Merrell’s updated Nova 4 (men’s) and Antora 4 (women’s) hiking shoes offer enhanced comfort and durability compared to their predecessors. These shoes feature durable outsoles for superior traction on varied terrain and lightweight cushioning for support. A bellows tongue and elastic lace keeper enhance functionality, while recycled materials add a sustainable element. The athletic design makes these ideal for spring hiking adventures.
The National Parks Service webpage on the Underground Railroad has undergone significant revisions, notably removing a prominent quote and image of Harriet Tubman, along with references to enslaved people and the Fugitive Slave Act. These changes, following a pattern of alterations to government websites under the Trump administration, have sparked criticism for minimizing the historical narrative and downplaying the role of enslaved people in their own liberation. The revised page now emphasizes “American ideals of liberty and freedom,” a shift historians deem a distortion of historical fact. The removal of Tubman’s contributions is considered particularly offensive given her crucial role in the Underground Railroad.
On Veterans Day, Harriet Tubman was posthumously awarded the rank of Brigadier General in the Maryland National Guard, a fitting recognition for her service as a scout, spy, and nurse for the Union Army during the Civil War. Governor Wes Moore hailed Tubman as a true veteran and a leading figure in American history, highlighting her bravery in leading 150 Black soldiers on a dangerous raid in South Carolina. This honor, along with the recent unveiling of a bronze statue in Philadelphia and a school renaming, solidifies Tubman’s legacy as a symbol of freedom and resilience, though efforts to feature her on the $20 bill have stalled.
John Q. Hosedrinker