Copperhead snakes are surfacing earlier across the Washington, D.C. area; local rescues report dozens of encounters and offer safety tips and yard advice. Experts link the early activity to a variable spring.

After years of delays, Skyland Town Center in Southeast D.C. cut the ribbon on a nearly one‑acre community park that adds play space, seating and a multiuse plaza. City officials say public investment helped unlock the stalled redevelopment.

A January Interior directive is prompting managers to roll back hunting limits at dozens of park units, from Cape Cod to Jean Lafitte, drawing cheers and warnings. Officials say safety closures remain but implementation is already underway.