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PUZZLE PLAYERS!

⚖️ Will Power

Today’s cartoon takes us into a lawyer’s office, where a couple is looking for reassurance that their estate plans won’t create future headaches for the family. The attorney appears confident as she reviews the paperwork and explains that every detail has been carefully addressed. That confidence seems to put the couple at ease, knowing that potential disputes have been accounted for. By the time their lawyer was finished, nobody was going to find a way around what was on the page.

🧩 CLUE WORD BREAKDOWN

GOUHR = ROUGH

No trouble.

Last used: 02/13/2023 as GOUHR

LEKTN = KNELT

Instantly visible.

Last used: 11/23/2024 as LEKTN

TIYGEH = EIGHTY

My pick for hardest.

Last used: 06/03/2024 as TIYGEH

AARDIF = AFRAID

Took a few extra looks.

Last used: 07/23/2025 as AARDIF

🧠 FINAL SOLVE

The final answer was a 9-LETTER ANAGRAM that solved into a “4” + 5 LAYOUT. As we inch closer to the end of the work week, the uptick in difficulty is definitely “HEIR”-PPARENT. Looking at the cartoon, I didn’t have any guesses as to where the answer was headed, so it was up to the clue words to get the job done. Once all the letters were written out, the man’s dialogue about the kids brought “HEIR” to mind, and with those letters accounted for, it didn’t take much effort to spot TIGHT in the remainder. If today’s puzzle slowed you down, our biggest nudges were the lawyer saying everything was locked in, pointing toward AIR TIGHT, while the man’s mention of the kids gave us “HEIR” for the wordplay finish.

🎉 NATIONAL HOLIDAYS* – JUNE 25

➤ National Bomb Pop Day — The iconic red, white, and blue frozen treat gets its own day of recognition. First introduced in 1955, Bomb Pops remain a summertime favorite across generations. SOURCE

➤ National Strawberry Parfait Day — A celebration of layered strawberries, cream, yogurt, or ice cream. The parfait remains one of the simplest and most colorful warm-weather desserts. SOURCE

➤ National Catfish Day — Established by presidential proclamation in 1987, the day recognizes one of America’s most important farm-raised fish and the industry built around it. SOURCE

➤ National Handshake Day — This observance highlights one of the oldest and most recognizable gestures of goodwill, trust, agreement, and greeting. SOURCE

➤ National Leon Day — Falling exactly six months before Christmas, Leon Day (“Noel” spelled backward) serves as a halfway marker for holiday planners and early shoppers. SOURCE

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

🥄 VIRAL RECIPE

Crispy Cornflake Treats

Crunchy cornflakes, gooey marshmallows, and buttery sweetness come together in a no-fuss dessert that feels familiar from the very first bite. The extra crunch gives these bars more texture than traditional cereal treats, making them especially hard to stop eating after just one square.

🛒 DAILY DROPS*

➤ Little Debbie Fudge Round Creme Pies — Little Debbie is combining two longtime favorites into one snack. The new treat pairs Fudge Round chocolate cookies with the fluffy white filling made famous by Oatmeal Creme Pies, then finishes everything with white icing. The new snack arrives nationwide in mid-July. SOURCE

➤ Naturally Colored M&M’s — M&M’s will release a special version using natural color sources such as beets and turmeric. The initial release will feature Red, Orange, Yellow, and Green candies, while Blue and Brown continue development for future releases. SOURCE

➤ Oreo Campfire S’More Cookies — Oreo has introduced a new summer treat featuring Golden Double Stuf Oreos coated in chocolate fudge and topped with mini marshmallows and graham cracker crumbles. The cookies are available exclusively through Oreo’s website. SOURCE

➤ Coffee Mate Snickerdoodle Creamer — Coffee Mate is bringing back its popular Snickerdoodle Flavored Coffee Creamer. The cinnamon-cookie-inspired creamer returns in larger 32-ounce bottles and is expected back on store shelves soon. SOURCE

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