WPDigest 103: What’s Buzzing in WordPress This Week

Your go-to source for the latest WordPress updates! From a new parallel community movement to major security alerts and fresh feature rollouts, here’s everything you need to know.

⚡ Buzz Worthy ​

Stay ahead of the curve with the biggest stories shaping the WordPress ecosystem:

Emerging Parallel WordPress Community

A significant shift is happening in the WordPress ecosystem. A $500,000 investment is fueling the growth of a parallel WordPress community, sparking discussions about the future of WordPress governance and open-source contributions. Read more

Security Alert: Malware Attacks on WordPress Sites

Hackers are exploiting outdated WordPress installations to distribute malware that targets both Windows and Mac users. If you haven’t updated your site recently, now is the time! Stay Secure

Post Status Acquired & Becomes Non-Profit

Joost and Marieke have taken over Post Status from Cory and Lindsey Miller, transitioning it into a non-profit. Membership fees are being lowered to encourage wider community participation.

GoDaddy Commits $520,000 to WordPress Community

In a significant move, GoDaddy has pledged $520,000 to The WP Community Collective to support independent contributors and open-source projects. Read more

✨ Fresh Features Rollout

1. ZipWP Chrome Extension Now Live!
   Create a fully functional WordPress website in a single click—right from your browser. No setup, no hassle! Check it out

2. Spectra’s Advanced Loop Builder
   Spectra has introduced a powerful new Loop Builder for custom blog layouts, WooCommerce grids, and more-no coding needed! Explore Spectra
3. FluentCRM 2.9.40 – New Features
   FluentCRM now includes quick search for automation blocks, a MemberPress widget, and an easy export button for email campaign data. Full update details
4. Divi 5 Public Alpha Version 7
   Divi has rolled out 38 bug fixes, customizable breakpoints, and Divi AI integration to enhance its builder performance. Try Divi 5 Alpha 
5. SureForms 1.3.0 Improves Entry Management
   Users can now edit form entries, add notes, and resend email notifications for multiple entries. A major boost for form handling! See what’s new
6. AI-Powered Content with DeepSeek
   AWS has launched DeepSeek R1 models, allowing AI-driven content generation inside WordPress. ValvePress has already published a guide on integrating it! Learn more

📢 Core Updates & Essentials​

1. WordPress 6.7.2 Release Candidate Announced
   The release candidate for WordPress 6.7.2 drops on Feb 4, 2025, with the final release scheduled for Feb 11, 2025. Expect stability and maintenance fixes. More details 
2. WordPress 6.8 Slated for April 2025
   Mark your calendars—WordPress 6.8 arrives April 15, 2025, bringing new features and major improvements. Stay updated

🆕 Fresh Releases

Discover newly launched plugins and themes to elevate your WordPress projects:

• Plugin: SureMails – Set up, monitor, and manage your WordPress emails effortlessly with advanced SMTP features, analytics, and failover mitigation. Try now
• Theme: Gutenify Bold – Modern block-based WordPress theme. Try now

🗓️ Mark Your Calendar 

• WordCamp Zaragoza (Feb 14-15, 2025)
• WordCamp Asia (Feb 20-22, 2025)
• WordCamp Madrid (Mar 7-8, 2025)
• WordCamp Nepal (Apr 4-5, 2025)
• WordCamp Europe (June 5-7, 2025)

🎙️ Listen Up-Recommended Podcasts

Stay updated on all things WordPress with these podcasts:

• Anna Hurko on Growing a Plugin Business
  Anna Hurko, CEO of Crocoblock, shares her journey, marketing strategies, and WordPress community insights. Listen Now
• Automation & Delegation for Solopreneurs
  Learn why automation & delegation are game-changers for business efficiency. Listen Here
• Post Status Get Hired Podcast
  Valuable career tips for job seekers and WordPress professionals. Listen to Episode

That’s a wrap for this week’s WPDigest! Stay tuned for more exciting WordPress updates next week.