Students from Pikes Peak State College and the University of Colorado Colorado Springs are set to launch an experiment to the International Space Station in mid-November, as part of the Student Spaceflight Experiments Program. The project, led by Blake MacDonald, Noah Grebe, and Luke Davis, aims to study the effects of microgravity on calcium sulfate crystal formation, potentially aiding long-term space missions by producing fertilizers. The experiment will be launched aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 Dragon rocket from NASA's Kennedy Space Center, with astronauts monitoring it for two to four weeks.

Hundreds participated in the Colorado Springs Marathon, running from the Pioneers Museum to Davis Airfield at the Air Force Academy and back. The event was covered by The Independent, with photos captured by Karin Zeitvogel at the 10-mile mark, which also serves as the 20-mile mark, along Monument Creek.

Avery Koonce, a 19-year-old cadet at the U.S. Air Force Academy, died from a rare form of sepsis linked to a bacterial infection secondary to a parainfluenza infection. The autopsy report from the El Paso County coroner’s office revealed that the bacterium Paeniclostridium sordellii was found in her lung and blood, leading to a toxic shock-like syndrome. No drugs or alcohol were found in her system. Koonce, remembered as a dedicated athlete and cadet, was honored with a vigil and memorial service attended by her peers.

The U.S. State Department's Global Music Diplomacy Initiative recently hosted 22 international hip hop artists, including Cameroonian artist Mimie, for a two-week cultural exchange program. The initiative, part of the International Visitor Leadership Program, aims to promote peace and democracy through music. Participants engaged with American music industry professionals, explored hip hop's role in civic engagement, and attended events in Washington, D.C., New York, and North Carolina. The program seeks to empower artists to drive creative economies in their home countries, with Mimie planning to leverage her experience to impact her community in Cameroon. The initiative underscores the long-standing tradition of U.S. music diplomacy, fostering global cultural exchanges.

Yemen's Ambassador to the United States, Mohammed Al-Hadhrami, is seeking U.S. assistance to end the ongoing 10-year civil war in Yemen, which has resulted in a severe humanitarian crisis. Al-Hadhrami aims to convince Congress to provide military aid to Yemen's coalition government to counter the Houthi rebels, who are backed by Iran. He also highlights efforts to repatriate Yemen's stolen cultural artifacts, with significant progress made in collaboration with U.S. institutions. Despite challenges, Al-Hadhrami remains hopeful for U.S. support in restoring peace and democracy in Yemen.

The United Arab Emirates embassy in Washington celebrated the UAE's 50th anniversary and its relationship with the United States through a series of short videos titled '50 Years | 50 Faces.' The project featured various individuals, including former U.S. President George W. Bush and former Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice. The Chinese Embassy also celebrated the Year of the Dragon and 45 years of diplomatic relations with the U.S. High-ranking officials and businesspeople attended the event, which included speeches, cultural activities, and musical performances. The relationship between the U.S. and China was described as the most important bilateral relationship in the world, with a recent summit between President Joe Biden and Chinese President Xi Jinping marking a new starting point.

French Ambassador Laurent Bili received a medallion from U.S. Army veteran Wes Lam commemorating the centennial of Paris Post 1 of the American Legion. The event took place at the French diplomat's residence in Washington D.C. during a gathering for Sciences Po alumni. Paris Post 1 was established in 1919 by veterans of the American Expeditionary Forces in France after World War I. The American Legion, chartered by Congress in 1919, has grown into a significant nonprofit organization with nearly 2 million members worldwide.

French Ambassador Laurent Bili received a medallion from U.S. Army veteran Wes Lam, commemorating the centennial of Paris Post 1 of the American Legion, established in 1919. The event took place at the French diplomat’s residence in Washington, highlighting the historical ties and contributions of American veterans in France. The American Legion, chartered by Congress in 1919, has grown into a significant nonprofit organization with nearly 2 million members worldwide.

Rep. Lauren Boebert's Pueblo office was closed for extended periods around Thanksgiving and Christmas, totaling 28 days. This contrasts with other Colorado U.S. House representatives' offices, which remained open longer. Boebert criticized the Social Security Administration for allowing employees to work from home, while her own office closures were attributed to staff traveling, attending conferences, and holidays. Boebert's district director stated that staff often work in the community when the office is closed. Boebert is running for a new congressional seat, Colorado House District 4, in the upcoming primary election.

Morocco’s ambassador to the United States, Princess Lalla Joumala Alaoui, was honored with the National U.S.-Arab Chamber of Commerce’s Ambassador of the Year award. The ceremony, attended by numerous diplomats and U.S. officials, highlighted her contributions to U.S.-Morocco relations, including significant increases in trade and investment. Joumala, who has served in Washington since 2016, was praised for her diplomatic skills and fostering strong bilateral ties. The event also marked her departure from Washington, with Youssef Amrani set to succeed her.