón
  • 🦀 Alleytaj52
  • 🌱 Alan H.
  • 🍫 BETTY
  • 🚤 Postjoyfully
  • 🌧️ Bobsteve9
  • 🌙 Butterflybarbi
  • 🌀 JKORSKI

Please leave a LIKE, FACEBOOK 👍, or PINTEREST 📍 before you skedaddle!

✨ Until tomorrow, may your day be BRIGHT and your mind stay SHARP!

Jumble is a registered trademark of Tribune Content Agency, LLC. All rights to the original puzzle, characters, and artwork are owned by Tribune Content Agency. This site is an independent fan resource and solver’s guide, unaffiliated with the creators or syndicators. All thoughts and opinions expressed here are solely my own and do not reflect those of Tribune Content Agency or the puzzle’s creators. For entertainment purposes only. Consult reliable references for critical use.

THANK YOU

FOR READING!