What is the answer to "Bert's buddy" in the USA Today Crossword?

The answer to the USA Today Crossword clue "Bert's buddy" is ERNIE (5 letters).

USA

Bert's buddy USA Today Crossword Clue

Down clue · from the July 2, 2026 puzzle

Stuck on “Bert's buddy” from the USA Today Crossword? Here is the verified answer:

Answer

ERNIE

5 letters · Down · last seen July 2, 2026

1A"___ officially on a budget!"3 1D"eh, kinda"3 2D"Now I get it!"3 3DTwo-___ family3 4DUses a colander7 4ABarbecue side dish4 5DAuthenticating credentials6 6D"___ we all?"5 7DUsed to be4 8ASinister forces5 8DNotable time period3 9DPlant-based barbecue offering you might relish?9