In celebration of the Fourth of July, NPR's Up First newsletter posed the question of freedom's meaning to its readership. Responses varied, reflecting diverse perspectives on this fundamental concept. Separately, the newsletter also divulged a culinary secret promising the ultimate summer pasta salad. The recipe aims to elevate the traditional dish with a specific technique or ingredient, offering readers a guaranteed hit for their holiday gatherings and beyond. Readers can find both the submitted reflections on freedom and the pasta salad tip in the latest edition of the Up First newsletter.