/* ==========================================================================
   BRIEFFLASH — COMPLETE STYLESHEET
   Editorial AI News Theme
   Fonts: Playfair Display (serif) · Inter (sans) · IBM Plex Mono (mono)
   Palette: Paper white · Ink black · Crimson accent · Gold
   ========================================================================== */

/* --------------------------------------------------------------------------
   1. CSS CUSTOM PROPERTIES — DESIGN TOKENS
   -------------------------------------------------------------------------- */
:root {
  /* Colors */
  --crimson: #be222a;
  --crimson-dark: #991b22;
  --crimson-light: rgba(190, 34, 42, 0.1);
  --gold: #c8902a;
  --paper: #fdfcf9;
  --ink: #17171f;
  --card: #ffffff;
  --border: #e8e5df;
  --muted: #f4f2ee;
  --muted-fg: #6b6868;
  --emerald: #10b981;
  --red-400: #f87171;

  /* Shadows */
  --shadow-sm: 0 1px 3px rgba(0,0,0,0.08);
  --shadow-md: 0 4px 16px rgba(0,0,0,0.10);
  --shadow-lg: 0 8px 32px rgba(0,0,0,0.14);

  /* Typography */
  --font-serif: 'Playfair Display', Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;
  --font-sans: 'Inter', ui-sans-serif, system-ui, -apple-system, sans-serif;
  --font-mono: 'IBM Plex Mono', 'Fira Code', 'Courier New', monospace;

  /* Radius */
  --radius-sm: 2px;
  --radius: 4px;
  --radius-md: 6px;
  --radius-full: 9999px;

  /* Transitions */
  --transition: 150ms ease;
  --transition-slow: 700ms ease;

  /* Layout */
  --max-w: 88rem; /* 1408px */
  --content-px: clamp(1rem, 4vw, 1.5rem);
}

/* Dark mode variables */
.dark-mode {
  --paper: #16161e;
  --ink: #eeece8;
  --card: #1e1e28;
  --border: rgba(255,255,255,0.1);
  --muted: #22222c;
  --muted-fg: #999898;
  --crimson: #c0232f;
  --crimson-dark: #a31621;
  --crimson-light: rgba(192, 35, 47, 0.15);
  --gold: #d4a044;
  --shadow-sm: 0 1px 3px rgba(0,0,0,0.3);
  --shadow-md: 0 4px 16px rgba(0,0,0,0.4);
  --shadow-lg: 0 8px 32px rgba(0,0,0,0.5);
}




/* --------------------------------------------------------------------------
   2. RESET & BASE
   -------------------------------------------------------------------------- */
*, *::before, *::after {
  box-sizing: border-box;
  margin: 0;
  padding: 0;
}

html {
  scroll-behavior: smooth;
  -webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%;
}

body {
  font-family: var(--font-sans);
  background-color: var(--paper);
  color: var(--ink);
  line-height: 1.6;
  font-size: 16px;
  -webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased;
  -moz-osx-font-smoothing: grayscale;
  transition: background-color 0.3s ease, color 0.3s ease;
  min-height: 100vh;
  display: flex;
  flex-direction: column;
}

main { flex: 1; }

img {
  display: block;
  max-width: 100%;
  height: auto;
}

a {
  color: inherit;
  text-decoration: none;
}

button {
  cursor: pointer;
  border: none;
  background: none;
  font-family: inherit;
}

input, textarea {
  font-family: inherit;
}

ul, ol { list-style: none; }

/* Typography defaults */
h1, h2, h3, h4, h5, h6 {
  font-family: var(--font-serif);
  letter-spacing: -0.015em;
  line-height: 1.1;
}

/* --------------------------------------------------------------------------
   3. UTILITY CLASSES
   -------------------------------------------------------------------------- */
.container {
  max-width: var(--max-w);
  margin: 0 auto;
  padding: 0 var(--content-px);
}

.sr-only {
  position: absolute;
  width: 1px;
  height: 1px;
  padding: 0;
  margin: -1px;
  overflow: hidden;
  clip: rect(0, 0, 0, 0);
  white-space: nowrap;
  border: 0;
}

.no-scrollbar { -ms-overflow-style: none; scrollbar-width: none; }
.no-scrollbar::-webkit-scrollbar { display: none; }

.scroll-elegant { scrollbar-width: thin; scrollbar-color: var(--border) transparent; }
.scroll-elegant::-webkit-scrollbar { width: 6px; height: 6px; }
.scroll-elegant::-webkit-scrollbar-thumb { background: var(--border); border-radius: 9999px; }

/* Drop cap */
.drop-cap::first-letter {
  font-family: var(--font-serif);
  font-size: 3.6rem;
  font-weight: 700;
  line-height: 0.85;
  float: left;
  padding: 0.08em 0.12em 0 0;
  color: var(--crimson);
}

/* Text utilities */
.text-crimson { color: var(--crimson); }
.bg-crimson { background-color: var(--crimson); }
.text-gradient-crimson {
  background: linear-gradient(135deg, var(--crimson) 0%, var(--crimson-dark) 100%);
  -webkit-background-clip: text;
  background-clip: text;
  -webkit-text-fill-color: transparent;
}

/* Rule line */
.rule-line {
  background: linear-gradient(90deg, transparent, var(--border) 20%, var(--border) 80%, transparent);
  height: 1px;
  border: none;
}

/* Editorial label */
.editorial-label {
  font-family: var(--font-sans);
  font-size: 10px;
  font-weight: 700;
  letter-spacing: 0.2em;
  text-transform: uppercase;
}

/* Section header */
.section-header {
  display: flex;
  align-items: flex-end;
  justify-content: space-between;
  border-bottom: 1px solid var(--border);
  padding-bottom: 0.75rem;
  margin-bottom: 1.5rem;
}

.section-title-group {
  display: flex;
  align-items: center;
  gap: 0.75rem;
}

.section-icon {
  display: flex;
  align-items: center;
  justify-content: center;
  width: 2rem;
  height: 2rem;
  color: var(--paper);
  flex-shrink: 0;
}

.section-title {
  font-family: var(--font-serif);
  font-size: clamp(1.4rem, 3vw, 1.75rem);
  font-weight: 900;
  color: var(--ink);
}

.section-subtitle {
  font-family: var(--font-sans);
  font-size: 11px;
  text-transform: uppercase;
  letter-spacing: 0.12em;
  color: var(--muted-fg);
  margin-top: 2px;
  display: none;
}

@media (min-width: 640px) { .section-subtitle { display: block; } }

.section-more-link {
  font-family: var(--font-sans);
  font-size: 11px;
  font-weight: 700;
  text-transform: uppercase;
  letter-spacing: 0.12em;
  color: var(--muted-fg);
  display: flex;
  align-items: center;
  gap: 4px;
  transition: color var(--transition);
}

.section-more-link:hover { color: var(--crimson); }

/* --------------------------------------------------------------------------
   4. ANIMATIONS
   -------------------------------------------------------------------------- */
@keyframes ticker-scroll {
  0% { transform: translateX(0); }
  100% { transform: translateX(-50%); }
}

.animate-ticker {
  animation: ticker-scroll 40s linear infinite;
  display: flex;
  width: max-content;
}

.animate-ticker:hover { animation-play-state: paused; }

@keyframes market-ticker-scroll {
  0% { transform: translateX(0); }
  100% { transform: translateX(-50%); }
}

.market-ticker-inner {
  animation: market-ticker-scroll 35s linear infinite;
  display: flex;
  width: max-content;
  align-items: center;
}

@keyframes fade-up {
  from { opacity: 0; transform: translateY(16px); }
  to { opacity: 1; transform: translateY(0); }
}

.animate-fade-up {
  animation: fade-up 0.6s ease-out both;
}

@keyframes live-pulse {
  0%, 100% { opacity: 1; transform: scale(1); }
  50% { opacity: 0.5; transform: scale(1.4); }
}

.animate-live-dot {
  animation: live-pulse 1.4s ease-in-out infinite;
}

@keyframes slide-in-left {
  from { transform: translateX(-100%); opacity: 0; }
  to { transform: translateX(0); opacity: 1; }
}

.animate-slide-in-left { animation: slide-in-left 0.35s cubic-bezier(0.22, 1, 0.36, 1) both; }

/* Scroll-reveal class — applied by IntersectionObserver */
.reveal {
  opacity: 0;
  transform: translateY(16px);
  transition: opacity 0.6s ease-out, transform 0.6s ease-out;
}

.reveal.visible {
  opacity: 1;
  transform: translateY(0);
}

.reveal-delay-1 { transition-delay: 0.1s; }
.reveal-delay-2 { transition-delay: 0.2s; }
.reveal-delay-3 { transition-delay: 0.3s; }

/* --------------------------------------------------------------------------
   5. LIVE PULSE DOT COMPONENT
   -------------------------------------------------------------------------- */
.live-dot {
  position: relative;
  display: inline-flex;
  width: 8px;
  height: 8px;
  flex-shrink: 0;
}

.live-dot::before {
  content: '';
  position: absolute;
  inset: 0;
  border-radius: 50%;
  background-color: var(--crimson);
  animation: live-pulse 1.4s ease-in-out infinite;
}

.live-dot::after {
  content: '';
  position: relative;
  display: block;
  width: 8px;
  height: 8px;
  border-radius: 50%;
  background-color: var(--crimson);
}

.live-dot-sm { width: 6px; height: 6px; }
.live-dot-sm::after { width: 6px; height: 6px; }

.live-dot-paper::before, .live-dot-paper::after { background-color: var(--paper); }
.live-dot-emerald::before, .live-dot-emerald::after { background-color: var(--emerald); }

/* --------------------------------------------------------------------------
   6. TOP BAR
   -------------------------------------------------------------------------- */
#meridian-topbar {
  background-color: var(--ink);
  color: var(--paper);
  border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(255,255,255,0.08);
  position: relative;
  z-index: 60;
}

#meridian-topbar .topbar-inner {
  display: flex;
  align-items: center;
  justify-content: space-between;
  height: 36px;
  gap: 1rem;
}

.topbar-left {
  display: flex;
  align-items: center;
  gap: 1rem;
  flex-shrink: 0;
  overflow: hidden;
}

.topbar-date {
  font-family: var(--font-sans);
  font-size: 11px;
  font-weight: 500;
  text-transform: uppercase;
  letter-spacing: 0.08em;
  color: rgba(255,255,255,0.7);
  white-space: nowrap;
  display: none;
}

@media (min-width: 640px) { .topbar-date { display: block; } }

.topbar-live {
  display: none;
  align-items: center;
  gap: 6px;
  font-family: var(--font-sans);
  font-size: 11px;
  font-weight: 700;
  text-transform: uppercase;
  letter-spacing: 0.12em;
  color: var(--crimson);
}

@media (min-width: 768px) { .topbar-live { display: flex; } }

/* Market ticker */
.topbar-ticker {
  display: none;
  flex: 1;
  overflow: hidden;
  position: relative;
}

@media (min-width: 1024px) { .topbar-ticker { display: block; } }

.market-ticker-item {
  display: flex;
  align-items: center;
  gap: 6px;
  white-space: nowrap;
  padding: 0 1.25rem;
  font-size: 11px;
}

.market-ticker-item .ticker-symbol {
  font-family: var(--font-mono);
  font-weight: 600;
  color: rgba(255,255,255,0.9);
}

.market-ticker-item .ticker-price {
  font-family: var(--font-mono);
  color: rgba(255,255,255,0.65);
}

.ticker-up { color: var(--emerald); }
.ticker-down { color: var(--red-400); }

/* Topbar right */
.topbar-right {
  display: flex;
  align-items: center;
  gap: 0.75rem;
  flex-shrink: 0;
}

.topbar-compute {
  display: none;
  align-items: center;
  gap: 6px;
  font-family: var(--font-sans);
  font-size: 11px;
  color: rgba(255,255,255,0.65);
  white-space: nowrap;
}

@media (min-width: 640px) { .topbar-compute { display: flex; } }

.topbar-action-btn {
  color: rgba(255,255,255,0.55);
  display: inline-flex;
  align-items: center;
  justify-content: center;
  padding: 4px;
  transition: color var(--transition);
  background: none;
  border: none;
}

.topbar-action-btn:hover { color: var(--paper); }

.topbar-subscribe {
  font-family: var(--font-sans);
  font-size: 11px;
  font-weight: 700;
  text-transform: uppercase;
  letter-spacing: 0.12em;
  color: var(--crimson);
  background: none;
  border: none;
  white-space: nowrap;
  transition: color var(--transition);
  display: none;
}

@media (min-width: 640px) { .topbar-subscribe { display: inline; } }

.topbar-subscribe:hover { color: var(--paper); }

/* --------------------------------------------------------------------------
   7. MASTHEAD
   -------------------------------------------------------------------------- */
#meridian-masthead {
  background-color: var(--paper);
  border-bottom: 1px solid var(--border);
  transition: background-color 0.3s ease;
}

.masthead-inner {
  display: flex;
  align-items: center;
  justify-content: space-between;
  gap: 1rem;
  padding-top: 1.25rem;
  padding-bottom: 1.25rem;
}

/* Left actions */
.masthead-left {
  display: flex;
  align-items: center;
  gap: 0.5rem;
  flex: 1;
}

.masthead-est {
  display: none;
  align-items: center;
  gap: 0.5rem;
  font-family: var(--font-sans);
  font-size: 11px;
  font-weight: 500;
  text-transform: uppercase;
  letter-spacing: 0.2em;
  color: var(--muted-fg);
}

@media (min-width: 1024px) { .masthead-est { display: flex; } }

.masthead-est-divider {
  display: inline-block;
  width: 1px;
  height: 12px;
  background: var(--border);
}

/* Menu toggle (mobile) */
.menu-toggle {
  display: inline-flex;
  align-items: center;
  justify-content: center;
  width: 36px;
  height: 36px;
  color: var(--ink);
  background: none;
  border: none;
  transition: background-color var(--transition);
  border-radius: var(--radius);
}

.menu-toggle:hover { background-color: var(--muted); }

@media (min-width: 1024px) { .menu-toggle { display: none; } }

/* Logo */
.masthead-logo {
  display: flex;
  flex-direction: column;
  align-items: center;
  text-align: center;
  text-decoration: none;
}

.masthead-logo-name {
  font-family: var(--font-serif);
  font-size: clamp(1.8rem, 5vw, 3rem);
  font-weight: 900;
  letter-spacing: -0.02em;
  color: var(--ink);
  line-height: 1;
  transition: color var(--transition);
}

.custom-logo-img {
  max-height: 48px;
  width: auto;
  margin-bottom: 0.5rem;
}

.masthead-logo:hover .masthead-logo-name { color: var(--crimson); }

.masthead-tagline {
  display: none;
  align-items: center;
  gap: 0.75rem;
  font-family: var(--font-sans);
  font-size: 10px;
  font-weight: 500;
  text-transform: uppercase;
  letter-spacing: 0.3em;
  color: var(--muted-fg);
  margin-top: 4px;
}

@media (min-width: 640px) { .masthead-tagline { display: flex; } }

.masthead-tagline-rule {
  display: inline-block;
  width: 2rem;
  height: 1px;
  background: rgba(190, 34, 42, 0.5);
}

/* Right actions */
.masthead-right {
  display: flex;
  align-items: center;
  justify-content: flex-end;
  gap: 0.5rem;
  flex: 1;
}

.masthead-search-wrap {
  display: none;
  align-items: center;
  position: relative;
}

@media (min-width: 768px) { .masthead-search-wrap { display: flex; } }

.masthead-search {
  height: 36px;
  width: 220px;
  border: 1px solid var(--border);
  background-color: rgba(244,242,238,0.5);
  padding: 0 0.75rem 0 2.25rem;
  font-family: var(--font-sans);
  font-size: 13px;
  color: var(--ink);
  border-radius: var(--radius);
  outline: none;
  transition: width 0.25s ease, background-color var(--transition), border-color var(--transition);
}

.masthead-search:focus {
  width: 280px;
  background-color: var(--paper);
  border-color: rgba(190, 34, 42, 0.3);
  box-shadow: 0 0 0 3px rgba(190, 34, 42, 0.08);
}

.masthead-search-icon {
  position: absolute;
  left: 0.75rem;
  top: 50%;
  transform: translateY(-50%);
  width: 16px;
  height: 16px;
  color: var(--muted-fg);
  pointer-events: none;
  display: flex;
  align-items: center;
  justify-content: center;
}

.masthead-icon-btn {
  display: inline-flex;
  align-items: center;
  justify-content: center;
  width: 36px;
  height: 36px;
  color: var(--muted-fg);
  background: none;
  border: none;
  border-radius: var(--radius);
  transition: background-color var(--transition), color var(--transition);
}

.masthead-icon-btn:hover {
  background-color: var(--muted);
  color: var(--ink);
}

.masthead-icon-btn.hidden-mobile { display: none; }
@media (min-width: 640px) { .masthead-icon-btn.hidden-mobile { display: inline-flex; } }

.masthead-subscribe-btn {
  display: none;
  padding: 0 1rem;
  height: 36px;
  background-color: var(--crimson);
  color: var(--paper);
  font-family: var(--font-sans);
  font-size: 12px;
  font-weight: 700;
  text-transform: uppercase;
  letter-spacing: 0.08em;
  border: none;
  border-radius: var(--radius);
  cursor: pointer;
  transition: background-color var(--transition);
  white-space: nowrap;
  text-decoration: none;
  align-items: center;
}

.masthead-subscribe-btn:hover { background-color: var(--crimson-dark); }

@media (min-width: 640px) { .masthead-subscribe-btn { display: inline-flex; } }

/* --------------------------------------------------------------------------
   8. NAVIGATION
   -------------------------------------------------------------------------- */
#meridian-nav {
  position: sticky;
  top: 0;
  z-index: 40;
  border-top: 1px solid var(--border);
  border-bottom: 1px solid var(--border);
  background-color: rgba(253,252,249,0.95);
  backdrop-filter: blur(12px);
  -webkit-backdrop-filter: blur(12px);
  transition: background-color 0.3s ease, box-shadow var(--transition);
}

.dark-mode #meridian-nav {
  background-color: rgba(22,22,30,0.95);
}

#meridian-nav.scrolled { box-shadow: var(--shadow-sm); }

.nav-inner {
  display: flex;
  align-items: center;
  justify-content: space-between;
  gap: 0.5rem;
}

.nav-list {
  display: flex;
  align-items: center;
  gap: 2px;
  overflow-x: auto;
  -ms-overflow-style: none;
  scrollbar-width: none;
  flex: 1;
}

.nav-list::-webkit-scrollbar { display: none; }

.nav-item-btn {
  display: flex;
  align-items: center;
  white-space: nowrap;
  border-bottom: 2px solid transparent;
  padding: 0.75rem 0.5rem;
  font-family: var(--font-sans);
  font-size: 11.5px;
  font-weight: 700;
  text-transform: uppercase;
  letter-spacing: -0.01em;
  color: var(--muted-fg);
  background: none;
  border-top: none;
  border-left: none;
  border-right: none;
  cursor: pointer;
  transition: color var(--transition), border-color var(--transition);
  text-decoration: none;
}

.nav-item-btn:hover { color: var(--ink); }
.nav-item-btn.active { border-bottom-color: var(--crimson); color: var(--ink); }

@media (min-width: 640px) {
  .nav-item-btn { font-size: 12px; padding: 0.75rem 0.6rem; }
}

.nav-trending-pill {
  display: none;
  align-items: center;
  gap: 6px;
  white-space: nowrap;
  border-radius: var(--radius-full);
  background-color: var(--crimson-light);
  padding: 6px 0.75rem;
  font-family: var(--font-sans);
  font-size: 11px;
  font-weight: 700;
  text-transform: uppercase;
  letter-spacing: 0.08em;
  color: var(--crimson);
  transition: background-color var(--transition), color var(--transition);
  border: none;
  cursor: pointer;
  flex-shrink: 0;
}

.nav-trending-pill:hover { background-color: var(--crimson); color: var(--paper); }

@media (min-width: 1280px) { .nav-trending-pill { display: inline-flex; } }

/* --------------------------------------------------------------------------
   9. BREAKING TICKER
   -------------------------------------------------------------------------- */
#meridian-breaking {
  background-color: var(--crimson);
  color: var(--paper);
  border-bottom: 1px solid var(--border);
  overflow: hidden;
}

.breaking-inner {
  display: flex;
  align-items: stretch;
}

.breaking-label {
  display: flex;
  align-items: center;
  gap: 6px;
  border-right: 1px solid rgba(255,255,255,0.2);
  padding: 0.625rem 1rem 0.625rem 0;
  flex-shrink: 0;
}

.breaking-label-text {
  font-family: var(--font-sans);
  font-size: 11px;
  font-weight: 700;
  letter-spacing: 0.15em;
  text-transform: uppercase;
}

.breaking-track {
  flex: 1;
  overflow: hidden;
  position: relative;
}

.breaking-item {
  display: flex;
  align-items: center;
  gap: 0.75rem;
  padding: 0.625rem 1.5rem;
  white-space: nowrap;
  font-family: var(--font-sans);
  font-size: 13px;
  font-weight: 500;
  color: rgba(255,255,255,0.95);
  text-decoration: none;
  transition: color var(--transition);
}

.breaking-item:hover { color: #fff; }

.breaking-item-category {
  background: rgba(255,255,255,0.15);
  padding: 2px 6px;
  font-family: var(--font-sans);
  font-size: 9px;
  font-weight: 700;
  letter-spacing: 0.15em;
  text-transform: uppercase;
  border-radius: 2px;
}

.breaking-item-dot { color: rgba(255,255,255,0.35); }

/* --------------------------------------------------------------------------
   10. HERO SECTION
   -------------------------------------------------------------------------- */
#meridian-hero {
  padding: 2rem 0;
}

@media (min-width: 640px) { #meridian-hero { padding: 2.5rem 0; } }

.hero-grid {
  display: grid;
  grid-template-columns: 1fr;
  gap: 2rem;
}

@media (min-width: 1024px) {
  .hero-grid {
    grid-template-columns: repeat(12, 1fr);
    gap: 2.5rem;
  }
}

/* Lead article */
.hero-lead {
  position: relative;
}

@media (min-width: 1024px) { .hero-lead { grid-column: span 8; } }

.hero-lead-link { display: block; }

.hero-lead-img-wrap {
  position: relative;
  overflow: hidden;
  background-color: var(--muted);
}

.hero-lead-img {
  aspect-ratio: 16/10;
  width: 100%;
  object-fit: cover;
  transition: transform 1.2s cubic-bezier(0.22, 1, 0.36, 1);
  display: block;
}

@media (min-width: 640px) { .hero-lead-img { aspect-ratio: 16/9; } }

.hero-lead:hover .hero-lead-img { transform: scale(1.04); }

.hero-img-gradient {
  position: absolute;
  inset: 0;
  background: linear-gradient(to top, rgba(23,23,31,0.72) 0%, rgba(23,23,31,0.1) 50%, transparent 100%);
  pointer-events: none;
}

.hero-breaking-badge {
  position: absolute;
  top: 1rem;
  left: 1rem;
  display: flex;
  align-items: center;
  gap: 6px;
  background-color: var(--crimson);
  padding: 4px 10px;
  font-family: var(--font-sans);
  font-size: 10px;
  font-weight: 700;
  letter-spacing: 0.15em;
  text-transform: uppercase;
  color: var(--paper);
  box-shadow: var(--shadow-md);
}

.hero-overlay {
  position: absolute;
  bottom: 0;
  left: 0;
  right: 0;
  padding: 1.25rem;
}

@media (min-width: 640px) { .hero-overlay { padding: 1.75rem; } }

.hero-kicker {
  display: flex;
  align-items: center;
  gap: 0.5rem;
}

.hero-category {
  border-left: 2px solid var(--crimson);
  padding-left: 0.5rem;
  font-family: var(--font-sans);
  font-size: 11px;
  font-weight: 700;
  letter-spacing: 0.2em;
  text-transform: uppercase;
  color: var(--paper);
}

.hero-time {
  font-family: var(--font-sans);
  font-size: 11px;
  text-transform: uppercase;
  letter-spacing: 0.1em;
  color: rgba(255,255,255,0.65);
}

.hero-headline {
  margin-top: 0.75rem;
  font-family: var(--font-serif);
  font-size: clamp(1.6rem, 4vw, 2.75rem);
  font-weight: 900;
  line-height: 1.05;
  color: var(--paper);
  letter-spacing: -0.02em;
  text-wrap: balance;
}

.hero-excerpt {
  display: none;
  margin-top: 0.75rem;
  font-family: var(--font-sans);
  font-size: 15px;
  line-height: 1.65;
  color: rgba(255,255,255,0.82);
  max-width: 40rem;
}

@media (min-width: 640px) { .hero-excerpt { display: block; } }

.hero-byline {
  margin-top: 1rem;
  display: flex;
  flex-wrap: wrap;
  align-items: center;
  gap: 0.75rem 1rem;
  font-family: var(--font-sans);
  font-size: 12px;
  color: rgba(255,255,255,0.75);
}

.hero-byline-author { font-weight: 600; color: rgba(255,255,255,0.95); }
.hero-byline-role { color: rgba(255,255,255,0.55); }

.hero-byline-meta {
  display: flex;
  align-items: center;
  gap: 4px;
}

/* Secondary articles */
.hero-secondary {
  display: flex;
  flex-direction: column;
  gap: 1.5rem;
}

@media (min-width: 1024px) {
  .hero-secondary { grid-column: span 4; }
}

.hero-sec-article { flex: 1; }

.hero-sec-link {
  display: flex;
  flex-direction: column;
  gap: 0.75rem;
  text-decoration: none;
}

@media (min-width: 640px) {
  .hero-sec-link { flex-direction: row; }
}

@media (min-width: 1024px) {
  .hero-sec-link { flex-direction: column; }
}

.hero-sec-img-wrap {
  position: relative;
  overflow: hidden;
  background-color: var(--muted);
  flex-shrink: 0;
}

@media (min-width: 640px) and (max-width: 1023px) {
  .hero-sec-img-wrap { width: 9rem; }
}

.hero-sec-img {
  width: 100%;
  object-fit: cover;
  transition: transform 0.7s ease;
  display: block;
  aspect-ratio: 16/10;
}

@media (min-width: 640px) and (max-width: 1023px) {
  .hero-sec-img { aspect-ratio: 1; }
}

.hero-sec-article:hover .hero-sec-img { transform: scale(1.06); }

.hero-sec-cat {
  position: absolute;
  top: 8px;
  left: 8px;
  background: rgba(23,23,31,0.85);
  padding: 2px 6px;
  font-family: var(--font-sans);
  font-size: 9px;
  font-weight: 700;
  letter-spacing: 0.12em;
  text-transform: uppercase;
  color: var(--paper);
  backdrop-filter: blur(4px);
}

.hero-sec-content { display: flex; flex-direction: column; }

.hero-sec-title {
  font-family: var(--font-serif);
  font-size: clamp(1rem, 2.5vw, 1.2rem);
  font-weight: 700;
  line-height: 1.25;
  color: var(--ink);
  transition: color var(--transition);
  text-wrap: balance;
}

.hero-sec-article:hover .hero-sec-title { color: var(--crimson); }

.hero-sec-excerpt {
  display: none;
  margin-top: 6px;
  font-family: var(--font-sans);
  font-size: 13px;
  line-height: 1.6;
  color: var(--muted-fg);
  overflow: hidden;
  display: -webkit-box;
  -webkit-line-clamp: 2;
  -webkit-box-orient: vertical;
}

@media (min-width: 640px) { .hero-sec-excerpt { display: -webkit-box; } }

.hero-sec-meta {
  margin-top: 0.5rem;
  display: flex;
  align-items: center;
  gap: 0.5rem;
  font-family: var(--font-sans);
  font-size: 11px;
  color: var(--muted-fg);
}

.hero-sec-author { font-weight: 600; color: rgba(23,23,31,0.75); }

.hero-view-all {
  display: flex;
  align-items: center;
  justify-content: space-between;
  border-top: 1px solid var(--border);
  padding-top: 1rem;
  font-family: var(--font-sans);
  font-size: 12px;
  font-weight: 700;
  text-transform: uppercase;
  letter-spacing: 0.12em;
  color: var(--ink);
  transition: color var(--transition);
  text-decoration: none;
}

.hero-view-all:hover { color: var(--crimson); }

/* --------------------------------------------------------------------------
   11. LIVE SECTION
   -------------------------------------------------------------------------- */
#meridian-live {
  background-color: rgba(244,242,238,0.4);
  border-top: 1px solid var(--border);
  border-bottom: 1px solid var(--border);
}

.dark-mode #meridian-live { background-color: rgba(34,34,44,0.4); }

.live-section-inner {
  padding: 2rem 0;
}

.live-grid {
  display: grid;
  grid-template-columns: 1fr;
  gap: 1.5rem;
}

@media (min-width: 1024px) {
  .live-grid { grid-template-columns: repeat(12, 1fr); gap: 2rem; }
}

.live-label-col {
  display: flex;
  flex-direction: column;
}

@media (min-width: 1024px) { .live-label-col { grid-column: span 3; } }

.live-heading-row {
  display: flex;
  align-items: center;
  gap: 0.5rem;
}

.live-heading {
  font-family: var(--font-serif);
  font-size: 1.25rem;
  font-weight: 900;
  text-transform: uppercase;
  letter-spacing: 0.05em;
  color: var(--ink);
}

.live-desc {
  margin-top: 0.5rem;
  font-family: var(--font-sans);
  font-size: 12px;
  color: var(--muted-fg);
  line-height: 1.5;
}

.live-cards-grid {
  display: grid;
  grid-template-columns: 1fr;
  gap: 0.75rem;
}

@media (min-width: 640px) { .live-cards-grid { grid-template-columns: repeat(3, 1fr); } }
@media (min-width: 1024px) { .live-cards-grid { grid-column: span 9; } }

.live-card {
  display: flex;
  flex-direction: column;
  justify-content: space-between;
  border: 1px solid var(--border);
  background-color: var(--card);
  padding: 1rem;
  transition: border-color var(--transition), box-shadow var(--transition);
  text-decoration: none;
}

.live-card:hover { border-color: var(--crimson); box-shadow: var(--shadow-md); }

.live-card-top {
  display: flex;
  align-items: center;
  justify-content: space-between;
}

.live-card-cat {
  font-family: var(--font-sans);
  font-size: 10px;
  font-weight: 700;
  text-transform: uppercase;
  letter-spacing: 0.12em;
  color: var(--crimson);
}

.live-card-badge {
  display: flex;
  align-items: center;
  gap: 4px;
  font-family: var(--font-sans);
  font-size: 10px;
  font-weight: 600;
  text-transform: uppercase;
  letter-spacing: 0.1em;
  color: var(--muted-fg);
}

.live-card-text {
  margin-top: 0.5rem;
  font-family: var(--font-serif);
  font-size: 15px;
  font-weight: 700;
  line-height: 1.35;
  color: var(--ink);
  transition: color var(--transition);
  text-wrap: balance;
}

.live-card:hover .live-card-text { color: var(--crimson); }

.live-card-footer {
  display: flex;
  align-items: center;
  justify-content: space-between;
  border-top: 1px solid var(--border);
  padding-top: 0.625rem;
  margin-top: 0.75rem;
}

.live-card-time {
  font-family: var(--font-sans);
  font-size: 11px;
  color: var(--muted-fg);
}

.live-card-watch {
  display: flex;
  align-items: center;
  gap: 4px;
  font-family: var(--font-sans);
  font-size: 11px;
  font-weight: 700;
  text-transform: uppercase;
  letter-spacing: 0.08em;
  color: var(--ink);
  transition: color var(--transition);
}

.live-card:hover .live-card-watch { color: var(--crimson); }

/* --------------------------------------------------------------------------
   12. CATEGORY SECTION
   -------------------------------------------------------------------------- */
.category-section { padding: 2.5rem 0; }
.category-section.embedded { padding: 1.5rem 0; }

.cat-articles-grid {
  display: grid;
  grid-template-columns: 1fr;
  gap: 2rem;
}

@media (min-width: 768px) {
  .cat-articles-grid { grid-template-columns: repeat(12, 1fr); gap: 2rem; }
}

/* Lead article */
.cat-lead { }
@media (min-width: 768px) { .cat-lead { grid-column: span 7; } }

.cat-lead-link { display: block; text-decoration: none; }

.cat-lead-img-wrap {
  overflow: hidden;
  background-color: var(--muted);
  position: relative;
}

.cat-lead-img {
  aspect-ratio: 16/10;
  width: 100%;
  object-fit: cover;
  transition: transform 1.1s ease-out;
  display: block;
}

.cat-lead-link:hover .cat-lead-img { transform: scale(1.05); }

.cat-lead-category {
  display: inline-block;
  margin-top: 1rem;
  font-family: var(--font-sans);
  font-size: 11px;
  font-weight: 700;
  letter-spacing: 0.2em;
  text-transform: uppercase;
}

.cat-lead-title {
  margin-top: 0.5rem;
  font-family: var(--font-serif);
  font-size: clamp(1.3rem, 2.5vw, 1.7rem);
  font-weight: 700;
  line-height: 1.2;
  color: var(--ink);
  transition: color var(--transition);
  text-wrap: balance;
}

.cat-lead-link:hover .cat-lead-title { color: var(--crimson); }

.cat-lead-excerpt {
  margin-top: 0.5rem;
  font-family: var(--font-sans);
  font-size: 15px;
  line-height: 1.65;
  color: var(--muted-fg);
  max-width: 40rem;
}

.cat-lead-meta {
  display: flex;
  align-items: center;
  gap: 0.75rem;
  margin-top: 0.75rem;
  font-family: var(--font-sans);
  font-size: 12px;
  color: var(--muted-fg);
}

.cat-lead-author { font-weight: 600; color: rgba(23,23,31,0.75); }

/* Side list */
.cat-side-list {
  display: flex;
  flex-direction: column;
  border-top: 1px solid var(--border);
  padding-top: 0;
}

@media (min-width: 768px) {
  .cat-side-list { grid-column: span 5; border-top: none; padding-top: 0; }
}

.cat-side-item {
  display: flex;
  gap: 1rem;
  padding: 1rem 0;
  border-bottom: 1px solid var(--border);
}

.cat-side-item:first-child { padding-top: 0; }

.cat-side-img-wrap {
  flex-shrink: 0;
  overflow: hidden;
  background-color: var(--muted);
}

.cat-side-img {
  width: 5rem;
  height: 5rem;
  object-fit: cover;
  transition: transform 0.7s ease;
  display: block;
}

@media (min-width: 640px) {
  .cat-side-img { width: 6rem; height: 6rem; }
}

.cat-side-item:hover .cat-side-img { transform: scale(1.1); }

.cat-side-content { display: flex; flex-direction: column; }

.cat-side-title {
  font-family: var(--font-serif);
  font-size: 15px;
  font-weight: 700;
  line-height: 1.3;
  color: var(--ink);
  transition: color var(--transition);
  text-wrap: balance;
}

@media (min-width: 640px) { .cat-side-title { font-size: 1.05rem; } }

.cat-side-item:hover .cat-side-title { color: var(--crimson); }

.cat-side-excerpt {
  display: none;
  margin-top: 4px;
  font-family: var(--font-sans);
  font-size: 13px;
  line-height: 1.5;
  color: var(--muted-fg);
  overflow: hidden;
  display: -webkit-box;
  -webkit-line-clamp: 2;
  -webkit-box-orient: vertical;
}

@media (min-width: 640px) { .cat-side-excerpt { display: -webkit-box; } }

.cat-side-meta {
  margin-top: auto;
  padding-top: 6px;
  font-family: var(--font-sans);
  font-size: 11px;
  color: var(--muted-fg);
}

.cat-side-author { font-weight: 600; color: rgba(23,23,31,0.65); }

/* --------------------------------------------------------------------------
   13. MAIN + SIDEBAR LAYOUT
   -------------------------------------------------------------------------- */
.main-sidebar-wrap {
  padding: 1rem 0;
}

.main-sidebar-grid {
  display: grid;
  grid-template-columns: 1fr;
  gap: 2.5rem;
}

@media (min-width: 1024px) {
  .main-sidebar-grid { grid-template-columns: repeat(12, 1fr); gap: 3rem; }
}

.main-col {
  border-right: none;
  padding-right: 0;
}

@media (min-width: 1024px) {
  .main-col { grid-column: span 8; border-right: 1px solid var(--border); padding-right: 3rem; }
}

.sidebar-col { }
@media (min-width: 1024px) { .sidebar-col { grid-column: span 4; } }

/* --------------------------------------------------------------------------
   14. TRENDING SIDEBAR
   -------------------------------------------------------------------------- */
.trending-sidebar { }
@media (min-width: 1024px) { .trending-sidebar { position: sticky; top: 5rem; } }

/* Most Read box */
.most-read-box {
  border: 1px solid var(--border);
  background-color: var(--card);
}

.most-read-header {
  display: flex;
  align-items: center;
  gap: 0.5rem;
  background-color: var(--ink);
  color: var(--paper);
  padding: 0.75rem 1rem;
}

.dark-mode .most-read-header { background-color: rgba(255,255,255,0.05); }

.most-read-title {
  font-family: var(--font-serif);
  font-size: 0.9375rem;
  font-weight: 700;
  text-transform: uppercase;
  letter-spacing: 0.05em;
}

.most-read-period {
  margin-left: auto;
  font-family: var(--font-sans);
  font-size: 10px;
  text-transform: uppercase;
  letter-spacing: 0.12em;
  color: rgba(255,255,255,0.45);
}

.most-read-list { }

.most-read-item {
  display: flex;
  gap: 1rem;
  padding: 0.875rem 1rem;
  border-bottom: 1px solid var(--border);
  text-decoration: none;
  transition: background-color var(--transition);
}

.most-read-item:last-child { border-bottom: none; }
.most-read-item:hover { background-color: rgba(244,242,238,0.6); }
.dark-mode .most-read-item:hover { background-color: rgba(255,255,255,0.04); }

.most-read-num {
  font-family: var(--font-serif);
  font-size: 1.875rem;
  font-weight: 900;
  line-height: 1;
  color: var(--border);
  transition: color var(--transition);
  flex-shrink: 0;
}

.most-read-item:hover .most-read-num { color: var(--crimson); }

.most-read-content { display: flex; flex-direction: column; }

.most-read-cat {
  font-family: var(--font-sans);
  font-size: 10px;
  font-weight: 700;
  text-transform: uppercase;
  letter-spacing: 0.12em;
  color: var(--crimson);
}

.most-read-item-title {
  margin-top: 2px;
  font-family: var(--font-serif);
  font-size: 15px;
  font-weight: 700;
  line-height: 1.3;
  color: var(--ink);
  transition: color var(--transition);
  text-wrap: balance;
}

.most-read-item:hover .most-read-item-title { color: var(--crimson); }

.most-read-meta {
  margin-top: 6px;
  display: flex;
  align-items: center;
  gap: 0.5rem;
  font-family: var(--font-sans);
  font-size: 11px;
  color: var(--muted-fg);
}

/* Trending tags box */
.trending-tags-box {
  margin-top: 1.5rem;
  border: 1px solid var(--border);
  background-color: var(--card);
  padding: 1.25rem;
}

.trending-tags-header {
  display: flex;
  align-items: center;
  gap: 0.5rem;
  margin-bottom: 0.75rem;
}

.trending-tags-title {
  font-family: var(--font-serif);
  font-size: 0.9375rem;
  font-weight: 700;
  text-transform: uppercase;
  letter-spacing: 0.05em;
  color: var(--ink);
}

.trending-tags-list {
  display: flex;
  flex-wrap: wrap;
  gap: 0.5rem;
}

.trending-tag {
  border-radius: var(--radius-full);
  border: 1px solid var(--border);
  background-color: rgba(244,242,238,0.5);
  padding: 6px 0.75rem;
  font-family: var(--font-sans);
  font-size: 12px;
  font-weight: 500;
  color: rgba(23,23,31,0.75);
  transition: border-color var(--transition), background-color var(--transition), color var(--transition);
  text-decoration: none;
}

.trending-tag:hover {
  border-color: var(--crimson);
  background-color: var(--crimson);
  color: var(--paper);
}

/* Editor's pick box */
.editors-pick-box {
  margin-top: 1.5rem;
  border: 1px solid var(--border);
  background-color: var(--ink);
  color: var(--paper);
  padding: 1.5rem;
  overflow: hidden;
}

.editors-pick-kicker {
  font-family: var(--font-sans);
  font-size: 10px;
  font-weight: 700;
  letter-spacing: 0.25em;
  text-transform: uppercase;
  color: var(--crimson);
}

.editors-pick-title {
  margin-top: 0.75rem;
  font-family: var(--font-serif);
  font-size: 1.25rem;
  font-weight: 700;
  line-height: 1.25;
  color: var(--paper);
}

.editors-pick-desc {
  margin-top: 0.5rem;
  font-family: var(--font-sans);
  font-size: 13px;
  line-height: 1.6;
  color: rgba(255,255,255,0.65);
}

.editors-pick-link {
  display: inline-flex;
  align-items: center;
  gap: 6px;
  margin-top: 1rem;
  font-family: var(--font-sans);
  font-size: 12px;
  font-weight: 700;
  text-transform: uppercase;
  letter-spacing: 0.12em;
  color: var(--crimson);
  text-decoration: none;
  transition: color var(--transition);
}

.editors-pick-link:hover { color: var(--paper); }

/* --------------------------------------------------------------------------
   15. OPINION SECTION
   -------------------------------------------------------------------------- */
#meridian-opinion {
  background-color: rgba(244,242,238,0.45);
  border-top: 1px solid var(--border);
}

.dark-mode #meridian-opinion { background-color: rgba(34,34,44,0.35); }

.opinion-inner {
  padding: 3rem 0;
}

@media (min-width: 640px) { .opinion-inner { padding: 4rem 0; } }

.opinion-grid {
  display: grid;
  grid-template-columns: 1fr;
  gap: 2rem;
}

@media (min-width: 768px) { .opinion-grid { grid-template-columns: repeat(3, 1fr); gap: 2.5rem; } }

.opinion-card {
  position: relative;
  display: flex;
  flex-direction: column;
}

.opinion-img-wrap {
  position: relative;
  overflow: hidden;
  background-color: var(--muted);
  margin-bottom: 1rem;
}

.opinion-img {
  aspect-ratio: 3/2;
  width: 100%;
  object-fit: cover;
  filter: grayscale(1);
  transition: transform 1.1s ease-out, filter 1.1s ease-out;
  display: block;
}

.opinion-card:hover .opinion-img {
  transform: scale(1.05);
  filter: grayscale(0);
}

.opinion-overlay {
  position: absolute;
  inset: 0;
  background: rgba(23,23,31,0.1);
  transition: background var(--transition);
}

.opinion-card:hover .opinion-overlay { background: rgba(23,23,31,0); }

.opinion-link { display: block; text-decoration: none; }

.opinion-kicker {
  font-family: var(--font-sans);
  font-size: 10px;
  font-weight: 700;
  letter-spacing: 0.25em;
  text-transform: uppercase;
  color: var(--crimson);
}

.opinion-title {
  margin-top: 0.5rem;
  font-family: var(--font-serif);
  font-size: 1.25rem;
  font-weight: 700;
  font-style: italic;
  line-height: 1.3;
  color: var(--ink);
  transition: color var(--transition);
  text-wrap: balance;
}

.opinion-card:hover .opinion-title { color: var(--crimson); }

.opinion-excerpt {
  margin-top: 0.5rem;
  font-family: var(--font-sans);
  font-size: 14px;
  line-height: 1.65;
  color: var(--muted-fg);
}

.opinion-author-row {
  margin-top: 1rem;
  display: flex;
  align-items: center;
  gap: 0.5rem;
  border-top: 1px solid var(--border);
  padding-top: 0.75rem;
}

.opinion-avatar {
  display: flex;
  align-items: center;
  justify-content: center;
  width: 2rem;
  height: 2rem;
  border-radius: 50%;
  background-color: var(--crimson-light);
  font-family: var(--font-serif);
  font-size: 13px;
  font-weight: 700;
  color: var(--crimson);
  flex-shrink: 0;
}

.opinion-author-info { display: flex; flex-direction: column; }

.opinion-author-name {
  font-family: var(--font-sans);
  font-size: 12px;
  font-weight: 700;
  color: var(--ink);
}

.opinion-author-role {
  font-family: var(--font-sans);
  font-size: 10px;
  text-transform: uppercase;
  letter-spacing: 0.08em;
  color: var(--muted-fg);
}

.opinion-read-time {
  margin-left: auto;
  display: flex;
  align-items: center;
  gap: 4px;
  font-family: var(--font-sans);
  font-size: 10px;
  color: var(--muted-fg);
}

/* --------------------------------------------------------------------------
   16. VIDEO SECTION
   -------------------------------------------------------------------------- */
#meridian-video {
  padding: 3rem 0;
}

@media (min-width: 640px) { #meridian-video { padding: 4rem 0; } }

.video-grid {
  display: grid;
  grid-template-columns: 1fr;
  gap: 1.5rem;
}

@media (min-width: 1024px) { .video-grid { grid-template-columns: repeat(12, 1fr); } }

.video-lead { }
@media (min-width: 1024px) { .video-lead { grid-column: span 7; } }

.video-lead-link { display: block; text-decoration: none; }

.video-lead-img-wrap {
  position: relative;
  overflow: hidden;
  background-color: var(--ink);
}

.video-lead-img {
  aspect-ratio: 16/9;
  width: 100%;
  object-fit: cover;
  opacity: 0.9;
  transition: transform 1.1s ease-out, opacity 0.4s ease;
  display: block;
}

.video-lead-link:hover .video-lead-img { transform: scale(1.05); opacity: 1; }

.video-gradient { position: absolute; inset: 0; background: linear-gradient(to top, rgba(23,23,31,0.8) 0%, rgba(23,23,31,0.2) 50%, transparent 100%); pointer-events: none; }

.video-play-btn {
  position: absolute;
  inset: 0;
  display: flex;
  align-items: center;
  justify-content: center;
}

.video-play-circle {
  display: flex;
  align-items: center;
  justify-content: center;
  width: 4rem;
  height: 4rem;
  border-radius: 50%;
  background: rgba(253,252,249,0.9);
  box-shadow: var(--shadow-lg);
  transition: transform 0.3s ease, background-color var(--transition);
}

.video-lead-link:hover .video-play-circle { transform: scale(1.1); background: var(--paper); }

.video-duration-badge {
  position: absolute;
  top: 1rem;
  right: 1rem;
  background: rgba(23,23,31,0.8);
  padding: 3px 8px;
  font-family: var(--font-mono);
  font-size: 11px;
  font-weight: 600;
  color: var(--paper);
  backdrop-filter: blur(4px);
  border-radius: 2px;
}

.video-overlay-content {
  position: absolute;
  bottom: 0;
  left: 0;
  right: 0;
  padding: 1.25rem;
}

@media (min-width: 640px) { .video-overlay-content { padding: 1.75rem; } }

.video-lead-cat {
  font-family: var(--font-sans);
  font-size: 10px;
  font-weight: 700;
  letter-spacing: 0.25em;
  text-transform: uppercase;
  color: var(--crimson);
}

.video-lead-title {
  margin-top: 0.5rem;
  font-family: var(--font-serif);
  font-size: clamp(1.1rem, 2.5vw, 1.4rem);
  font-weight: 700;
  line-height: 1.25;
  color: var(--paper);
  max-width: 40rem;
  text-wrap: balance;
}

/* Video side list */
.video-side-list {
  display: flex;
  flex-direction: column;
  gap: 1.25rem;
}

@media (min-width: 1024px) { .video-side-list { grid-column: span 5; } }

.video-side-item { display: flex; gap: 1rem; text-decoration: none; }

.video-side-img-wrap {
  position: relative;
  flex-shrink: 0;
  overflow: hidden;
  background-color: var(--ink);
}

.video-side-img {
  width: 10rem;
  height: 6rem;
  object-fit: cover;
  opacity: 0.9;
  transition: transform 0.5s ease, opacity var(--transition);
  display: block;
}

@media (min-width: 640px) { .video-side-img { width: 12rem; height: 7rem; } }

.video-side-item:hover .video-side-img { transform: scale(1.05); opacity: 1; }

.video-side-play {
  position: absolute;
  inset: 0;
  display: flex;
  align-items: center;
  justify-content: center;
}

.video-side-play-circle {
  display: flex;
  align-items: center;
  justify-content: center;
  width: 2.25rem;
  height: 2.25rem;
  border-radius: 50%;
  background: rgba(253,252,249,0.85);
  backdrop-filter: blur(4px);
  transition: transform 0.3s ease;
}

.video-side-item:hover .video-side-play-circle { transform: scale(1.1); }

.video-side-duration {
  position: absolute;
  bottom: 4px;
  right: 4px;
  background: rgba(23,23,31,0.85);
  padding: 2px 6px;
  font-family: var(--font-mono);
  font-size: 9px;
  font-weight: 600;
  color: var(--paper);
  border-radius: 2px;
}

.video-side-content {
  display: flex;
  flex-direction: column;
  justify-content: center;
}

.video-side-cat {
  font-family: var(--font-sans);
  font-size: 10px;
  font-weight: 700;
  text-transform: uppercase;
  letter-spacing: 0.12em;
  color: var(--crimson);
}

.video-side-title {
  margin-top: 4px;
  font-family: var(--font-serif);
  font-size: 15px;
  font-weight: 700;
  line-height: 1.3;
  color: var(--ink);
  transition: color var(--transition);
  text-wrap: balance;
}

.video-side-item:hover .video-side-title { color: var(--crimson); }

/* --------------------------------------------------------------------------
   17. NEWSLETTER SECTION
   -------------------------------------------------------------------------- */
#meridian-newsletter {
  position: relative;
  overflow: hidden;
  border-top: 1px solid var(--border);
  border-bottom: 1px solid var(--border);
  background-color: var(--ink);
  color: var(--paper);
}

.newsletter-decoration {
  position: absolute;
  inset: 0;
  pointer-events: none;
  opacity: 0.07;
  background-image:
    radial-gradient(circle at 20% 30%, var(--crimson) 0, transparent 40%),
    radial-gradient(circle at 80% 70%, var(--gold) 0, transparent 40%);
}

.newsletter-inner {
  position: relative;
  padding: 4rem 0;
}

@media (min-width: 640px) { .newsletter-inner { padding: 5rem 0; } }

.newsletter-grid {
  display: grid;
  grid-template-columns: 1fr;
  gap: 2.5rem;
  align-items: center;
}

@media (min-width: 1024px) { .newsletter-grid { grid-template-columns: 1fr 1fr; gap: 4rem; } }

.newsletter-kicker-row {
  display: flex;
  align-items: center;
  gap: 0.5rem;
  color: var(--crimson);
}

.newsletter-kicker {
  font-family: var(--font-sans);
  font-size: 11px;
  font-weight: 700;
  letter-spacing: 0.25em;
  text-transform: uppercase;
}

.newsletter-heading {
  margin-top: 1rem;
  font-family: var(--font-serif);
  font-size: clamp(2rem, 5vw, 3rem);
  font-weight: 900;
  line-height: 1.05;
  letter-spacing: -0.02em;
  color: var(--paper);
}

.newsletter-desc {
  margin-top: 1rem;
  font-family: var(--font-sans);
  font-size: 15px;
  line-height: 1.65;
  color: rgba(255,255,255,0.65);
  max-width: 26rem;
}

.newsletter-checks {
  display: flex;
  flex-wrap: wrap;
  gap: 0.5rem 1.5rem;
  margin-top: 1.5rem;
  font-family: var(--font-sans);
  font-size: 12px;
  color: rgba(255,255,255,0.55);
}

.newsletter-check-item {
  display: flex;
  align-items: center;
  gap: 6px;
}

.newsletter-check-icon { color: var(--crimson); flex-shrink: 0; }

/* Form panel */
.newsletter-form-panel {
  border: 1px solid rgba(255,255,255,0.12);
  background: rgba(255,255,255,0.03);
  padding: 1.5rem;
  border-radius: var(--radius-sm);
  backdrop-filter: blur(8px);
}

@media (min-width: 640px) { .newsletter-form-panel { padding: 2rem; } }

.newsletter-success {
  display: none;
  flex-direction: column;
  align-items: center;
  padding: 2rem 0;
  text-align: center;
}

.newsletter-success.visible { display: flex; }

.newsletter-success-icon {
  display: flex;
  align-items: center;
  justify-content: center;
  width: 3.5rem;
  height: 3.5rem;
  border-radius: 50%;
  background-color: var(--crimson);
}

.newsletter-success-heading {
  margin-top: 1rem;
  font-family: var(--font-serif);
  font-size: 1.5rem;
  font-weight: 700;
  color: var(--paper);
}

.newsletter-success-desc {
  margin-top: 0.5rem;
  font-family: var(--font-sans);
  font-size: 14px;
  color: rgba(255,255,255,0.65);
}

.newsletter-form { }
.newsletter-form.hidden { display: none; }

.newsletter-label {
  display: block;
  font-family: var(--font-sans);
  font-size: 11px;
  font-weight: 700;
  text-transform: uppercase;
  letter-spacing: 0.12em;
  color: rgba(255,255,255,0.55);
  margin-bottom: 6px;
}

.newsletter-input {
  width: 100%;
  height: 40px;
  border: 1px solid rgba(255,255,255,0.18);
  background: transparent;
  padding: 0 0.75rem;
  font-family: var(--font-sans);
  font-size: 14px;
  color: var(--paper);
  border-radius: var(--radius);
  outline: none;
  transition: border-color var(--transition);
}

.newsletter-input::placeholder { color: rgba(255,255,255,0.35); }
.newsletter-input:focus { border-color: var(--crimson); box-shadow: 0 0 0 3px rgba(163,22,33,0.2); }

.newsletter-interests-label {
  display: block;
  font-family: var(--font-sans);
  font-size: 11px;
  font-weight: 700;
  text-transform: uppercase;
  letter-spacing: 0.12em;
  color: rgba(255,255,255,0.55);
  margin-bottom: 8px;
  margin-top: 1rem;
}

.newsletter-chips {
  display: flex;
  flex-wrap: wrap;
  gap: 0.5rem;
}

.newsletter-chip {
  cursor: pointer;
  border-radius: var(--radius-full);
  border: 1px solid rgba(255,255,255,0.18);
  padding: 6px 12px;
  font-family: var(--font-sans);
  font-size: 12px;
  color: rgba(255,255,255,0.65);
  transition: border-color var(--transition), background-color var(--transition), color var(--transition);
}

.newsletter-chip input[type="checkbox"] { display: none; }
.newsletter-chip:has(input:checked),
.newsletter-chip.checked {
  border-color: var(--crimson);
  background-color: var(--crimson);
  color: var(--paper);
}

.newsletter-chip:hover { border-color: var(--crimson); background-color: var(--crimson); color: var(--paper); }

.newsletter-submit-btn {
  width: 100%;
  margin-top: 1rem;
  height: 42px;
  background-color: var(--crimson);
  color: var(--paper);
  font-family: var(--font-sans);
  font-size: 13px;
  font-weight: 700;
  text-transform: uppercase;
  letter-spacing: 0.08em;
  border: none;
  border-radius: var(--radius);
  cursor: pointer;
  transition: background-color var(--transition);
  display: flex;
  align-items: center;
  justify-content: center;
  gap: 6px;
}

.newsletter-submit-btn:hover { background-color: var(--crimson-dark); }
.newsletter-submit-btn:disabled { opacity: 0.6; cursor: not-allowed; }

.newsletter-terms {
  text-align: center;
  margin-top: 0.75rem;
  font-family: var(--font-sans);
  font-size: 10px;
  color: rgba(255,255,255,0.35);
}

/* Newsletter Error, Loading & Kit Attribution States */
.newsletter-error-msg {
  background: rgba(220, 38, 38, 0.15);
  border: 1px solid rgba(220, 38, 38, 0.4);
  color: #fca5a5;
  padding: 8px 12px;
  border-radius: var(--radius);
  font-family: var(--font-sans);
  font-size: 12px;
  margin-bottom: 12px;
  text-align: center;
}

.subscribe-modal-error-msg {
  background: #fef2f2;
  border: 1px solid #fecaca;
  color: #dc2626;
  padding: 8px 12px;
  border-radius: var(--radius);
  font-family: var(--font-sans);
  font-size: 12px;
  margin-bottom: 14px;
  text-align: center;
}

.mb-error-msg {
  color: #fca5a5;
  font-size: 12px;
  margin-bottom: 8px;
}

.mb-success-msg {
  color: #86efac;
  font-family: var(--font-sans);
  font-size: 13px;
  font-weight: 500;
  padding: 10px 0;
}

.formkit-powered-by-convertkit-container {
  display: flex;
  justify-content: center;
  align-items: center;
  margin-top: 10px;
  width: 100%;
}

.formkit-powered-by-convertkit {
  display: inline-block;
  font-family: var(--font-sans);
  font-size: 11px;
  font-weight: 500;
  text-decoration: none;
  opacity: 0.6;
  transition: opacity var(--transition);
}

.formkit-powered-by-convertkit:hover {
  opacity: 1;
}

.formkit-powered-by-convertkit[data-variant="dark"] {
  color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.6);
}

.formkit-powered-by-convertkit[data-variant="light"] {
  color: #6b6868;
}

.meridian-spinner {
  display: inline-block;
  width: 14px;
  height: 14px;
  border: 2px solid rgba(255,255,255,0.3);
  border-radius: 50%;
  border-top-color: #fff;
  animation: meridian-spin 0.8s linear infinite;
}

@keyframes meridian-spin {
  to { transform: rotate(360deg); }
}

/* --------------------------------------------------------------------------
   18. FOOTER
   -------------------------------------------------------------------------- */
#meridian-footer {
  margin-top: auto;
  background-color: var(--ink);
  color: var(--paper);
  border-top: 1px solid var(--border);
}

.footer-top {
  display: grid;
  grid-template-columns: 1fr;
  gap: 2rem;
  border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(255,255,255,0.08);
  padding: 3rem 0;
}

@media (min-width: 1024px) { .footer-top { grid-template-columns: repeat(3, 1fr); } }

.footer-brand {}
@media (min-width: 1024px) { .footer-brand { grid-column: span 1; } }

.footer-logo-btn {
  display: flex;
  flex-direction: column;
  text-align: left;
  background: none;
  border: none;
  cursor: pointer;
  text-decoration: none;
}

.footer-logo-name {
  font-family: var(--font-serif);
  font-size: 1.875rem;
  font-weight: 900;
  letter-spacing: -0.02em;
  color: var(--paper);
  transition: color var(--transition);
}

.footer-logo-btn:hover .footer-logo-name { color: var(--crimson); }

.footer-logo-tagline {
  margin-top: 4px;
  display: flex;
  align-items: center;
  gap: 0.5rem;
  font-family: var(--font-sans);
  font-size: 10px;
  font-weight: 500;
  text-transform: uppercase;
  letter-spacing: 0.3em;
  color: rgba(255,255,255,0.45);
}

.footer-logo-rule {
  display: inline-block;
  width: 1.5rem;
  height: 1px;
  background: rgba(163,22,33,0.5);
}

.footer-brand-desc {
  margin-top: 1rem;
  font-family: var(--font-sans);
  font-size: 13px;
  line-height: 1.65;
  color: rgba(255,255,255,0.55);
  max-width: 20rem;
}

.footer-social-row {
  display: flex;
  align-items: center;
  gap: 0.5rem;
  margin-top: 1.25rem;
}

.footer-social-btn {
  display: flex;
  align-items: center;
  justify-content: center;
  width: 2rem;
  height: 2rem;
  border-radius: 50%;
  border: 1px solid rgba(255,255,255,0.14);
  color: rgba(255,255,255,0.55);
  text-decoration: none;
  transition: border-color var(--transition), background-color var(--transition), color var(--transition);
}

.footer-social-btn:hover {
  border-color: var(--crimson);
  background-color: var(--crimson);
  color: var(--paper);
}

/* Footer CTA panel */
.footer-cta {
  display: flex;
  flex-direction: column;
  justify-content: center;
  border: 1px solid rgba(255,255,255,0.12);
  background: rgba(255,255,255,0.03);
  padding: 1.5rem;
  border-radius: var(--radius-sm);
  text-decoration: none;
  transition: border-color var(--transition);
}

@media (min-width: 1024px) { .footer-cta { grid-column: span 2; } }

.footer-cta:hover { border-color: rgba(163,22,33,0.4); }

.footer-cta-kicker {
  font-family: var(--font-sans);
  font-size: 10px;
  font-weight: 700;
  letter-spacing: 0.25em;
  text-transform: uppercase;
  color: var(--crimson);
}

.footer-cta-heading {
  margin-top: 0.5rem;
  font-family: var(--font-serif);
  font-size: 1.5rem;
  font-weight: 700;
  color: var(--paper);
}

.footer-cta-desc {
  margin-top: 4px;
  font-family: var(--font-sans);
  font-size: 13px;
  color: rgba(255,255,255,0.55);
}

.footer-cta-action {
  margin-top: 1rem;
  display: inline-flex;
  align-items: center;
  gap: 6px;
  font-family: var(--font-sans);
  font-size: 12px;
  font-weight: 700;
  text-transform: uppercase;
  letter-spacing: 0.12em;
  color: var(--crimson);
}

/* Footer links grid */
.footer-links-grid {
  display: grid;
  grid-template-columns: repeat(2, 1fr);
  gap: 2rem;
  padding: 3rem 0;
}

@media (min-width: 1024px) { .footer-links-grid { grid-template-columns: repeat(3, 1fr); } }

.footer-col-title {
  font-family: var(--font-sans);
  font-size: 11px;
  font-weight: 700;
  text-transform: uppercase;
  letter-spacing: 0.15em;
  color: rgba(255,255,255,0.45);
}

.footer-col-links { margin-top: 1rem; display: flex; flex-direction: column; gap: 0.625rem; }

/* Remove bullets from WordPress nav menus in footer */
.footer-nav-list {
  list-style: none;
  margin: 0;
  padding: 0;
  display: flex;
  flex-direction: column;
  gap: 0.625rem;
}

.footer-nav-list li {
  list-style: none;
  margin: 0;
  padding: 0;
}

.footer-col-link {
  font-family: var(--font-sans);
  font-size: 13px;
  color: rgba(255,255,255,0.75);
  text-decoration: none;
  transition: color var(--transition);
  background: none;
  border: none;
  cursor: pointer;
  text-align: left;
  padding: 0;
}

.footer-col-link:hover { color: var(--crimson); }


/* Footer bottom bar */
.footer-bottom {
  display: flex;
  flex-direction: column;
  align-items: center;
  justify-content: space-between;
  gap: 1rem;
  border-top: 1px solid rgba(255,255,255,0.08);
  padding: 1.5rem 0;
}

@media (min-width: 640px) { .footer-bottom { flex-direction: row; } }

.footer-copyright-row {
  display: flex;
  flex-wrap: wrap;
  align-items: center;
  justify-content: center;
  gap: 0.5rem 1rem;
  font-family: var(--font-sans);
  font-size: 11px;
  color: rgba(255,255,255,0.45);
}

.footer-legal-link {
  background: none;
  border: none;
  cursor: pointer;
  font-family: var(--font-sans);
  font-size: 11px;
  color: rgba(255,255,255,0.45);
  text-decoration: none;
  transition: color var(--transition);
}

.footer-legal-link:hover { color: var(--paper); }

.footer-status {
  display: flex;
  align-items: center;
  gap: 0.5rem;
  font-family: var(--font-sans);
  font-size: 11px;
  color: rgba(255,255,255,0.45);
}

.footer-status-dot {
  position: relative;
  display: inline-flex;
  width: 6px;
  height: 6px;
}

.footer-status-dot::before {
  content: '';
  position: absolute;
  inset: 0;
  border-radius: 50%;
  background: var(--emerald);
  animation: live-pulse 1.4s ease-in-out infinite;
}

.footer-status-dot::after {
  content: '';
  position: relative;
  display: block;
  width: 6px;
  height: 6px;
  border-radius: 50%;
  background: var(--emerald);
}

/* --------------------------------------------------------------------------
   19. MOBILE DRAWER
   -------------------------------------------------------------------------- */
#mobile-drawer-overlay {
  position: fixed;
  inset: 0;
  z-index: 100;
  display: none;
}

#mobile-drawer-overlay.open { display: block; }

.mobile-drawer-backdrop {
  position: absolute;
  inset: 0;
  background: rgba(23,23,31,0.6);
  backdrop-filter: blur(4px);
}

.mobile-drawer {
  position: absolute;
  top: 0;
  left: 0;
  height: 100%;
  width: 20rem;
  max-width: 85vw;
  background-color: var(--paper);
  padding: 1.5rem;
  overflow-y: auto;
  box-shadow: var(--shadow-lg);
  transform: translateX(-100%);
  transition: transform 0.35s cubic-bezier(0.22, 1, 0.36, 1);
}

#mobile-drawer-overlay.open .mobile-drawer { transform: translateX(0); }

.drawer-header {
  display: flex;
  align-items: center;
  justify-content: space-between;
  margin-bottom: 2rem;
}

.drawer-logo {
  font-family: var(--font-serif);
  font-size: 1.5rem;
  font-weight: 900;
  color: var(--ink);
}

.drawer-close {
  display: inline-flex;
  align-items: center;
  justify-content: center;
  width: 36px;
  height: 36px;
  color: var(--muted-fg);
  background: none;
  border: none;
  border-radius: var(--radius);
  transition: background-color var(--transition);
}

.drawer-close:hover { background-color: var(--muted); }

.drawer-search {
  position: relative;
  margin-bottom: 1.5rem;
}

.drawer-search-input {
  width: 100%;
  height: 40px;
  border: 1px solid var(--border);
  background-color: var(--muted);
  padding: 0 0.75rem 0 2.25rem;
  font-family: var(--font-sans);
  font-size: 14px;
  color: var(--ink);
  border-radius: var(--radius);
  outline: none;
}

.drawer-search-icon {
  position: absolute;
  left: 0.75rem;
  top: 50%;
  transform: translateY(-50%);
  width: 16px;
  height: 16px;
  color: var(--muted-fg);
  pointer-events: none;
}

.drawer-nav { display: flex; flex-direction: column; gap: 2px; }

.drawer-nav-link {
  display: block;
  border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(232,229,223,0.5);
  padding: 0.75rem 0;
  font-family: var(--font-serif);
  font-size: 1.125rem;
  font-weight: 600;
  color: var(--ink);
  text-decoration: none;
  background: none;
  border-top: none;
  border-left: none;
  border-right: none;
  border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(232,229,223,0.5);
  cursor: pointer;
  text-align: left;
  width: 100%;
  transition: color var(--transition);
}

.drawer-nav-link:hover { color: var(--crimson); }

.drawer-subscribe-btn {
  display: block;
  width: 100%;
  margin-top: 1.5rem;
  padding: 0.75rem;
  background-color: var(--crimson);
  color: var(--paper);
  font-family: var(--font-sans);
  font-size: 14px;
  font-weight: 700;
  text-transform: uppercase;
  letter-spacing: 0.08em;
  text-align: center;
  text-decoration: none;
  border: none;
  border-radius: var(--radius);
  cursor: pointer;
  transition: background-color var(--transition);
}

.drawer-subscribe-btn:hover { background-color: var(--crimson-dark); }

/* --------------------------------------------------------------------------
   20. ARTICLE / SINGLE POST
   -------------------------------------------------------------------------- */

/* Reading progress bar */
#reading-progress {
  position: fixed;
  top: 0;
  left: 0;
  width: 100%;
  height: 3px;
  background: transparent;
  z-index: 9999;
  pointer-events: none;
}

#reading-progress-fill {
  height: 100%;
  background-color: var(--crimson);
  width: 0%;
  transition: width 0.15s ease-out;
}

/* Slim article header */
#article-header {
  position: sticky;
  top: 0;
  z-index: 50;
  background-color: rgba(253,252,249,0.95);
  backdrop-filter: blur(12px);
  border-bottom: 1px solid var(--border);
}

.dark-mode #article-header { background-color: rgba(22,22,30,0.95); }

.article-header-inner {
  display: flex;
  align-items: center;
  justify-content: space-between;
  height: 52px;
}

.article-back-btn {
  display: flex;
  align-items: center;
  gap: 6px;
  font-family: var(--font-sans);
  font-size: 12px;
  font-weight: 600;
  color: var(--muted-fg);
  text-decoration: none;
  transition: color var(--transition);
  background: none;
  border: none;
  cursor: pointer;
}

.article-back-btn:hover { color: var(--ink); }

.article-header-logo {
  font-family: var(--font-serif);
  font-size: 1.25rem;
  font-weight: 900;
  color: var(--ink);
  text-decoration: none;
}

.article-header-actions {
  display: flex;
  align-items: center;
  gap: 4px;
}

/* Article breadcrumb */
.article-breadcrumb {
  display: flex;
  align-items: center;
  gap: 6px;
  font-family: var(--font-sans);
  font-size: 12px;
  color: var(--muted-fg);
  margin-bottom: 1.5rem;
}

.article-breadcrumb a { color: var(--muted-fg); text-decoration: none; transition: color var(--transition); }
.article-breadcrumb a:hover { color: var(--crimson); }

/* Article hero */
.article-hero { max-width: 50rem; }

.article-kicker {
  font-family: var(--font-sans);
  font-size: 11px;
  font-weight: 700;
  letter-spacing: 0.2em;
  text-transform: uppercase;
}

.article-headline {
  margin-top: 0.75rem;
  font-family: var(--font-serif);
  font-size: clamp(1.8rem, 5vw, 3rem);
  font-weight: 900;
  line-height: 1.05;
  letter-spacing: -0.02em;
  color: var(--ink);
  text-wrap: balance;
}

.article-deck {
  margin-top: 1rem;
  font-family: var(--font-serif);
  font-size: 1.125rem;
  font-style: italic;
  line-height: 1.6;
  color: var(--muted-fg);
}

.article-byline {
  display: flex;
  flex-wrap: wrap;
  align-items: center;
  gap: 0.5rem 1rem;
  margin-top: 1.25rem;
  padding-top: 1.25rem;
  border-top: 1px solid var(--border);
  font-family: var(--font-sans);
  font-size: 12px;
  color: var(--muted-fg);
}

.article-author-avatar {
  display: flex;
  align-items: center;
  justify-content: center;
  width: 2.25rem;
  height: 2.25rem;
  border-radius: 50%;
  background: var(--crimson-light);
  font-family: var(--font-serif);
  font-size: 13px;
  font-weight: 700;
  color: var(--crimson);
  flex-shrink: 0;
}

.article-author-name { font-weight: 700; color: var(--ink); font-size: 14px; }
.article-author-role { color: var(--muted-fg); font-size: 11px; }
.article-author-label { color: var(--crimson); font-size: 10px; font-weight: 700; text-transform: uppercase; letter-spacing: 0.2em; }

/* Byline divider bar */
.byline-divider {
  width: 1px;
  height: 1.5rem;
  background: var(--border);
  margin: 0 0.5rem;
  flex-shrink: 0;
}

/* Byline meta group — pushed to right */
.article-meta-group {
  display: flex;
  flex-wrap: wrap;
  align-items: center;
  gap: 0.75rem 1.25rem;
  margin-left: auto;
}

/* Author bio label "Written by" */
.author-bio-label {
  font-size: 10px;
  font-weight: 700;
  text-transform: uppercase;
  letter-spacing: 0.2em;
  color: var(--crimson);
  margin-bottom: 0.15rem;
}

/* Breadcrumb current page */
.breadcrumb-current {
  color: rgba(0,0,0,0.5);
  overflow: hidden;
  text-overflow: ellipsis;
  white-space: nowrap;
  max-width: 20ch;
}
.dark-mode .breadcrumb-current { color: rgba(255,255,255,0.45); }

/* Takeaways disclaimer line */
.takeaways-disclaimer {
  margin-top: 1rem;
  font-family: var(--font-sans);
  font-size: 10px;
  font-style: italic;
  color: var(--muted-fg);
}

.article-meta-item {
  display: flex;
  align-items: center;
  gap: 4px;
}

/* ============================================================
   Article page layout — mirrors React article-view.tsx exactly
   ============================================================ */

/* Narrow prose column (React: mx-auto max-w-3xl px-4 sm:px-6) */
.article-prose-wrap {
  max-width: 48rem;   /* 768px — matches Tailwind max-w-3xl */
  margin-left: auto;
  margin-right: auto;
  padding-left: 1.5rem;
  padding-right: 1.5rem;
  margin-bottom: 2.5rem;
}

/* Wider image container (React: mx-auto mt-8 max-w-5xl px-4 sm:px-6) */
.article-hero-figure {
  max-width: 64rem;   /* 1024px — matches Tailwind max-w-5xl */
  margin: 2rem auto 0;
  padding-left: 1.5rem;
  padding-right: 1.5rem;
}

/* Image wrap — strict 16:9 enforced via aspect-ratio (same as React) */
.article-hero-img-wrap {
  overflow: hidden;
  background-color: var(--muted);
  position: relative;
  border-radius: var(--radius);
  aspect-ratio: 16 / 9;   /* matches React: aspect-[16/9] */
  box-shadow: 0 4px 32px rgba(0,0,0,0.12);
}

.article-hero-img {
  width: 100%;
  height: 100%;
  object-fit: cover;
  object-position: center;
  display: block;
  transition: transform 0.5s ease;
}

.article-hero-img-wrap:hover .article-hero-img {
  transform: scale(1.02);
}

.article-img-caption {
  margin-top: 0.5rem;
  font-family: var(--font-sans);
  font-size: 12px;
  color: var(--muted-fg);
  font-style: italic;
}

/* Share rail: floated to the left outside the prose column (React: absolute -left-16) */
.share-rail-float {
  position: absolute;
  left: calc(-3.5rem - 0.5rem);
  top: 0;
}
@media (max-width: 1100px) {
  .share-rail-float { display: none; }
}


/* AI Takeaways box */
.article-takeaways {
  margin: 2rem 0;
  border-left: 3px solid var(--crimson);
  background-color: var(--muted);
  padding: 1.25rem 1.5rem;
  border-radius: 0 var(--radius) var(--radius) 0;
}

.dark-mode .article-takeaways { background-color: rgba(255,255,255,0.04); }

.takeaways-header {
  display: flex;
  align-items: center;
  gap: 0.5rem;
  margin-bottom: 0.875rem;
}

.takeaways-title {
  font-family: var(--font-sans);
  font-size: 11px;
  font-weight: 700;
  text-transform: uppercase;
  letter-spacing: 0.15em;
  color: var(--crimson);
}

.takeaways-badge {
  margin-left: auto;
  background: var(--crimson-light);
  color: var(--crimson);
  font-family: var(--font-sans);
  font-size: 9px;
  font-weight: 700;
  text-transform: uppercase;
  letter-spacing: 0.1em;
  padding: 2px 6px;
  border-radius: var(--radius-full);
}

.takeaways-list { display: flex; flex-direction: column; gap: 0.5rem; }

.takeaway-item {
  display: flex;
  gap: 0.75rem;
  font-family: var(--font-sans);
  font-size: 14px;
  line-height: 1.55;
  color: var(--ink);
}

.takeaway-num {
  font-family: var(--font-mono);
  font-size: 12px;
  font-weight: 600;
  color: var(--crimson);
  flex-shrink: 0;
  padding-top: 1px;
}

/* Share rail */
.share-rail {
  position: sticky;
  top: 6rem;
  display: none;
  flex-direction: column;
  gap: 0.75rem;
  align-items: center;
}

@media (min-width: 1280px) { .share-rail { display: flex; } }

.share-rail-btn {
  display: flex;
  align-items: center;
  justify-content: center;
  width: 2.5rem;
  height: 2.5rem;
  border-radius: 50%;
  border: 1px solid var(--border);
  color: var(--muted-fg);
  background: none;
  transition: border-color var(--transition), color var(--transition), background-color var(--transition);
}

.share-rail-btn:hover { border-color: var(--crimson); color: var(--crimson); background-color: var(--crimson-light); }

/* ============================================================
   Article body — Premium typography matching Newsroom tool
   ============================================================ */
.article-body {
  max-width: 42rem;
}

/* Drop cap for first paragraph */
.article-body > p:first-of-type::first-letter {
  font-family: var(--font-serif);
  font-size: 4rem;
  font-weight: 700;
  line-height: 0.8;
  float: left;
  margin: 0.05em 0.12em 0 0;
  color: var(--crimson);
}

.article-body p {
  font-family: var(--font-sans);
  font-size: 1.075rem;
  line-height: 1.8;
  color: var(--ink);
  margin-bottom: 1.4rem;
}

/* Section headings */
.article-body h2 {
  font-family: var(--font-serif);
  font-size: 1.6rem;
  font-weight: 700;
  color: var(--ink);
  margin: 2.5rem 0 0.9rem;
  padding-bottom: 0.5rem;
  border-bottom: 2px solid var(--crimson);
  line-height: 1.25;
}

.article-body h3 {
  font-family: var(--font-serif);
  font-size: 1.2rem;
  font-weight: 700;
  color: var(--ink);
  margin: 2rem 0 0.6rem;
  line-height: 1.3;
}

.article-body h4 {
  font-family: var(--font-sans);
  font-size: 1rem;
  font-weight: 700;
  letter-spacing: 0.03em;
  text-transform: uppercase;
  color: var(--muted-fg);
  margin: 1.5rem 0 0.5rem;
}

/* Unordered & ordered lists — used for Key Takeaways etc */
.article-body ul,
.article-body ol {
  padding-left: 1.6rem;
  margin: 0.5rem 0 1.4rem;
}

.article-body ul {
  list-style: none;
  padding-left: 0;
}

.article-body ul li {
  position: relative;
  padding-left: 1.4rem;
  font-family: var(--font-sans);
  font-size: 1.0625rem;
  line-height: 1.75;
  color: var(--ink);
  margin-bottom: 0.5rem;
}

.article-body ul li::before {
  content: '';
  position: absolute;
  left: 0;
  top: 0.65em;
  width: 6px;
  height: 6px;
  border-radius: 50%;
  background-color: var(--crimson);
}

.article-body ol {
  list-style: decimal;
}

.article-body ol li {
  font-family: var(--font-sans);
  font-size: 1.0625rem;
  line-height: 1.75;
  color: var(--ink);
  margin-bottom: 0.5rem;
  padding-left: 0.3rem;
}

/* Blockquote / pullquote */
.article-body blockquote {
  border-left: 3px solid var(--crimson);
  background: var(--muted);
  margin: 2rem 0;
  padding: 1.25rem 1.5rem;
  border-radius: 0 var(--radius) var(--radius) 0;
}

.dark-mode .article-body blockquote { background: rgba(255,255,255,0.04); }

.article-body blockquote p {
  font-family: var(--font-serif);
  font-size: 1.2rem;
  font-style: italic;
  font-weight: 600;
  line-height: 1.5;
  color: var(--ink);
  margin-bottom: 0;
}

/* Legacy pullquote class */
.article-body .pullquote {
  border-left: 3px solid var(--crimson);
  margin: 2rem 0;
  padding: 0.75rem 0 0.75rem 1.5rem;
}

.article-body .pullquote p {
  font-family: var(--font-serif);
  font-size: 1.3rem;
  font-style: italic;
  font-weight: 600;
  line-height: 1.45;
  color: var(--ink);
  margin-bottom: 0.5rem;
}

.article-body .pullquote cite {
  font-family: var(--font-sans);
  font-size: 12px;
  color: var(--muted-fg);
  font-style: normal;
}

/* Strong & emphasis */
.article-body strong { font-weight: 700; color: var(--ink); }
.article-body em { font-style: italic; color: var(--muted-fg); }

/* Inline code */
.article-body code {
  font-family: 'Courier New', monospace;
  font-size: 0.875em;
  background: var(--muted);
  border: 1px solid var(--border);
  padding: 0.15em 0.45em;
  border-radius: 4px;
}

/* Horizontal rule separators */
.article-body hr {
  border: none;
  border-top: 1px solid var(--border);
  margin: 2.5rem 0;
}

/* FAQ — h3 questions get a question-mark accent */
.article-body h3:has(+ p) {
  position: relative;
  padding-left: 1.5rem;
  color: var(--ink);
}

.article-body h3:has(+ p)::before {
  content: 'Q';
  position: absolute;
  left: 0;
  top: 0;
  font-size: 0.7rem;
  font-weight: 800;
  font-family: var(--font-sans);
  letter-spacing: 0.05em;
  color: var(--crimson);
  background: var(--crimson-light);
  width: 1.1rem;
  height: 1.1rem;
  border-radius: 50%;
  display: flex;
  align-items: center;
  justify-content: center;
  margin-top: 0.2rem;
}

/* Callout box */
.article-body .callout-box {
  background-color: var(--muted);
  border: 1px solid var(--border);
  padding: 1.25rem 1.5rem;
  margin: 2rem 0;
  border-radius: var(--radius);
}

.dark-mode .article-body .callout-box { background-color: rgba(255,255,255,0.05); }

.article-body .callout-title {
  font-family: var(--font-sans);
  font-size: 12px;
  font-weight: 700;
  text-transform: uppercase;
  letter-spacing: 0.12em;
  color: var(--crimson);
  margin-bottom: 0.5rem;
}

.article-body .callout-text {
  font-family: var(--font-sans);
  font-size: 14px;
  line-height: 1.65;
  color: var(--ink);
}

/* Inline images */
.article-body .inline-img { margin: 1.5rem 0; }
.article-body .inline-img img { width: 100%; object-fit: cover; display: block; border-radius: var(--radius); }

/* Legacy list class */
.article-body .article-list {
  list-style: disc;
  padding-left: 1.5rem;
  margin: 1rem 0 1.25rem;
}

.article-body .article-list li {
  font-family: var(--font-sans);
  font-size: 1.0625rem;
  line-height: 1.7;
  color: var(--ink);
  margin-bottom: 0.375rem;
}


/* Article tags */
.article-tags {
  display: flex;
  flex-wrap: wrap;
  gap: 0.5rem;
  margin: 2rem 0;
  padding-top: 1.5rem;
  border-top: 1px solid var(--border);
}

.article-tag {
  border: 1px solid var(--border);
  padding: 4px 12px;
  font-family: var(--font-sans);
  font-size: 12px;
  color: var(--muted-fg);
  text-decoration: none;
  border-radius: var(--radius-full);
  transition: border-color var(--transition), color var(--transition);
}

.article-tag:hover { border-color: var(--crimson); color: var(--crimson); }

/* Author bio */
.author-bio {
  display: flex;
  gap: 1rem;
  background-color: var(--muted);
  padding: 1.5rem;
  border-radius: var(--radius);
  margin: 2rem 0;
}

.dark-mode .author-bio { background-color: rgba(255,255,255,0.04); }

.author-bio-avatar {
  display: flex;
  align-items: center;
  justify-content: center;
  width: 3.5rem;
  height: 3.5rem;
  border-radius: 50%;
  background: var(--crimson-light);
  font-family: var(--font-serif);
  font-size: 1.25rem;
  font-weight: 700;
  color: var(--crimson);
  flex-shrink: 0;
}

.author-bio-name {
  font-family: var(--font-sans);
  font-size: 14px;
  font-weight: 700;
  color: var(--ink);
}

.author-bio-role {
  font-family: var(--font-sans);
  font-size: 12px;
  color: var(--muted-fg);
  margin-bottom: 0.5rem;
}

.author-bio-text {
  font-family: var(--font-sans);
  font-size: 14px;
  line-height: 1.6;
  color: var(--muted-fg);
}

.author-follow-btn {
  display: inline-flex;
  align-items: center;
  gap: 4px;
  margin-top: 0.75rem;
  padding: 6px 16px;
  border: 1px solid var(--border);
  background: none;
  font-family: var(--font-sans);
  font-size: 12px;
  font-weight: 600;
  color: var(--ink);
  border-radius: var(--radius-full);
  cursor: pointer;
  transition: border-color var(--transition), background-color var(--transition);
}

.author-follow-btn:hover { border-color: var(--crimson); color: var(--crimson); background: var(--crimson-light); }

/* Reactions */
.article-reactions {
  margin: 2rem 0;
  padding: 1.25rem 0;
  border-top: 1px solid var(--border);
  border-bottom: 1px solid var(--border);
}

.reactions-label {
  font-family: var(--font-sans);
  font-size: 11px;
  font-weight: 700;
  text-transform: uppercase;
  letter-spacing: 0.12em;
  color: var(--muted-fg);
  margin-bottom: 0.75rem;
}

.reactions-row {
  display: flex;
  flex-wrap: wrap;
  gap: 0.5rem;
}

.reaction-btn {
  display: flex;
  align-items: center;
  gap: 6px;
  padding: 8px 14px;
  border: 1px solid var(--border);
  background: none;
  border-radius: var(--radius-full);
  font-family: var(--font-sans);
  font-size: 13px;
  cursor: pointer;
  transition: border-color var(--transition), background-color var(--transition), color var(--transition);
  color: var(--muted-fg);
}

.reaction-btn:hover { border-color: var(--crimson); color: var(--crimson); background: var(--crimson-light); }

.reaction-btn.active {
  border-color: var(--crimson);
  background-color: var(--crimson-light);
  color: var(--crimson);
}

.reaction-count { font-size: 12px; }

/* Comments */
.article-comments { margin: 2rem 0; }

.comments-title {
  font-family: var(--font-serif);
  font-size: 1.5rem;
  font-weight: 700;
  color: var(--ink);
  margin-bottom: 1.5rem;
}

.comment-composer {
  display: flex;
  gap: 0.75rem;
  margin-bottom: 2rem;
}

.comment-input {
  flex: 1;
  border: 1px solid var(--border);
  padding: 0.625rem 0.875rem;
  font-family: var(--font-sans);
  font-size: 14px;
  color: var(--ink);
  background-color: var(--paper);
  border-radius: var(--radius);
  outline: none;
  transition: border-color var(--transition);
}

.comment-input:focus { border-color: var(--crimson); }

.comment-submit-btn {
  padding: 0 1rem;
  height: 40px;
  background-color: var(--crimson);
  color: var(--paper);
  font-family: var(--font-sans);
  font-size: 13px;
  font-weight: 600;
  border: none;
  border-radius: var(--radius);
  cursor: pointer;
  transition: background-color var(--transition);
  white-space: nowrap;
}

.comment-submit-btn:hover { background-color: var(--crimson-dark); }

.comments-list { display: flex; flex-direction: column; gap: 0; }

.comment-item {
  padding: 1.25rem 0;
  border-bottom: 1px solid var(--border);
}

.comment-header {
  display: flex;
  align-items: center;
  gap: 0.625rem;
  margin-bottom: 0.625rem;
}

.comment-avatar {
  display: flex;
  align-items: center;
  justify-content: center;
  width: 2rem;
  height: 2rem;
  border-radius: 50%;
  background: var(--muted);
  font-family: var(--font-serif);
  font-size: 12px;
  font-weight: 700;
  color: var(--muted-fg);
  flex-shrink: 0;
}

.comment-author {
  font-family: var(--font-sans);
  font-size: 13px;
  font-weight: 700;
  color: var(--ink);
}

.comment-handle { font-weight: 400; color: var(--muted-fg); }

.comment-time {
  margin-left: auto;
  font-family: var(--font-sans);
  font-size: 11px;
  color: var(--muted-fg);
}

.comment-text {
  font-family: var(--font-sans);
  font-size: 14px;
  line-height: 1.65;
  color: var(--ink);
}

.comment-actions {
  display: flex;
  align-items: center;
  gap: 1rem;
  margin-top: 0.625rem;
}

.comment-action {
  display: flex;
  align-items: center;
  gap: 4px;
  font-family: var(--font-sans);
  font-size: 12px;
  color: var(--muted-fg);
  background: none;
  border: none;
  cursor: pointer;
  transition: color var(--transition);
}

.comment-action:hover { color: var(--crimson); }

/* Related coverage */
.related-coverage { margin-top: 3rem; }

.related-coverage-header {
  display: flex;
  align-items: center;
  justify-content: space-between;
  margin-bottom: 1.5rem;
}

.related-title {
  font-family: var(--font-serif);
  font-size: 1.5rem;
  font-weight: 700;
  color: var(--ink);
}

.related-grid {
  display: grid;
  grid-template-columns: 1fr;
  gap: 1.5rem;
}

@media (min-width: 640px) { .related-grid { grid-template-columns: repeat(3, 1fr); } }

.related-article { }

.related-article-link { display: block; text-decoration: none; }

.related-img-wrap { overflow: hidden; background-color: var(--muted); margin-bottom: 0.875rem; }

.related-img {
  aspect-ratio: 16/9;
  width: 100%;
  object-fit: cover;
  transition: transform 0.7s ease;
  display: block;
}

.related-article:hover .related-img { transform: scale(1.06); }

.related-cat {
  font-family: var(--font-sans);
  font-size: 10px;
  font-weight: 700;
  text-transform: uppercase;
  letter-spacing: 0.15em;
  color: var(--crimson);
  margin-bottom: 6px;
}

.related-article-title {
  font-family: var(--font-serif);
  font-size: 1rem;
  font-weight: 700;
  line-height: 1.3;
  color: var(--ink);
  transition: color var(--transition);
  text-wrap: balance;
}

.related-article:hover .related-article-title { color: var(--crimson); }

.related-meta {
  margin-top: 0.5rem;
  font-family: var(--font-sans);
  font-size: 11px;
  color: var(--muted-fg);
}

/* --------------------------------------------------------------------------
   21. ARCHIVE / CATEGORY PAGE
   -------------------------------------------------------------------------- */
.archive-hero {
  background-color: var(--ink);
  color: var(--paper);
  padding: 3rem 0;
}

.archive-kicker {
  font-family: var(--font-sans);
  font-size: 11px;
  font-weight: 700;
  letter-spacing: 0.2em;
  text-transform: uppercase;
  color: var(--crimson);
  margin-bottom: 0.5rem;
}

.archive-title {
  font-family: var(--font-serif);
  font-size: clamp(2rem, 5vw, 3.5rem);
  font-weight: 900;
  color: var(--paper);
}

.archive-desc {
  margin-top: 0.75rem;
  font-family: var(--font-sans);
  font-size: 15px;
  color: rgba(255,255,255,0.65);
  max-width: 40rem;
}

.archive-posts-grid {
  display: grid;
  grid-template-columns: 1fr;
  gap: 2rem;
  padding: 3rem 0;
}

@media (min-width: 640px) { .archive-posts-grid { grid-template-columns: repeat(2, 1fr); } }
@media (min-width: 1024px) { .archive-posts-grid { grid-template-columns: repeat(3, 1fr); } }

.archive-post-card { }

.archive-card-img-wrap { overflow: hidden; background: var(--muted); margin-bottom: 0.875rem; }

.archive-card-img {
  aspect-ratio: 16/9;
  width: 100%;
  object-fit: cover;
  transition: transform 0.7s ease;
  display: block;
}

.archive-post-card:hover .archive-card-img { transform: scale(1.06); }

.archive-card-cat {
  font-family: var(--font-sans);
  font-size: 10px;
  font-weight: 700;
  text-transform: uppercase;
  letter-spacing: 0.15em;
  margin-bottom: 6px;
}

.archive-card-title {
  font-family: var(--font-serif);
  font-size: 1.125rem;
  font-weight: 700;
  line-height: 1.3;
  color: var(--ink);
  transition: color var(--transition);
  text-decoration: none;
  display: block;
  text-wrap: balance;
}

.archive-post-card:hover .archive-card-title { color: var(--crimson); }

.archive-card-excerpt {
  margin-top: 0.5rem;
  font-family: var(--font-sans);
  font-size: 14px;
  line-height: 1.6;
  color: var(--muted-fg);
  overflow: hidden;
  display: -webkit-box;
  -webkit-line-clamp: 2;
  -webkit-box-orient: vertical;
}

.archive-card-meta {
  margin-top: 0.75rem;
  font-family: var(--font-sans);
  font-size: 12px;
  color: var(--muted-fg);
}

/* ==========================================================================
   21. PAGINATION & PAGE NAVIGATION (Modern Editorial UX)
   ========================================================================== */

.pagination-nav,
.pagination-wrap,
.posts-navigation {
  width: 100%;
  margin-top: 3.5rem;
  margin-bottom: 2rem;
  padding-top: 2rem;
  border-top: 1px solid var(--border);
  display: flex;
  justify-content: center;
  align-items: center;
}

.pagination,
.nav-links {
  display: flex !important;
  flex-wrap: wrap;
  align-items: center;
  justify-content: center;
  gap: 0.5rem;
  margin: 3.5rem auto 2.5rem !important;
  padding: 0.45rem 0.65rem;
  width: fit-content;
  max-width: 100%;
  background: var(--muted);
  border: 1px solid var(--border);
  border-radius: var(--radius-full, 9999px);
  box-shadow: 0 2px 8px rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.04);
  transition: background-color var(--transition), border-color var(--transition), box-shadow var(--transition);
}

.pagination:empty,
.nav-links:empty {
  display: none !important;
}

/* Base button style for all page items */
.page-numbers,
.page-link,
a.page-numbers,
span.page-numbers {
  display: inline-flex !important;
  align-items: center;
  justify-content: center;
  gap: 0.4rem;
  min-width: 2.625rem;
  height: 2.625rem;
  padding: 0 0.85rem;
  font-family: var(--font-sans);
  font-size: 0.875rem;
  font-weight: 600;
  line-height: 1;
  color: var(--ink) !important;
  background: var(--card);
  border: 1.5px solid var(--border);
  border-radius: var(--radius-full, 9999px);
  text-decoration: none !important;
  cursor: pointer;
  user-select: none;
  box-shadow: 0 1px 2px rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.03);
  transition: transform 160ms cubic-bezier(0.4, 0, 0.2, 1),
              background-color 160ms ease,
              border-color 160ms ease,
              color 160ms ease,
              box-shadow 160ms ease;
  position: relative;
  outline: none;
}

/* Hover effect on clickable pages */
a.page-numbers:hover,
.page-numbers:hover:not(.current):not(.dots),
.page-link:hover:not(.current) {
  background: #ffffff !important;
  border-color: var(--crimson) !important;
  color: var(--crimson) !important;
  transform: translateY(-2px);
  box-shadow: 0 4px 12px rgba(190, 34, 42, 0.18) !important;
  text-decoration: none !important;
}

/* Active / Current Page State */
span.page-numbers.current,
.page-numbers.current,
.page-link.current {
  background: var(--crimson) !important;
  border-color: var(--crimson) !important;
  color: #ffffff !important;
  font-weight: 700;
  cursor: default;
  box-shadow: 0 4px 14px rgba(190, 34, 42, 0.35);
  transform: scale(1.04);
}

/* Focus visibility for accessibility */
.page-numbers:focus-visible,
.page-link:focus-visible {
  outline: 2px solid var(--crimson);
  outline-offset: 2px;
}

/* Previous & Next Button Controls */
.page-numbers.prev,
.page-numbers.next,
a.page-numbers.prev,
a.page-numbers.next {
  padding: 0 1.1rem;
  font-weight: 600;
  font-size: 0.8125rem;
  letter-spacing: 0.02em;
}

.page-numbers.prev .icon,
.page-numbers.next .icon {
  width: 15px;
  height: 15px;
  stroke-width: 2.2px;
  color: inherit;
  transition: transform 160ms ease;
}

a.page-numbers.prev:hover .icon,
.page-numbers.prev:hover .icon {
  transform: translateX(-3px);
  color: var(--crimson);
}

a.page-numbers.next:hover .icon,
.page-numbers.next:hover .icon {
  transform: translateX(3px);
  color: var(--crimson);
}

/* Ellipsis / Dots */
.page-numbers.dots,
span.page-numbers.dots {
  min-width: 1.75rem;
  height: 2.625rem;
  padding: 0 0.25rem;
  background: transparent !important;
  border-color: transparent !important;
  box-shadow: none !important;
  color: var(--muted-fg) !important;
  font-size: 1rem;
  letter-spacing: 0.15em;
  font-weight: 700;
  cursor: default;
  pointer-events: none;
  transform: none !important;
}

/* Single post pagination (wp_link_pages) */
.page-links {
  display: flex;
  flex-wrap: wrap;
  align-items: center;
  justify-content: center;
  gap: 0.5rem;
  margin: 2.5rem 0;
  padding: 1.25rem;
  background: var(--muted);
  border: 1px solid var(--border);
  border-radius: var(--radius-md);
  font-family: var(--font-sans);
  font-size: 0.875rem;
  font-weight: 600;
  color: var(--muted-fg);
}

.page-links > .post-page-numbers,
.page-links > a,
.page-links > span {
  display: inline-flex;
  align-items: center;
  justify-content: center;
  min-width: 2.375rem;
  height: 2.375rem;
  padding: 0 0.5rem;
  border-radius: var(--radius-full, 9999px);
  background: var(--card);
  border: 1px solid var(--border);
  color: var(--ink);
  text-decoration: none;
  transition: all var(--transition);
}

.page-links > span.current {
  background: var(--crimson);
  border-color: var(--crimson);
  color: #ffffff;
  font-weight: 700;
}

.page-links > a:hover {
  background: var(--paper);
  border-color: var(--crimson);
  color: var(--crimson);
  transform: translateY(-1px);
}

/* Dark mode styling */
.dark-mode .pagination,
.dark-mode .nav-links {
  background: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.04);
  border-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.1);
  box-shadow: 0 4px 20px rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.35);
}

.dark-mode .page-numbers,
.dark-mode .page-link,
.dark-mode a.page-numbers,
.dark-mode span.page-numbers {
  background: var(--card);
  border-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.12);
  color: var(--ink) !important;
}

.dark-mode a.page-numbers:hover,
.dark-mode .page-numbers:hover:not(.current):not(.dots),
.dark-mode .page-link:hover:not(.current) {
  background: var(--muted) !important;
  border-color: var(--crimson) !important;
  color: #ffffff !important;
}

.dark-mode .page-numbers.prev:hover .icon,
.dark-mode .page-numbers.next:hover .icon {
  color: #ffffff;
}

.dark-mode span.page-numbers.current,
.dark-mode .page-numbers.current,
.dark-mode .page-link.current {
  background: var(--crimson) !important;
  border-color: var(--crimson) !important;
  color: #ffffff !important;
  box-shadow: 0 4px 16px rgba(192, 35, 47, 0.5);
}

.dark-mode .page-links {
  background: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.03);
  border-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.08);
}

.dark-mode .page-links > .post-page-numbers,
.dark-mode .page-links > a,
.dark-mode .page-links > span {
  background: var(--card);
  border-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.12);
  color: var(--ink);
}

.dark-mode .page-links > a:hover {
  background: var(--muted);
  border-color: var(--crimson);
  color: #ffffff;
}

/* Mobile Responsiveness */
@media (max-width: 640px) {
  .pagination-nav,
  .pagination-wrap,
  .posts-navigation {
    margin-top: 2.5rem;
    padding-top: 1.5rem;
  }

  .pagination,
  .nav-links {
    gap: 0.35rem;
    padding: 0.35rem;
    margin: 2.5rem auto 1.5rem !important;
  }

  .page-numbers,
  .page-link,
  a.page-numbers,
  span.page-numbers {
    min-width: 2.25rem;
    height: 2.25rem;
    padding: 0 0.5rem;
    font-size: 0.8125rem;
  }

  .page-numbers.prev,
  .page-numbers.next,
  a.page-numbers.prev,
  a.page-numbers.next {
    padding: 0 0.7rem;
  }

  .page-numbers .nav-label {
    display: none;
  }
}

/* --------------------------------------------------------------------------
   22. SEARCH / 404 / PAGE
   -------------------------------------------------------------------------- */
.not-found-section {
  display: flex;
  flex-direction: column;
  align-items: center;
  justify-content: center;
  padding: 6rem 1.5rem;
  text-align: center;
}

.not-found-code {
  font-family: var(--font-serif);
  font-size: 6rem;
  font-weight: 900;
  color: var(--crimson);
  line-height: 1;
}

.not-found-heading {
  font-family: var(--font-serif);
  font-size: 2rem;
  font-weight: 700;
  color: var(--ink);
  margin-top: 1rem;
}

.not-found-desc {
  font-family: var(--font-sans);
  font-size: 15px;
  color: var(--muted-fg);
  max-width: 30rem;
  margin: 0.75rem auto;
}

.not-found-back-btn {
  display: inline-flex;
  align-items: center;
  gap: 6px;
  margin-top: 2rem;
  padding: 0.625rem 1.5rem;
  background-color: var(--crimson);
  color: var(--paper);
  font-family: var(--font-sans);
  font-size: 14px;
  font-weight: 600;
  border-radius: var(--radius);
  text-decoration: none;
  transition: background-color var(--transition);
}

.not-found-back-btn:hover { background-color: var(--crimson-dark); }

/* --------------------------------------------------------------------------
   23. DARK MODE OVERRIDES — COMPLETE SYSTEM FIX
   -------------------------------------------------------------------------- */

/*
 * ROOT ISSUE: In dark mode, --ink = #eeece8 (light) and --paper = #16161e (dark).
 * Sections designed to be dark use "background: var(--ink)" which is now LIGHT.
 * Fix: pin all intentionally-dark sections to real dark colors in dark mode.
 */

/* ─── INTENTIONALLY DARK SECTIONS (must stay dark in dark mode) ─────────── */
.dark-mode #meridian-topbar {
  background-color: #0c0c12;
  border-bottom-color: rgba(255,255,255,0.06);
  color: #eeece8;
}
.dark-mode .most-read-header {
  background-color: #0c0c12;
  color: #eeece8;
}
.dark-mode .editors-pick-box {
  background-color: #0c0c12;
  color: #eeece8;
  border-color: rgba(255,255,255,0.1);
}
.dark-mode .video-lead-img-wrap,
.dark-mode .video-side-img-wrap {
  background-color: #0c0c12;
}
.dark-mode #meridian-newsletter {
  background-color: #0c0c12;
  color: #eeece8;
}
.dark-mode #meridian-footer {
  background-color: #0c0c12;
  color: #eeece8;
  border-top-color: rgba(255,255,255,0.08);
}
.dark-mode .archive-hero {
  background-color: #0c0c12;
  color: #eeece8;
}
.dark-mode .morning-briefing {
  background-color: #0c0c12;
  color: #eeece8;
}

/* ─── TOPBAR TEXT & ICONS ────────────────────────────────────────────────── */
.dark-mode .topbar-date,
.dark-mode .market-ticker-item .ticker-symbol,
.dark-mode .market-ticker-item .ticker-price,
.dark-mode .topbar-compute,
.dark-mode .topbar-action-btn {
  color: rgba(238, 236, 232, 0.75);
}
.dark-mode .topbar-action-btn:hover { color: #ffffff; }

/* ─── MASTHEAD ───────────────────────────────────────────────────────────── */
.dark-mode #meridian-masthead { background-color: var(--paper); }
.dark-mode .masthead-logo-name { color: var(--ink); }
.dark-mode .masthead-search {
  background-color: rgba(255,255,255,0.07);
  color: var(--ink);
  border-color: rgba(255,255,255,0.12);
}
.dark-mode .masthead-search::placeholder { color: rgba(238,236,232,0.35); }
.dark-mode .masthead-search:focus { border-color: rgba(192,35,47,0.5); }
.dark-mode .masthead-search-icon,
.dark-mode .masthead-icon-btn,
.dark-mode .menu-toggle { color: var(--ink); }
.dark-mode .masthead-icon-btn:hover,
.dark-mode .menu-toggle:hover { background-color: var(--muted); color: var(--crimson); }
.dark-mode .masthead-est,
.dark-mode .masthead-tagline { color: var(--muted-fg); }
.dark-mode .masthead-est-divider { background: var(--border); }
.dark-mode .masthead-tagline-rule { background: rgba(192, 35, 47, 0.6); }

/* ─── NAVIGATION ─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────── */
.dark-mode .nav-item-btn { color: rgba(238,236,232,0.55); }
.dark-mode .nav-item-btn:hover,
.dark-mode .nav-item-btn.active { color: var(--ink); }
.dark-mode .nav-trending-pill {
  background-color: var(--muted);
  color: var(--ink);
  border-color: var(--border);
}

/* ─── HERO ───────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────── */
.dark-mode .hero-sec-cat { background: rgba(255,255,255,0.15); }
.dark-mode .hero-sec-author { color: rgba(238,236,232,0.7); }
.dark-mode .hero-sec-title { color: var(--ink); }

/* ─── CATEGORY SECTION ───────────────────────────────────────────────────── */
.dark-mode .cat-lead-author { color: rgba(238,236,232,0.65); }
.dark-mode .cat-side-author { color: rgba(238,236,232,0.6); }

/* ─── TRENDING TAGS ──────────────────────────────────────────────────────── */
.dark-mode .trending-tag {
  background-color: rgba(255,255,255,0.05);
  color: rgba(238,236,232,0.75);
  border-color: rgba(255,255,255,0.12);
}
.dark-mode .trending-tag:hover {
  border-color: var(--crimson);
  background-color: var(--crimson);
  color: #fdfcf9;
}

/* ─── SIDEBAR MOST READ ──────────────────────────────────────────────────── */
.dark-mode .most-read-item:hover { background-color: rgba(255,255,255,0.04); }
.dark-mode .most-read-num { color: rgba(255,255,255,0.15); }

/* ─── MOBILE DRAWER ──────────────────────────────────────────────────────── */
.dark-mode .mobile-drawer { background-color: var(--paper); }
.dark-mode .drawer-logo { color: var(--ink); }
.dark-mode .drawer-nav-link {
  color: var(--ink);
  border-bottom-color: rgba(255,255,255,0.1);
}
.dark-mode .drawer-search-input {
  background-color: rgba(255,255,255,0.07);
  border-color: rgba(255,255,255,0.12);
  color: var(--ink);
}
.dark-mode .drawer-search-input::placeholder { color: rgba(238,236,232,0.35); }
.dark-mode .drawer-close { color: var(--muted-fg); }
.dark-mode .drawer-close:hover { background-color: var(--muted); }

/* ─── NEWSLETTER FORM (sits on dark bg, keep text light) ────────────────── */
.dark-mode .newsletter-input { background: rgba(255,255,255,0.06); }

/* ─── BREAKING TICKER ────────────────────────────────────────────────────── */
.dark-mode #meridian-breaking { background-color: var(--crimson); }

/* ─── ARTICLE PAGE ───────────────────────────────────────────────────────── */
.dark-mode .article-header-logo { color: var(--ink); }
.dark-mode .article-back-btn { color: var(--muted-fg); }
.dark-mode .article-back-btn:hover { color: var(--ink); }
.dark-mode .article-action-btn { color: var(--muted-fg); }
.dark-mode .article-action-btn:hover { background-color: var(--muted); color: var(--ink); }

/* ─── SEARCH & PAGINATION ────────────────────────────────────────────────── */
.dark-mode .search-field {
  background: rgba(255,255,255,0.07);
  border-color: rgba(255,255,255,0.12);
  color: var(--ink);
}
.dark-mode .page-link {
  background-color: var(--card);
  border-color: var(--border);
  color: var(--ink);
}

/* ─── WP COMMENTS ────────────────────────────────────────────────────────── */
.dark-mode .comment-content p { color: var(--ink); }

/* --------------------------------------------------------------------------
   24. SVG ICON HELPERS
   -------------------------------------------------------------------------- */
.icon { display: inline-block; vertical-align: middle; flex-shrink: 0; }
.icon-xs { width: 12px; height: 12px; }
.icon-sm { width: 14px; height: 14px; }
.icon-md { width: 16px; height: 16px; }
.icon-lg { width: 20px; height: 20px; }
.icon-xl { width: 24px; height: 24px; }

/* --------------------------------------------------------------------------
   25. RESPONSIVE HELPERS
   -------------------------------------------------------------------------- */
@media (max-width: 639px) {
  .hide-mobile { display: none !important; }
}
@media (min-width: 640px) {
  .hide-desktop { display: none !important; }
}

/* --------------------------------------------------------------------------
   26. WORDPRESS NATIVE ELEMENTS STYLING
   -------------------------------------------------------------------------- */

/* WP Alignments */
.wp-block-image { margin: 1.5rem 0; }
.alignwide { max-width: 52rem; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; }
.alignfull { width: 100%; }
.alignleft { float: left; margin-right: 1.5rem; margin-bottom: 1rem; }
.alignright { float: right; margin-left: 1.5rem; margin-bottom: 1rem; }

/* WP Comments */
.comment-list { list-style: none; padding: 0; }
.comment-list .comment { padding: 1.25rem 0; border-bottom: 1px solid var(--border); }
.comment-meta { display: flex; align-items: center; gap: 0.5rem; margin-bottom: 0.5rem; }
.comment-author b { font-family: var(--font-sans); font-size: 13px; font-weight: 700; }
.comment-metadata time { font-size: 11px; color: var(--muted-fg); }
.comment-content p { font-family: var(--font-sans); font-size: 14px; line-height: 1.65; color: var(--ink); }
.comment-reply-link { font-size: 12px; color: var(--crimson); text-decoration: none; }

/* WP Pagination */
.nav-links { display: flex; gap: 0.5rem; }

/* Search form */
.search-form { display: flex; gap: 0.5rem; }
.search-field {
  flex: 1;
  height: 40px;
  border: 1px solid var(--border);
  padding: 0 0.75rem;
  font-family: var(--font-sans);
  font-size: 14px;
  border-radius: var(--radius);
  outline: none;
  background: var(--paper);
  color: var(--ink);
}
.search-submit {
  height: 40px;
  padding: 0 1rem;
  background: var(--crimson);
  color: var(--paper);
  border: none;
  border-radius: var(--radius);
  font-family: var(--font-sans);
  font-size: 14px;
  font-weight: 600;
  cursor: pointer;
}

/* ==========================================================================
   25. MORNING BRIEFING
   ========================================================================== */
.morning-briefing {
  background-color: var(--ink);
  color: var(--paper);
  padding: 4rem 0;
}

.morning-briefing-inner {
  display: grid;
  grid-template-columns: 1fr;
  gap: 3rem;
}

@media (min-width: 1024px) {
  .morning-briefing-inner {
    grid-template-columns: 1fr 2fr;
    gap: 4rem;
  }
}

.mb-kicker {
  color: var(--crimson);
  font-family: var(--font-sans);
  font-size: 11px;
  font-weight: 700;
  letter-spacing: 0.1em;
  text-transform: uppercase;
  margin-bottom: 1rem;
}

.mb-title {
  font-family: var(--font-serif);
  font-size: clamp(2.5rem, 5vw, 3.5rem);
  line-height: 1.1;
  margin-bottom: 1.5rem;
}

.mb-desc {
  font-family: var(--font-sans);
  font-size: 15px;
  color: rgba(255,255,255,0.7);
  line-height: 1.6;
  margin-bottom: 2rem;
}

.mb-form {
  position: relative;
  display: block;
  width: 100%;
  max-width: 380px;
}

.mb-input {
  width: 100% !important;
  max-width: 100% !important;
  display: block !important;
  box-sizing: border-box !important;
  height: 48px;
  background-color: rgba(255,255,255,0.05);
  border: 1px solid rgba(255,255,255,0.1);
  border-radius: var(--radius);
  padding: 0 48px 0 1rem;
  color: white;
  font-family: var(--font-sans);
  font-size: 14px;
}

.mb-input:focus {
  outline: none;
  border-color: var(--crimson);
}

.mb-submit {
  position: absolute;
  right: 8px;
  top: 8px;
  width: 32px;
  height: 32px;
  display: flex;
  align-items: center;
  justify-content: center;
  background-color: var(--crimson);
  color: white;
  border: none;
  border-radius: 4px;
  cursor: pointer;
  z-index: 2;
}

.mb-headline {
  font-family: var(--font-serif);
  font-size: clamp(1.25rem, 2.5vw, 1.75rem);
  line-height: 1.3;
  margin-bottom: 2.5rem;
  font-weight: 400;
}

.mb-bullets {
  display: grid;
  grid-template-columns: 1fr;
  gap: 2rem;
  margin-bottom: 2rem;
}

@media (min-width: 640px) {
  .mb-bullets {
    grid-template-columns: 1fr 1fr;
  }
}

.mb-bullet {
  display: flex;
  gap: 1rem;
}

.mb-bullet-num {
  font-family: var(--font-mono);
  font-size: 14px;
  color: var(--crimson);
  font-weight: 500;
}

.mb-bullet-text {
  font-family: var(--font-sans);
  font-size: 14px;
  line-height: 1.5;
  color: rgba(255,255,255,0.8);
}

.mb-footer {
  font-family: var(--font-sans);
  font-size: 12px;
  color: rgba(255,255,255,0.4);
  padding-top: 2rem;
  border-top: 1px solid rgba(255,255,255,0.1);
}

/* --------------------------------------------------------------------------
   25. SUBSCRIBE POPUP MODAL
   -------------------------------------------------------------------------- */

/* Backdrop */
.subscribe-modal-backdrop {
  position: fixed;
  inset: 0;
  z-index: 9999;
  background: rgba(10, 10, 18, 0.72);
  backdrop-filter: blur(4px);
  -webkit-backdrop-filter: blur(4px);
  display: flex;
  align-items: center;
  justify-content: center;
  padding: 1rem;
  opacity: 0;
  transition: opacity 0.25s ease;
}

/* CRITICAL: prevent CSS display:flex from overriding HTML hidden attribute */
.subscribe-modal-backdrop[hidden] {
  display: none !important;
}

.subscribe-modal-backdrop.is-open {
  opacity: 1;
}

/* Modal Card */
.subscribe-modal-box {
  background: #ffffff;
  border-radius: 12px;
  padding: 2.5rem 2rem;
  width: 100%;
  max-width: 480px;
  position: relative;
  text-align: center;
  box-shadow: 0 24px 80px rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.35);
  transform: translateY(20px);
  transition: transform 0.3s ease;
}

.subscribe-modal-backdrop.is-open .subscribe-modal-box {
  transform: translateY(0);
}

/* Close Button */
.subscribe-modal-close {
  position: absolute;
  top: 14px;
  right: 16px;
  background: none;
  border: none;
  font-size: 1.5rem;
  line-height: 1;
  cursor: pointer;
  color: #6b6868;
  padding: 4px 8px;
  border-radius: 4px;
  transition: color 0.2s ease, background 0.2s ease;
}
.subscribe-modal-close:hover {
  color: #17171f;
  background: #f4f2ee;
}

/* Icon */
.subscribe-modal-icon {
  display: flex;
  align-items: center;
  justify-content: center;
  width: 52px;
  height: 52px;
  background: rgba(190, 34, 42, 0.1);
  border-radius: 50%;
  margin: 0 auto 1.25rem;
  color: #be222a;
}

/* Title & Desc */
.subscribe-modal-title {
  font-family: 'Playfair Display', Georgia, serif;
  font-size: 1.9rem;
  font-weight: 900;
  color: #17171f;
  margin: 0 0 0.5rem;
  line-height: 1.15;
}

.subscribe-modal-desc {
  font-size: 0.95rem;
  color: #6b6868;
  margin: 0 0 1.75rem;
  line-height: 1.6;
}

/* Form */
.subscribe-modal-form {
  display: flex;
  flex-direction: column;
  gap: 0.75rem;
}

.subscribe-modal-field {
  text-align: left;
  display: flex;
  flex-direction: column;
  gap: 0.35rem;
}

.subscribe-modal-label {
  font-size: 0.72rem;
  font-weight: 800;
  letter-spacing: 0.08em;
  text-transform: uppercase;
  color: #6b6868;
}

.subscribe-modal-input {
  width: 100%;
  border: 1.5px solid #e8e5df;
  border-radius: 7px;
  padding: 13px 16px;
  font-family: 'Inter', sans-serif;
  font-size: 15px;
  color: #17171f;
  background: #fdfcf9;
  box-sizing: border-box;
  transition: border-color 0.2s ease;
}
.subscribe-modal-input:focus {
  outline: none;
  border-color: #be222a;
  box-shadow: 0 0 0 3px rgba(190, 34, 42, 0.12);
}
.subscribe-modal-input::placeholder { color: #b0adaa; }

.subscribe-modal-interests {
  text-align: left;
  display: flex;
  flex-direction: column;
  gap: 0.5rem;
  margin: 0.25rem 0;
}

.subscribe-modal-interests-label {
  font-size: 0.72rem;
  font-weight: 800;
  letter-spacing: 0.08em;
  text-transform: uppercase;
  color: #6b6868;
}

.subscribe-modal-chips {
  display: flex;
  flex-wrap: wrap;
  gap: 0.5rem;
}

.subscribe-chip {
  display: inline-flex;
  align-items: center;
  position: relative;
  cursor: pointer;
  user-select: none;
}

.subscribe-chip input[type="checkbox"] {
  position: absolute;
  opacity: 0;
  width: 0;
  height: 0;
}

.subscribe-chip span {
  display: inline-block;
  padding: 6px 14px;
  font-size: 0.82rem;
  font-weight: 600;
  border-radius: 999px;
  border: 1px solid #e0ddd7;
  background: #f7f6f2;
  color: #444;
  transition: all 0.2s ease;
}

.subscribe-chip:hover span {
  border-color: #be222a;
  color: #be222a;
}

.subscribe-chip input[type="checkbox"]:checked + span {
  background: #be222a;
  color: #ffffff;
  border-color: #be222a;
}

.subscribe-modal-btn {
  width: 100%;
  background: #be222a;
  color: #ffffff;
  border: none;
  border-radius: 7px;
  padding: 14px;
  font-family: 'Inter', sans-serif;
  font-size: 14px;
  font-weight: 700;
  letter-spacing: 0.04em;
  cursor: pointer;
  margin-top: 0.5rem;
  transition: background 0.2s ease, transform 0.15s ease;
}
.subscribe-modal-btn:hover  { background: #991b22; transform: translateY(-1px); }
.subscribe-modal-btn:active { transform: translateY(0); }
.subscribe-modal-btn:disabled { opacity: 0.6; cursor: not-allowed; transform: none; }

.subscribe-modal-terms {
  font-size: 0.75rem;
  color: #b0adaa;
  margin: 0.25rem 0 0;
}

/* Success State */
.subscribe-modal-success {
  padding: 1.5rem 0 0.5rem;
}
.subscribe-modal-success[hidden] { display: none; }

.subscribe-modal-success-icon {
  display: flex;
  align-items: center;
  justify-content: center;
  width: 52px;
  height: 52px;
  background: #be222a;
  color: #ffffff;
  border-radius: 50%;
  font-size: 1.5rem;
  font-weight: 700;
  margin: 0 auto 1rem;
}

.subscribe-modal-success h3 {
  font-family: 'Playfair Display', Georgia, serif;
  font-size: 1.5rem;
  font-weight: 800;
  color: #17171f;
  margin: 0 0 0.5rem;
}

.subscribe-modal-success p {
  font-size: 0.95rem;
  color: #6b6868;
  margin: 0;
}