Polkadot News
A new version of the Polkadot host, v1.7.1, has been released. Release Polkadot v1.7.1 · paritytech/polkadot-sdk · GitHub
For Polkadot and Kusama validators - Warp Sync once again works with BEEFY. BEEFY: add BEEFY-specific warp proofs so we can warp sync when using BEEFY · Issue #1118 · paritytech/polkadot-sdk · GitHub
There will be a Polkadot Minisummit at EthDenver on 28 Feb, with speakers from Kilt, Phala, Robonomics, Acurast and other parachain teams. https://www.eventbrite.com/e/polkadot-minisummit-ethdenver24-tickets-825569098397
Referendum 512, proposing an airdrop for attendees of the official EthDenver Afterparty, has passed and executed. Polkassembly - Referendum #512
Polkadot was recently covered by the NASDAQ blog. https://www.nasdaq.com/articles/how-one-blockchain-turned-to-real-decentralization-to-refocus-on-its-development-efforts
The next parachain lease auction begins today at ~ 14.00 UTC. https://parachains.info/auctions
Kusama News
Kusama validators should upgrade to v1.7.1 as soon as possible. It fixes the recent performance / finality stalling issues seen on Kusama. Release Polkadot v1.7.1 · paritytech/polkadot-sdk · GitHub
With four days left in the current parachain auction, anonymous parathread ID 3346 has been in the lead the majority of the Ending Period, although Integritee Kusama has also been in the lead for a few blocks. https://parachains.info/auctions/kusama