A version of this story first appeared in the Morning Update newsletter. Sign up here to receive the Morning Update and other BDN newsletters directly in your inbox.

QUOTE OF THE DAY

“Typically, I find that when there’s big headlines and a big election, people just kind of hold off on making big decisions, housing being one of those.”

— Derrick Buckspan, a broker-owner of RE/MAX Shoreline, on the cooling real estate market in one of the priciest parts of Maine.

TODAY’S TOP STORIES

Here’s how Donald Trump’s “day one” agenda would hit Maine. Halting offshore wind power projects, pardoning Jan. 6 rioters and steep tariffs on imports from Canada are all on the table.

Home values are expected to grow slowest in Maine’s priciest region. While more homes have recently come onto the market in southern Maine, experts don’t think explains the trend.

Jackson Lab is expanding to Florida. The biomedical research laboratory has been advertising and filling scientific jobs in leased space about 30 minutes from the University of Florida.

A credit rating agency gave Northern Light Health a negative outlook. Moody’s Ratings stopped short of further downgrading the credit rating of Bangor’s largest health care system.

NEWS FROM AROUND THE STATE

MAINE IN PICTURES

You will see a tufted titmouse among your winter backyard birds. Bob Duchesne writes about the great variety of birds — including these fluffy little friends — that you can see in your backyard by putting out birdfeeders in winter. Credit: Courtesy of Bob Duchesne

FROM THE OPINION PAGES

Pete Hegseth, President-elect Donald Trump’s choice to be Defense secretary, appears Tuesday before the Senate Armed Services Committee for his confirmation hearing at the Capitol in Washington. Credit: Alex Brandon / AP

“Hegseth’s service in uniform is admirable and appreciated. But that dedicated service in the military does not necessarily mean he is qualified and prepared to be one of the military’s top leaders.”

Editorial: Alleged misbehavior of senators doesn’t somehow make Trump’s nominee qualified for the job

LIFE IN MAINE

Here’s how to make “living” fences for your homestead. With time and care, the permanent, natural fencing can keep livestock penned or provide beautiful habitat for wildlife.

Lies destroy lives in True North’s production of the 1934 play “The Children’s Hour.” “[Director Angela] Bonacasa and this cast show the audience where American society has been and assures theatergoers that it is not a place we ever want to venture back to,” Judy Harrison writes.

For an interesting snapshot of local birds just put out some feeders. “Birding will never be boring as long as there are back yards. I hope yours has been as amusing as mine this month,” Bob Duchesne writes.