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Milwaukee residents work to improve quality of life in Washington Park neighborhood

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Milwaukee residents work to improve quality of life in Washington Park neighborhood


A Milwaukee organization is stepping up to improve life for families in Washington Park.

From housing and safety to youth programs and economic growth, Rooted & Rising is leading the charge. The group is working closely with residents to ensure their voices are heard and their needs are met.

Finding quality child care has been a challenge for many families in Washington Park, but Rooted & Rising is determined to change that by expanding early childhood programs and providing more resources for working parents.

“The children are our future, and it’s up to us to make sure they become exactly who they need to be,” said Kayla Davis, director of early childhood education.

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Kayla Davis – Director of Early Childhood Education

But child care is just one part of the bigger picture. The organization has created a Quality of Life Plan, a resident-led initiative tackling major issues like housing, food security, and unemployment. The goal is to build a stronger, more connected community.

“It’s like a blueprint, and it helps in different areas that are needed,” said Megan Thomas, a member of Rooted & Rising.

Megan Thomas, Rooted & Rising People And Culture Cooridinator

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Megan Thomas, Rooted & Rising People And Culture Cooridinator

For Washington Park residents like Steven Hunter, the changes are making a real difference.

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Watch: Residents work to improve quality of life in Washington Park neighborhood

Milwaukee residents work to improve quality of life in Washington Park neighborhood

“We always say it takes a village. Everyone has a part. People feel more hope, and they understand there is a pathway to be involved. Their voice matters,” Hunter said.

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Steven Hunter, Washington Park Resident

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Steven Hunter, Washington Park Resident

Angela Pruitt, who has lived in the neighborhood for 30 years, has seen both its struggles and its potential. She believes the community must invest in itself to create real change.

“This is our community. We’re investors. In order to get something back, we have to put in the work and help it become a better place,” Pruitt said.

Angela Pruitt, Washington Park Resident for 30 years

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Angela Pruitt, Washington Park Resident for 30 years

Rooted & Rising plans to expand its efforts—adding more child care options, supporting local businesses, and working to make streets safer. But they say real progress comes when the whole community gets involved.

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Key focus areas of the Quality of Life Plan include:

-Youth Development & Education: Providing after-school programs, mentorship opportunities, and educational workshops to prepare young residents for successful futures.

-Health & Wellness and Food Security: Promoting holistic health through community health fairs, mental health support, access to healthy food options, and fitness programs.

-Economic Development: Supporting local businesses, creating job opportunities, and offering financial literacy classes to empower residents economically.

-Public Safety: Establishing neighborhood watch programs, community policing efforts, and initiatives that foster unity and cooperation among residents.

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-Housing: Developing affordable, safe housing and promoting urban gardening projects, clean-up drives, and sustainability education.

Rooted & Rising – Washington Park Residents

Rooted & Rising

Rooted & Rising – Washington Park Residents

Through community collaborative efforts and a focus on resident-driven initiatives, Rooted & Rising – Washington Park strives to build a stronger, more resilient community for all its residents.

“It’s a way of finding a solution instead of just throwing in the towel,” Thomas said.

Hunter agrees, believing that with a clear plan, Milwaukee can continue moving forward.

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Washington Park Residents Work On the Quality Of Life Plan

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Washington Park Residents Work On the Quality Of Life Plan

“I love Milwaukee, and I know good things happen when there’s a plan,” he said.

Pruitt remains hopeful and committed to the process.

“We’ve come a long way, but we still have a long way to go. And we’re dedicated to making it happen,” Pruitt said.

Washington Park Residents Work On the Quality Of Life Plan

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Washington Park Residents Work On the Quality Of Life Plan

As for Davis, she encourages families to see the work for themselves.

“We offer so much—come check us out!” Davis said.

Rooted & Rising – Washington Park is hosting its 2nd Annual Rooted & Rising Bowling Fundraiser Thursday, Feb. 27, 4:30-7:00 p.m.

Rooted & Rising – Washington Park Bowling Fundraiser

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Rooted & Rising – Washington Park Bowling Fundraiser

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Washington

Capitals Acquire a Conditional First-Round Pick in Either 2026 or 2027 and a 2027 Third-Round Pick from Anaheim for John Carlson | Washington Capitals

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Capitals Acquire a Conditional First-Round Pick in Either 2026 or 2027 and a 2027 Third-Round Pick from Anaheim for John Carlson | Washington Capitals


The Washington Capitals have acquired a conditional first-round pick in either the 2026 NHL Draft or the 2027 NHL Draft and a third-round pick in the 2027 NHL Draft from the Anaheim Ducks for defenseman John Carlson, senior vice president and general manager Chris Patrick announced today. Should Anaheim qualify for the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs, Anaheim will transfer its 2026 first-round pick to Washington. If Anaheim fails to qualify for the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs, Anaheim has the option to retain its 2026 first-round pick and transfer its 2027 first-round pick to Washington instead.

“Since joining our organization 17 years ago, John Carlson has exemplified what it means to be a Washington Capital every day,” said Patrick. “John’s determination, leadership, persistence and skill helped our franchise reach new heights and cemented him as a cornerstone and one of the greatest players in Capitals history. His contributions to our organization and the Washington, D.C., community both on and off the ice have been immeasurable. We are incredibly grateful for everything John has given to our team and wish him and his family nothing but the best moving forward with Anaheim.”

The Capitals own 22 total picks in the next three drafts, including four first-round selections and nine picks in the first three rounds. Washington also acquired a 2029 second-round pick from the Vegas Golden Knights on March 5.

Carlson, 36, recorded 46 points (10g, 36a) in 55 games with the Capitals this season and will be an unrestricted free agent at the end of the season. Carlson has played his entire 17-season career with the Capitals and is the franchise’s all-time leader in games played (1,143), goals (166), assists (605) and points (771) among defensemen. The Natick, Massachusetts native helped lead the Capitals to their first Stanley Cup championship in 2018, and led all defensemen in playoff scoring with 20 points (5g, 15a) in 24 games played. Carlson was originally drafted by Washington in the first round (27th overall) of the 2008 NHL Draft.

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Washington

Police finish DoorDash delivery after arresting driver in New Jersey

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Police finish DoorDash delivery after arresting driver in New Jersey


WASHINGTON TWP., N.J. — Officers in Washington Township, said they finished a DoorDash food delivery after arresting the driver who had warrants out for his arrest.

Body camera video shows officers stepping in to deliver the food themselves, a move the department in southern New Jersey later shared on its Facebook page.

“I thought something happened. Oh my God, I got so scared,” said the customer when she answered the door.

The DoorDash customer, seen on police body cam video, was instantly relieved and appreciative upon learning why officers were at her door.

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“Arrested your driver, but, yeah, we delivered your food,” one of the officers said.

It turns out a Washington Township police officer stopped the DoorDash driver during routine patrols in front of a high school over the weekend.

“He made a stop on it for a violation,” said Washington Township Police Chief Patrick Gurcsik.

But then, Chief Gurcsik said the officer learned the driver had warrants out for his arrest in another county.

“He made the officers aware that he had two DoorDash meals in the car that he was in the middle of delivering,” Gurcsik said.

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The officers went from cuffing the driver to ringing a doorbell to finish his delivery.

“I never heard of anything like that in the South Jersey area. It’s sort of a first for us here in Washington Township, definitely,” Gurcsik said.

Police finish DoorDash delivery after arresting driver in New Jersey

It’s happened in other places, too, including in New Mexico last summer, when a motorcycle cop delivered someone’s Chick-fil-A order after arresting the driver.

“Hello, sir, got your DoorDash. Oh, thank you,” the officer said. “He’s a good kid, give him five stars. He just didn’t take care of a simple insurance ticket.”

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And officers over in Arizona made a similar arrest during a traffic stop and were seen on body camera finishing the delivery.

“Your GrubHub, still delivered your pizza,” the officer said.

“We definitely serve the community in more ways than one,” Gurcsik said.

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Holdout Democrats leave WA House support for income tax in doubt

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Holdout Democrats leave WA House support for income tax in doubt


The votes weren’t there yet late Wednesday for Democrats’ income tax bill in the Washington state House.Democratic members are withholding support for the proposed income tax on millionaires, saying they want to see if a new version of the controversial legislation, possibly due out Thursday, will satisfy their concerns.



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