News
October 15, 2025

NASA’s JPL Faces Fourth Round of Layoffs, Cutting 550 Jobs

NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) has furloughed approximately 550 employees in its fourth round of layoffs since January 2024. This staff reduction comes amid the ongoing government shutdown, which has already led to significant budget cuts within federal agencies. JPL Director Dave Gallagher announced the workforce realignment on October 13, stating that about 11% of the laboratory’s workforce across technical, business, and support areas would be impacted.

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Installation
October 15, 2025

30,000 Ceramic Poppies Installation Commemorates 80th Anniversary of the End of WWII

A commemorative display at the Tower of London marks the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II. Featuring a visually striking array of nearly 30,000 ceramic poppies, the installation is a poignant and beautiful way to remember the enormous sacrifices made by so many people during war. The plethora of poppies was created by artist Paul Cummins, originally for a 2014 installation titled Blood Swept Lands and Seas Red.

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News
October 14, 2025

Smithsonian Shutters Its Museums and Zoo Amid Government Shutdown

Amid the government shutdown, the Smithsonian Institution has temporarily shuttered its 21 museums in and around Washington, D.C., including the Air and Space Museum, the National History Museum, and the National Museum of American History. It has also closed its research centers, the National Zoo, and the Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute in Front Royal, Virginia.

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Health
October 14, 2025

Having a Purpose in Life Can Reduce the Risk of Dementia, New Research Finds

Having a sense of purpose in life isn’t just personally fulfilling or rewarding. It turns out that it can also reduce the risk of dementia, according to research recently published in the American Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry. Conducted by researchers at the University of California Davis, the new study followed nearly 14,000 adults aged 45 and older for up to 15 years.

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My Modern Met

Celebrating creativity and promoting a positive culture by spotlighting the best sides of humanity—from the lighthearted and fun to the thought-provoking and enlightening.