/*
Theme Name:  TheViralCentral
Theme URI:   https://theviralcentral.com
Author:      TheViralCentral Team
Description: A fast, minimal, editorial-first news theme for TheViralCentral. Features a breaking news ticker, full-width hero, category card grid, and optimised for WordPress REST API article ingestion.
Version:     1.1.0
License:     GNU General Public License v2 or later
Text Domain: theviralcentral
Tags:        news, blog, custom-background, custom-logo, featured-images, threaded-comments, translation-ready
*/

/* ═══════════════════════════════════════════════════════════
   DESIGN TOKENS
═══════════════════════════════════════════════════════════ */
:root {
  /* Brand */
  --clr-red:          #d0021b;
  --clr-red-dark:     #a80116;
  --clr-red-light:    #e8253a;
  --clr-accent:       #ff3b30;

  /* Neutral palette */
  --clr-ink:          #0d0d0d;
  --clr-ink-2:        #1a1a1a;
  --clr-ink-3:        #2e2e2e;
  --clr-body:         #3d3d3d;
  --clr-subtle:       #6b7280;
  --clr-border:       #e5e7eb;
  --clr-border-light: #f3f4f6;
  --clr-bg:           #ffffff;
  --clr-bg-2:         #f9f9f9;
  --clr-bg-3:         #f3f4f6;

  /* Category colours */
  --clr-tech:         #2563eb;
  --clr-finance:      #d97706;
  --clr-world:        #059669;
  --clr-science:      #7c3aed;
  --clr-sports:       #0891b2;
  --clr-politics:     #be185d;
  --clr-health:       #16a34a;
  --clr-entertainment:#c026d3;

  /* Typography */
  --font-headline:    'Playfair Display', 'Georgia', serif;
  --font-sans:        'Inter', -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, 'Segoe UI', sans-serif;
  --font-mono:        'JetBrains Mono', 'Fira Code', monospace;

  /* Spacing scale */
  --sp-1:  0.25rem;
  --sp-2:  0.5rem;
  --sp-3:  0.75rem;
  --sp-4:  1rem;
  --sp-5:  1.25rem;
  --sp-6:  1.5rem;
  --sp-8:  2rem;
  --sp-10: 2.5rem;
  --sp-12: 3rem;
  --sp-16: 4rem;
  --sp-20: 5rem;

  /* Layout */
  --max-w:      1280px;
  --max-w-wide: 1440px;
  --radius-sm:  4px;
  --radius:     8px;
  --radius-lg:  12px;
  --radius-xl:  16px;

  /* Transitions */
  --t-fast: 0.15s ease;
  --t-med:  0.25s ease;
  --t-slow: 0.4s ease;

  /* Shadows */
  --shadow-sm:  0 1px 3px rgba(0,0,0,0.08), 0 1px 2px rgba(0,0,0,0.05);
  --shadow-md:  0 4px 12px rgba(0,0,0,0.1),  0 2px 4px rgba(0,0,0,0.06);
  --shadow-lg:  0 10px 30px rgba(0,0,0,0.12), 0 4px 8px rgba(0,0,0,0.08);
  --shadow-xl:  0 20px 50px rgba(0,0,0,0.15), 0 8px 16px rgba(0,0,0,0.1);
}

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

html {
  font-size: 16px;
  scroll-behavior: smooth;
  -webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%;
}

body {
  font-family: var(--font-sans);
  color: var(--clr-body);
  background: var(--clr-bg);
  line-height: 1.65;
  -webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased;
  -moz-osx-font-smoothing: grayscale;
}

img, video { max-width: 100%; height: auto; display: block; }
a { color: inherit; text-decoration: none; }
a:hover { color: var(--clr-red); }
ul, ol { list-style: none; }
button { cursor: pointer; font-family: inherit; border: none; background: none; }
input, textarea, select { font-family: inherit; }

/* Focus visible */
:focus-visible {
  outline: 2px solid var(--clr-red);
  outline-offset: 2px;
}

/* ═══════════════════════════════════════════════════════════
   UTILITY CLASSES
═══════════════════════════════════════════════════════════ */
.container {
  max-width: var(--max-w);
  margin-inline: auto;
  padding-inline: var(--sp-6);
}
.container-wide {
  max-width: var(--max-w-wide);
  margin-inline: auto;
  padding-inline: var(--sp-6);
}
.visually-hidden {
  position: absolute; width: 1px; height: 1px;
  padding: 0; margin: -1px; overflow: hidden;
  clip: rect(0,0,0,0); white-space: nowrap; border: 0;
}
.divider {
  border: none;
  border-top: 1px solid var(--clr-border);
  margin: var(--sp-8) 0;
}

/* ═══════════════════════════════════════════════════════════
   CATEGORY BADGE
═══════════════════════════════════════════════════════════ */
.cat-badge {
  display: inline-block;
  font-family: var(--font-sans);
  font-size: 0.65rem;
  font-weight: 700;
  letter-spacing: 0.08em;
  text-transform: uppercase;
  padding: 3px 10px;
  border-radius: 3px;
  background: var(--clr-red);
  color: #fff;
  line-height: 1;
  white-space: nowrap;
}
.cat-badge--technology   { background: var(--clr-tech); }
.cat-badge--finance      { background: var(--clr-finance); }
.cat-badge--world        { background: var(--clr-world); }
.cat-badge--science      { background: var(--clr-science); }
.cat-badge--sports       { background: var(--clr-sports); }
.cat-badge--politics     { background: var(--clr-politics); }
.cat-badge--health       { background: var(--clr-health); }
.cat-badge--entertainment{ background: var(--clr-entertainment); }

/* ═══════════════════════════════════════════════════════════
   BREAKING NEWS TICKER
═══════════════════════════════════════════════════════════ */
.ticker-bar {
  background: var(--clr-ink);
  color: #fff;
  font-size: 0.78rem;
  font-weight: 500;
  height: 36px;
  display: flex;
  align-items: center;
  overflow: hidden;
  position: relative;
  z-index: 200;
}
.ticker-label {
  background: var(--clr-red);
  color: #fff;
  font-size: 0.65rem;
  font-weight: 800;
  letter-spacing: 0.12em;
  text-transform: uppercase;
  padding: 0 var(--sp-4);
  height: 100%;
  display: flex;
  align-items: center;
  white-space: nowrap;
  flex-shrink: 0;
  z-index: 1;
  position: relative;
}
.ticker-label::after {
  content: '';
  position: absolute;
  right: -8px; top: 0;
  border-top: 36px solid var(--clr-red);
  border-right: 8px solid transparent;
}
.ticker-track-wrap {
  overflow: hidden;
  flex: 1;
  padding-left: var(--sp-5);
  mask-image: linear-gradient(to right, transparent 0%, black 5%, black 95%, transparent 100%);
  -webkit-mask-image: linear-gradient(to right, transparent 0%, black 5%, black 95%, transparent 100%);
}
.ticker-track {
  display: flex;
  gap: 0;
  animation: tickerScroll 40s linear infinite;
  white-space: nowrap;
  will-change: transform;
}
.ticker-track:hover { animation-play-state: paused; }
.ticker-item {
  display: inline-flex;
  align-items: center;
  gap: var(--sp-3);
  padding-right: var(--sp-10);
  color: #e5e5e5;
  transition: color var(--t-fast);
}
.ticker-item:hover { color: #fff; }
.ticker-item::before {
  content: '●';
  color: var(--clr-red);
  font-size: 0.5rem;
  flex-shrink: 0;
}
@keyframes tickerScroll {
  0%   { transform: translateX(0); }
  100% { transform: translateX(-50%); }
}

/* ═══════════════════════════════════════════════════════════
   SITE HEADER
═══════════════════════════════════════════════════════════ */
.site-header {
  position: sticky;
  top: 0;
  z-index: 100;
  background: var(--clr-bg);
  border-bottom: 1px solid var(--clr-border);
  box-shadow: var(--shadow-sm);
}
.header-inner {
  display: flex;
  align-items: center;
  justify-content: space-between;
  gap: var(--sp-6);
  height: 68px;
}

/* Logo */
.site-logo {
  display: flex;
  align-items: center;
  gap: var(--sp-3);
  text-decoration: none;
  flex-shrink: 0;
}
.site-logo__icon {
  width: 38px;
  height: 38px;
  background: var(--clr-red);
  border-radius: 8px;
  display: flex;
  align-items: center;
  justify-content: center;
  box-shadow: 0 4px 12px rgba(208,2,27,0.35);
  flex-shrink: 0;
}
.site-logo__icon svg { width: 20px; height: 20px; color: #fff; }
.site-logo__text { display: flex; flex-direction: column; }
.site-logo__name {
  font-family: var(--font-sans);
  font-size: 1.1rem;
  font-weight: 800;
  color: var(--clr-ink);
  line-height: 1.1;
  letter-spacing: -0.02em;
}
.site-logo__name span { color: var(--clr-red); }
.site-logo__tagline {
  font-size: 0.58rem;
  color: var(--clr-subtle);
  font-weight: 500;
  letter-spacing: 0.12em;
  text-transform: uppercase;
  line-height: 1;
  margin-top: 1px;
}

/* Primary nav */
.primary-nav,
.primary-nav ul {
  display: flex;
  align-items: center;
  gap: var(--sp-1);
  list-style: none;
  margin: 0;
  padding: 0;
}
.primary-nav li {
  margin: 0;
  padding: 0;
  list-style: none;
}
.primary-nav a {
  display: inline-block;
  font-size: 0.82rem;
  font-weight: 600;
  color: var(--clr-ink-3);
  padding: var(--sp-2) var(--sp-3);
  border-radius: var(--radius-sm);
  transition: color var(--t-fast), background var(--t-fast);
  white-space: nowrap;
}
.primary-nav a:hover,
.primary-nav .current-menu-item > a,
.primary-nav .current_page_item > a {
  color: var(--clr-red);
  background: rgba(208,2,27,0.06);
}

/* Header right */
.header-actions {
  display: flex;
  align-items: center;
  gap: var(--sp-3);
}

/* Search toggle */
.search-toggle {
  width: 36px; height: 36px;
  border-radius: var(--radius);
  display: flex; align-items: center; justify-content: center;
  color: var(--clr-subtle);
  border: 1px solid var(--clr-border);
  transition: all var(--t-fast);
}
.search-toggle:hover {
  color: var(--clr-red);
  border-color: var(--clr-red);
  background: rgba(208,2,27,0.04);
}
.search-toggle svg { width: 16px; height: 16px; }

/* Subscribe CTA */
.btn-subscribe {
  font-size: 0.78rem;
  font-weight: 700;
  color: #fff;
  background: var(--clr-red);
  border-radius: var(--radius);
  padding: 0.5rem 1rem;
  letter-spacing: 0.02em;
  transition: background var(--t-fast), transform var(--t-fast), box-shadow var(--t-fast);
  box-shadow: 0 2px 8px rgba(208,2,27,0.25);
  white-space: nowrap;
}
.btn-subscribe:hover {
  background: var(--clr-red-dark);
  color: #fff;
  transform: translateY(-1px);
  box-shadow: 0 4px 14px rgba(208,2,27,0.35);
}

/* Hamburger */
.menu-toggle {
  display: none;
  width: 36px; height: 36px;
  flex-direction: column;
  align-items: center;
  justify-content: center;
  gap: 5px;
  border: 1px solid var(--clr-border);
  border-radius: var(--radius);
  padding: 8px;
}
.menu-toggle span {
  display: block;
  width: 100%;
  height: 2px;
  background: var(--clr-ink);
  border-radius: 2px;
  transition: all var(--t-med);
}
.menu-toggle.active span:nth-child(1) { transform: rotate(45deg) translate(5px,5px); }
.menu-toggle.active span:nth-child(2) { opacity: 0; transform: scaleX(0); }
.menu-toggle.active span:nth-child(3) { transform: rotate(-45deg) translate(5px,-5px); }

/* Mobile nav drawer */
.mobile-nav {
  display: none;
  background: var(--clr-bg);
  border-top: 1px solid var(--clr-border);
  padding: var(--sp-4) var(--sp-6);
  position: relative;
  z-index: 100;
}
.mobile-nav[hidden] { display: none; }
.mobile-nav.open { display: block !important; }
.mobile-nav ul {
  list-style: none;
  margin: 0;
  padding: 0;
}
.mobile-nav li,
.mobile-nav > .container > a {
  border-bottom: 1px solid var(--clr-border-light);
}
.mobile-nav li:last-child,
.mobile-nav > .container > a:last-of-type {
  border-bottom: none;
}
.mobile-nav a {
  display: block;
  font-size: 0.9rem;
  font-weight: 600;
  color: var(--clr-ink-3);
  padding: var(--sp-3) 0;
  transition: color var(--t-fast);
}
.mobile-nav a:hover,
.mobile-nav .current-menu-item > a,
.mobile-nav .current_page_item > a {
  color: var(--clr-red);
}

/* Search drawer */
.search-drawer {
  display: none;
  background: var(--clr-bg-2);
  border-top: 1px solid var(--clr-border);
  padding: var(--sp-4) 0;
  position: relative;
  z-index: 100;
}
.search-drawer[hidden] { display: none; }
.search-drawer.open { display: block !important; }
.search-form {
  display: flex;
  gap: var(--sp-3);
  max-width: 600px;
  margin-inline: auto;
}
.search-form input[type="search"] {
  flex: 1;
  height: 44px;
  padding: 0 var(--sp-4);
  border: 1.5px solid var(--clr-border);
  border-radius: var(--radius);
  font-size: 0.9rem;
  color: var(--clr-ink);
  background: var(--clr-bg);
  transition: border-color var(--t-fast);
}
.search-form input[type="search"]:focus {
  outline: none;
  border-color: var(--clr-red);
}
.search-form button {
  height: 44px;
  padding: 0 var(--sp-5);
  background: var(--clr-red);
  color: #fff;
  border-radius: var(--radius);
  font-weight: 600;
  font-size: 0.85rem;
  transition: background var(--t-fast);
}
.search-form button:hover { background: var(--clr-red-dark); }

/* ═══════════════════════════════════════════════════════════
   HERO SECTION
═══════════════════════════════════════════════════════════ */
.hero-section {
  background: var(--clr-bg);
  padding: var(--sp-8) 0 var(--sp-10);
  border-bottom: 1px solid var(--clr-border);
}

.hero-grid {
  display: grid;
  grid-template-columns: 1fr minmax(280px, 360px);
  grid-template-rows: auto auto;
  gap: var(--sp-6);
  align-items: start;
}

/* Hero lead card — uses background-image (no <img>) */
.hero-lead {
  grid-row: span 2;
  position: relative;
  border-radius: var(--radius-xl);
  overflow: hidden;
  box-shadow: var(--shadow-xl);
  display: flex;
  flex-direction: column;
  justify-content: flex-end;
  text-decoration: none;
  min-height: 520px;
  background-color: var(--clr-ink);
  background-size: cover;
  background-position: center;
  background-repeat: no-repeat;
  transition: transform 0.3s ease;
}
/* Gradient overlay via pseudo-element */
.hero-lead::before {
  content: '';
  position: absolute;
  inset: 0;
  background: linear-gradient(
    to top,
    rgba(0,0,0,0.92) 0%,
    rgba(0,0,0,0.6) 45%,
    rgba(0,0,0,0.15) 100%
  );
  z-index: 1;
  pointer-events: none;
}
.hero-lead__body {
  position: relative;
  z-index: 2;
  padding: var(--sp-8);
  color: #fff;
}
.hero-lead__badge { margin-bottom: var(--sp-3); }
.hero-lead__title {
  font-family: var(--font-headline);
  font-size: clamp(1.5rem, 3vw, 2.2rem);
  font-weight: 700;
  line-height: 1.2;
  color: #fff;
  margin-bottom: var(--sp-3);
  letter-spacing: -0.02em;
}
.hero-lead:hover { transform: scale(1.005); }
.hero-lead:hover .hero-lead__title { text-decoration: underline; text-underline-offset: 4px; }
.hero-lead__meta {
  display: flex;
  align-items: center;
  gap: var(--sp-4);
  font-size: 0.78rem;
  color: rgba(255,255,255,0.7);
}
.hero-lead__meta-dot { color: rgba(255,255,255,0.35); }

/* Hero secondary cards */
.hero-secondary {
  display: flex;
  flex-direction: column;
  gap: var(--sp-4);
}

.hero-secondary-card {
  display: flex;
  gap: var(--sp-4);
  text-decoration: none;
  background: var(--clr-bg);
  border: 1px solid var(--clr-border);
  border-radius: var(--radius-lg);
  overflow: hidden;
  padding: var(--sp-4);
  transition: box-shadow var(--t-med), border-color var(--t-med), transform var(--t-med);
}
.hero-secondary-card:hover {
  box-shadow: var(--shadow-md);
  border-color: #ddd;
  transform: translateY(-2px);
}
.hero-secondary-card__img {
  width: 110px;
  height: 80px;
  object-fit: cover;
  border-radius: var(--radius);
  flex-shrink: 0;
  background: var(--clr-bg-3);
}
.hero-secondary-card__body {
  flex: 1;
  min-width: 0;
}
.hero-secondary-card__badge { margin-bottom: var(--sp-2); }
.hero-secondary-card__title {
  font-size: 0.88rem;
  font-weight: 700;
  color: var(--clr-ink);
  line-height: 1.35;
  display: -webkit-box;
  -webkit-line-clamp: 3;
  -webkit-box-orient: vertical;
  overflow: hidden;
  margin-bottom: var(--sp-2);
  transition: color var(--t-fast);
}
.hero-secondary-card:hover .hero-secondary-card__title { color: var(--clr-red); }
.hero-secondary-card__time {
  font-size: 0.72rem;
  color: var(--clr-subtle);
}

/* ═══════════════════════════════════════════════════════════
   SECTION HEADER (reused across all sections)
═══════════════════════════════════════════════════════════ */
.section-header {
  display: flex;
  align-items: center;
  justify-content: space-between;
  gap: var(--sp-4);
  margin-bottom: var(--sp-6);
  padding-bottom: var(--sp-4);
  border-bottom: 2px solid var(--clr-border);
  position: relative;
}
.section-header::after {
  content: '';
  position: absolute;
  bottom: -2px; left: 0;
  width: 60px; height: 2px;
  background: var(--clr-red);
}
.section-title {
  font-family: var(--font-sans);
  font-size: 0.8rem;
  font-weight: 800;
  letter-spacing: 0.14em;
  text-transform: uppercase;
  color: var(--clr-ink);
}
.section-title span { color: var(--clr-red); }
.section-link {
  font-size: 0.75rem;
  font-weight: 600;
  color: var(--clr-red);
  display: flex;
  align-items: center;
  gap: var(--sp-1);
  transition: gap var(--t-fast);
}
.section-link:hover { color: var(--clr-red-dark); gap: var(--sp-2); }
.section-link svg { width: 14px; height: 14px; }

/* ═══════════════════════════════════════════════════════════
   LATEST NEWS — MAIN + SIDEBAR LAYOUT
═══════════════════════════════════════════════════════════ */
.latest-section {
  padding: var(--sp-12) 0;
  background: var(--clr-bg);
}
.latest-layout {
  display: grid;
  grid-template-columns: 1fr minmax(260px, 320px);
  gap: var(--sp-10);
  align-items: start;
}

/* Article card grid */
.articles-grid {
  display: grid;
  grid-template-columns: repeat(2, 1fr);
  gap: var(--sp-6);
}

/* Standard article card */
.article-card {
  display: flex;
  flex-direction: column;
  background: var(--clr-bg);
  border: 1px solid var(--clr-border);
  border-radius: var(--radius-lg);
  overflow: hidden;
  text-decoration: none;
  transition: box-shadow var(--t-med), transform var(--t-med), border-color var(--t-med);
  position: relative;
}
.article-card:hover {
  box-shadow: var(--shadow-lg);
  transform: translateY(-3px);
  border-color: #ddd;
}
.article-card__img-wrap {
  position: relative;
  overflow: hidden;
  height: 190px;
  background: var(--clr-bg-3);
}
.article-card__img {
  width: 100%; height: 100% !important;
  object-fit: cover;
  transition: transform 0.5s cubic-bezier(0.25,0.46,0.45,0.94);
}
.article-card:hover .article-card__img { transform: scale(1.05); }
.article-card__img-placeholder {
  width: 100%; height: 100%;
  display: flex; align-items: center; justify-content: center;
  background: linear-gradient(135deg, var(--clr-bg-3) 0%, var(--clr-border) 100%);
  color: var(--clr-subtle);
}
.article-card__img-placeholder svg { width: 40px; height: 40px; opacity: 0.4; }
.article-card__body {
  padding: var(--sp-5);
  flex: 1;
  display: flex;
  flex-direction: column;
  gap: var(--sp-3);
}
.article-card__badge { align-self: flex-start; }
.article-card__title {
  font-family: var(--font-headline);
  font-size: 1.05rem;
  font-weight: 700;
  color: var(--clr-ink);
  line-height: 1.3;
  letter-spacing: -0.01em;
  display: -webkit-box;
  -webkit-line-clamp: 3;
  -webkit-box-orient: vertical;
  overflow: hidden;
  flex: 1;
  transition: color var(--t-fast);
}
.article-card:hover .article-card__title { color: var(--clr-red); }
.article-card__excerpt {
  font-size: 0.82rem;
  color: var(--clr-subtle);
  line-height: 1.55;
  display: -webkit-box;
  -webkit-line-clamp: 2;
  -webkit-box-orient: vertical;
  overflow: hidden;
}
.article-card__footer {
  display: flex;
  align-items: center;
  justify-content: space-between;
  font-size: 0.72rem;
  color: var(--clr-subtle);
  padding-top: var(--sp-3);
  border-top: 1px solid var(--clr-border-light);
  margin-top: auto;
}
.article-card__read-time {
  display: flex;
  align-items: center;
  gap: 4px;
}
.article-card__read-time svg { width: 12px; height: 12px; }

/* Load more button */
.btn-load-more {
  display: flex;
  align-items: center;
  justify-content: center;
  gap: var(--sp-2);
  width: 100%;
  height: 48px;
  margin-top: var(--sp-8);
  border: 1.5px solid var(--clr-border);
  border-radius: var(--radius);
  font-size: 0.82rem;
  font-weight: 600;
  color: var(--clr-ink-3);
  background: var(--clr-bg);
  cursor: pointer;
  transition: all var(--t-fast);
}
.btn-load-more:hover {
  border-color: var(--clr-red);
  color: var(--clr-red);
  background: rgba(208,2,27,0.03);
}
.btn-load-more.loading svg { animation: spin 0.8s linear infinite; }
@keyframes spin { to { transform: rotate(360deg); } }

/* ═══════════════════════════════════════════════════════════
   SIDEBAR
═══════════════════════════════════════════════════════════ */
.sidebar {
  display: flex;
  flex-direction: column;
  gap: var(--sp-8);
  position: sticky;
  top: calc(68px + var(--sp-6));
}
.sidebar-widget {
  border: 1px solid var(--clr-border);
  border-radius: var(--radius-lg);
  overflow: hidden;
  background: var(--clr-bg);
}
.sidebar-widget__header {
  background: var(--clr-bg-2);
  padding: var(--sp-4) var(--sp-5);
  border-bottom: 1px solid var(--clr-border);
  font-size: 0.75rem;
  font-weight: 800;
  letter-spacing: 0.14em;
  text-transform: uppercase;
  color: var(--clr-ink);
}
.sidebar-widget__body { padding: var(--sp-5); }

/* Trending widget */
.trending-list { display: flex; flex-direction: column; gap: var(--sp-4); }
.trending-item {
  display: flex;
  gap: var(--sp-4);
  text-decoration: none;
  transition: opacity var(--t-fast);
}
.trending-item:hover { opacity: 0.8; }
.trending-item__num {
  font-size: 1.6rem;
  font-weight: 900;
  color: var(--clr-border);
  line-height: 1;
  width: 28px;
  flex-shrink: 0;
  font-family: var(--font-sans);
  transition: color var(--t-fast);
}
.trending-item:hover .trending-item__num { color: var(--clr-red); }
.trending-item__title {
  font-size: 0.82rem;
  font-weight: 600;
  color: var(--clr-ink);
  line-height: 1.4;
  display: -webkit-box;
  -webkit-line-clamp: 2;
  -webkit-box-orient: vertical;
  overflow: hidden;
}
.trending-item__time {
  font-size: 0.7rem;
  color: var(--clr-subtle);
  margin-top: 3px;
}
.trending-item + .trending-item { border-top: 1px solid var(--clr-border-light); padding-top: var(--sp-4); }

/* Newsletter widget */
.newsletter-widget {
  background: linear-gradient(135deg, var(--clr-ink) 0%, var(--clr-ink-3) 100%);
  border-radius: var(--radius-lg);
  padding: var(--sp-6);
  text-align: center;
  color: #fff;
}
.newsletter-widget__icon {
  width: 48px; height: 48px;
  background: var(--clr-red);
  border-radius: 50%;
  display: flex; align-items: center; justify-content: center;
  margin: 0 auto var(--sp-4);
  box-shadow: 0 4px 16px rgba(208,2,27,0.4);
}
.newsletter-widget__icon svg { width: 22px; height: 22px; color: #fff; }
.newsletter-widget__title {
  font-family: var(--font-headline);
  font-size: 1.15rem;
  font-weight: 700;
  margin-bottom: var(--sp-2);
}
.newsletter-widget__sub {
  font-size: 0.78rem;
  color: rgba(255,255,255,0.65);
  margin-bottom: var(--sp-5);
  line-height: 1.55;
}
.newsletter-form input[type="email"] {
  width: 100%;
  height: 42px;
  padding: 0 var(--sp-4);
  border-radius: var(--radius);
  border: none;
  background: rgba(255,255,255,0.12);
  color: #fff;
  font-size: 0.82rem;
  margin-bottom: var(--sp-3);
  transition: background var(--t-fast);
}
.newsletter-form input[type="email"]::placeholder { color: rgba(255,255,255,0.4); }
.newsletter-form input[type="email"]:focus {
  outline: none;
  background: rgba(255,255,255,0.2);
}
.newsletter-form button {
  width: 100%;
  height: 42px;
  background: var(--clr-red);
  color: #fff;
  border-radius: var(--radius);
  font-size: 0.82rem;
  font-weight: 700;
  letter-spacing: 0.04em;
  transition: background var(--t-fast), transform var(--t-fast);
}
.newsletter-form button:hover { background: var(--clr-red-light); transform: translateY(-1px); }

/* Categories widget */
.categories-list { display: flex; flex-direction: column; }
.categories-list a {
  display: flex;
  align-items: center;
  justify-content: space-between;
  padding: var(--sp-3) 0;
  border-bottom: 1px solid var(--clr-border-light);
  font-size: 0.82rem;
  font-weight: 500;
  color: var(--clr-ink-3);
  text-decoration: none;
  transition: color var(--t-fast), padding-left var(--t-fast);
}
.categories-list a:last-child { border-bottom: none; }
.categories-list a:hover { color: var(--clr-red); padding-left: var(--sp-2); }
.categories-list .count {
  font-size: 0.7rem;
  color: var(--clr-subtle);
  background: var(--clr-bg-3);
  padding: 2px 8px;
  border-radius: 99px;
}

/* ═══════════════════════════════════════════════════════════
   CATEGORY STRIP SECTION
═══════════════════════════════════════════════════════════ */
.category-strip {
  padding: var(--sp-12) 0;
  background: var(--clr-bg-2);
  border-top: 1px solid var(--clr-border);
  border-bottom: 1px solid var(--clr-border);
}
.category-strip-tabs {
  display: flex;
  gap: var(--sp-2);
  margin-bottom: var(--sp-8);
  overflow-x: auto;
  -ms-overflow-style: none; scrollbar-width: none;
  padding-bottom: 2px;
}
.category-strip-tabs::-webkit-scrollbar { display: none; }
.cat-tab {
  flex-shrink: 0;
  padding: var(--sp-2) var(--sp-4);
  border-radius: 99px;
  font-size: 0.78rem;
  font-weight: 600;
  cursor: pointer;
  border: 1.5px solid var(--clr-border);
  color: var(--clr-subtle);
  background: var(--clr-bg);
  transition: all var(--t-fast);
}
.cat-tab:hover, .cat-tab.active {
  background: var(--clr-red);
  color: #fff;
  border-color: var(--clr-red);
}

/* Horizontal article list */
.cat-articles-list {
  display: grid;
  grid-template-columns: repeat(4, 1fr);
  gap: var(--sp-5);
}

/* Mini article card */
.mini-card {
  display: flex;
  flex-direction: column;
  gap: var(--sp-3);
  text-decoration: none;
  transition: opacity var(--t-fast);
}
.mini-card:hover { opacity: 0.85; }
.mini-card__img-wrap {
  position: relative;
  height: 160px;
  border-radius: var(--radius-lg);
  overflow: hidden;
  background: var(--clr-bg-3);
}
.mini-card__img {
  width: 100%; height: 100%;
  object-fit: cover;
  transition: transform 0.5s ease;
}
.mini-card:hover .mini-card__img { transform: scale(1.04); }
.mini-card__badge {
  position: absolute;
  top: var(--sp-3);
  left: var(--sp-3);
}
.mini-card__title {
  font-family: var(--font-headline);
  font-size: 0.92rem;
  font-weight: 700;
  color: var(--clr-ink);
  line-height: 1.35;
  display: -webkit-box;
  -webkit-line-clamp: 2;
  -webkit-box-orient: vertical;
  overflow: hidden;
  transition: color var(--t-fast);
}
.mini-card:hover .mini-card__title { color: var(--clr-red); }
.mini-card__time {
  font-size: 0.7rem;
  color: var(--clr-subtle);
}

/* ═══════════════════════════════════════════════════════════
   OPINION / EDITORIAL SECTION
═══════════════════════════════════════════════════════════ */
.opinion-section {
  padding: var(--sp-12) 0;
  background: var(--clr-bg);
}
.opinion-grid {
  display: grid;
  grid-template-columns: repeat(3, 1fr);
  gap: var(--sp-6);
}
.opinion-card {
  border: 1px solid var(--clr-border);
  border-radius: var(--radius-lg);
  padding: var(--sp-6);
  background: var(--clr-bg);
  text-decoration: none;
  display: flex;
  flex-direction: column;
  gap: var(--sp-4);
  transition: box-shadow var(--t-med), transform var(--t-med);
  position: relative;
  overflow: hidden;
}
.opinion-card::before {
  content: '\201C';
  font-family: var(--font-headline);
  font-size: 5rem;
  color: var(--clr-red);
  opacity: 0.08;
  position: absolute;
  top: -10px; right: 20px;
  line-height: 1;
  pointer-events: none;
}
.opinion-card:hover { box-shadow: var(--shadow-lg); transform: translateY(-3px); }
.opinion-card__author {
  display: flex;
  align-items: center;
  gap: var(--sp-3);
}
.opinion-card__avatar {
  width: 46px; height: 46px;
  border-radius: 50%;
  object-fit: cover;
  border: 2px solid var(--clr-border);
  background: var(--clr-bg-3);
  flex-shrink: 0;
}
.opinion-card__author-info {}
.opinion-card__author-name {
  font-size: 0.82rem;
  font-weight: 700;
  color: var(--clr-ink);
}
.opinion-card__author-role {
  font-size: 0.7rem;
  color: var(--clr-subtle);
  margin-top: 1px;
}
.opinion-card__title {
  font-family: var(--font-headline);
  font-size: 1rem;
  font-weight: 700;
  color: var(--clr-ink);
  line-height: 1.35;
  flex: 1;
  transition: color var(--t-fast);
}
.opinion-card:hover .opinion-card__title { color: var(--clr-red); }
.opinion-card__footer {
  font-size: 0.72rem;
  color: var(--clr-subtle);
  display: flex;
  align-items: center;
  gap: var(--sp-4);
  border-top: 1px solid var(--clr-border-light);
  padding-top: var(--sp-4);
}

/* ═══════════════════════════════════════════════════════════
   FULL-WIDTH PROMO BANNER
═══════════════════════════════════════════════════════════ */
.promo-banner {
  background: linear-gradient(135deg, var(--clr-ink) 0%, #1a0005 100%);
  padding: var(--sp-16) 0;
  text-align: center;
  position: relative;
  overflow: hidden;
}
.promo-banner::before {
  content: '';
  position: absolute;
  top: 0; left: 0; right: 0; bottom: 0;
  background:
    radial-gradient(ellipse at 20% 50%, rgba(208,2,27,0.15) 0%, transparent 60%),
    radial-gradient(ellipse at 80% 50%, rgba(208,2,27,0.1) 0%, transparent 60%);
  pointer-events: none;
}
.promo-banner__eyebrow {
  display: inline-block;
  font-size: 0.65rem;
  font-weight: 800;
  letter-spacing: 0.2em;
  text-transform: uppercase;
  color: var(--clr-red);
  border: 1px solid rgba(208,2,27,0.4);
  padding: 4px 14px;
  border-radius: 99px;
  margin-bottom: var(--sp-5);
}
.promo-banner__title {
  font-family: var(--font-headline);
  font-size: clamp(1.8rem, 4vw, 3rem);
  font-weight: 700;
  color: #fff;
  margin-bottom: var(--sp-4);
  letter-spacing: -0.02em;
  line-height: 1.2;
  max-width: 700px;
  margin-inline: auto;
}
.promo-banner__sub {
  font-size: 0.95rem;
  color: rgba(255,255,255,0.55);
  margin-bottom: var(--sp-8);
  max-width: 480px;
  margin-inline: auto;
  line-height: 1.65;
}
.promo-banner__form {
  display: flex;
  gap: var(--sp-3);
  max-width: 440px;
  margin-inline: auto;
}
.promo-banner__form input[type="email"] {
  flex: 1;
  height: 48px;
  padding: 0 var(--sp-5);
  border-radius: var(--radius);
  border: 1.5px solid rgba(255,255,255,0.15);
  background: rgba(255,255,255,0.08);
  color: #fff;
  font-size: 0.88rem;
  transition: all var(--t-fast);
}
.promo-banner__form input[type="email"]::placeholder { color: rgba(255,255,255,0.35); }
.promo-banner__form input[type="email"]:focus {
  outline: none;
  border-color: rgba(255,255,255,0.4);
  background: rgba(255,255,255,0.12);
}
.promo-banner__form button {
  flex-shrink: 0;
  height: 48px;
  padding: 0 var(--sp-6);
  background: var(--clr-red);
  color: #fff;
  border-radius: var(--radius);
  font-size: 0.88rem;
  font-weight: 700;
  letter-spacing: 0.04em;
  box-shadow: 0 4px 20px rgba(208,2,27,0.4);
  transition: all var(--t-fast);
}
.promo-banner__form button:hover {
  background: var(--clr-red-light);
  transform: translateY(-1px);
  box-shadow: 0 6px 24px rgba(208,2,27,0.5);
}

/* ═══════════════════════════════════════════════════════════
   SITE FOOTER
═══════════════════════════════════════════════════════════ */
.site-footer {
  background: var(--clr-ink);
  color: rgba(255,255,255,0.65);
  padding: var(--sp-16) 0 0;
}
.footer-grid {
  display: grid;
  grid-template-columns: 2fr 1fr 1fr 1fr;
  gap: var(--sp-10);
  margin-bottom: var(--sp-12);
}
.footer-brand__logo { margin-bottom: var(--sp-4); }
.footer-brand__desc {
  font-size: 0.82rem;
  line-height: 1.65;
  color: rgba(255,255,255,0.5);
  max-width: 280px;
  margin-bottom: var(--sp-5);
}
.footer-social {
  display: flex;
  gap: var(--sp-3);
}
.footer-social a {
  width: 34px; height: 34px;
  border-radius: var(--radius);
  border: 1px solid rgba(255,255,255,0.12);
  display: flex; align-items: center; justify-content: center;
  color: rgba(255,255,255,0.5);
  text-decoration: none;
  font-size: 0.75rem;
  font-weight: 700;
  transition: all var(--t-fast);
}
.footer-social a:hover {
  background: var(--clr-red);
  border-color: var(--clr-red);
  color: #fff;
}
.footer-col__title {
  font-size: 0.65rem;
  font-weight: 800;
  letter-spacing: 0.16em;
  text-transform: uppercase;
  color: #fff;
  margin-bottom: var(--sp-5);
}
.footer-col ul { display: flex; flex-direction: column; gap: var(--sp-3); }
.footer-col a {
  font-size: 0.82rem;
  color: rgba(255,255,255,0.5);
  text-decoration: none;
  transition: color var(--t-fast);
}
.footer-col a:hover { color: #fff; }
.footer-bottom {
  border-top: 1px solid rgba(255,255,255,0.08);
  padding: var(--sp-5) 0;
  display: flex;
  align-items: center;
  justify-content: space-between;
  gap: var(--sp-4);
  flex-wrap: wrap;
}
.footer-bottom-left {
  font-size: 0.75rem;
  color: rgba(255,255,255,0.35);
}
.footer-bottom-right {
  display: flex;
  gap: var(--sp-5);
}
.footer-bottom-right a {
  font-size: 0.75rem;
  color: rgba(255,255,255,0.35);
  text-decoration: none;
  transition: color var(--t-fast);
}
.footer-bottom-right a:hover { color: rgba(255,255,255,0.7); }

/* ═══════════════════════════════════════════════════════════
   SINGLE ARTICLE PAGE
═══════════════════════════════════════════════════════════ */
.article-hero {
  padding: var(--sp-10) 0 0;
  border-bottom: 1px solid var(--clr-border);
  margin-bottom: var(--sp-10);
}
.article-kicker {
  font-size: 0.65rem;
  font-weight: 800;
  letter-spacing: 0.14em;
  text-transform: uppercase;
  color: var(--clr-red);
  margin-bottom: var(--sp-4);
}
.article-headline {
  font-family: var(--font-headline);
  font-size: clamp(1.8rem, 4vw, 2.8rem);
  font-weight: 700;
  color: var(--clr-ink);
  line-height: 1.2;
  letter-spacing: -0.03em;
  margin-bottom: var(--sp-5);
  max-width: 760px;
}
.article-deck {
  font-size: 1.05rem;
  color: var(--clr-body);
  line-height: 1.65;
  margin-bottom: var(--sp-6);
  max-width: 680px;
  font-weight: 400;
}
.article-meta-bar {
  display: flex;
  align-items: center;
  gap: var(--sp-6);
  padding: var(--sp-4) 0;
  border-top: 1px solid var(--clr-border-light);
  font-size: 0.78rem;
  color: var(--clr-subtle);
  flex-wrap: wrap;
}
.article-meta-bar__author {
  display: flex;
  align-items: center;
  gap: var(--sp-3);
  font-weight: 600;
  color: var(--clr-ink);
}
.article-meta-bar__author img {
  width: 32px; height: 32px;
  border-radius: 50%;
  object-fit: cover;
  border: 1.5px solid var(--clr-border);
}
.article-featured-img {
  width: 100%;
  max-height: 520px;
  object-fit: cover;
  border-radius: var(--radius-xl) var(--radius-xl) 0 0;
  margin-top: var(--sp-8);
}
.article-body-layout {
  display: grid;
  grid-template-columns: 1fr minmax(240px, 300px);
  gap: var(--sp-10);
  align-items: start;
}
.article-content {
  font-size: 1rem;
  line-height: 1.8;
  color: var(--clr-body);
  max-width: 680px;
}
.article-content h2 {
  font-family: var(--font-headline);
  font-size: 1.5rem;
  font-weight: 700;
  color: var(--clr-ink);
  margin: var(--sp-8) 0 var(--sp-4);
  letter-spacing: -0.02em;
}
.article-content h3 {
  font-family: var(--font-headline);
  font-size: 1.2rem;
  font-weight: 700;
  color: var(--clr-ink);
  margin: var(--sp-6) 0 var(--sp-3);
}
.article-content p { margin-bottom: var(--sp-5); }
.article-content a { color: var(--clr-red); text-decoration: underline; text-underline-offset: 2px; }
.article-content blockquote {
  border-left: 4px solid var(--clr-red);
  margin: var(--sp-8) 0;
  padding: var(--sp-4) var(--sp-6);
  background: var(--clr-bg-2);
  border-radius: 0 var(--radius) var(--radius) 0;
  font-size: 1.1rem;
  font-style: italic;
  color: var(--clr-ink-3);
}
.article-content ul, .article-content ol {
  padding-left: var(--sp-6);
  margin-bottom: var(--sp-5);
}
.article-content ul { list-style: disc; }
.article-content ol { list-style: decimal; }
.article-content li { margin-bottom: var(--sp-2); }
/* Clearfix for floated images */
.article-content::after { content: ''; display: table; clear: both; }
.article-source {
  margin-top: var(--sp-8);
  padding: var(--sp-4) var(--sp-5);
  background: var(--clr-bg-2);
  border: 1px solid var(--clr-border);
  border-radius: var(--radius);
  font-size: 0.78rem;
  color: var(--clr-subtle);
  display: flex;
  align-items: center;
  gap: var(--sp-2);
}
.article-source a { color: var(--clr-red); }

/* Share bar */
.share-bar {
  display: flex;
  align-items: center;
  gap: var(--sp-3);
  margin: var(--sp-8) 0;
  padding: var(--sp-5) 0;
  border-top: 1px solid var(--clr-border);
  border-bottom: 1px solid var(--clr-border);
}
.share-bar__label {
  font-size: 0.72rem;
  font-weight: 700;
  letter-spacing: 0.1em;
  text-transform: uppercase;
  color: var(--clr-subtle);
  margin-right: var(--sp-2);
}
.share-btn {
  display: flex;
  align-items: center;
  gap: 6px;
  height: 34px;
  padding: 0 var(--sp-4);
  border-radius: var(--radius);
  font-size: 0.75rem;
  font-weight: 600;
  border: 1.5px solid var(--clr-border);
  color: var(--clr-subtle);
  transition: all var(--t-fast);
}
.share-btn:hover { color: var(--clr-ink); border-color: #ccc; background: var(--clr-bg-2); }
.share-btn svg { width: 14px; height: 14px; }

/* ═══════════════════════════════════════════════════════════
   BREADCRUMB
═══════════════════════════════════════════════════════════ */
.breadcrumb {
  display: flex;
  align-items: center;
  gap: var(--sp-2);
  font-size: 0.75rem;
  color: var(--clr-subtle);
  padding: var(--sp-3) 0;
  flex-wrap: wrap;
}
.breadcrumb a { color: var(--clr-subtle); text-decoration: none; transition: color var(--t-fast); }
.breadcrumb a:hover { color: var(--clr-red); }
.breadcrumb .sep { color: var(--clr-border); }
.breadcrumb .current { color: var(--clr-ink-3); font-weight: 500; }

/* ═══════════════════════════════════════════════════════════
   PAGE HEADER (categories, tags, search)
═══════════════════════════════════════════════════════════ */
.page-header {
  background: var(--clr-bg-2);
  border-bottom: 1px solid var(--clr-border);
  padding: var(--sp-10) 0;
  margin-bottom: var(--sp-10);
}
.page-header__title {
  font-family: var(--font-headline);
  font-size: clamp(1.6rem, 3vw, 2.4rem);
  font-weight: 700;
  color: var(--clr-ink);
  letter-spacing: -0.03em;
  margin-bottom: var(--sp-2);
}
.page-header__count {
  font-size: 0.82rem;
  color: var(--clr-subtle);
}

/* ═══════════════════════════════════════════════════════════
   LOADING SKELETON
═══════════════════════════════════════════════════════════ */
.skeleton {
  background: linear-gradient(90deg, var(--clr-bg-3) 25%, var(--clr-border-light) 50%, var(--clr-bg-3) 75%);
  background-size: 200% 100%;
  animation: shimmer 1.5s infinite;
  border-radius: var(--radius-sm);
}
@keyframes shimmer { from { background-position: 200% 0; } to { background-position: -200% 0; } }
.skeleton-card {
  border: 1px solid var(--clr-border);
  border-radius: var(--radius-lg);
  overflow: hidden;
}
.skeleton-img  { height: 190px; border-radius: 0; }
.skeleton-body { padding: var(--sp-5); display: flex; flex-direction: column; gap: var(--sp-3); }
.skeleton-line { height: 14px; }
.skeleton-line--sm  { width: 40%; }
.skeleton-line--md  { width: 70%; }
.skeleton-line--lg  { width: 90%; }
.skeleton-line--xl  { width: 100%; }

/* ═══════════════════════════════════════════════════════════
   BACK-TO-TOP BUTTON
═══════════════════════════════════════════════════════════ */
#back-to-top {
  position: fixed;
  bottom: 2rem;
  right: 2rem;
  z-index: 999;
  width: 42px; height: 42px;
  background: var(--clr-ink);
  color: #fff;
  border-radius: var(--radius-lg);
  display: flex; align-items: center; justify-content: center;
  box-shadow: var(--shadow-lg);
  opacity: 0;
  pointer-events: none;
  transform: translateY(10px);
  transition: all var(--t-med);
  border: none;
  cursor: pointer;
}
#back-to-top.visible { opacity: 1; pointer-events: auto; transform: translateY(0); }
#back-to-top:hover { background: var(--clr-red); }
#back-to-top svg { width: 18px; height: 18px; }

/* ═══════════════════════════════════════════════════════════
   READING PROGRESS BAR (article pages)
═══════════════════════════════════════════════════════════ */
#reading-progress {
  position: fixed;
  top: 0; left: 0;
  height: 3px;
  background: var(--clr-red);
  z-index: 9999;
  width: 0%;
  transition: width 0.1s linear;
  box-shadow: 0 0 6px rgba(208,2,27,0.5);
}

/* ═══════════════════════════════════════════════════════════
   RESPONSIVE — TABLET (≤ 1024px)
═══════════════════════════════════════════════════════════ */
@media (max-width: 1024px) {
  .hero-grid { grid-template-columns: 1fr; grid-template-rows: auto; }
  .hero-lead  { grid-row: auto; min-height: 400px; }
  .hero-secondary { flex-direction: row; flex-wrap: wrap; }
  .hero-secondary-card { flex: 1 1 calc(50% - var(--sp-2)); }
  .latest-layout { grid-template-columns: 1fr; }
  .sidebar { position: static; }
  .footer-grid { grid-template-columns: 1fr 1fr; }
  .cat-articles-list { grid-template-columns: repeat(2, 1fr); }
  .opinion-grid { grid-template-columns: repeat(2, 1fr); }
  .article-body-layout { grid-template-columns: 1fr; }
}

/* ═══════════════════════════════════════════════════════════
   RESPONSIVE — MOBILE (≤ 768px)
═══════════════════════════════════════════════════════════ */
@media (max-width: 768px) {
  .container, .container-wide { padding-inline: var(--sp-4); }
  .primary-nav { display: none; }
  .menu-toggle { display: flex; }
  .btn-subscribe { display: none; }
  .hero-secondary { flex-direction: column; }
  .hero-secondary-card { flex: none; }
  .articles-grid { grid-template-columns: 1fr; }
  .opinion-grid { grid-template-columns: 1fr; }
  .footer-grid { grid-template-columns: 1fr; gap: var(--sp-8); }
  .footer-bottom { flex-direction: column; text-align: center; }
  .hero-lead { min-height: 320px; }
  .hero-lead__title { font-size: 1.4rem; }
  .hero-lead__body { padding: var(--sp-5); }
  .promo-banner__form { flex-direction: column; }
  .article-headline { font-size: 1.6rem; }
}

/* ═══════════════════════════════════════════════════════════
   RESPONSIVE — SMALL MOBILE (≤ 480px)
═══════════════════════════════════════════════════════════ */
@media (max-width: 480px) {
  .cat-articles-list { grid-template-columns: 1fr; }
  .ticker-bar { font-size: 0.72rem; }
  #back-to-top { bottom: 1rem; right: 1rem; }
}

/* ═══════════════════════════════════════════════════════════
   WORDPRESS CORE OVERWRITES
═══════════════════════════════════════════════════════════ */
.wp-caption { max-width: 100%; font-size: 0.78rem; color: var(--clr-subtle); margin-top: var(--sp-2); }
.wp-caption img { border-radius: var(--radius); }
.alignleft  { float: left; margin-right: var(--sp-5); margin-bottom: var(--sp-4); }
.alignright { float: right; margin-left: var(--sp-5); margin-bottom: var(--sp-4); }
.aligncenter { display: block; margin-inline: auto; margin-bottom: var(--sp-5); }
.gallery { display: grid; grid-template-columns: repeat(3,1fr); gap: var(--sp-3); margin-bottom: var(--sp-5); }
.gallery img { border-radius: var(--radius); object-fit: cover; }
@media (max-width: 768px) { .gallery { grid-template-columns: repeat(2, 1fr); } }
@media (max-width: 480px) { .gallery { grid-template-columns: 1fr; } }