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From the slopes to outer space, several major events will draw audiences from around the country and the world. It all kicks off with events celebrating America's 250th birthday and the Winter Olympics in February.

The Artemis II mission, which could launch as early as February, is expected to send four astronauts on a trip to the moon, though they won't land on its surface.

The harrowing, deadly infection could make a comeback, especially in states vulnerable to climate-linked natural disasters, like Florida and Texas, an NBC News investigation finds.

Marijuana is prescribed to help ease chronic pain and control nausea in cancer patients, but legal red tape has made more comprehensive research difficult.

State officials say the recent deluge highlighted the need for projects to protect communities from floods. The Trump administration has attempted to cut funding for some of them.

NBC News' Gadi Schwartz reports on "3I/ATLAS," a mysterious outer space object that is thought to be billions of years old, making its closest approach to Earth, giving scientists an opportunity to study it before it travels further away.

"We are faced with another space race," Jared Isaacman, NASA's new administrator, told NBC News after he was sworn in on Thursday.

Isaacman was first nominated for the role year ago, but President Trump withdrew his nomination months later. Then Trump renominated Isaacman last month.

Russ Vought, director of the White House Office of Management and Budget, said the National Science Foundation "will be breaking up" the National Center for Atmospheric Research in Colorado.

A 33-year-old man died in Snohomish County on Tuesday. Gov. Bob Ferguson said it was a minor miracle there haven't been more deaths.