diff --git a/workspace/timmy-config/nostr-bridge/bridge_mvp.py b/workspace/timmy-config/nostr-bridge/bridge_mvp.py
index ee126dde..48e48690 100644
--- a/workspace/timmy-config/nostr-bridge/bridge_mvp.py
+++ b/workspace/timmy-config/nostr-bridge/bridge_mvp.py
@@ -13,7 +13,7 @@ from urllib.request import Request, urlopen
 
 # nostr_sdk imports
 try:
-    from nostr_sdk import Keys, Client, Filter, Kind, NostrSigner, Timestamp, RelayUrl
+    from nostr_sdk import Keys, Client, Filter, Kind, NostrSigner, Timestamp, RelayUrl, PublicKey
 except ImportError as e:
     print(f"[ERROR] nostr_sdk import failed: {e}")
     sys.exit(1)
@@ -51,6 +51,7 @@ def load_allowed_pubkeys():
     # Alexander's pubkey is the primary operator
     if "alexander" in keystore:
         allowed.append(keystore["alexander"].get("pubkey", ""))
+        allowed.append(keystore["alexander"].get("hex_public", ""))
     return [p for p in allowed if p]
 
 # Gitea API helpers
@@ -188,9 +189,11 @@ async def poll_dms(client, signer, since_ts):
     try:
         events = await client.fetch_events(filter_dm, timedelta(seconds=5))
         
-        for event in events:
+        # Convert Events object to list for iteration  
+        event_list = events.to_vec()
+        for event in event_list:
             author = event.author().to_hex()
-            author_npub = event.author().to_bech32()
+            author_npub = event.author().to_npub()[:32]
             
             # Verify sovereign identity
             if author not in allowed_pubkeys:
@@ -202,9 +205,10 @@ async def poll_dms(client, signer, since_ts):
             
             # Decrypt content (requires NIP-44 or NIP-04 decryption)
             try:
-                # Try to decrypt - this is a simplified placeholder
-                # Real implementation would use signer.decrypt or similar
-                content = event.content()  # May be encrypted
+                # Try to decrypt using signer's decrypt method
+                # Note: This is for NIP-04, NIP-44 may need different handling
+                decrypted = signer.decrypt(author, event.content())
+                content = decrypted
                 print(f"       Content preview: {content[:80]}...")
                 
                 # Parse and execute command
@@ -213,6 +217,24 @@ async def poll_dms(client, signer, since_ts):
                     result = execute_command(cmd, author_npub)
                     commands_executed += 1
                     print(f"       ✅ {result.get('action', 'unknown')}: {result.get('message', '')[:60]}...")
+                    
+                    # Send acknowledgement DM back
+                    try:
+                        reply_content = f"ACK: {result.get('message', 'Command processed')[:200]}"
+                        recipient = PublicKey.parse(author)
+                        
+                        # Build and send NIP-04 encrypted DM
+                        from nostr_sdk import EventBuilder
+                        dm_event = EventBuilder.encrypt_direct_msg(
+                            signer=signer,
+                            receiver=recipient,
+                            content=reply_content
+                        )
+                        # Publish to relay
+                        await client.send_event_builder(dm_event)
+                        print(f"       [ACK SENT] DM reply delivered to {author_npub[:20]}...")
+                    except Exception as ack_err:
+                        print(f"       [ACK ERROR] Failed to send acknowledgement: {ack_err}")
                 else:
                     print(f"       [PARSE] Unrecognized command format")
                     
@@ -286,12 +308,16 @@ def main():
     # Load allowed pubkeys
     allowed = load_allowed_pubkeys()
     print(f"[INIT] Allowed operators: {len(allowed)}")
+    for pk in allowed:
+        print(f"       - {pk[:32]}...")
     
     # Run bridge loop
     try:
         asyncio.run(run_bridge_loop())
     except Exception as e:
         print(f"\n[ERROR] Bridge crashed: {e}")
+        import traceback
+        traceback.print_exc()
         sys.exit(1)
 
 if __name__ == "__main__":