🚗 HOOD-WINKED

Today’s cartoon shows us a used-car sale where the owner is doing his best to describe the vehicle in glowing terms. A father and son aren’t quite ready to accept those claims at face value and decide to take a closer look for themselves. They see dents and signs of previous repair work that seem to tell a different story than the one they’ve been hearing. The seller may have hoped those flaws would blend into the background, but the shoddy bodywork was hard to miss once their attention turned to it. By the time they finished their inspection, the car supplied all the proof they needed.

🧩 CLUE WORD BREAKDOWN

GIDTI = DIGIT

Took an extra glance.

Last used: 06/28/2025 as GIDTI

NUWDO = WOUND

No issues.

Last used: 07/28/2025 as NUWDO

VITAEC = ACTIVE

Instantly visible.

Last used: 11/17/2024 as VITAEC

LYSMFE = MYSELF

My pick for hardest.

Last used: 06/26/2025 as LYSMFE

💎 JUMBLE JEFF’S JEMS

➤ THE CONFIDENT SELLER

The seller has short hair on top with longer hair flowing in the back, wraparound sunglasses, a beard, and a dark T-shirt. He is confident as he talks up the car’s condition.

➤ THE CLOSE LOOKERS

Both buyers appear clean-cut, wearing short-sleeved shirts and pants. They’re leaning in for a closer inspection of the bodywork.

➤ THE CAR’S SIDE OF THE STORY

Several dents are visible on the hood and fender, along with rough repair work near the front end. Shrubbery lines the horizon in the background.

🧠 FINAL SOLVE

Today’s final answer was an 8-letter anagram that solved into a single-hyphenated word with a “3-5” layout. Our second-to-last puzzle of the work week had a few more bumps than the past several days, but it never felt like a complete breakdown. With the answer shown in quotes, I didn’t spend too much time trying to guess it outright. Instead, I moved on to the cartoon, where the dents and questionable repair work seemed likely to be part of the solution. With the clue words written out, DENT was easy to spot, leaving EVI- behind for the first half. Tacking the S onto DENT drove the answer home. If today’s puzzle slowed you down, our nudges were the dents on the car and the fact that the father and son found the proof they were looking for.

🎉 NATIONAL HOLIDAYS* — JUNE 18

➤ National Go Fishing Day — Whether you’re casting from a dock, drifting in a boat, or relaxing along the shoreline, today celebrates one of America’s favorite outdoor traditions. It’s the perfect excuse to unplug and enjoy a few peaceful hours outdoors. SOURCE

➤ National Splurge Day — National Splurge Day encourages everyone to loosen the purse strings just a little and enjoy something they’ve been putting off. Sometimes the best reward is finally saying yes to yourself. SOURCE

➤ National Wanna Get Away Day — Whether it’s a weekend road trip or a dream vacation still on the drawing board, today celebrates the desire to escape routine and explore somewhere new. SOURCE

➤ National Dump The Pump Day — This observance highlights alternatives to solo driving by encouraging public transportation, carpooling, walking, and biking. It’s a reminder that even small transportation choices can add up. SOURCE

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

🥄 VIRAL RECIPE

Old-Fashioned Peanut Butter Meringue Pie

This old-school dessert combines a creamy peanut butter filling with a light, fluffy meringue topping for a combination that has been winning over family gatherings for generations. The rich peanut butter flavor balances perfectly with the airy sweetness above it, creating a pie that feels comforting and surprisingly easy to polish off.

🛒 DAILY DROPS*

➤ Campbell’s Gluten-Free Chicken Noodle Soup — For the first time in its 150-year history, Campbell’s is introducing a gluten-free version of its iconic soup. Made with Banza Chickpea Pasta and chicken raised without antibiotics, the new recipe keeps the familiar flavor while offering an option for shoppers looking to avoid gluten. Cans are priced around $1.99 and are rolling out nationwide. SOURCE

➤ Bisquick Retro Packaging — To celebrate America’s upcoming 250th Anniversary, Bisquick is releasing limited-edition boxes featuring vintage lettering, patriotic stars, and a classic Americana design. The familiar baking mix remains unchanged inside, but longtime fans will immediately notice the nostalgic look on store shelves. SOURCE

➤ Krispy Kreme Father’s Day Collection — Krispy Kreme is bringing back its Chocolate Iced Bowtie Doughnut alongside a glazed doughnut decorated with chocolate and blue icing. The special dozen launches on June 18 and runs through Father’s Day weekend while supplies last. SOURCE

*Prices, availability, and participation may vary by location. For entertainment purposes only.