/* =====================================================================
   ActiveNoon — "High Noon" theme stylesheet
   Ported from the approved interactive prototype. Tokens + components are
   identical to the prototype; prototype-only chrome (the view switcher) is
   removed and WordPress core classes are added at the end of this file.
   ===================================================================== */
/* ===== DESIGN TOKENS — "High Noon" editorial system ===== */
  :root{
    --ink:#181410;            /* warm near-black — the printed word */
    --ink-soft:#3a342c;
    --paper:#ffffff;
    --paper-warm:#fbf9f5;     /* barely-there warm band (NOT cream) */
    --paper-band:#f4f1ea;     /* deeper band for footer/quote */
    --line:#e7e1d6;           /* warm hairline */
    --line-strong:#d8d1c4;
    --muted:#7a746a;          /* warm gray text */
    --noon:#f5a623;           /* SIGNATURE amber — midday sun / live / active */
    --noon-deep:#b9700a;      /* amber tuned for AA text on light */
    --slate:#1b3a5b;          /* deep editorial slate-blue — structure/category */
    --slate-soft:#3a6088;
    --live:#d8341f;           /* breaking red */
    --maxw:1240px;
    --gut:24px;
    --r:4px;
    --shadow:0 1px 2px rgba(24,20,16,.06), 0 8px 24px rgba(24,20,16,.05);
  }

  *{box-sizing:border-box}
  html{-webkit-text-size-adjust:100%}
  body{
    margin:0; background:var(--paper); color:var(--ink);
    font-family:"Newsreader", Georgia, serif; font-size:18px; line-height:1.7;
    font-optical-sizing:auto; -webkit-font-smoothing:antialiased;
  }
  img{max-width:100%;display:block}
  a{color:inherit;text-decoration:none}
  ::selection{background:var(--noon);color:var(--ink)}
  :focus-visible{outline:3px solid var(--slate);outline-offset:2px;border-radius:2px}

  .mono{font-family:"Spline Sans Mono",ui-monospace,monospace}
  .sans{font-family:"Archivo",system-ui,sans-serif}
  .wrap{max-width:var(--maxw);margin:0 auto;padding:0 var(--gut)}

  /* eyebrow / kicker */
  .eyebrow{
    font-family:"Spline Sans Mono",monospace; font-size:11px; letter-spacing:.14em;
    text-transform:uppercase; color:var(--muted); font-weight:500;
  }
  .cat-tag{
    font-family:"Archivo",sans-serif; font-size:11.5px; font-weight:800; letter-spacing:.09em;
    text-transform:uppercase; color:var(--slate); display:inline-flex; align-items:center; gap:7px;
  }
  .cat-tag::before{content:"";width:7px;height:7px;background:var(--noon);border-radius:1px;display:inline-block}
  .live-tag{
    font-family:"Archivo",sans-serif;font-weight:800;font-size:11px;letter-spacing:.1em;text-transform:uppercase;
    color:#fff;background:var(--live);padding:3px 8px;border-radius:2px;display:inline-flex;align-items:center;gap:6px;
  }
  .live-tag .dot{width:6px;height:6px;background:#fff;border-radius:50%;animation:pulse 1.6s infinite}
  @keyframes pulse{0%,100%{opacity:1}50%{opacity:.25}}

  h1,h2,h3,h4{font-family:"Archivo",sans-serif;font-weight:800;line-height:1.08;letter-spacing:-.015em;margin:0}

  /* ===== UTILITY / MASTHEAD ===== */
  .util{border-bottom:1px solid var(--line);background:var(--paper-warm)}
  .util-in{display:flex;align-items:center;gap:16px;height:34px;font-family:"Spline Sans Mono",monospace;font-size:11.5px;color:var(--muted)}
  .util .date{letter-spacing:.04em}
  .util .ticker{display:flex;align-items:center;gap:9px;overflow:hidden;white-space:nowrap;flex:1;min-width:0}
  .util .ticker b{color:var(--live);font-family:"Archivo",sans-serif;font-weight:800;font-size:10.5px;letter-spacing:.08em;text-transform:uppercase}
  .util .ticker span{color:var(--ink-soft)}
  .util .util-right{display:flex;align-items:center;gap:14px;margin-left:auto}
  .util .util-right a{color:var(--muted)}
  .util .util-right a:hover{color:var(--ink)}

  .masthead{border-bottom:2px solid var(--ink);background:var(--paper)}
  .mast-in{display:flex;align-items:center;gap:20px;padding:18px 0}
  .logo{font-family:"Archivo",sans-serif;font-weight:900;font-size:30px;letter-spacing:-.03em;color:var(--ink);display:flex;align-items:baseline;line-height:1}
  .logo .noon-dot{color:var(--noon)}
  .logo .meridian{display:inline-block;width:0}
  .logo small{font-family:"Spline Sans Mono",monospace;font-size:9.5px;font-weight:500;letter-spacing:.18em;color:var(--muted);margin-left:10px;text-transform:uppercase;align-self:center}
  .mast-cta{margin-left:auto;display:flex;align-items:center;gap:12px}
  .btn{font-family:"Archivo",sans-serif;font-weight:700;font-size:13px;border-radius:99px;padding:9px 18px;cursor:pointer;border:1.5px solid var(--ink);background:var(--ink);color:#fff;transition:.15s}
  .btn:hover{background:var(--noon-deep);border-color:var(--noon-deep)}
  .btn.ghost{background:transparent;color:var(--ink)}
  .btn.ghost:hover{background:var(--ink);color:#fff}
  .icon-btn{width:38px;height:38px;border:1.5px solid var(--line-strong);border-radius:50%;background:transparent;display:grid;place-items:center;cursor:pointer;color:var(--ink-soft)}
  .icon-btn:hover{border-color:var(--ink)}

  /* primary nav */
  .pnav{border-bottom:1px solid var(--line);background:var(--paper);position:sticky;top:48px;z-index:90}
  .pnav-in{display:flex;align-items:center;gap:2px;height:46px;overflow-x:auto;scrollbar-width:none}
  .pnav-in::-webkit-scrollbar{display:none}
  .pnav a{font-family:"Archivo",sans-serif;font-weight:700;font-size:13.5px;letter-spacing:.01em;color:var(--ink-soft);padding:13px 14px;white-space:nowrap;border-bottom:3px solid transparent;transition:.12s}
  .pnav a:hover{color:var(--ink)}
  .pnav a.on{color:var(--ink);border-bottom-color:var(--noon)}
  .pnav .pn-more{margin-left:auto;color:var(--muted);font-weight:600}

  /* ===== AD SLOTS (clearly demarcated) ===== */
  .ad{position:relative;background:repeating-linear-gradient(135deg,#f6f3ec,#f6f3ec 10px,#f1ede4 10px,#f1ede4 20px);border:1px dashed var(--line-strong);display:grid;place-items:center;text-align:center;color:var(--muted);border-radius:var(--r);overflow:hidden}
  .ad::after{content:attr(data-ad);font-family:"Spline Sans Mono",monospace;font-size:10.5px;letter-spacing:.1em;text-transform:uppercase;line-height:1.5;padding:0 12px}
  .ad-leader{height:92px;margin:18px auto;max-width:970px}
  .ad-rail{height:600px;width:300px}
  .ad-rail.sticky{position:sticky;top:108px}
  .ad-incontent{height:260px;margin:30px 0}
  .ad small{position:absolute;top:6px;left:8px;font-family:"Spline Sans Mono",monospace;font-size:8.5px;letter-spacing:.14em;text-transform:uppercase;color:#aa9d89}

  /* meridian divider — signature device */
  .meridian-rule{display:flex;align-items:center;gap:0;margin:0;border:0;height:2px}
  .meridian-rule::before{content:"";flex:1;height:1px;background:var(--line-strong)}
  .meridian-rule .sun{width:10px;height:10px;border-radius:50%;background:var(--noon);box-shadow:0 0 0 4px rgba(245,166,35,.18);margin:0 0}
  .meridian-rule::after{content:"";flex:1;height:1px;background:var(--line-strong)}

  .section-head{display:flex;align-items:baseline;gap:14px;margin:0 0 18px;padding-top:6px}
  .section-head h2{font-size:21px;text-transform:uppercase;letter-spacing:.02em}
  .section-head .accent{width:34px;height:4px;background:var(--noon);display:inline-block;align-self:center}
  .section-head a{margin-left:auto;font-family:"Archivo",sans-serif;font-weight:700;font-size:12.5px;color:var(--slate);display:inline-flex;gap:5px;align-items:center}

  /* ===== HERO ===== */
  .hero{padding:26px 0 8px}
  .hero-grid{display:grid;grid-template-columns:1.55fr .95fr;gap:34px}
  .lead{cursor:pointer}
  .lead .ph{aspect-ratio:16/9;border-radius:var(--r);position:relative;overflow:hidden;background:linear-gradient(150deg,#243b53,#1b3a5b 55%,#10212f)}
  .lead .ph::after{content:"FEATURE IMAGE";position:absolute;inset:0;display:grid;place-items:center;font-family:"Spline Sans Mono",monospace;font-size:11px;letter-spacing:.14em;color:rgba(255,255,255,.45)}
  .lead .meta-row{display:flex;align-items:center;gap:12px;margin:16px 0 9px}
  .lead h1{font-size:clamp(28px,3.4vw,46px);margin:6px 0 12px;letter-spacing:-.022em}
  .lead h1:hover{color:var(--noon-deep)}
  .lead .dek{font-size:19px;color:var(--ink-soft);line-height:1.5;max-width:60ch}
  .lead .byline{font-family:"Spline Sans Mono",monospace;font-size:12px;color:var(--muted);margin-top:12px}
  .lead .byline b{color:var(--ink);font-family:"Archivo",sans-serif;font-weight:700}

  .rail{display:flex;flex-direction:column}
  .rail .rail-title{font-family:"Archivo",sans-serif;font-weight:800;font-size:12.5px;letter-spacing:.1em;text-transform:uppercase;color:var(--ink);padding-bottom:10px;border-bottom:2px solid var(--ink);margin-bottom:4px;display:flex;align-items:center;gap:8px}
  .rail-item{display:flex;gap:14px;padding:15px 0;border-bottom:1px solid var(--line);cursor:pointer;align-items:flex-start}
  .rail-item:hover h3{color:var(--noon-deep)}
  .rail-item .num{font-family:"Archivo",sans-serif;font-weight:900;font-size:20px;color:var(--noon);line-height:1;min-width:22px}
  .rail-item h3{font-size:16px;line-height:1.18;margin-bottom:6px}
  .rail-item .rmeta{font-family:"Spline Sans Mono",monospace;font-size:10.5px;color:var(--muted)}

  /* editor picks row */
  .picks{display:grid;grid-template-columns:repeat(4,1fr);gap:24px;padding:6px 0 4px}
  .pick{cursor:pointer}
  .pick .ph{aspect-ratio:3/2;border-radius:var(--r);margin-bottom:11px;position:relative}
  .pick:hover h3{color:var(--noon-deep)}
  .pick h3{font-size:16.5px;line-height:1.16;margin:8px 0 7px}
  .pick .pmeta{font-family:"Spline Sans Mono",monospace;font-size:10.5px;color:var(--muted)}

  /* category modules */
  .cat-block{padding:14px 0}
  .cat-cols{display:grid;grid-template-columns:1.4fr 1fr 1fr;gap:30px}
  .cb-lead{cursor:pointer}
  .cb-lead .ph{aspect-ratio:16/10;border-radius:var(--r);margin-bottom:12px}
  .cb-lead h3{font-size:21px;line-height:1.12;margin-bottom:9px}
  .cb-lead:hover h3{color:var(--noon-deep)}
  .cb-lead p{font-size:16px;color:var(--ink-soft);line-height:1.5}
  .cb-list .cli{padding:13px 0;border-bottom:1px solid var(--line);cursor:pointer}
  .cb-list .cli:first-child{padding-top:0}
  .cb-list .cli:hover h4{color:var(--noon-deep)}
  .cb-list .cli h4{font-size:15.5px;line-height:1.2;margin-bottom:6px;font-weight:700}
  .cb-list .cli .clmeta{font-family:"Spline Sans Mono",monospace;font-size:10px;color:var(--muted)}

  /* most read + grid layout */
  .with-rail{display:grid;grid-template-columns:1fr 320px;gap:40px;align-items:start}
  .mostread{border:1px solid var(--line);border-radius:var(--r);padding:20px;background:var(--paper-warm)}
  .mostread .mr-head{font-family:"Archivo",sans-serif;font-weight:800;font-size:13px;letter-spacing:.08em;text-transform:uppercase;display:flex;align-items:center;gap:9px;margin-bottom:6px}
  .mostread .mr-toggle{display:flex;gap:6px;margin:12px 0 8px}
  .mostread .mr-toggle button{font-family:"Spline Sans Mono",monospace;font-size:10px;letter-spacing:.06em;text-transform:uppercase;border:1px solid var(--line-strong);background:transparent;border-radius:99px;padding:4px 10px;cursor:pointer;color:var(--muted)}
  .mostread .mr-toggle button.on{background:var(--ink);color:#fff;border-color:var(--ink)}
  .mr-item{display:flex;gap:13px;padding:13px 0;border-bottom:1px solid var(--line);cursor:pointer}
  .mr-item:last-child{border-bottom:0;padding-bottom:0}
  .mr-item .mn{font-family:"Archivo",sans-serif;font-weight:900;font-size:22px;color:var(--line-strong);line-height:1;min-width:24px}
  .mr-item:hover .mn{color:var(--noon)}
  .mr-item:hover h4{color:var(--noon-deep)}
  .mr-item h4{font-size:14.5px;line-height:1.2;font-weight:700}
  .mr-item .mrm{font-family:"Spline Sans Mono",monospace;font-size:10px;color:var(--muted);margin-top:5px}

  /* trending topics chips */
  .chips{display:flex;flex-wrap:wrap;gap:9px;margin-top:14px}
  .chip{font-family:"Archivo",sans-serif;font-weight:700;font-size:12px;border:1px solid var(--line-strong);border-radius:99px;padding:7px 13px;color:var(--ink-soft);cursor:pointer;transition:.12s}
  .chip:hover{border-color:var(--noon);color:var(--ink);background:#fff}
  .chip .c-up{color:var(--noon-deep);font-size:10px;margin-left:4px}

  /* growth band */
  .growth{background:var(--ink);color:#fff;border-radius:var(--r);padding:42px;display:grid;grid-template-columns:1.1fr 1fr;gap:48px;align-items:center;margin:8px 0}
  .growth h2{color:#fff;font-size:30px;line-height:1.08;margin-bottom:12px}
  .growth p{color:#cabfae;font-size:17px;line-height:1.5;max-width:46ch}
  .growth .signup{display:flex;gap:10px;margin-top:20px}
  .growth input{flex:1;font-family:"Newsreader",serif;font-size:16px;padding:13px 16px;border:1.5px solid #443c30;background:#221d17;color:#fff;border-radius:var(--r)}
  .growth input::placeholder{color:#8a7d6b}
  .growth .btn{background:var(--noon);border-color:var(--noon);color:var(--ink)}
  .growth .btn:hover{background:#ffb83d;border-color:#ffb83d}
  .growth .opts{display:grid;gap:14px}
  .growth .opt{display:flex;gap:14px;align-items:flex-start;padding:16px;border:1px solid #3a332a;border-radius:var(--r);background:#221d17;cursor:pointer}
  .growth .opt:hover{border-color:var(--noon)}
  .growth .opt .oi{width:40px;height:40px;border-radius:50%;background:rgba(245,166,35,.15);display:grid;place-items:center;color:var(--noon);flex-shrink:0}
  .growth .opt b{font-family:"Archivo",sans-serif;font-weight:800;font-size:15px;display:block;margin-bottom:3px}
  .growth .opt span{font-family:"Spline Sans Mono",monospace;font-size:11px;color:#a89a86}

  /* ===== FOOTER ===== */
  footer{background:var(--paper-band);border-top:2px solid var(--ink);margin-top:46px;padding:46px 0 30px}
  .foot-grid{display:grid;grid-template-columns:1.4fr repeat(4,1fr);gap:30px}
  .foot-brand .logo{font-size:24px}
  .foot-brand p{font-size:14px;color:var(--muted);line-height:1.55;margin:14px 0;max-width:34ch;font-family:"Archivo",sans-serif}
  .foot-col h5{font-family:"Archivo",sans-serif;font-weight:800;font-size:12px;letter-spacing:.08em;text-transform:uppercase;margin-bottom:12px;color:var(--ink)}
  .foot-col a{display:block;font-family:"Archivo",sans-serif;font-size:13.5px;color:var(--ink-soft);padding:5px 0}
  .foot-col a:hover{color:var(--noon-deep)}
  .foot-bottom{border-top:1px solid var(--line-strong);margin-top:34px;padding-top:20px;display:flex;gap:18px;flex-wrap:wrap;font-family:"Spline Sans Mono",monospace;font-size:11px;color:var(--muted)}
  .foot-bottom a{color:var(--muted)}
  .foot-bottom a:hover{color:var(--ink)}
  .foot-bottom .fb-right{margin-left:auto;display:flex;gap:16px}

  /* ===== ARTICLE ===== */
  .breadcrumbs{font-family:"Spline Sans Mono",monospace;font-size:11.5px;color:var(--muted);padding:18px 0 0;display:flex;gap:8px;flex-wrap:wrap}
  .breadcrumbs a:hover{color:var(--ink)}
  .breadcrumbs .sep{color:var(--line-strong)}
  .art-head{max-width:820px;margin:0 auto;padding:14px 0 0}
  .art-head h1{font-size:clamp(30px,4vw,52px);letter-spacing:-.025em;line-height:1.06;margin:14px 0 16px}
  .art-head .dek{font-size:21px;color:var(--ink-soft);line-height:1.45;font-weight:400}
  .art-byline{display:flex;align-items:center;gap:16px;flex-wrap:wrap;margin:24px 0 6px;padding:18px 0;border-top:1px solid var(--line);border-bottom:1px solid var(--line)}
  .author-chip{display:flex;align-items:center;gap:11px}
  .author-chip .av{width:46px;height:46px;border-radius:50%;background:linear-gradient(135deg,var(--slate),var(--slate-soft));display:grid;place-items:center;color:#fff;font-family:"Archivo",sans-serif;font-weight:800;font-size:16px}
  .author-chip .ad-meta b{font-family:"Archivo",sans-serif;font-weight:700;font-size:15px;display:flex;align-items:center;gap:6px}
  .verified{color:var(--slate);display:inline-flex}
  .author-chip .ad-meta span{font-family:"Spline Sans Mono",monospace;font-size:11px;color:var(--muted)}
  .art-dates{display:flex;gap:18px;font-family:"Spline Sans Mono",monospace;font-size:11.5px;color:var(--muted);flex-wrap:wrap}
  .art-dates b{color:var(--ink-soft);font-weight:500}
  .art-share{margin-left:auto;display:flex;gap:8px}
  .art-feat{max-width:1040px;margin:26px auto 0}
  .art-feat .ph{aspect-ratio:21/9;border-radius:var(--r);background:linear-gradient(135deg,#2f2417,#4a3a20 60%,#1c1610);position:relative}
  .art-feat .ph::after{content:"FEATURE IMAGE · 1600×686 · AVIF/WEBP";position:absolute;inset:0;display:grid;place-items:center;font-family:"Spline Sans Mono",monospace;font-size:11px;letter-spacing:.12em;color:rgba(255,255,255,.4)}
  .art-feat figcaption{font-family:"Spline Sans Mono",monospace;font-size:11px;color:var(--muted);margin-top:9px}

  .art-body-wrap{display:grid;grid-template-columns:200px minmax(0,720px) 320px;gap:40px;max-width:1320px;margin:30px auto 0;padding:0 var(--gut);align-items:start}
  @media(max-width:1180px){.art-body-wrap{grid-template-columns:minmax(0,720px) 320px;justify-content:center}.toc-side{display:none}}
  @media(max-width:900px){.art-body-wrap{grid-template-columns:1fr;max-width:720px}.art-rail{display:none}}

  /* sticky TOC */
  .toc-side{position:sticky;top:108px}
  .toc-side .toc-h{font-family:"Archivo",sans-serif;font-weight:800;font-size:11px;letter-spacing:.1em;text-transform:uppercase;color:var(--muted);margin-bottom:12px;padding-bottom:8px;border-bottom:1px solid var(--line)}
  .toc-side a{display:block;font-family:"Archivo",sans-serif;font-size:13px;color:var(--ink-soft);padding:6px 0 6px 12px;border-left:2px solid var(--line);line-height:1.3;transition:.12s}
  .toc-side a:hover{color:var(--ink);border-left-color:var(--noon)}
  .toc-side a.active{color:var(--ink);font-weight:700;border-left-color:var(--noon)}
  .toc-read{margin-top:18px;font-family:"Spline Sans Mono",monospace;font-size:10.5px;color:var(--muted);line-height:1.6}
  .toc-read .bar{height:3px;background:var(--line);border-radius:2px;margin-top:6px;overflow:hidden}
  .toc-read .bar i{display:block;height:100%;width:34%;background:var(--noon)}

  /* article main column */
  .art-main{min-width:0}
  /* NOON BRIEF — signature AI-citable block */
  .noon-brief{border:1.5px solid var(--ink);border-radius:6px;padding:0;margin:0 0 30px;overflow:hidden;background:#fff;box-shadow:var(--shadow)}
  .nb-head{background:var(--ink);color:#fff;padding:12px 20px;display:flex;align-items:center;gap:11px}
  .nb-head .sun{width:12px;height:12px;border-radius:50%;background:var(--noon);box-shadow:0 0 0 4px rgba(245,166,35,.25)}
  .nb-head b{font-family:"Archivo",sans-serif;font-weight:800;font-size:13px;letter-spacing:.1em;text-transform:uppercase}
  .nb-head span{font-family:"Spline Sans Mono",monospace;font-size:10px;color:#a89a86;margin-left:auto;letter-spacing:.05em}
  .nb-body{padding:20px}
  .nb-tldr{font-family:"Newsreader",serif;font-size:18px;line-height:1.55;color:var(--ink);margin-bottom:18px}
  .nb-tldr b{background:linear-gradient(transparent 60%,rgba(245,166,35,.35) 60%)}
  .nb-key{font-family:"Archivo",sans-serif;font-weight:800;font-size:11px;letter-spacing:.1em;text-transform:uppercase;color:var(--slate);margin-bottom:10px}
  .nb-list{list-style:none;margin:0;padding:0;display:grid;gap:10px}
  .nb-list li{font-family:"Archivo",sans-serif;font-size:14.5px;line-height:1.4;color:var(--ink-soft);padding-left:26px;position:relative}
  .nb-list li::before{content:"→";position:absolute;left:0;top:0;color:var(--noon-deep);font-weight:800}
  .nb-list li b{color:var(--ink);font-weight:700}

  .prose{font-family:"Newsreader",serif;font-size:19px;line-height:1.72;color:var(--ink)}
  .prose > p{margin:0 0 22px}
  .prose h2{font-size:27px;letter-spacing:-.018em;margin:38px 0 14px;scroll-margin-top:110px}
  .prose h3{font-size:20px;margin:28px 0 10px;scroll-margin-top:110px}
  .prose .lead-answer{font-size:20px;color:var(--ink);border-left:3px solid var(--noon);padding-left:18px;margin:0 0 22px;font-weight:500}
  .prose a.ilink{color:var(--slate);border-bottom:1.5px solid rgba(27,58,91,.3);font-weight:500}
  .prose a.ilink:hover{border-bottom-color:var(--slate)}
  .prose strong{font-weight:600}
  .pullquote{font-family:"Archivo",sans-serif;font-weight:700;font-size:24px;line-height:1.25;letter-spacing:-.01em;color:var(--ink);border-top:2px solid var(--noon);border-bottom:2px solid var(--noon);padding:22px 0;margin:30px 0;text-align:left}
  .pullquote cite{display:block;font-family:"Spline Sans Mono",monospace;font-size:12px;font-style:normal;color:var(--muted);font-weight:400;margin-top:12px;letter-spacing:.03em}
  .data-table{width:100%;border-collapse:collapse;margin:26px 0;font-family:"Archivo",sans-serif;font-size:14.5px}
  .data-table caption{text-align:left;font-family:"Spline Sans Mono",monospace;font-size:11px;color:var(--muted);text-transform:uppercase;letter-spacing:.08em;margin-bottom:9px}
  .data-table th{background:var(--ink);color:#fff;text-align:left;padding:11px 14px;font-weight:700;font-size:12.5px;letter-spacing:.02em}
  .data-table td{padding:11px 14px;border-bottom:1px solid var(--line)}
  .data-table tr:nth-child(even) td{background:var(--paper-warm)}
  .data-table td b{color:var(--noon-deep)}
  .inline-fig{margin:28px 0}
  .inline-fig .ph{aspect-ratio:16/9;border-radius:var(--r);background:linear-gradient(135deg,#1b3a5b,#2f4a63);position:relative}
  .inline-fig .ph::after{content:"CHART · alt text + ImageObject schema";position:absolute;inset:0;display:grid;place-items:center;font-family:"Spline Sans Mono",monospace;font-size:10.5px;color:rgba(255,255,255,.4);letter-spacing:.08em}
  .inline-fig figcaption{font-family:"Spline Sans Mono",monospace;font-size:11px;color:var(--muted);margin-top:8px}

  /* FAQ accordion */
  .faq{margin:40px 0 0;border-top:2px solid var(--ink);padding-top:8px}
  .faq h2{font-size:26px;margin:18px 0 6px}
  .faq .faq-sub{font-family:"Spline Sans Mono",monospace;font-size:11px;color:var(--muted);margin-bottom:14px;letter-spacing:.04em}
  .faq-item{border-bottom:1px solid var(--line)}
  .faq-q{width:100%;text-align:left;background:transparent;border:0;cursor:pointer;padding:18px 36px 18px 0;font-family:"Archivo",sans-serif;font-weight:700;font-size:17px;color:var(--ink);position:relative;line-height:1.3}
  .faq-q::after{content:"+";position:absolute;right:4px;top:16px;font-size:22px;color:var(--noon-deep);font-weight:400;transition:.2s}
  .faq-item.open .faq-q::after{transform:rotate(45deg)}
  .faq-a{max-height:0;overflow:hidden;transition:max-height .25s ease;font-family:"Newsreader",serif;font-size:17px;line-height:1.6;color:var(--ink-soft)}
  .faq-item.open .faq-a{max-height:340px}
  .faq-a p{padding:0 0 20px;margin:0}

  /* sources */
  .sources{margin:36px 0 0;background:var(--paper-warm);border:1px solid var(--line);border-radius:var(--r);padding:22px}
  .sources h3{font-family:"Archivo",sans-serif;font-size:13px;letter-spacing:.08em;text-transform:uppercase;margin-bottom:12px;display:flex;align-items:center;gap:8px}
  .sources ol{margin:0;padding-left:20px;font-family:"Archivo",sans-serif;font-size:13.5px;line-height:1.5;color:var(--ink-soft)}
  .sources li{padding:5px 0}
  .sources li a{color:var(--slate);border-bottom:1px solid rgba(27,58,91,.25)}

  /* author bio card */
  .bio-card{display:flex;gap:20px;align-items:flex-start;margin:34px 0 0;padding:26px;border:1px solid var(--line);border-radius:var(--r);background:#fff}
  .bio-card .bav{width:74px;height:74px;border-radius:50%;background:linear-gradient(135deg,var(--slate),var(--slate-soft));display:grid;place-items:center;color:#fff;font-family:"Archivo",sans-serif;font-weight:800;font-size:26px;flex-shrink:0}
  .bio-card .bn{font-family:"Archivo",sans-serif;font-weight:800;font-size:19px;display:flex;align-items:center;gap:7px}
  .bio-card .br{font-family:"Spline Sans Mono",monospace;font-size:11.5px;color:var(--noon-deep);margin:3px 0 10px;letter-spacing:.03em}
  .bio-card p{font-family:"Newsreader",serif;font-size:15.5px;line-height:1.55;color:var(--ink-soft);margin:0 0 12px}
  .bio-card .blinks{display:flex;gap:9px}
  .bio-card .blinks a{font-family:"Archivo",sans-serif;font-weight:600;font-size:12px;border:1px solid var(--line-strong);border-radius:99px;padding:6px 13px;color:var(--ink-soft)}
  .bio-card .blinks a:hover{border-color:var(--ink);color:var(--ink)}

  /* related */
  .related{margin:42px 0 0}
  .related-grid{display:grid;grid-template-columns:repeat(3,1fr);gap:22px}
  .rc{cursor:pointer}
  .rc .ph{aspect-ratio:16/10;border-radius:var(--r);margin-bottom:10px}
  .rc:hover h4{color:var(--noon-deep)}
  .rc h4{font-size:16px;line-height:1.18;margin-bottom:6px}
  .rc .rcm{font-family:"Spline Sans Mono",monospace;font-size:10px;color:var(--muted)}

  /* article right rail */
  .art-rail{position:sticky;top:108px;display:flex;flex-direction:column;gap:24px}

  /* image placeholder palettes */
  .p-biz{background:linear-gradient(135deg,#1b3a5b,#3a6088)}
  .p-tech{background:linear-gradient(135deg,#243b53,#0f7b6c)}
  .p-ai{background:linear-gradient(135deg,#2d1e4f,#6d3a8f)}
  .p-mkt{background:linear-gradient(135deg,#8a3a1b,#c9760a)}
  .p-ent{background:linear-gradient(135deg,#7a1f3d,#b83a5e)}
  .p-edu{background:linear-gradient(135deg,#1d4d3a,#2f8a5f)}
  .p-life{background:linear-gradient(135deg,#5b3a1b,#a8762f)}
  .p-world{background:linear-gradient(135deg,#1b2c4b,#3a5688)}
  .ph{position:relative}
  .ph .plabel{position:absolute;left:10px;bottom:10px;font-family:"Spline Sans Mono",monospace;font-size:9px;letter-spacing:.12em;color:rgba(255,255,255,.55);text-transform:uppercase}

  /* ===== CATEGORY PAGE ===== */
  .cat-hero{border-bottom:1px solid var(--line);padding:30px 0 24px;margin-bottom:8px}
  .cat-hero .ch-label{display:flex;align-items:center;gap:12px;margin-bottom:12px}
  .cat-hero .ch-bar{width:42px;height:6px;background:var(--noon)}
  .cat-hero h1{font-size:clamp(34px,5vw,58px);letter-spacing:-.03em;text-transform:uppercase}
  .cat-hero p{font-family:"Newsreader",serif;font-size:18px;color:var(--ink-soft);max-width:64ch;line-height:1.5;margin:12px 0 0}
  .cat-hero .ch-stats{display:flex;gap:24px;margin-top:16px;font-family:"Spline Sans Mono",monospace;font-size:11.5px;color:var(--muted)}
  .cat-hero .ch-stats b{color:var(--ink);font-family:"Archivo",sans-serif;font-weight:800}
  .cat-feature{display:grid;grid-template-columns:1.5fr 1fr;gap:32px;padding:18px 0;border-bottom:1px solid var(--line);margin-bottom:6px}
  .cat-feature .ph{aspect-ratio:16/9;border-radius:var(--r)}
  .cat-feature h2{font-size:30px;line-height:1.1;margin:12px 0 10px}
  .cat-feature:hover h2{color:var(--noon-deep)}
  .cat-feature p{font-size:17px;color:var(--ink-soft);line-height:1.5}
  .cat-feature .secondary{display:flex;flex-direction:column;gap:0}
  .cat-grid{display:grid;grid-template-columns:repeat(3,1fr);gap:28px;padding:18px 0}
  .pillar-rail{border:1px solid var(--line);border-radius:var(--r);background:var(--paper-warm);padding:22px;margin:6px 0}
  .pillar-rail h3{font-family:"Archivo",sans-serif;font-size:13px;letter-spacing:.08em;text-transform:uppercase;margin-bottom:6px;display:flex;align-items:center;gap:8px}
  .pillar-rail .pr-sub{font-family:"Spline Sans Mono",monospace;font-size:11px;color:var(--muted);margin-bottom:14px}
  .pr-links{display:grid;grid-template-columns:repeat(2,1fr);gap:10px}
  .pr-links a{font-family:"Archivo",sans-serif;font-weight:600;font-size:13.5px;color:var(--ink-soft);padding:11px 14px;border:1px solid var(--line);border-radius:var(--r);background:#fff;display:flex;align-items:center;gap:9px}
  .pr-links a:hover{border-color:var(--noon);color:var(--ink)}
  .pr-links a .pin{color:var(--noon-deep);font-weight:800}

  /* ===== AUTHOR HUB ===== */
  .author-hero{background:var(--ink);color:#fff;border-radius:0;padding:46px 0;margin-bottom:8px}
  .ah-in{display:flex;gap:30px;align-items:flex-start}
  .ah-av{width:120px;height:120px;border-radius:50%;background:linear-gradient(135deg,var(--noon),#c9760a);display:grid;place-items:center;color:#fff;font-family:"Archivo",sans-serif;font-weight:900;font-size:44px;flex-shrink:0;border:3px solid #fff}
  .ah-info h1{color:#fff;font-size:42px;letter-spacing:-.02em;display:flex;align-items:center;gap:11px}
  .ah-info .ah-role{font-family:"Spline Sans Mono",monospace;font-size:13px;color:var(--noon);margin:6px 0 14px;letter-spacing:.04em}
  .ah-info p{color:#cabfae;font-size:16.5px;line-height:1.55;max-width:62ch;font-family:"Newsreader",serif}
  .ah-meta{display:flex;gap:30px;margin-top:18px}
  .ah-meta .am{font-family:"Spline Sans Mono",monospace;font-size:11px;color:#a89a86}
  .ah-meta .am b{display:block;font-family:"Archivo",sans-serif;font-weight:900;font-size:24px;color:#fff;margin-bottom:2px}
  .ah-social{display:flex;gap:10px;margin-top:18px;flex-wrap:wrap}
  .ah-social a{font-family:"Archivo",sans-serif;font-weight:600;font-size:12.5px;border:1px solid #443c30;border-radius:99px;padding:8px 15px;color:#cabfae}
  .ah-social a:hover{border-color:var(--noon);color:#fff}
  .ah-cols{display:grid;grid-template-columns:1fr 300px;gap:40px;align-items:start;padding-top:10px}
  .expertise{margin:18px 0}
  .expertise h3,.author-articles h3{font-family:"Archivo",sans-serif;font-weight:800;font-size:14px;letter-spacing:.06em;text-transform:uppercase;margin-bottom:14px;display:flex;align-items:center;gap:9px;padding-bottom:8px;border-bottom:2px solid var(--ink)}
  .exp-tags{display:flex;flex-wrap:wrap;gap:9px}
  .exp-tags .et{font-family:"Archivo",sans-serif;font-weight:700;font-size:12.5px;background:var(--paper-warm);border:1px solid var(--line-strong);border-radius:var(--r);padding:8px 14px;color:var(--slate)}
  .cred-card{border:1px solid var(--line);border-radius:var(--r);padding:20px;background:var(--paper-warm);margin-bottom:20px}
  .cred-card h4{font-family:"Archivo",sans-serif;font-weight:800;font-size:12px;letter-spacing:.08em;text-transform:uppercase;margin-bottom:12px}
  .cred-card .cred{display:flex;gap:11px;padding:10px 0;border-bottom:1px solid var(--line);font-family:"Archivo",sans-serif;font-size:13px;line-height:1.35;color:var(--ink-soft)}
  .cred-card .cred:last-child{border-bottom:0;padding-bottom:0}
  .cred-card .cred .ci{color:var(--noon-deep);flex-shrink:0}
  .aa-list .aai{display:grid;grid-template-columns:140px 1fr;gap:20px;padding:20px 0;border-bottom:1px solid var(--line);cursor:pointer;align-items:start}
  .aa-list .aai .ph{aspect-ratio:16/10;border-radius:var(--r)}
  .aa-list .aai:hover h4{color:var(--noon-deep)}
  .aa-list .aai h4{font-size:19px;line-height:1.15;margin:8px 0 8px}
  .aa-list .aai p{font-size:15px;color:var(--ink-soft);line-height:1.45;font-family:"Newsreader",serif;margin:0 0 8px}
  .aa-list .aai .aam{font-family:"Spline Sans Mono",monospace;font-size:10.5px;color:var(--muted)}

  

  /* mobile */
  @media(max-width:860px){
    body{font-size:17px}
    .util-in .ticker{display:none}
    .hero-grid{grid-template-columns:1fr;gap:24px}
    .picks{grid-template-columns:repeat(2,1fr)}
    .cat-cols{grid-template-columns:1fr;gap:22px}
    .cb-lead .ph{aspect-ratio:16/9}
    .with-rail{grid-template-columns:1fr}
    .art-rail-mobile{display:block}
    .growth{grid-template-columns:1fr;gap:28px;padding:28px}
    .growth h2{font-size:24px}
    .foot-grid{grid-template-columns:1fr 1fr}
    .related-grid{grid-template-columns:1fr;gap:18px}
    .cat-feature{grid-template-columns:1fr}
    .cat-grid{grid-template-columns:1fr}
    .pr-links{grid-template-columns:1fr}
    .ah-in{flex-direction:column;gap:18px}
    .ah-info h1{font-size:30px}
    .ah-cols{grid-template-columns:1fr}
    .author-hero{padding:30px 0}
    .aa-list .aai{grid-template-columns:1fr}
    .art-share{margin-left:0}
    .mast-cta .btn.ghost{display:none}
  }
  @media(prefers-reduced-motion:reduce){*{animation:none!important;transition:none!important;scroll-behavior:auto!important}}


/* ===== WordPress core / editor classes ===== */
.screen-reader-text{position:absolute!important;clip:rect(1px,1px,1px,1px);width:1px;height:1px;overflow:hidden;word-wrap:normal!important}
.screen-reader-text:focus{background:#fff;clip:auto!important;color:var(--ink);display:block;font-family:"Archivo",sans-serif;font-weight:700;height:auto;left:8px;padding:12px 18px;top:8px;width:auto;z-index:100000;border:2px solid var(--noon)}
.alignleft{float:left;margin:6px 24px 18px 0}
.alignright{float:right;margin:6px 0 18px 24px}
.aligncenter{margin-left:auto;margin-right:auto;display:block}
.alignwide{margin-left:calc(50% - 50vw + 0px);margin-right:calc(50% - 50vw + 0px);max-width:100vw}
@media(min-width:1100px){.prose .alignwide{margin-left:-110px;margin-right:-110px;width:auto}}
.wp-caption,figure.wp-block-image{margin:26px 0}
.wp-caption-text,figure.wp-block-image figcaption{font-family:"Spline Sans Mono",monospace;font-size:11px;color:var(--muted);margin-top:8px}
.prose img{border-radius:var(--r);height:auto}
.prose ul,.prose ol{margin:0 0 22px;padding-left:24px}
.prose li{margin:0 0 8px}
.prose blockquote:not(.pullquote){border-left:3px solid var(--line-strong);padding-left:18px;color:var(--ink-soft);margin:0 0 22px;font-style:italic}

/* archive grid + pagination + cards reuse prototype .pick/.cat-grid */
.an-grid{display:grid;grid-template-columns:repeat(3,1fr);gap:28px;padding:18px 0}
@media(max-width:860px){.an-grid{grid-template-columns:1fr}}
.an-pagination{display:flex;gap:8px;flex-wrap:wrap;justify-content:center;margin:34px 0;font-family:"Archivo",sans-serif;font-weight:700;font-size:14px}
.an-pagination .page-numbers{display:inline-flex;min-width:40px;height:40px;align-items:center;justify-content:center;padding:0 12px;border:1px solid var(--line-strong);border-radius:var(--r);color:var(--ink-soft)}
.an-pagination .page-numbers.current{background:var(--ink);color:#fff;border-color:var(--ink)}
.an-pagination .page-numbers:hover{border-color:var(--noon)}
.an-empty{padding:60px 0;text-align:center;color:var(--muted);font-family:"Newsreader",serif;font-size:19px}

/* mobile nav toggle */
.nav-toggle{display:none;width:38px;height:38px;border:1.5px solid var(--line-strong);border-radius:8px;background:transparent;cursor:pointer;color:var(--ink);align-items:center;justify-content:center}
@media(max-width:860px){
  .nav-toggle{display:inline-flex}
  .pnav-in{display:none;flex-direction:column;height:auto;align-items:stretch;padding:6px 0}
  .pnav.open .pnav-in{display:flex}
  .pnav a{border-bottom:1px solid var(--line)!important;border-left:3px solid transparent}
}

/* =====================================================================
   REDESIGN ADDITIONS — homepage sections, article trust blocks, mobile
   anchor ad, infinite load. Tokens reused from the High Noon system above.
   ===================================================================== */

/* section-head note (right-aligned mono caption) */
.section-head .sh-note{margin-left:auto;font-size:11px;color:var(--muted);letter-spacing:.04em;text-transform:uppercase}

/* 2 · TOP CATEGORIES */
.topcats{padding:8px 0}
.tc-grid{display:grid;grid-template-columns:repeat(6,1fr);gap:14px}
.tc-tile{display:flex;flex-direction:column;gap:6px;padding:18px 16px;border:1px solid var(--line);border-radius:var(--r);background:var(--paper-warm);transition:.14s;min-height:128px}
.tc-tile:hover{border-color:var(--noon);background:#fff;transform:translateY(-2px);box-shadow:var(--shadow)}
.tc-name{font-family:"Archivo",sans-serif;font-weight:800;font-size:15px;letter-spacing:-.01em;color:var(--ink);line-height:1.12}
.tc-count{font-family:"Spline Sans Mono",monospace;font-size:10px;color:var(--muted);letter-spacing:.04em}
.tc-latest{font-family:"Newsreader",serif;font-size:13px;color:var(--ink-soft);line-height:1.3;margin-top:2px;flex:1}
.tc-go{font-family:"Archivo",sans-serif;font-weight:700;font-size:11px;letter-spacing:.05em;text-transform:uppercase;color:var(--slate);display:inline-flex;gap:5px;align-items:center}
.tc-tile:hover .tc-go{color:var(--noon-deep)}

/* 3 · EDITOR'S PICKS — reuses .picks/.pick */
.picks-section{padding:6px 0}

/* 4 · TRENDING THIS WEEK */
.trending-week{padding:6px 0}
.tw-grid{display:grid;grid-template-columns:repeat(3,1fr);gap:12px 30px}
.tw-item{display:flex;gap:14px;align-items:flex-start;padding:14px 0;border-top:1px solid var(--line)}
.tw-item:hover .tw-title{color:var(--noon-deep)}
.tw-rank{font-family:"Archivo",sans-serif;font-weight:900;font-size:24px;line-height:1;color:var(--line-strong);min-width:30px}
.tw-item:hover .tw-rank{color:var(--noon)}
.tw-body{display:flex;flex-direction:column;gap:4px}
.tw-cat{font-family:"Spline Sans Mono",monospace;font-size:9.5px;letter-spacing:.1em;color:var(--noon-deep)}
.tw-title{font-family:"Archivo",sans-serif;font-weight:700;font-size:15px;line-height:1.2;color:var(--ink)}

/* 5 · TOPIC CLUSTERS */
.clusters{padding:6px 0}
.cluster-grid{display:grid;grid-template-columns:repeat(3,1fr);gap:20px}
.cluster{border:1px solid var(--line);border-radius:var(--r);padding:20px;background:#fff;display:flex;flex-direction:column}
.cluster:hover{border-color:var(--line-strong)}
.cl-head{display:flex;align-items:baseline;justify-content:space-between;gap:10px;border-bottom:2px solid var(--ink);padding-bottom:9px;margin-bottom:10px}
.cl-name{font-family:"Archivo",sans-serif;font-weight:800;font-size:17px;letter-spacing:-.01em;color:var(--ink)}
.cl-name:hover{color:var(--noon-deep)}
.cl-count{font-family:"Spline Sans Mono",monospace;font-size:10px;color:var(--muted)}
.cl-blurb{font-family:"Newsreader",serif;font-size:14px;color:var(--ink-soft);line-height:1.4;margin:0 0 12px}
.cl-list{list-style:none;margin:0 0 12px;padding:0;display:flex;flex-direction:column;gap:9px;flex:1}
.cl-list li{line-height:1.25}
.cl-list a{font-family:"Archivo",sans-serif;font-weight:600;font-size:13.5px;color:var(--ink-soft);padding-left:14px;position:relative;display:block}
.cl-list a::before{content:"";position:absolute;left:0;top:7px;width:5px;height:5px;background:var(--noon);border-radius:1px}
.cl-list a:hover{color:var(--ink)}
.cl-all{font-family:"Archivo",sans-serif;font-weight:700;font-size:12px;letter-spacing:.04em;text-transform:uppercase;color:var(--slate);display:inline-flex;gap:6px;align-items:center}
.cl-all:hover{color:var(--noon-deep)}

/* 6 · LATEST + load more */
.loadmore-wrap{display:flex;justify-content:center;margin:26px 0 6px}
.loadmore-btn{font-family:"Archivo",sans-serif;font-weight:700;font-size:14px;letter-spacing:.02em;padding:13px 30px;border:1.5px solid var(--ink);background:#fff;color:var(--ink);border-radius:99px;cursor:pointer;transition:.15s;display:inline-flex;align-items:center;gap:10px}
.loadmore-btn:hover{background:var(--ink);color:#fff}
.loadmore-btn[disabled]{opacity:.6;cursor:default;border-color:var(--line-strong);background:var(--paper-warm);color:var(--muted)}
.loadmore-btn.is-loading{color:transparent;position:relative}
.loadmore-btn.is-loading::after{content:"";position:absolute;left:50%;top:50%;width:16px;height:16px;margin:-8px 0 0 -8px;border:2px solid var(--line-strong);border-top-color:var(--ink);border-radius:50%;animation:an-spin .7s linear infinite}
@keyframes an-spin{to{transform:rotate(360deg)}}
.loadmore-fallback{font-family:"Archivo",sans-serif;font-weight:700;color:var(--slate)}

/* ARTICLE · trust strip */
.trust-strip{display:flex;align-items:center;gap:12px;flex-wrap:wrap;margin:30px 0 0;padding:14px 18px;border:1px solid var(--line);border-left:3px solid var(--noon);border-radius:var(--r);background:var(--paper-warm)}
.trust-strip .ts-icon{color:var(--noon-deep);display:inline-flex;flex-shrink:0}
.trust-strip .ts-text{font-family:"Archivo",sans-serif;font-size:13.5px;color:var(--ink-soft);line-height:1.4}
.trust-strip .ts-text b{color:var(--ink);font-weight:700}
.trust-strip .ts-updated{display:block;font-family:"Spline Sans Mono",monospace;font-size:11px;color:var(--muted);margin-top:3px}
.trust-strip .ts-link{margin-left:auto;font-family:"Archivo",sans-serif;font-weight:700;font-size:12px;color:var(--slate);white-space:nowrap}
.trust-strip .ts-link:hover{color:var(--noon-deep)}

/* ARTICLE · related topics (entity chips) */
.related-topics{margin:34px 0 0}
.related-topics h3{font-family:"Archivo",sans-serif;font-weight:800;font-size:13px;letter-spacing:.08em;text-transform:uppercase;margin-bottom:12px}
.rt-chips{display:flex;flex-wrap:wrap;gap:9px}

/* ARTICLE · next read */
.next-read{display:flex;flex-direction:column;gap:5px;margin:24px 0 0;padding:20px 22px;border:1px solid var(--ink);border-radius:var(--r);background:var(--ink);color:#fff;transition:.15s}
.next-read:hover{background:#221d17}
.next-read .nr-label{font-family:"Spline Sans Mono",monospace;font-size:10px;letter-spacing:.14em;text-transform:uppercase;color:var(--noon)}
.next-read .nr-title{font-family:"Archivo",sans-serif;font-weight:800;font-size:20px;line-height:1.14;letter-spacing:-.01em}
.next-read .nr-meta{font-family:"Spline Sans Mono",monospace;font-size:11px;color:#a89a86;margin-top:3px}

/* mobile anchor ad — kept hidden; ads are disabled site-wide */
.ad-mobileanchor{display:none}
@media(max-width:860px){
  .ad-mobileanchor .ad-anchor-close{position:absolute;top:-26px;right:8px;width:26px;height:26px;border-radius:50%;border:1px solid var(--line-strong);background:#fff;color:var(--ink-soft);font-size:18px;line-height:1;cursor:pointer;display:grid;place-items:center}
}

/* responsive for the new homepage sections */
@media(max-width:980px){
  .tc-grid{grid-template-columns:repeat(3,1fr)}
  .tw-grid{grid-template-columns:repeat(2,1fr);gap:6px 24px}
  .cluster-grid{grid-template-columns:repeat(2,1fr)}
}
@media(max-width:640px){
  .tc-grid{grid-template-columns:repeat(2,1fr)}
  .tw-grid{grid-template-columns:1fr}
  .cluster-grid{grid-template-columns:1fr}
  .trust-strip .ts-link{margin-left:0}
}

/* breaking-news ticker links */
.util .ticker .ticker-track a{color:var(--ink-soft)}
.util .ticker .ticker-track a:hover{color:var(--ink)}
.util .ticker .ticker-track i{color:var(--line-strong);margin:0 9px;font-style:normal}