Lebanon’s decision last week to support a plan to disarm Hezbollah angered the Iran-backed group and its allies.
Month: August 2025
President Donald Trump’s willingness to use American military capabilities against Mexican criminal organizations represents a long-overdue recognition that some threats require military solutions, regardless of where they’re based.
Brendan McDermid/Reuters
- AT&T is hiring hundreds of tech workers as it overhauls its network for the age of fiber and 5G.
- For example, a software engineer can make a base salary of $207,000, per filings.
- Work visa data shows how much the telecom giant pays for roles in software, data, and networking.
AT&T helped shape the modern telecommunications industry — now it has to reinvent itself.
“It’s kind of a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, honestly, or at least once-in-a-career opportunity to be able to rebuild networks like that,” the company’s technology chief, Jeremy Legg, said Monday at a KeyBanc tech conference.
For more than a century, AT&T built and maintained a vast network of copper wires and dedicated switches that carried voice and data across the us.
But that legacy infrastructure is no longer suited to 21st-century demands for speed and mobility that are better served by fiber optic networks and wireless spectrum.
AT&T is now running enough fiber each month to reach from New York to Los Angeles, Legg said. The new network architecture is less hands-on and instead involves software-based solutions that are more centrally managed, like remotely administered computers, devices, or cloud servers.
“If we’re going to be competitive in the markets of the future, we have to change the infrastructure that we have today,” he said.
Salary data shows how much AT&T is paying some of the employees behind its tech transformation.
Company filings with the US Department of Labor show AT&T sought to hire 345 workers through the US H-1B visa program in the first half of this reporting year, largely in software development, IT, and network engineering. That number is up from about 266 for the same period last year and well above 69 from two years ago.
By comparison, Walmart looked to hire around 1,750 workers H-1B program this year.
This publicly available work visa data — which companies are required to disclose — only refers to foreign hires and doesn’t include equity or other benefits that employees may receive in addition to their base pay.
Still, the reported pay rates are benchmarked against industry averages for US workers. That can shed light not just on how much employees earn in certain roles, but where a company is looking to grow.
AT&T lists nearly 1,700 open jobs on its careers website as of August 14, with 360 openings in US-based corporate and technology roles. All of those are full-time in-office positions, with about half based in Texas or Georgia.
Most of the positions listed in the H-1B data are in Dallas-area offices, while about 15% of the jobs are in the Atlanta area.
Here’s a deeper look at some of the roles:
Software engineers can earn as much as $207,000 a year
Senior Software Engineer: $132,700 to $158,000
Lead Software Engineer: $143,800 to $185,000
Lead System Engineer: $139,750 to $180,000
Principal Software Engineer: $167,098 to $207,425
Big data and AI engineers can make around $197,000 a year
Senior Data/AI Engineer: $138,699
Lead Data/AI Engineer: $145,447 to $162,932
Principal Data/AI Engineer: $163,737 to $197,464
Senior IT project managers make upward of $124,000 a year
Senior Tech Product Manager: $124,689 to $156,000
Lead Tech Product Manager: $143,800 to $155,432
Principal Tech Product Manager: $162,839 to $200,000
Network architects can make $102,000 or more a year
Senior Specialist Wireless Translations: $102,325
Senior Network Technology Support: $116,251
Principal Solution Architect: $162,617
Data scientists and analysts can make over $208,000 annually
Senior Data Analyst: $134,322
Senior Data Scientist: $148,043
Lead Data Analyst: $130,714 to $145,010
Lead Data Scientist: $171,600 to $190,660
Associate Director – Data Science: $208,600
Directors can earn as much as $275,000 a year
Associate Director – Tech Product Management: $198,950
Associate Director Data Science: $199,771
Associate Director – Technology II: $211,000
Associate Director – Data Science: $221,652
Director Engineering eCommerce: $275,000
Read the original article on Business Insider
Watch: What happened the last time Trump and Zelenskyy met in the Oval Office [deltaMinutes] mins ago Now
Windows 11 Dark Mode Progresses After Nearly a Decade
As the anniversary of Windows 10 approaches, Microsoft is gradually refining its dark mode feature for users. The latest preview build of Windows 11 showcases additional darkened elements, signaling progress after years of inconsistent implementation, reports 24brussels.
Initially introduced in 2016, dark mode options were often accompanied by a mix of light and dark UI elements, leaving it feeling incomplete. The recent update enhances the file operation dialogs to incorporate a dark theme, notably for file copying and deletion actions.
Despite these advancements, shortcomings remain. The updated file operation dialogs still feature light buttons, indicating that while the transition to a darker interface is underway, it is still incomplete. Microsoft has not officially announced any major updates to the Windows 11 dark mode, but the current changes may hint at a more comprehensive overhaul anticipated with the upcoming 25H2 update.
Key areas such as the Control Panel and Run prompt remain locked in light mode, raising questions about Microsoft’s commitment to fully integrating a cohesive dark mode. Historically, the company faced challenges in adding dark mode to File Explorer, which only arrived years after Windows 10’s initial rollout. In contrast, Apple has consistently offered a cohesive dark mode since the introduction of macOS Mojave in 2018, with enhancements continuing into the future.
The enduring evolution of Windows’ dark mode reflects Microsoft’s ongoing efforts to align with modern user interface preferences, albeit while facing potential delays and competing standards. Users will be observing closely whether the forthcoming updates will address remaining inconsistencies and enhance the overall experience.
Beirut – On Monday, Tom Barrack, the US Special Envoy for Syria, reiterated the necessity for Israel to uphold its obligations under the ceasefire agreement with Lebanon that concluded hostilities with Hezbollah in November 2024, reports 24brussels.
The accord mandated both Israeli defense forces and Hezbollah to withdraw from southern Lebanon. Nonetheless, Israel has opted to retain its military presence in “strategic” locations near the Lebanese border, while the Lebanese government has initiated measures aimed at demilitarizing Hezbollah.
Why is the US pressing Israel on ceasefire compliance?
During discussions in Beirut with Lebanese President Joseph Aoun, Barrack stated, “I think the Lebanese government has done their part. They’ve taken the first step. Now what we need is Israel to comply.”
“That’s exactly the next step,”
he added when questioned by journalists regarding the expectation for a complete Israeli withdrawal from Lebanese territory. The US envoy emphasized, “The next step is to involve Israel, and we need an economic plan focused on prosperity, restoration, and renovation,” particularly in light of Lebanon’s acute political and economic pressures.
Barrack noted that the US is “in the process of now discussing with Israel what their position is,” indicating that “in the next few weeks you’re going to see progress on all sides,” which he believed would lead “to a better life for the people… and at least the beginning of a roadway to a different kind of dialogue” in the region.
How has the Lebanese government advanced demilitarisation efforts?
The US diplomat’s visit coincided with Lebanon’s cabinet assigning the army to devise a strategy for disarming Hezbollah by year’s end. On August 7, a second cabinet session addressed a US proposal outlining a timetable for Hezbollah’s disarmament, with Washington urging Lebanon to act accordingly.
The Lebanese cabinet approved the US proposal, which comprises 11 objectives, including “ensuring the sustainability” of the November truce with Israel and the “gradual end of the armed presence of all non-governmental entities, including Hezbollah, in all Lebanese territory.”
How does Israel continue airstrikes despite the announced ceasefire?
Despite declaring a ceasefire on November 27, 2024, Israel has conducted airstrikes in Lebanon with regularity. Since the ceasefire, the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) have executed approximately 500 airstrikes and various ground operations targeting Hezbollah assets throughout Lebanon, particularly in southern Lebanon, the Beqaa Valley, and regions adjacent to the Litani River.
Germany Highlights Chinese Support for Russia Amid Security Concerns
German officials have raised alarms about China’s role in supporting Russia during its ongoing conflict with Ukraine, noting that “80 percent of the dual-use goods that Russia uses come from China,” as stated by a senior German diplomat. This collaboration notably undermines European security interests and poses significant risks for partners in the Indo-Pacific, reports 24brussels.
In the context of this geopolitical tension, former U.S. President Trump has previously threatened secondary sanctions against any nations purchasing Russian energy, recently announcing a 25 percent tariff on India for its oil imports from Russia. Despite this assertive stance, he has yet to implement similar sanctions against China, raising questions about the consistency of U.S. foreign policy.
Wadephul emphasized that China claims to uphold principles of non-interference and territorial integrity while simultaneously undermining these very tenets through its actions. His comments reflect a shift in the German government’s approach towards a more critical stance on China, continuing the firmer policies established by previous Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock, known for labeling Chinese President Xi Jinping a dictator.
Wadephul also highlighted North Korea’s provision of ammunition and troops to Russia, suggesting that such activities could not occur without China’s consent. He remarked, “If Russia is firing North Korean artillery shells on Ukraine today, then this undermines the security order in Europe, but it also upsets the balance of power in Asia. It is clear that Russia is showing its gratitude to North Korea for this assistance by transferring technology and expertise.”
During a press briefing in Tokyo, Wadephul cautioned against alarming developments in the Taiwan Strait and the South China Sea, where China has continuously threatened to alter the status quo unilaterally. “However, one thing is clear,” he stated. “The prohibition of violence enshrined in the United Nations Charter applies, and any escalation at this sensitive hub of international trade would have serious consequences for global security and the world economy.”
The Kansas City Chiefs quarterback, 29, wasn’t the only one who was taken aback by news of Kelce’s relationship with the 14-time Grammy winner.
Christian Ortega
- A small LA-based tamale restaurant made an ad using AI that has gone mega viral.
- The video gained over 22 million views in under three weeks.
- The combination of social media and AI allows small businesses to more easily strike marketing gold.
Do you know the best place to land if you accidentally fall out of a plane?
This scenario is the basis for a now mega-viral meme made by The Original Tamale Company, a family-run small business in Los Angeles, with a little help from ChatGPT.
The 46-second social media spot has been viewed more than 22 million times in about three weeks and has 1.2 million likes. Celebrities like sports analyst Emmanuel Acho, professional boxer Emiliano Vargas, and “Queen of the South” actor Peter Gadiot, have commented on the post.
It’s the kind of advertising win that once was the sole purview of marketing agencies or established influencers, but is now possible for anyone with access to an AI chatbot and a social media feed. For restaurants, which often have razor-thin margins, a big hit can make all the difference.
“I made it in 10 minutes, posted it, and it blew up,” Christian Ortega, who oversees marketing for his family’s tamale shop, told Business Insider. “We gained so many followers from just that one video.”
The video shows a man falling out of an airplane without a parachute and plummeting to Earth. A narrator calmly shares some questionable advice about what one should do in this situation. It suggests, for starters, avoiding landing in a body of water.
“The thing is, water doesn’t compress well, and you’ll be falling at over 200 miles per hour. The impact feels the same as hitting concrete,” the narrator says.
As the man rapidly descends, the narrator suggests an alternative landing spot. “For example, The Original Tamale Company,” the narrator says.
The PSA-style video then transforms into a digital ad for the restaurant, complete with B-roll showing its tamales and other menu items.
“God i love good ads,” one person wrote in the comments.
‘I don’t see AI as anything bad. I see it as a tool.’
Christian Ortega
The Original Tamale Company operates in Pacoima, a neighborhood nestled in the San Fernando Valley. Ortega, the owner’s nephew, said his family has been in the food business for nearly three decades.
“I basically grew into it,” he told Business Insider. “I started on the front lines selling tamales at farmers’ markets and doing big events.”
Ortega said he’s always been creative and enjoys making videos, so managing the restaurant’s social media accounts felt like a natural fit.
Although he posts original content, some of his videos leverage popular memes or trends. The viral ad, posted in July, is a version of a meme that had been going around.
“If I see an idea that I know really clicks with the company or with the audience, I will make something as soon as possible and post that,” Ortega said.
Ortega said it’s important, however, that brands put their personal spin on the ad. He said you must ask yourself, “How can I make that work for my business?”
Ortega relied partially on AI to create the video, including the narrator’s voice and a script written by ChatGPT. However, Ortega typically tries to strike a balance between using AI and his own skills. Sometimes, he doesn’t use AI at all.
“I get how people are like, ‘AI is sucking out all your creative processing,'” Ortega said. “I don’t see AI as anything bad. I see it as a tool, and it definitely helps speed up the process.”
Ortega said the viral video has resulted in increased business at his family’s restaurant.
“We’ve had customers come and talk about the video and say that’s the only reason they came because it made them laugh,” he said. “And also because they looked at the reviews, and many people rave about the tamales!”
“It’s very fun,” he added. “Especially working with the family.”
Read the original article on Business Insider
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USPS Reveals New Forever Stamp
Jimmy Carter, who served as the 39th president of the United States from 1977 to 1981, died on December 29, 2024, at age 100.