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Web publishing platform WordPress unveiled its new AI development tool, Telex, at the recent WordCamp US 2025 conference in Portland. CEO Matt Mullenweg described Telex as a “V0 or Lovable, but specifically for WordPress,” referencing popular “vibe coding” services for building software using AI interfaces.

Telex allows users to create Gutenberg blocks for their WordPress websites, with the tool currently labeled as “experimental” and available on its own domain. Despite early testers encountering some issues, Mullenweg remains optimistic about the potential for AI to enhance the WordPress mission of democratizing publishing. Additionally, he highlighted other AI experiments within the company and addressed ongoing legal disputes with hosting provider WP Engine.

British AI music creator Oliver McCann, also known as imoliver, has made headlines with his innovative approach to music production. Unlike traditional musicians, McCann relies on AI to generate his songs, spanning various genres from indie-pop to electro-soul to country-rap. Despite lacking any musical talent, McCann’s tracks have garnered millions of streams and even caught the attention of independent record label Hallwood Media, marking a significant milestone in the music industry.

Euro zone factory activity expanded for the first time since mid-2022, showing signs of recovery despite the impact of U.S. tariffs. However, Asian manufacturing sectors, including Japan, South Korea, and Taiwan, saw shrinkage, indicating the challenges faced in navigating higher trade barriers. The Chinese economy also showed mixed signals, with one survey indicating unexpected growth while another official readout reported continued shrinkage.

The number of Europe’s largest listed firms facing investor opposition over their executive pay plans increased by nearly a quarter this year, with a noticeable surge in revolts at meetings in Spain, according to data from corporate governance consultants Georgeson. Among major companies in nine of Europe’s biggest stock markets, over 37% received more than 10% opposition to their future remuneration plans, representing a 23% increase in the number of firms facing pushback. Blue-chip names such as Britain’s InterContinental Hotels Group and Italian bank UniCredit were among those challenged, with less than 70% of investors backing their plans.

California Governor Gavin Newsom and state lawmakers have come to an agreement with rideshare companies Uber and Lyft to allow drivers to join a union and collectively bargain for better wages and benefits. This compromise represents a significant step in the ongoing battle between labor unions and tech companies, with the potential for more than 800,000 rideshare workers in California to join a union while still being classified as independent contractors.

The legislative package includes measures to reduce insurance requirements for accidents caused by underinsured drivers, ultimately lowering costs for passengers. This move towards collective bargaining rights for rideshare drivers highlights the importance of empowering workers and addressing key issues such as fair pay, basic protections, and benefits.

Following a deadly attack on the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) headquarters in Atlanta by gunman Patrick Joseph White, the agency has informed staff that they are expected to return to offices by September 15. Despite the physical damage caused by the shooting, the CDC is working to provide alternative workspaces on its campus for employees whose offices remain impacted.

MongoDB, Pure Storage, Snowflake, and Autodesk all experienced significant stock gains as a result of the artificial intelligence boom. MongoDB’s stock closed out its best week ever, with a 44% rally, while Pure Storage and Snowflake saw impressive gains as well. The rise in stock prices for these companies is attributed to the increasing adoption of AI technologies in various industries.