The Jet Propulsion Laboratory, NASA's research center responsible for robotic space missions, will lay off more workers before the year ends due to budget constraints. JPL Director Laurie Leshin has announced in a memo addressed to employees that the reduction will affect 325 people, or about five percent of its whole workforce. Leshin explained that the lab took various measures to meet its budget allocation for the 2025 fiscal year and to minimize the adverse effects of a limited budget on its workers. In the end, though, JPL "reached the difficult decision" to make "one further workforce reduction."

The lab already cut 530 employees and cut over 100 contractors from its roster earlier this year because of uncertainty over the final budget that the Congress will give NASA for 2024. It also froze hiring in response to the dilemma. The main reason why the lab had to implement those measures was because the Mars Sample Return Program was allocated a much smaller budget than it needed. NASA had requested $950 million for the mission, but only $300 million was allocated for it. 

NASA's original plan was to bring home the samples collected by the mission in 2040. But its budget ballooned from $7 billion to $11 billion, and as The Washington Post notes, the government found the return date "unacceptable." For the 2025 fiscal year, NASA only requested $200 million for the project that could go through significant changes. The agency is now looking for ways to alter the mission and is even considering proposals from private companies. 

Leshin said that the layoffs will affect all areas of the lab, including its technical, business and support divisions. "[W]e had to tighten our belts across the board, and you will see that reflected in the layoff impacts," she said. JPL's director also said that the US presidential election results have nothing to do with the reduction that the "action would be happening regardless" of its outcome. 

It’s 2024, and chances are you know at least one person who works remotely in some fashion. While the WFH life has its perks — nobody likes a long commute — it certainly comes with its own set of challenges, from lacking pro-level equipment to dealing with household disturbances. If you’re looking to give a gift to someone who spends much of their time in their home office, we’ve rounded up a few techy gift ideas that should make their days a little more delightful, or at least easier to manage.

Check out the rest of our gift ideas here.

Professor David Frost, Principal of the Institute for Orthodox Christian Studies, discusses the ethics of Christians and work.

Dr. Albert Rossi interview Dr. Alexis Vien, an Orthodox physician who has been working in a New York City hospital during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Dr. Rossi interviews Fr. Simon Menya, an Orthodox priest doing great things in Uganda. To support Fr. Simon's work, checks may be sent to: Lift Up Uganda  950 10th St.  Berthoud, CO 80513 Phone number: (970)391-2690 You can also support him at frsimon@nussp.org. In the memo line of the donation, you can write either "NUSSP" or "Fr. Simon."

Dr. Brad Nassif, Professor of Biblical and Theological Studies at North Park University in Chicago, reminds us that no matter how monotonous, unseen, or ordinary, our jobs can powerfully transform us into Christlikeness. This is an audio version of an article that first appeared at christianitytoday.com.

A blogger on Orthodox Christianity and subdeacon at St. Sophia Greek Orthodox Church in Bellingham, Washington, explains why the Scriptures must be read in the context of tradition.

Wesley J. Smith, the host of Human Exceptionalism, details the life and miracles of St. John Maximovitch, his patron saint.

Ancient Faith Radio presents part one of a speech delivered on November 14, 2009, by Archpriest and Bishop-elect Michael Dahulich at St. Paul Antiochian Orthodox Church in Emmaus, Pennsylvania.

Ancient Faith Radio presents part two of a speech delivered on November 14, 2009, by Archpriest and Bishop-elect Michael Dahulich at St. Paul Antiochian Orthodox Church in Emmaus, Pennsylvania.

Bobby Maddex interviews Kenneth Kidd, the Annual Gifts Officer for the Orthodox Christian Mission Center (or OCMC), about the ways in which we can all help support missions work in the upcoming new church year.

Syria is in the news a lot these days but what kind of work is being done by the Church in light of the current circumstances. You may be surprised. Listen as we talk with Samer Laham, the Director of the Department of Ecumenical Relations and Development for the Patriarchate of Antioch in Damascus. Samer also coordinates the humanitarian work of IOCC in the country. In the meantime we grieve the loss of Fr. Basilious Nasser who was shot by terrorists in the city of Hama on January 25. May his memory be eternal.

Bobby Maddex interviews Dr. Vladimir Morosan, the founder and president of Musica Russica, about an unprecedented Master Class and Choral Workshop that will be led by Vladimir Gorbik at St. Vladimir's Seminary from June 25 through 29, 2012.

Paul Finley, the Executive Director of Antiochian Village, tells us about an icon workshop that will be held at the Village from August 4 through 12, 2012. The instructor will be Cheryl Ann Pituch, and participants will write the icon of the Archangel Michael.

Bobby Maddex interviews Rita Madden, the author of Food, Faith, and Fasting: A Sacred Journey to Better Health, and the host of the AFR podcast of the same name. The two of them talk about a series of workshops that Rita has been hosting all over the country on Orthodoxy and nutrition.

Bobby Maddex interviews Fr. Stephen Loposky about the 17th Annual Youth Worker and Camping Conference.

Monica Yousef is an attorney with Sheppard, Mullin, Richter & Hampton and the Co-Chair of the Orthodox Christian Attorney Network. In conjunction with the Christian Legal Society, the OCAN is planning their second annual conference and would love to see all Orthodox lawyers attend. Find out more HERE.

Ken Liu joins us to talk about the Orthodox Christian Attorney Network and the upcoming conference in conjunction with the Christian Legal Society.

Bobby Maddex interviews Donna Haddad and Monica Youssef about the upcoming Orthodox Christian Attorney Network Conference on Saturday, October 17th. Donna and Monica share how past years' conferences have benefited them both personally and professionally. This year the free virtual conference features Archbishop Michael Dahulich, Hon. Stephanos Bibas, and Steven Christoforou. Find out more and register for this amazing conference here!

Bobby Maddex interviews Matthew Namee about the upcoming OCAN Conference, which takes place on November 6th. Listeners can learn more and register for the conference here!

Bobby Maddex interviews Joan Berg and Jesse Roberts about the upcoming Orthodox Christian Attorney Network National Conference in Newport Beach, CA. This year's conference will be held from October 7-8 and will feature keynote speaker, The Honorable Gregory Katsas. To learn more about this conference, to register, and to find details on financial assistance, please visit the OCAN website.

Bobby Maddex interviews Kenneth Liu, the Executive Director of the Orthodox Christian Attorney Network, about some new developments at the organization that listeners will want to learn more about and even perhaps support.

Fr. Pat considers three aspects of the works that are traditionally associated with the Great Fast: prayer, fasting, and deeds of mercy.

Listen to this email instead ???? – Spotify – iTunes When I walked into the first floor of the Facebook building on University Avenue, in Palo Alto, I wasn’t sure if I was in a frat house or a startup. There were cables falling from the ceilings, people running around and I was told to […]

The post What I Learned Working For Mark Zuckerberg appeared first on Noah Kagan.

The latest evidence session of the public inquiry is looking at how the delivery of education at all levels in Scotland was affected by the Covid crisis.

The government has announced an increase in the amount of National Insurance (NI) paid by employers.

Bear Scotland says it is aware of complaints about congestion around improvements to a cycleway.

When Scott Stewart was diagnosed with motor neurone disease, he knew he wanted to keep working to support his family.

A human trafficker who lured women from Thailand and forced them into the sex trade is jailed

Bosses must pass on all tips and service charges to staff under new employment rules.

The company says all jobs are at risk as it cuts 10% of its workforce.

Earlier, Boeing's boss warned the firm was at a "crossroads" as losses surged to roughly $6bn.

It's taken two years to build and is 200m (656ft) long, but why does the River Trent need a fish pass?

It scorched the grass and was "simply not appropriate or acceptable", said a council.

A series of sessions are being held to explain how a Business Improvement District (BID) could work.

Barry Crisp will be one of the experts at the BBC Radio Northampton Headfest event on 25 October.

Emmy says the Madame Tussauds design is "so realistic".

Work on a temporary fix to Worthing Pier after it was damaged in a storm will take about a week.

Parts of a vital frame have been damaged by flooding and need to be replaced.

They say Lily died of stress from the loud bangs.

The owners of a coffee shop in Stockton say they have seen footfall drop significantly.

Inspectors say six people were found working at a pizza restaurant and car wash without visas.

Leeds and Liverpool Canal bosses appeal for help funding the maintenance of the network.

Rebecca Moore, 25, is found guilty of her role in the murder of Sacad Ali in Sheffield on 9 March.