diff --git a/config.el b/config.el
index 1a1203b..57a9d45 100644
--- a/config.el
+++ b/config.el
@@ -23,6 +23,10 @@
 
 (setq display-line-numbers-type t)
 
+;; Start Emacs maximized on every launch (macOS: fills screen, keeps menu bar)
+(add-to-list 'initial-frame-alist '(fullscreen . maximized))
+(add-to-list 'default-frame-alist '(fullscreen . maximized))
+
 
 ;;; ============================================================
 ;;; UI & DISPLAY
@@ -1142,15 +1146,17 @@ Otherwise: runs interactive ement-connect, then opens rooms after sync."
 ;;; ============================================================
 
 ;;; Org-modern -- modern visual style for org-mode
-;; :custom sets vars before first activation (unlike :config which runs after).
+;; Uses vector star format ["◉"] which works reliably across font/version variations.
+;; org-modern-hide-stars: replace non-final stars with · (avoids multi-star clutter).
 ;; org-modern-table nil: avoids LaTeX export conflicts.
 (use-package! org-modern
   :hook (org-mode . org-modern-mode)
   :hook (org-agenda-finalize . org-modern-agenda)
-  :custom
-  (org-modern-star '("◉" "○" "✸" "✿"))
-  (org-modern-table nil)
-  (org-modern-checkbox t))
+  :config
+  (setq org-modern-star ["◉"]
+        org-modern-hide-stars "·"
+        org-modern-table nil
+        org-modern-checkbox t))
 
 
 ;;; ============================================================
diff --git a/packages.el b/packages.el
index 6bf2cc2..7a8717b 100644
--- a/packages.el
+++ b/packages.el
@@ -81,7 +81,8 @@
 (package! olivetti)
 
 ;; Org enhancements
-(package! org-modern)
+(package! org-modern
+  :recipe (:host github :repo "minad/org-modern"))  ; pin to latest main, bypasses Doom lockfile
 (package! org-fragtog)
 (package! org-super-agenda)
 (package! org-noter)