massgen · Henry-811 · Apr 13, 2026 · Apr 13, 2026 · Apr 13, 2026
diff --git a/CHANGELOG.md b/CHANGELOG.md
@@ -9,14 +9,39 @@ and this project adheres to [Semantic Versioning](https://semver.org/spec/v2.0.0
 
 ## Recent Releases
 
+**v0.1.76 (April 13, 2026)** - Exa Search & Circuit Breaker Observability
+New Exa AI-powered search tool for MCP. Circuit breaker Phase 3 with observability — probe ownership, lock release, per-attempt latency tracking. Copyable checkpoint agent instructions and Docker dependency fixes.
+
 **v0.1.75 (April 10, 2026)** - Codex Hooks & Checkpoint WebUI
 Hybrid hook system for Codex backend combining native and MCP capabilities. Checkpoint workflows now auto-launch the WebUI for visual monitoring. Standalone checkpoint MCP server documentation and safety policy integration.
 
 **v0.1.74 (April 8, 2026)** - Checkpoint Improvements & Tool Call Fixes
 Major improvements to standalone checkpoint MCP server. Fix for duplicate tool calls in ChatCompletions (including for MiniMax on OpenRouter) and Response API backends. Pre-collab evaluation criteria refinements.
 
-**v0.1.73 (April 6, 2026)** - Eval Criteria Evolver & Checkpoint Objectives
-New eval criteria evolver subagent that evolves criteria across rounds. Initial draft of checkpoint objective mode for safety planning of irreversible actions. Improved visibility of evaluation criteria.
+---
+
+## [0.1.76] - 2026-04-13
+
+### Added
+- **Exa AI Search Tool** ([#1057](https://github.com/massgen/MassGen/pull/1057)): New Exa AI-powered search tool added to MCP server registry with example config
+- **Circuit Breaker Observability (Phase 3)** ([#1056](https://github.com/massgen/MassGen/pull/1056)): Observability module with probe ownership, lock release mechanisms, and per-attempt latency regression tracking
+- **Checkpoint Agent Instructions** ([#1058](https://github.com/massgen/MassGen/pull/1058)): Copyable custom instructions for agent memory files with checkpoint MCP information
+
+### Fixed
+- **Docker Dependencies** ([#1058](https://github.com/massgen/MassGen/pull/1058)): Fixed Dockerfile installs for reliable container builds
+- **Circuit Breaker Strengthening** ([#1056](https://github.com/massgen/MassGen/pull/1056)): Strengthened observability across all backends
+
+### Documentation, Configurations and Resources
+- **Updated MCP Server Registry**: Updated `docs/source/reference/mcp_server_registry.rst` with Exa search tool
+- **Updated MCP Integration Guide**: Updated `docs/source/user_guide/tools/mcp_integration.rst`
+- **Updated Standalone MCP README**: Updated `massgen/mcp_tools/standalone/README.md` with checkpoint instructions
+- **New Checkpoint Instructions**: New `massgen/mcp_tools/standalone/checkpoint_instructions.md`
+- **New Config**: New `massgen/configs/tools/web-search/exa_search_example.yaml`
+
+### Technical Details
+- **Major Focus**: Exa AI Search & Circuit Breaker Observability (Phase 3)
+- **PRs Merged**: [#1056](https://github.com/massgen/MassGen/pull/1056), [#1057](https://github.com/massgen/MassGen/pull/1057), [#1058](https://github.com/massgen/MassGen/pull/1058)
+- **Contributors**: @amabito, @HenryQi, @ncrispino, @teocollazo and the MassGen team
 
 ---
 

diff --git a/CONTRIBUTING.md b/CONTRIBUTING.md
@@ -359,7 +359,7 @@ Create a `.env` file in the `massgen` directory as described in [README](README.
 
 ## 🔧 Development Workflow
 
-> **Important**: Our next version is v0.1.76. If you want to contribute, please contribute to the `dev/v0.1.76` branch (or `main` if dev/v0.1.76 doesn't exist yet).
+> **Important**: Our next version is v0.1.77. If you want to contribute, please contribute to the `dev/v0.1.77` branch (or `main` if dev/v0.1.77 doesn't exist yet).
 
 ### 1. Create Feature Branch
 
@@ -368,7 +368,7 @@ Create a `.env` file in the `massgen` directory as described in [README](README.
 git fetch upstream
 
 # Create feature branch from dev/v0.1.60 (or main if dev branch doesn't exist yet)
-git checkout -b feature/your-feature-name upstream/dev/v0.1.76
+git checkout -b feature/your-feature-name upstream/dev/v0.1.77
 ```
 
 ### 2. Make Your Changes
@@ -507,7 +507,7 @@ git push origin feature/your-feature-name
 ```
 
 Then create a pull request on GitHub:
-- Base branch: `dev/v0.1.76` (or `main` if dev branch doesn't exist yet)
+- Base branch: `dev/v0.1.77` (or `main` if dev branch doesn't exist yet)
 - Compare branch: `feature/your-feature-name`
 - Add clear description of changes
 - Link any related issues
@@ -617,7 +617,7 @@ Have a significant feature idea not covered by existing tracks?
 - [ ] Tests pass locally
 - [ ] Documentation is updated if needed
 - [ ] Commit messages follow convention
-- [ ] PR targets `dev/v0.1.76` branch (or `main` if dev branch doesn't exist yet)
+- [ ] PR targets `dev/v0.1.77` branch (or `main` if dev branch doesn't exist yet)
 
 ### PR Description Should Include
 

diff --git a/README.md b/README.md
@@ -69,7 +69,7 @@ This project started with the "threads of thought" and "iterative refinement" id
 <details open>
 <summary><h3>🆕 Latest Features</h3></summary>
 
-- [v0.1.75 Features](#-latest-features-v0175)
+- [v0.1.76 Features](#-latest-features-v0176)
 </details>
 
 <details open>
@@ -122,15 +122,15 @@ This project started with the "threads of thought" and "iterative refinement" id
 <details open>
 <summary><h3>🗺️ Roadmap</h3></summary>
 
-- [Recent Achievements (v0.1.75)](#recent-achievements-v0175)
-- [Previous Achievements (v0.0.3 - v0.1.74)](#previous-achievements-v003---v0174)
+- [Recent Achievements (v0.1.76)](#recent-achievements-v0176)
+- [Previous Achievements (v0.0.3 - v0.1.75)](#previous-achievements-v003---v0175)
 - [Key Future Enhancements](#key-future-enhancements)
   - Bug Fixes & Backend Improvements
   - Advanced Agent Collaboration
   - Expanded Model, Tool & Agent Integrations
   - Improved Performance & Scalability
   - Enhanced Developer Experience
-- [v0.1.76 Roadmap](#v0176-roadmap)
+- [v0.1.77 Roadmap](#v0177-roadmap)
 </details>
 
 <details open>
@@ -155,19 +155,19 @@ This project started with the "threads of thought" and "iterative refinement" id
 
 ---
 
-## 🆕 Latest Features (v0.1.75)
+## 🆕 Latest Features (v0.1.76)
 
-**🎉 Released: April 10, 2026**
+**🎉 Released: April 13, 2026**
 
-**What's New in v0.1.75:**
-- **🪝 Codex Native Hooks** - Hybrid hook system for Codex backend combining native and MCP capabilities.
-- **🛡️ Checkpoint WebUI Auto-Launch** - Checkpoint workflows auto-launch the WebUI for visual monitoring.
-- **📖 Standalone MCP Server Docs** - Guide for `massgen-checkpoint-mcp` with safety policy integration.
+**What's New in v0.1.76:**
+- **🔍 Exa AI Search Tool** - New Exa AI-powered search tool added to MCP server registry.
+- **📊 Circuit Breaker Observability (Phase 3)** - Probe ownership, lock release, per-attempt latency tracking across all backends.
+- **📋 Checkpoint Agent Instructions** - Copyable custom instructions for agent memory files with checkpoint MCP information.
 
-**Try v0.1.75 Features:**
+**Try v0.1.76 Features:**
 ```bash
-pip install massgen==0.1.75
-uv run massgen --config @examples/features/fast_iteration.yaml "Create an svg of an AI agent coding."
+pip install massgen==0.1.76
+uv run massgen --config @examples/tools/web-search/exa_search_example "Research the latest breakthroughs in multi-agent AI systems"
 ```
 
 → [See full release history and examples](massgen/configs/README.md#release-history--examples)
@@ -1239,16 +1239,19 @@ MassGen is currently in its foundational stage, with a focus on parallel, asynch
 
 ⚠️ **Early Stage Notice:** As MassGen is in active development, please expect upcoming breaking architecture changes as we continue to refine and improve the system.
 
-### Recent Achievements (v0.1.75)
+### Recent Achievements (v0.1.76)
 
-**🎉 Released: April 10, 2026**
+**🎉 Released: April 13, 2026**
 
-#### Codex Hooks & Checkpoint WebUI
-- **Codex Native Hooks** ([#1053](https://github.com/massgen/MassGen/pull/1053)): Hybrid hook system for Codex backend combining native hooks and MCP capabilities
-- **Checkpoint WebUI Auto-Launch** ([#1053](https://github.com/massgen/MassGen/pull/1053)): Checkpoint workflows auto-launch WebUI with configurable host/port for visual monitoring
-- **Standalone MCP Server Docs**: Guide for `massgen-checkpoint-mcp` with safety policy integration
+#### Exa Search & Circuit Breaker Observability
+- **Exa AI Search Tool** ([#1057](https://github.com/massgen/MassGen/pull/1057)): New Exa AI-powered search tool added to MCP server registry
+- **Circuit Breaker Observability (Phase 3)** ([#1056](https://github.com/massgen/MassGen/pull/1056)): Probe ownership, lock release, per-attempt latency tracking across all backends
+- **Checkpoint Agent Instructions** ([#1058](https://github.com/massgen/MassGen/pull/1058)): Copyable custom instructions for agent memory files with checkpoint MCP information
+- **Docker Dependency Fixes** ([#1058](https://github.com/massgen/MassGen/pull/1058)): Fixed Dockerfile installs for reliable container builds
 
-### Previous Achievements (v0.0.3 - v0.1.74)
+### Previous Achievements (v0.0.3 - v0.1.75)
+
+✅ **Codex Hooks & Checkpoint WebUI (v0.1.75)**: Hybrid hook system for Codex backend. Checkpoint workflows auto-launch WebUI for visual monitoring. Standalone checkpoint MCP server docs with safety policy integration.
 
 ✅ **Checkpoint Improvements & Tool Call Fixes (v0.1.74)**: Major improvements to standalone checkpoint MCP server. Fix for duplicate tool calls in ChatCompletions and Response API backends.
 
@@ -1543,9 +1546,9 @@ MassGen is currently in its foundational stage, with a focus on parallel, asynch
 
 We welcome community contributions to achieve these goals.
 
-### v0.1.76 Roadmap
+### v0.1.77 Roadmap
 
-Version 0.1.76 focuses on cloud execution:
+Version 0.1.77 focuses on cloud execution:
 
 #### Planned Features
 - **Cloud Modal MVP** ([#982](https://github.com/massgen/MassGen/issues/982)): Run MassGen as a cloud job on Modal — progress streams to terminal, results saved locally under `.massgen/cloud_jobs/`

diff --git a/README_PYPI.md b/README_PYPI.md
@@ -68,7 +68,7 @@ This project started with the "threads of thought" and "iterative refinement" id
 <details open>
 <summary><h3>🆕 Latest Features</h3></summary>
 
-- [v0.1.75 Features](#-latest-features-v0175)
+- [v0.1.76 Features](#-latest-features-v0176)
 </details>
 
 <details open>
@@ -121,15 +121,15 @@ This project started with the "threads of thought" and "iterative refinement" id
 <details open>
 <summary><h3>🗺️ Roadmap</h3></summary>
 
-- [Recent Achievements (v0.1.75)](#recent-achievements-v0175)
-- [Previous Achievements (v0.0.3 - v0.1.74)](#previous-achievements-v003---v0174)
+- [Recent Achievements (v0.1.76)](#recent-achievements-v0176)
+- [Previous Achievements (v0.0.3 - v0.1.75)](#previous-achievements-v003---v0175)
 - [Key Future Enhancements](#key-future-enhancements)
   - Bug Fixes & Backend Improvements
   - Advanced Agent Collaboration
   - Expanded Model, Tool & Agent Integrations
   - Improved Performance & Scalability
   - Enhanced Developer Experience
-- [v0.1.76 Roadmap](#v0176-roadmap)
+- [v0.1.77 Roadmap](#v0177-roadmap)
 </details>
 
 <details open>
@@ -154,19 +154,19 @@ This project started with the "threads of thought" and "iterative refinement" id
 
 ---
 
-## 🆕 Latest Features (v0.1.75)
+## 🆕 Latest Features (v0.1.76)
 
-**🎉 Released: April 10, 2026**
+**🎉 Released: April 13, 2026**
 
-**What's New in v0.1.75:**
-- **🪝 Codex Native Hooks** - Hybrid hook system for Codex backend combining native and MCP capabilities.
-- **🛡️ Checkpoint WebUI Auto-Launch** - Checkpoint workflows auto-launch the WebUI for visual monitoring.
-- **📖 Standalone MCP Server Docs** - Guide for `massgen-checkpoint-mcp` with safety policy integration.
+**What's New in v0.1.76:**
+- **🔍 Exa AI Search Tool** - New Exa AI-powered search tool added to MCP server registry.
+- **📊 Circuit Breaker Observability (Phase 3)** - Probe ownership, lock release, per-attempt latency tracking across all backends.
+- **📋 Checkpoint Agent Instructions** - Copyable custom instructions for agent memory files with checkpoint MCP information.
 
-**Try v0.1.75 Features:**
+**Try v0.1.76 Features:**
 ```bash
-pip install massgen==0.1.75
-uv run massgen --config @examples/features/fast_iteration.yaml "Create an svg of an AI agent coding."
+pip install massgen==0.1.76
+uv run massgen --config @examples/tools/web-search/exa_search_example "Research the latest breakthroughs in multi-agent AI systems"
 ```
 
 → [See full release history and examples](massgen/configs/README.md#release-history--examples)
@@ -1238,16 +1238,19 @@ MassGen is currently in its foundational stage, with a focus on parallel, asynch
 
 ⚠️ **Early Stage Notice:** As MassGen is in active development, please expect upcoming breaking architecture changes as we continue to refine and improve the system.
 
-### Recent Achievements (v0.1.75)
+### Recent Achievements (v0.1.76)
 
-**🎉 Released: April 10, 2026**
+**🎉 Released: April 13, 2026**
 
-#### Codex Hooks & Checkpoint WebUI
-- **Codex Native Hooks** ([#1053](https://github.com/massgen/MassGen/pull/1053)): Hybrid hook system for Codex backend combining native hooks and MCP capabilities
-- **Checkpoint WebUI Auto-Launch** ([#1053](https://github.com/massgen/MassGen/pull/1053)): Checkpoint workflows auto-launch WebUI with configurable host/port for visual monitoring
-- **Standalone MCP Server Docs**: Guide for `massgen-checkpoint-mcp` with safety policy integration
+#### Exa Search & Circuit Breaker Observability
+- **Exa AI Search Tool** ([#1057](https://github.com/massgen/MassGen/pull/1057)): New Exa AI-powered search tool added to MCP server registry
+- **Circuit Breaker Observability (Phase 3)** ([#1056](https://github.com/massgen/MassGen/pull/1056)): Probe ownership, lock release, per-attempt latency tracking across all backends
+- **Checkpoint Agent Instructions** ([#1058](https://github.com/massgen/MassGen/pull/1058)): Copyable custom instructions for agent memory files with checkpoint MCP information
+- **Docker Dependency Fixes** ([#1058](https://github.com/massgen/MassGen/pull/1058)): Fixed Dockerfile installs for reliable container builds
 
-### Previous Achievements (v0.0.3 - v0.1.74)
+### Previous Achievements (v0.0.3 - v0.1.75)
+
+✅ **Codex Hooks & Checkpoint WebUI (v0.1.75)**: Hybrid hook system for Codex backend. Checkpoint workflows auto-launch WebUI for visual monitoring. Standalone checkpoint MCP server docs with safety policy integration.
 
 ✅ **Checkpoint Improvements & Tool Call Fixes (v0.1.74)**: Major improvements to standalone checkpoint MCP server. Fix for duplicate tool calls in ChatCompletions and Response API backends.
 
@@ -1542,9 +1545,9 @@ MassGen is currently in its foundational stage, with a focus on parallel, asynch
 
 We welcome community contributions to achieve these goals.
 
-### v0.1.76 Roadmap
+### v0.1.77 Roadmap
 
-Version 0.1.76 focuses on cloud execution:
+Version 0.1.77 focuses on cloud execution:
 
 #### Planned Features
 - **Cloud Modal MVP** ([#982](https://github.com/massgen/MassGen/issues/982)): Run MassGen as a cloud job on Modal — progress streams to terminal, results saved locally under `.massgen/cloud_jobs/`

diff --git a/ROADMAP.md b/ROADMAP.md
@@ -1,10 +1,10 @@
 # MassGen Roadmap
 
-**Current Version:** v0.1.75
+**Current Version:** v0.1.76
 
 **Release Schedule:** Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays @ 9am PT
 
-**Last Updated:** April 10, 2026
+**Last Updated:** April 13, 2026
 
 This roadmap outlines MassGen's development priorities for upcoming releases. Each release focuses on specific capabilities with real-world use cases.
 
@@ -42,14 +42,26 @@ Want to contribute or collaborate on a specific track? Reach out to the track ow
 
 | Release | Target | Feature | Owner | Use Case |
 |---------|--------|---------|-------|----------|
-| **v0.1.76** | 04/13/26 | Cloud Modal MVP | @ncrispino | Run MassGen as a cloud job on Modal ([#982](https://github.com/massgen/MassGen/issues/982)) |
-| **v0.1.77** | 04/15/26 | OpenAI Audio API | @ncrispino | Support OpenAI audio API for audio understanding ([#960](https://github.com/massgen/MassGen/issues/960)) |
-| **v0.1.78** | 04/17/26 | Image/Video Edit Capabilities | @ncrispino | Check and support img/video editing capabilities ([#959](https://github.com/massgen/MassGen/issues/959)) |
+| **v0.1.77** | 04/15/26 | Cloud Modal MVP | @ncrispino | Run MassGen as a cloud job on Modal ([#982](https://github.com/massgen/MassGen/issues/982)) |
+| **v0.1.78** | 04/17/26 | OpenAI Audio API | @ncrispino | Support OpenAI audio API for audio understanding ([#960](https://github.com/massgen/MassGen/issues/960)) |
+| **v0.1.79** | 04/20/26 | Image/Video Edit Capabilities | @ncrispino | Check and support img/video editing capabilities ([#959](https://github.com/massgen/MassGen/issues/959)) |
 
 *All releases ship on MWF @ 9am PT when ready*
 
 ---
 
+## ✅ v0.1.76 - Exa Search & Circuit Breaker Observability (Completed)
+
+**Released:** April 13, 2026 | PRs: [#1056](https://github.com/massgen/MassGen/pull/1056), [#1057](https://github.com/massgen/MassGen/pull/1057), [#1058](https://github.com/massgen/MassGen/pull/1058)
+
+### Features
+- **Exa AI Search Tool**: New Exa AI-powered search tool for MCP with example config
+- **Circuit Breaker Observability (Phase 3)**: Probe ownership, lock release, per-attempt latency tracking across all backends
+- **Checkpoint Agent Instructions**: Copyable custom instructions for agent memory files with checkpoint MCP information
+- **Docker Dependency Fixes**: Fixed Dockerfile installs for reliable container builds
+
+---
+
 ## ✅ v0.1.75 - Codex Hooks & Checkpoint WebUI (Completed)
 
 **Released:** April 10, 2026 | PRs: [#1053](https://github.com/massgen/MassGen/pull/1053)
@@ -62,7 +74,7 @@ Want to contribute or collaborate on a specific track? Reach out to the track ow
 
 ---
 
-## 📋 v0.1.76 - Cloud Modal MVP
+## 📋 v0.1.77 - Cloud Modal MVP
 
 ### Features
 
@@ -78,7 +90,7 @@ Want to contribute or collaborate on a specific track? Reach out to the track ow
 
 ---
 
-## 📋 v0.1.77 - OpenAI Audio API
+## 📋 v0.1.78 - OpenAI Audio API
 
 ### Features
 
@@ -94,7 +106,7 @@ Want to contribute or collaborate on a specific track? Reach out to the track ow
 
 ---
 
-## 📋 v0.1.78 - Image/Video Edit Capabilities
+## 📋 v0.1.79 - Image/Video Edit Capabilities
 
 ### Features
 

diff --git a/ROADMAP_v0.1.77.md b/ROADMAP_v0.1.77.md
@@ -1,10 +1,10 @@
-# MassGen v0.1.76 Roadmap
+# MassGen v0.1.77 Roadmap
 
-**Target Release:** April 13, 2026
+**Target Release:** April 15, 2026
 
 ## Overview
 
-Version 0.1.76 focuses on running MassGen as a cloud job on Modal.
+Version 0.1.77 focuses on running MassGen as a cloud job on Modal.
 
 ---
 
@@ -27,5 +27,5 @@ Version 0.1.76 focuses on running MassGen as a cloud job on Modal.
 
 ## Related Tracks
 
-- **v0.1.75**: Codex Hooks & Checkpoint WebUI — hybrid Codex hooks, checkpoint WebUI auto-launch, standalone MCP server docs ([#1053](https://github.com/massgen/MassGen/pull/1053))
-- **v0.1.77**: OpenAI Audio API ([#960](https://github.com/massgen/MassGen/issues/960))
+- **v0.1.76**: Exa Search & Circuit Breaker Observability — Phase 3 observability, Exa AI search, checkpoint instructions ([#1056](https://github.com/massgen/MassGen/pull/1056), [#1057](https://github.com/massgen/MassGen/pull/1057), [#1058](https://github.com/massgen/MassGen/pull/1058))
+- **v0.1.78**: OpenAI Audio API ([#960](https://github.com/massgen/MassGen/issues/960))