diff --git a/package-lock.json b/package-lock.json
index 5697f7a..e5e7cd6 100644
--- a/package-lock.json
+++ b/package-lock.json
@@ -1,12 +1,12 @@
 {
   "name": "skate-spots",
-  "version": "1.7.6",
+  "version": "1.7.7",
   "lockfileVersion": 3,
   "requires": true,
   "packages": {
     "": {
       "name": "skate-spots",
-      "version": "1.7.6",
+      "version": "1.7.7",
       "license": "AGPL-3.0-only",
       "dependencies": {
         "@bitcoinerlab/secp256k1": "^1.2.0",
diff --git a/package.json b/package.json
index 7c22f0c..90a1a5c 100644
--- a/package.json
+++ b/package.json
@@ -1,7 +1,7 @@
 {
   "name": "skate-spots",
   "private": true,
-  "version": "1.7.6",
+  "version": "1.7.7",
   "license": "AGPL-3.0-only",
   "type": "module",
   "homepage": "https://skate-spots.org",
diff --git a/release-notes.txt b/release-notes.txt
index 13b143f..acda29b 100644
--- a/release-notes.txt
+++ b/release-notes.txt
@@ -1,3 +1,14 @@
+💬 Private chat badges + remembered joins
+- The Private chat tab now shows a dot when new messages arrive while you’re
+  reading Events or Chat; opening the tab clears it.
+- Founders/admins get a red dot when someone is waiting to join.
+- A pending join request survives a reload; the auto-check resumes when you
+  come back.
+- Background checks run only for silent nsec/bunker signers. Amber and browser
+  extension users are never prompted behind their back.
+
+---
+
 🔐 Sign up from anywhere, without losing the flow
 - The sign-in/sign-up dialog now lives above the app, not inside cards, sheets
   or menus. Creating an account from Spot Chat, Settings, alerts or a profile