diff --git a/dashboard/backend/services/agents/base_agent.py b/dashboard/backend/services/agents/base_agent.py
index a480d0a..b832e84 100644
--- a/dashboard/backend/services/agents/base_agent.py
+++ b/dashboard/backend/services/agents/base_agent.py
@@ -80,8 +80,9 @@ Only propose actions you can actually execute. Be specific and actionable."""
         temperature = self.config.get("temperature", 0.7)
 
         try:
-            headers = {}
-            if self.litellm_api_key:
+            headers = {"Content-Type": "application/json"}
+            # Only add auth header if API key is set and not empty
+            if self.litellm_api_key and self.litellm_api_key.strip():
                 headers["Authorization"] = f"Bearer {self.litellm_api_key}"
 
             async with httpx.AsyncClient(timeout=60.0) as client:
diff --git a/dashboard/frontend/src/routes/OPC.svelte b/dashboard/frontend/src/routes/OPC.svelte
index d3a9bdf..ada4bef 100644
--- a/dashboard/frontend/src/routes/OPC.svelte
+++ b/dashboard/frontend/src/routes/OPC.svelte
@@ -11,9 +11,20 @@
   let loading = $state(true);
   let showTaskModal = $state(false);
   let editingTask = $state(null);
-  let showAgentPanel = $state(false);
+  let showAgentPanel = $state(
+    typeof localStorage !== 'undefined'
+      ? localStorage.getItem('opc_showAgentPanel') !== 'false'
+      : true
+  );
   let unsubscribe = null;
 
+  // Persist agent panel visibility
+  $effect(() => {
+    if (typeof localStorage !== 'undefined') {
+      localStorage.setItem('opc_showAgentPanel', showAgentPanel);
+    }
+  });
+
   async function loadData() {
     loading = true;
     try {