Erik's puzzles often make me think, and I appreciate how he highlighted some INDEPENDENCE DAY ideas that may not always be associated with this holiday. Thank you, Erik, for this timely puzzle.

Erik's puzzles often make me think, and I appreciate how he highlighted some INDEPENDENCE DAY ideas that may not always be associated with this holiday. Thank you, Erik, for this timely puzzle.

Need a break? Play the USA TODAY Daily Crossword Puzzle. Independence Day isn’t about one president July 4 isn’t about Trump. It’s not about any one president, policy or party.

Explore daily insights on the USA TODAY crossword puzzle by Sally Hoelscher. Uncover expert takes and answers in our crossword blog.

The title of today's puzzle cleverly uses the sequel's title to indicate that, like yesterday's puzzle, the theme of today's puzzle is "Independence Day" – it's a sequel of a sort.