berachain launches ‘bectra’ upgrade, follows ethereum’s pectra lead
Berachain has rolled out a new upgrade called Bectra, following the footsteps of Ethereum’s recent Pectra update. This makes Berachain the first non-Ethereum Layer-1 chain to implement Ethereum’s latest execution-layer features. With Bectra, over 100 dApps on Berachain can now use tools that simplify user interactions — like smart accounts, one-click batch transactions, gas fee payments in HONEY (Berachain’s native stablecoin), and recurring payments. Unlike Ethereum, Berachain uses a different consensus model, so only the execution features are adopted. Since Berachain is EVM-compatible, developers won’t need to rewrite existing contracts.
Ethereum Foundation Restructures, Lays Off Staff
The Ethereum Foundation has let go of several research and development employees as it refocuses on key protocol-level challenges. The changes come amid ongoing concerns over the foundation’s strategic direction. The R&D division is now called simply “Protocol” and will prioritize three areas: scaling Ethereum’s base layer, improving data availability through blobspace, and enhancing UX. The number of affected employees hasn’t been disclosed.
XChat by Elon Musk Draws Criticism From Tech Experts
Elon Musk unveiled XChat, a new Rust-based messaging app that claims to offer “Bitcoin-style” encryption. However, many in the crypto and tech communities questioned the comparison. Experts pointed out that Bitcoin mostly relies on digital signatures rather than encryption. One researcher compared Musk’s claim to saying “we’re running rockets on water because NASA uses hydrogen and oxygen.”
$11.5M Likely Stolen From Taiwanese Exchange BitoPro — ZachXBT
Blockchain investigator ZachXBT reported that crypto exchange BitoPro may have lost over $11 million in an exploit on May 8. Attackers reportedly accessed hot wallets across Ethereum, Tron, Solana, and Polygon, then sold the tokens and laundered funds through services like Tornado Cash, Thorchain, and Wasabi Wallet. The exchange has yet to confirm the hack, only citing “maintenance” on user-facing channels.
Other Headlines:
A wallet project branded as the “$TRUMP Wallet” is not affiliated with the Trump Organization, according to an official spokesperson.
World Liberty Financial distributed $47 worth of its USD1 stablecoin to wallets from its WLFI token sale. USD1 is backed by fiat and U.S. Treasuries and is expanding with help from Chainlink’s CCIP.
French authorities charged 25 individuals — including 6 minors — in connection with crypto-related kidnappings. The main case involves a failed kidnapping attempt targeting the family of Paymium’s CEO.
U.S. lawmakers may soon vote on a stablecoin regulation bill. House and Senate versions differ, but leaders say the issues are reconcilable.
Crypto Events Calendar:
June 8–22 – Berlin Blockchain Week, Berlin
June 24–26 – Permissionless, Brooklyn
June 30 – July 3 – EthCC, Cannes
July 16–18 – Web3 Summit, Berlin
Sept. 22–28 – Korea Blockchain Week, Seoul
Oct. 1–2 – Token2049, Singapore
Nov. 17–22 – Devconnect, Buenos Aires
Dec. 11–13 – Solana Breakpoint, Abu Dhabi
Feb. 10–12, 2026 – Consensus, Hong Kong
May 5–7, 2026 – Consensus, Miami