By D. Kevin McNeir
Special to the AFRO
Quincy Wilson, 16, becomes youngest male U.S. track Olympian after relay pool selection
A Bowie, Md., native recently learned he’s going to Paris for the Summer Olympics.
The 16-year-old track phenom, Quincy Wilson, has been chosen by the U.S. selection committee to be part of the men’s 4×400 relay pool for Team USA’s track and field squad.
Quincy, who will enter his sophomore year at Bullis High School in Montgomery County this fall, is now a member of the pool and does not have a guaranteed position at a starting line, but his achievement should be celebrated as he becomes the youngest male U.S. track and field Olympian in history following his superb performance at the trials last month in Eugene, Ore. The men’s team will formally be announced on July 8.
For now, the AFRO only has this to say: “Run, Quincy, run!”
WMATA increases fare rates systemwide for first time since 2017
In efforts to reduce a $750 million budget gap, the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA) recently increased fare rates systemwide by 12.5 percent. The increase, which went into effect on June 30 and serves as the first Metro fare hike since 2017, will make fare rates vary from $2.25 to $6.75. Metro said the increases will allow them to maintain services without making any cuts and help them keep up with inflation.
The new fares include:
-Base fare for the Metrobus and Metrorail: Increases from $2 to $2.25.
-The maximum fare on weekdays: Increases from $6 to $6.75.
-Weekends and late nights: Ranges from $2.25 to $2.50 depending on the trip.
-Mileage Express bus fares: Increases from $4.25 to $4.80.
-MetroAccess: Increases from $4 to $4.50.
-Parking fees will not change but for those who want to lock up their bike, it will cost customers 5 cents an hour to rent a bike locker.
Poll shows Alsobrooks leading Hogan by double digits in race for U.S. Senate
Prince George’s County Executive Angela Alsobrooks (D) has a double digit lead over former Gov. Larry Hogan (R) in their race for U.S. Senate, according to a poll released on June 24 by Public Policy Polling (PPP). The firm, affiliated with the Democratic Party, independently conducted the poll. The poll has Alsobrooks with an 11-point lead over Hogan in a showdown that also included third-party and independent candidates. In a head-to-head match, Alsobrooks had an 8-point margin over Hogan.
And in a PPP survey, Alsobrooks garnered a higher percentage of Marylanders’ support than Hogan, 45 percent to 34 percent, respectively, with 5 percent supporting another candidate. When Alsobrooks and Hogan were the only choice, she held a slightly smaller lead of 8 points, 48 percent to 40 percent.
The race for the Maryland Senate seat opened up in early May when Sen. Ben Cardin (D-Md.) announced that he would not seek reelection. It secured nationwide attention after Hogan threw his hat into the ring. Many Republicans, including former president Donald Trump who has formally endorsed Hogan, believe the former governor can flip the seat.
Alsobrooks, who would be only the fourth Black woman elected to the U.S. Senate, has shown she can win after defeating Rep. David Trone (D-Md.) in the primaries. Meanwhile, Hogan changed his focus from potentially running for president to making a bid for the Senate.
Among independents, Hogan has a higher percentage of support than his opponent with 42 percent of the vote. He also has a 15 percent share of Democrats. Voter registration information for the state shows that those with no party affiliation make up nearly 21 percent of the eligible electorate.
Following the release of the PPP poll, an Alsobrooks spokesperson said the campaign is confident about their chances of winning.
“This race will determine who will have the 51st vote in the U.S. Senate. We are confident that Marylanders want Angela Alsobrooks to be that 51st vote because she shares their vision for the future – one where our freedoms are intact and every Marylander has a true shot at the American dream,” said Gina Ford, spokesperson for Alsobrooks for U.S. Senate.
Hogan’s camp also responded to the AFRO and indicated that he questions the validity of the poll.
“This is not a credible poll. It’s from a firm openly and directly affiliated with the Democratic Party. Outlets should not actively mislead their audiences by presenting it as anything but just another partisan messaging tool,” said Blake Kernen, campaign spokesperson for Hogan.
Stay tuned.
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