Developer Builds AI Agent That Autonomously Charges USDC Using x402 HTTP Protocol

A developer has shared a technical walkthrough on DEV Community demonstrating how to build an autonomous AI agent that earns USDC stablecoin payments without manual intervention. The system uses the x402 protocol, a lightweight HTTP-based payment scheme where a server returns a 402 Payment Required response, prompting compatible clients to automatically sign and submit a USDC transaction before retrying. The agent is built with FastAPI and web3.py, running on the Base blockchain network and interacting with the official USDC contract on Base mainnet. A Wallet Manager component handles private key storage and transaction signing, while the API endpoints enforce payment at the boundary before delivering services such as text summarization or image tagging. The author notes the main trade-off is an extra network round-trip for unauthenticated callers and the requirement to maintain a funded on-chain wallet.

Robin Williams' Napa Valley Estate Sells for $18.1M, Nearly Half Its Asking Price

The late actor Robin Williams' expansive 640-acre estate in Napa Valley, California has been sold for $18.1 million. The property had originally been listed at $35 million, meaning it sold for roughly half its asking price. The significant price reduction suggests the high-end rural property faced challenges attracting buyers at its initial valuation. Further details about the buyer or the timeline of the sale were not provided in the available report.

How to Build OBS-Style Scenes, Source Reordering and Slideshows in Browser

A technical guide published on DEV Community outlines how developers can implement OBS-style live video editing features — including scenes, source reordering, and slideshows — in web or desktop applications. Scenes act as containers that define the visual layout of a live stream, while sources represent individual media elements such as cameras, images, and browser windows that can be layered and reordered. Source reordering controls which elements appear on top, and slideshows can be built as a special source type that cycles through images with configurable timing and transitions. The guide emphasizes that a clean data model and state management layer are critical for enabling smooth scene switching and real-time updates. These capabilities are particularly relevant for live streaming platforms, webinar tools, and educational broadcasting apps where users need professional-grade control without relying on desktop software.

Namibia and South Africa Begin Three-Match ODI Series Ahead of 2027 World Cup

Co-hosts Namibia and South Africa are set to face each other in a three-match ODI series as part of their preparations for the 2027 men's ODI World Cup. Both nations hold co-host status for the tournament, giving the series added significance beyond regular bilateral competition. The series offers Namibia a valuable opportunity to gauge their current standing against stronger opposition. South Africa, meanwhile, will use the matches to assess and experiment with a broader pool of players. The contests represent the final stretch of World Cup preparation for both sides on home soil.

Su-57 & more: India's asks as Putin-Modi set to meet

SQL Joins Explained: How to Combine Data Across Multiple Database Tables

SQL joins are used to combine related data stored across multiple tables in a relational database, such as linking customer and order tables in an e-commerce system. An INNER JOIN returns only records with matches in both tables, making it ideal for reports that require confirmed relationships. A LEFT JOIN retrieves all records from the first table regardless of whether a match exists in the second, while a RIGHT JOIN does the opposite. A FULL OUTER JOIN returns all records from both tables, filling gaps with NULL where no match is found. Mastering these join types is considered essential for tasks ranging from application development to business intelligence reporting.

Cricket Australia prioritises Test cricket as BBL franchise sale moves ahead

Cricket Australia has reaffirmed its commitment to Test cricket as the governing body proceeds with the sale of Big Bash League franchises. Officials made clear that any potential investors entering the BBL would do so with full knowledge of Australia's long-term cricket schedule. Test matches will continue to overlap with BBL fixtures, and this arrangement is non-negotiable for the board. Cricket Australia's stance signals that commercial interests in the BBL will not be allowed to override the primacy of the traditional format.

Stablecoins Could Save South Korean Merchants $3.8B Annually, Budget Office Finds

South Korea's budget office has estimated that stablecoin adoption could save the country's merchants up to $3.8 billion per year. The report highlights the potential cost efficiencies that digital stable currencies could bring to commercial transactions. However, the budget office also raised concerns about the broader financial implications of widespread stablecoin use. Officials warned that banks could see their role as credit intermediaries weakened if stablecoins gain significant traction. The report also flagged risks of token peg instability in the event of large-scale simultaneous redemptions.

How Solana's Rent Model Leaves Forgotten SOL Locked in Unused Wallet Accounts

Solana requires every on-chain account to maintain a minimum SOL balance as a rent-exempt deposit, acting as a refundable bond tied to the account's existence. Most users never close token accounts after abandoning tokens or NFTs, leaving small but cumulative SOL amounts locked across dozens of idle accounts. A recent network upgrade, SIMD-0437, reduced on-chain storage costs, meaning active accounts funded under old rates now hold more SOL than the new minimum requires. The Token Program has introduced a WithdrawExcessLamports instruction to let users reclaim this surplus without closing or disrupting active accounts. Developers can also free up SOL entirely by closing empty accounts using the closeAccount instruction, though most wallet interfaces do not surface either option automatically.

Science Shows Regular Contact with Soil Can Improve Your Health Within Weeks

A BBC Future article explores the health benefits of getting hands dirty through activities like gardening or outdoor work. Research suggests that exposure to soil and natural microbes can positively affect human health in a relatively short timeframe. Scientists believe contact with environmental bacteria may help strengthen the immune system and improve overall well-being. The article highlights findings indicating these benefits can begin to manifest within just a few weeks of regular exposure.

Anne LaBastille's Adirondack Cabin and 32 Acres Preserved as State Forest Land

Anne LaBastille, celebrated for her off-grid wilderness lifestyle, built a remote cabin in the Adirondack region, living without modern conveniences. She documented her experiences in the widely read 'Woodswoman' memoir series, which inspired generations of nature enthusiasts. Following her passing, her property was transferred to New York State for conservation purposes. The 32-acre land now forms part of the protected Forest Preserve, ensuring its natural character is maintained. The move is seen as a lasting tribute to LaBastille's dedication to environmental stewardship.

Shakespeare's Globe to replace roof with 14,000 reed bundles in £10m project

Shakespeare's Globe theatre in London is undertaking a £10 million roof replacement nearly three decades after the reconstructed venue first opened. The project will use traditional thatching methods, requiring approximately 14,000 bundles of reed — more than double the 6,000 Norfolk reed bundles used in the original roof. The overhaul reflects a commitment to historical authenticity over modern roofing alternatives. The project arrives at a difficult time for traditional thatching in England, which is grappling with poor harvests, ageing equipment, and an unreliable seasonal workforce.

Tripura HC: Divorced daughter entitled to father's family pension from divorce date

The Tripura High Court has ruled that a daughter divorced after her father's death remains eligible for his family pension benefits. The court directed the Agartala Municipal Corporation to grant the pension, finding its earlier rejection of the claim unjustified. It clarified that pension rules do not mandate that the divorce must have occurred before the pensioner's death. The woman's entitlement was deemed valid from the date of her divorce. The court also ordered payment of all pending arrears along with interest within three months.

A Look Back at Outdated HTML Elements Still Lingering on the Web

A blog post on vale.rocks explores old and obsolete HTML snippets and artefacts that persist in web development history. The piece examines coding practices and elements that were once common but have since been deprecated or replaced by modern standards. It serves as a reference for developers curious about the evolution of HTML over the years. The article was shared on Hacker News, attracting minimal engagement with four points and no comments at the time of posting.

PwC, Merck and Hashgraph Launch Cocoa Tracking System With Broader Supply Chain Ambitions

PwC, Merck, and Hashgraph have jointly developed a supply chain provenance system that combines physical authentication, digital traceability, and enterprise process design. The consortium claims their integrated approach has no direct precedent in existing supply chain solutions. The initiative currently focuses on tracking cocoa but is intended as a pilot for wider industry adoption. The partners believe the technology can be scaled and applied across multiple other supply chain sectors beyond cocoa.

Leicestershire face pitch charge that could affect Division One survival bid

Leicestershire have been charged by the ECB for breaching pitch regulations during their home County Championship match against Glamorgan. The charge comes at a critical time as the club is battling to avoid relegation from Division One. A points penalty, if imposed, could significantly damage their chances of staying up. The ECB's pitch regulations are designed to ensure fair and consistent playing surfaces across domestic cricket. Leicestershire now await a ruling that could prove decisive in their fight for top-flight survival.

'Why bring BJP into this?' Rijiju slams Rahul's remarks on Manipuri musician's murder

AI’s left hand takes jobs before its right hand can

Soha Ali Khan shares tips on building a reading habit in children

Actress Soha Ali Khan has opened up about her approach to encouraging her daughter Inaaya to develop a love for reading. She noted that gentle persuasion and well-placed incentives can help spark a child's initial interest in books. Khan emphasized that parents play a crucial role by modelling reading behaviour themselves, as children tend to imitate their caregivers. Creating a home environment where reading is visible and valued, she said, goes a long way in nurturing the habit. Her advice highlights that fostering a child's love for books requires consistent parental involvement rather than simply providing access to them.

Shiva Rajkumar's 'Hindi as national language' remark triggers social media debate

Kannada actor Shiva Rajkumar sparked controversy after referring to Hindi as a national language at the title launch event of his upcoming pan-India film 'Original Monster'. The remark drew criticism from those who pointed out that India has no designated national language, while his supporters suggested he was merely referring to Hindi's widespread use across the country. The incident quickly spread across social media, generating significant public debate. The episode has reignited broader conversations around language politics and regional identity in the Indian film industry.