Deborah Simmons
Articles by Deborah Simmons
Questioning Betsy DeVos on education: What’s next?
Education Secretary-nominee Betsy DeVos is scheduled to be grilled Tuesday by senators as part of the advise and consent process. Let's hope members of the exclusive club ask the all-revealing question: What's next? Published January 16, 2017
Pre-inaugural welcome includes Jon Voight, Toby Keith, Lee Greenwood
Want to hear Grammy Award-winner Jennifer Holliday belt out a gospel song with the Lincoln Memorial as a backdrop? How about Lee Greenwood, whose "God Bless the USA" stirs the soul as a national anthem in and of itself? Published January 13, 2017
Betsy DeVos and the battle for education reform, Round 1
The first round of the battle for education reform begins Jan. 17, when Betsy DeVos is slated to give her Senate testimony to become secretary of the Department of Education. Published January 12, 2017
Cost to raise child rises to $233,610
The cost of raising a child born in 2015 to 18 years old is ... drum roll, please ...$233,610. The economic angst, though, may continue. Published January 11, 2017
D.C. fails to secure personal information
Russian hackers and other identity theft trolls needn't cramp their fingers trying to get sensitive personal identifiers of D.C. residents. Published January 9, 2017
Message to the Congressional Black Caucus
"I am true to my own race. I wish to see all done that can be done for their encouragement, to assist them in acquiring property, in becoming intelligent, enlightened, useful, valuable citizens." — Sen. Hiram Revels, the first black to serve in Congress Published January 5, 2017
Washington Redskins need D.C. mojo back
The 'Skins left their mojo in RFK Stadium in Washington 20 years ago. The coaches haven't a clue as to how to get it back. Dan Snyder knows, and a few federal and D.C. authorities probably do, too. On Jan. 5, others get to open up. Published January 2, 2017
2016 news, notes of the year
It was an exhausting year, and it ain't over yet. Published December 29, 2016
The non-glitzy presidential inauguration
They all should be in Chicago. So very, very glad to know, though, that D.C. will be glammed up once Donald Trump occupies the White House. Published December 28, 2016
Carrie Fisher: Quotes from a funny lady
Carrie Fisher, 60, died Tuesday, a few days after being hit with cardiac arrest on a flight from London to Los Angeles while on her book tour. Published December 27, 2016
Muriel Bowser’s Youth Rehabilitation Act reform coincides with D.C. election season
Mayor Muriel Bowser has said she wants a report on the city's Youth Rehabilitation Act within the next few months. Her end game? To have a legislative reform package in front of the D.C. Council by autumn, before she announces her re-election intentions. Published December 26, 2016
Put education reform on Christmas wish list
You say you want a revolution? Well, you know Betsy DeVos is anticipating one — in education, that is. Published December 22, 2016
Living victims of violence help tell complete story
Read this before passing judgment on the causes and effects of America's violent streak. Published December 21, 2016
Christmas becomes victim of PC culture
You know it's Christmastime because somebody's offended about something. Published December 19, 2016
Inner voice unveils secret of Merry Christmas
"Merry Christmas." Those two words automatically cross our lips this time of year. When that phrase greeted my "hello" after I answered my phone the other day, however, I knew who the caller was. Published December 15, 2016
Donald Trump’s inner-city blues
The mayors of major U.S. cities with substantial black populations have pulled together their lengthy Christmas wish lists, which are not unlike those of their 20th-century predecessors and 21st-century progressive counterparts. In one, two-syllable word their common request is m-o-n-e-y. Published December 12, 2016
Incoming for Antwan Wilson
The D.C. government is scheduled to hold its annual gambling venture on Saturday, when parents will gather their hopes of getting their hands on thousands of jackpot prizes — awards not of cash or gift cards, or even tarot cards or tea leaf readings. Published December 8, 2016
Trump-Bowser an alliance unlikely
Does Muriel Bowser appreciate the fact that she is not the mayor of Podunk, USA? Published December 5, 2016
The homeless, human services conundrum
Homelessness should be making headlines again as the brrr! of winter weather inches nearer. Do not be deceived, though. Published December 1, 2016
Paul Wiedefeld, Metro general manager, moving transit agency forward
Metro General Manager Paul Wiedefeld held a press conference Wednesday to unveil the transit agency's next major undertaking. Published November 30, 2016