Deborah Simmons — Life As It Happens
Deborah Simmons
Deborah Simmons was a senior correspondent who reported on City Hall and wrote about education, culture, sports and family-related topics.
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Kimberly Klacik vs. Kweisi Mfume in battle for Maryland's 7th Congressional District
Kweisi Mfume's politics are as progressive as Kimberly Klacik's are pro-Trump, which helps to explain why the 7th District, which includes parts of the city of Baltimore and parts of Baltimore and Howard counties, likes her, too.
SharesVirginia lawmakers foolishly considering bill to protect extreme cultural shenanigans
OK, Dear Readers, a few questions.
SharesMike Bloomberg and his mayoral endorsements
Muriel Bowser added her name to a growing list of mayors endorsing billionaire Michael R. Bloomberg for president, and it's not surprising.
SharesKobe Bryant, Morgan Wootten, David Stern make a heck of a basketball group in heaven
There's a heck of a basketball team in heaven. In one month, we've lost former NBA Commissioner David Stern, former DeMatha High School legendary coach Morgan Wootten and NBA Hall of Fame shoo-in Kobe Bryant.
SharesEducation by ZIP code
The ZIP code of a child should not determine where that child attends school. Should it?
SharesOklahoma points the way to better quality of life
Oklahoma is the fist-shaped state in south-central United States that looks like its pointy finger is pointed westward. That's Oklahoma in a itsy-bitsy nutshell, and that's why the headline from the editorial board of the state's largest daily is worthy of attention.
SharesOrdinary Americans should ask tough questions
You'd think the Dems learned in 2016 to scrap the junk. Ordinary Americans, after all was said and done, chose Donald Trump, didn't they?
SharesReading, writing, arithmetic take back seat to gender-neutral proposal in D.C.
The councilman wants to take a flyswatter to the term council "chairman" in the D.C. Code. The same goes for "manhole," "fireman" and any other gender-revealing nouns, pronouns and adjectives.
SharesMaryland Gov. Larry Hogan cracks down on crime and criminals
A poll released this week suggests that Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan is targeting the bull's-eye by proposing to crack down on crime and criminals.
Shares2020: The new year brings new questions
With the new year comes the inevitable.
SharesPay it forward with charitable contributions
Santa's done his thing, and you've sifted through his deliveries to decide which you'll keep, which you'll regift and which (shrug) you'll return to brick-and-mortar stores -- or struggle to find the return labels for shipping. While you're at it, consider paying it forward. Donate to a worthy and reputable cause, and get a tax credit to boot.
SharesChristmas and Harriet Tubman
So, on Christmas Eve 1854, she again trekked from Philadelphia, where she was safe -- relatively speaking, of course -- to Maryland, where her parents and three brothers were enslaved. Her brothers knew she was on her way, because she had sent word via the agents and conductors of the Underground Railroad.
SharesJoe Biden, say it ain't so
Joseph R. Biden, who twice strode alongside Barack Obama to win the White House and now is in a comfortable pace in the 2020 race, seems to have forgotten Mr. Sharpton's 2009 warning about education not being an option.
SharesIt's time to rethink the faith aspects of the season
Well, it's the time of year to hustle and bustle to try to reroute the reason for the season. The diversions are legion.
SharesFood stamps giveaways takeaways
Shame on those grown folk, of course, because they are not only wasting good food but good money, too. Federal, state and local coffers pay for school feeding programs, and your taxes fill those coffers.
SharesD.C. lawmakers consider robbing PTAs and PTOs
Three D.C. Council members -- David Grosso, Vincent Gray and Brianne Nadeau -- hastened Tuesday to be the initial bearers of glad tidings by introducing the D.C. Public Schools Family and School Community Fundraising Equity Act of 2019.
SharesJack Evans to get the boot for scratching his own back
The comeuppance for the incestuous nature of City Hall politics finally came calling Tuesday afternoon -- and aims to boot D.C. Council member Jack Evans out the door.
SharesCommunity service benefits young students and athletes
Young people like Mayce Wood and others who volunteer to do good for their communities' sake aren't so jaded. They don't just see a need; they feel the need. Sometimes, again too often, young people only do things merely because an adult tells them to do it.
SharesMichael Bloomberg and Donald Trump, meet Gladys Harrison of Nebraska
Republicans, Democrats, independents: Lend me your eyes and ears -- and if Michael Bloomberg and President Trump are paying attention, here's the American voter you both need to court. Her name is Gladys Harrison, and she lives in Omaha, Nebraska, where she runs a restaurant called Big Mama's Kitchen and Catering.
SharesDivisive Democrats in D.C. City Hall?
Leave it to a D.C. politician to pick up on the far left's scent. As if Ms. Pelosi had handed him a rod and staff, D.C. Council member David Grosso appears to be training for a run against the chairman of the council.
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