CodeHawks Announces $80k STRK Staking Contract Audit Contest

Starknet's core development team conducted their 43rd full nodes call on January 15, 2026. These regular technical meetings bring together developers working on Starknet's node infrastructure to discuss implementation details, coordinate updates, and address technical challenges. **Key Points:** - Regular coordination meeting for Starknet full node developers - Part of ongoing series (previous call #34 was in August 2025) - Focuses on node implementation and infrastructure development These calls are essential for maintaining consistency across different node implementations and ensuring the network's technical health. The meeting was broadcast live on X (formerly Twitter). [Watch the broadcast](https://x.com/i/broadcasts/1OdKrOVLLAvGX)

Starknet continues its expansion into Bitcoin DeFi (BTCFi), building on previous announcements about cross-chain integration. **Key developments:** - Introduction to BTCFi infrastructure on Starknet - Follows earlier work on Starknet's dual Bitcoin and Ethereum connectivity - Part of ongoing effort to bring Bitcoin liquidity into DeFi ecosystems The session provides an overview of how Starknet is positioning itself as a bridge between Bitcoin and decentralized finance applications. [Watch the broadcast](https://x.com/i/broadcasts/1mnGeNaXXAQJX)

**Loot Survivor** has launched its 'Immutable Arcade' release on Starknet as a fully onchain game designed to run indefinitely. **Key Features:** - Game rules remain constant for all players, now and decades into the future - Trustless leaderboard tracks the most skilled adventurers - Permanent deployment ensures the game persists unchanged The release emphasizes longevity and fairness through blockchain immutability. Players compete under identical conditions regardless of when they join. **Full details:** [Loot Survivor Documentation](https://starkware.notion.site/lootsurvivor?pvs=74) *The core challenge: survive.*

**Native USDC is now live on Starknet** as the canonical stablecoin, replacing USDC.e through a comprehensive ecosystem-wide migration. **Migration Options:** - **StarkGate Portal**: 1-click, gas-free, 1:1 conversion with zero slippage - **AVNU**: Auto-routing to best rates between migration contract and native pools - **Wallet Integration**: Braavos, Xverse, and Keplr offer direct migration prompts **Key Features:** - **Vesu**: Full 1-click migration for entire positions including collateral and debt - **Ekubo**: USDC.e/USDC liquidity pool ensures smooth transition swaps - **Extended**: Automatic migration with zero user impact required - **Ready**: Direct migration through mobile app for card users The migration process is designed to be simple and well-supported across the entire Starknet ecosystem, with multiple pathways available depending on user preferences and wallet choice.

**Ethereum successfully deployed the Fusaka upgrade**, marking a significant milestone in the network's scaling journey. The upgrade delivers: - Enhanced scaling capabilities - Maintained decentralization and security - Improved L1 performance - Increased blob throughput **Fusaka follows the earlier Pectra upgrade** this year, continuing Ethereum's systematic approach to network improvements. The successful deployment reinforces the argument for **building on Ethereum rather than alternative L1 networks**, as the established infrastructure continues to evolve and improve. This upgrade represents another step in Ethereum's long-term scaling roadmap, demonstrating the network's ability to enhance performance while preserving its core principles of decentralization and security.