/* =========================================================
   The Alamo Republican — public site
   Each section is a Texas wildflower; its color travels with every story.
   ========================================================= */

:root {
    --ink: #1B2A4E;          /* deep navy: headlines, masthead */
    --text: #232838;         /* body copy */
    --muted: #5A6278;
    --paper: #FFFFFF;
    --sky: #EEF2FA;          /* big-sky tint for bands and widgets */
    --line: #DCE1EC;
    --night: #13203F;        /* footer */
    --bluebonnet: #3B4FB3;
    --paintbrush: #D9482B;
    --susan: #FBF1D6;        /* black-eyed Susan tint */
    --good: #E6F2E8;
    --accent: var(--bluebonnet);
    --slab: "Zilla Slab", Rockwell, "Roboto Slab", Georgia, serif;
    --serif: "Source Serif 4", "Source Serif Pro", Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;
    --wrap: 1200px;
    --text-w: 680px;
    --r: 4px;
    color-scheme: light;
}

@media (prefers-color-scheme: dark) {
    :root:not([data-theme="light"]) {
        --ink: #E8ECF6; --text: #D9DEEA; --muted: #A1A9BF; --paper: #0F1830; --sky: #18233F;
        --line: #2A3758; --night: #0A1226; --susan: #2A2615; --good: #15301E; color-scheme: dark;
    }
}
:root[data-theme="dark"] {
    --ink: #E8ECF6; --text: #D9DEEA; --muted: #A1A9BF; --paper: #0F1830; --sky: #18233F;
    --line: #2A3758; --night: #0A1226; --susan: #2A2615; --good: #15301E; color-scheme: dark;
}

*, *::before, *::after { box-sizing: border-box; }
html { -webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%; scroll-behavior: smooth; }
body {
    margin: 0; background: var(--paper); color: var(--text);
    font: 400 17px/1.55 var(--serif); font-optical-sizing: auto;
    -webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; overflow-x: hidden;
}
img { max-width: 100%; height: auto; display: block; }
a { color: inherit; }
h1, h2, h3, h4 { font-family: var(--slab); color: var(--ink); line-height: 1.15; margin: 0; font-weight: 700; }
p { margin: 0; }
button, input, textarea, select { font: inherit; color: inherit; }
:focus-visible { outline: 3px solid var(--bluebonnet); outline-offset: 2px; border-radius: 2px; }
code { font-size: .9em; background: var(--sky); padding: .1em .35em; border-radius: 3px; }

.wrap { max-width: var(--wrap); margin: 0 auto; padding: 0 20px; }
.wrap-text { max-width: var(--text-w); margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding: 0 20px; box-sizing: content-box; }
.sr { position: absolute; width: 1px; height: 1px; overflow: hidden; clip: rect(0 0 0 0); white-space: nowrap; }
.hp { position: absolute !important; left: -9999px !important; width: 1px; height: 1px; opacity: 0; }
.skip { position: absolute; left: 12px; top: -60px; background: var(--ink); color: var(--paper); padding: 10px 14px; z-index: 100; border-radius: var(--r); }
.skip:focus { top: 12px; }

/* ---------- buttons & forms ---------- */
.btn, button[type="submit"], .subscribe button {
    display: inline-flex; align-items: center; justify-content: center; gap: .5em;
    background: var(--ink); color: var(--paper); border: 0; border-radius: 6px;
    font: 600 16px/1 var(--slab); padding: 13px 20px; cursor: pointer; text-decoration: none;
    transition: background .15s;
}
.btn:hover, button[type="submit"]:hover { background: var(--bluebonnet); color: #fff; }
.btn-light { background: #fff; color: #1B2A4E; }
.btn-light:hover { background: var(--susan); color: #1B2A4E; }

input:not([type="hidden"]), textarea, select {
    width: 100%; background: var(--paper); border: 1px solid var(--line); border-radius: 6px;
    padding: 11px 13px; font-size: 16px; line-height: 1.4; font-family: var(--serif);
}
input:focus, textarea:focus { border-color: var(--bluebonnet); outline: 2px solid color-mix(in srgb, var(--bluebonnet) 25%, transparent); outline-offset: 0; }
label { display: block; font: 600 15px/1.3 var(--slab); color: var(--ink); }
label > input, label > textarea { margin-top: 6px; font-weight: 400; }
.opt { font-weight: 500; color: var(--muted); font-size: 13px; margin-left: 4px; }
.form-msg { font: 600 15px/1.4 var(--slab); min-height: 1.4em; margin-top: 8px; }
.form-msg.is-ok { color: #2E7D46; }
.form-msg.is-err { color: var(--paintbrush); }

/* ---------- topline ---------- */
.topline { background: var(--sky); font: 500 14px/1 var(--slab); color: var(--muted); }
.topline-inner { display: flex; align-items: center; gap: 22px; min-height: 44px; }
.topline-count { color: var(--ink); }
.topline-count::before { content: ""; display: inline-block; width: 8px; height: 8px; border-radius: 50%; background: #3E7B4C; margin-right: 8px; vertical-align: 1px; }
.topline-links { display: flex; gap: 18px; margin-left: auto; }
.topline-links a { text-decoration: none; color: var(--ink); }
.topline-links a:hover { text-decoration: underline; }
.topline-search input { width: 170px; padding: 7px 11px; font: 500 14px var(--slab); border-radius: 99px; }
.theme-toggle { background: none; border: 0; padding: 6px; cursor: pointer; color: var(--ink); display: grid; place-items: center; }
.theme-toggle svg { width: 18px; height: 18px; fill: currentColor; }

/* ---------- masthead ---------- */
.masthead { background: var(--paper); }
.masthead > .wrap { display: flex; align-items: flex-end; justify-content: space-between; gap: 24px; padding-top: 26px; padding-bottom: 18px; }
.wordmark {
    font: 700 clamp(2.3rem, 7.2vw, 5.1rem)/.95 var(--slab); color: var(--ink);
    text-decoration: none; letter-spacing: -.015em;
}
.wordmark .tm { font-size: .28em; vertical-align: super; margin-left: .08em; font-weight: 600; }
.tagline { font: italic 400 clamp(1rem, 1.6vw, 1.25rem)/1.3 var(--serif); color: var(--muted); max-width: 22ch; text-align: right; padding-bottom: .35em; }

/* The bloom bar: section navigation as a row of wildflower colors */
.bloom { border-bottom: 1px solid var(--line); }
.bloom-inner { display: grid; grid-template-columns: repeat(6, 1fr); gap: 4px; }
.bloom-item {
    display: flex; flex-direction: column; gap: 9px; padding-top: 4px; text-decoration: none;
    font: 600 15px/1.2 var(--slab); color: var(--ink); white-space: nowrap;
}
.bloom-bar {
    height: 7px; background: var(--c); border-radius: 2px 2px 0 0;
    transform-origin: left; transition: height .18s ease;
    animation: bloom .7s cubic-bezier(.2,.8,.2,1) both; animation-delay: calc(var(--i) * 80ms + 120ms);
}
.bloom-item:hover .bloom-bar, .bloom-item.is-on .bloom-bar { height: 12px; }
.bloom-item.is-on { color: var(--c); }
@keyframes bloom { from { transform: scaleX(0); } to { transform: scaleX(1); } }

/* ---------- ticker ---------- */
.ticker { background: var(--sky); border-bottom: 1px solid var(--line); }
.ticker-inner { display: flex; align-items: center; gap: 16px; height: 42px; }
.ticker-label { flex: none; font: 700 15px/1 var(--slab); color: var(--paintbrush); }
.ticker-window { overflow: hidden; flex: 1; mask-image: linear-gradient(90deg, transparent, #000 24px, #000 calc(100% - 40px), transparent); }
.ticker-track { display: flex; width: max-content; animation: tick 70s linear infinite; }
.ticker-window:hover .ticker-track, .ticker-window:focus-within .ticker-track { animation-play-state: paused; }
.ticker-track a { font: 500 15px/42px var(--slab); color: var(--ink); text-decoration: none; padding-right: 38px; white-space: nowrap; }
.ticker-track a::before { content: ""; display: inline-block; width: 8px; height: 8px; background: var(--c); transform: rotate(45deg); margin-right: 12px; vertical-align: 2px; }
.ticker-track a:hover { text-decoration: underline; }
@keyframes tick { to { transform: translateX(-50%); } }

.notice { background: var(--good); color: var(--ink); font: 600 16px/1.4 var(--slab); padding: 14px 0; }

/* ---------- story cards ---------- */
.story { display: flex; flex-direction: column; gap: 12px; min-width: 0; }
.story-media { display: block; border-radius: var(--r); overflow: hidden; aspect-ratio: 3 / 2; background: var(--sky); }
.story-media img { width: 100%; height: 100%; object-fit: cover; transition: transform .4s ease; }
.story:hover .story-media img { transform: scale(1.025); }
.story-text { display: flex; flex-direction: column; gap: 7px; }
.story-title { font-weight: 700; font-size: 1.32rem; line-height: 1.17; text-wrap: balance; }
.story-title a { text-decoration: none; background-image: linear-gradient(var(--c), var(--c)); background-size: 0 2px; background-repeat: no-repeat; background-position: 0 100%; transition: background-size .2s; }
.story-title a:hover { background-size: 100% 2px; }
.story-dek { color: var(--muted); font-size: 1rem; line-height: 1.5; }
.story-meta { display: flex; flex-wrap: wrap; gap: 4px 14px; font: 500 13.5px/1.3 var(--slab); color: var(--muted); }

.kicker { display: flex; flex-wrap: wrap; align-items: center; gap: 4px 12px; font: 600 14px/1.2 var(--slab); }
.kicker a { text-decoration: none; }
.kicker > a:first-child { color: var(--c); display: inline-flex; align-items: center; gap: 7px; }
.kicker > a:first-child::before { content: ""; width: 14px; height: 4px; border-radius: 2px; background: var(--c); }
.kicker-region { color: var(--muted); font-weight: 500; }
.kicker a:hover { text-decoration: underline; }
:root[data-theme="dark"] .kicker > a:first-child, :root[data-theme="dark"] .bloom-item.is-on { color: color-mix(in srgb, var(--c) 60%, white); }
@media (prefers-color-scheme: dark) { :root:not([data-theme="light"]) .kicker > a:first-child, :root:not([data-theme="light"]) .bloom-item.is-on { color: color-mix(in srgb, var(--c) 60%, white); } }

.story-lead .story-title { font-size: clamp(1.9rem, 3.5vw, 2.85rem); line-height: 1.06; letter-spacing: -.01em; }
.story-lead .story-dek { font-size: 1.18rem; color: var(--text); }
.story-lead .story-media { aspect-ratio: 16 / 9; }

.story-compact { padding-left: 14px; border-left: 3px solid var(--c); }
.story-compact .story-title { font-size: 1.14rem; }

.story-row { flex-direction: row; gap: 16px; align-items: flex-start; }
.story-row .story-media { flex: none; width: 120px; aspect-ratio: 1; }
.story-row .story-title { font-size: 1.06rem; }
.story-row .kicker { font-size: 13px; }

/* Placeholder art when a story has no photo */
.ph { position: relative; display: grid; place-items: center; width: 100%; height: 100%; background: var(--c); overflow: hidden; }
.ph .star { width: 46%; max-width: 160px; fill: none; stroke: rgba(255,255,255,.55); stroke-width: .7; }
.ph-flower { position: absolute; left: 12px; bottom: 9px; font: 600 13px var(--slab); color: rgba(255,255,255,.9); }
.story-row .ph-flower { display: none; }

/* ---------- front page ---------- */
.front { display: grid; grid-template-columns: minmax(0, 2.1fr) minmax(0, 1fr); gap: 40px; padding-top: 34px; padding-bottom: 10px; }
.front-side { display: flex; flex-direction: column; gap: 22px; }
.side-heading { font-size: 1.05rem; color: var(--muted); font-weight: 600; padding-bottom: 10px; border-bottom: 1px solid var(--line); }

.home-grid { display: grid; grid-template-columns: minmax(0, 1fr) 320px; gap: 48px; padding-top: 30px; padding-bottom: 60px; }
.home-main { display: flex; flex-direction: column; gap: 52px; min-width: 0; }

.rail-head { display: flex; align-items: baseline; justify-content: space-between; gap: 16px; margin-bottom: 20px; }
.rail-title { font-size: 1.6rem; display: flex; align-items: center; gap: 10px; }
.rail-head .rail-title { margin: 0; }
section > .rail-title { margin-bottom: 20px; }
.rail-more { font: 600 15px var(--slab); color: var(--c, var(--bluebonnet)); text-decoration: none; white-space: nowrap; }
.rail-more:hover { text-decoration: underline; }
.rail-flower { width: 14px; height: 14px; border-radius: 50%; background: var(--c); box-shadow: 0 0 0 4px color-mix(in srgb, var(--c) 22%, transparent); }

.grid-3 { display: grid; grid-template-columns: repeat(3, minmax(0, 1fr)); gap: 34px 26px; }
.home-main .grid-3 { grid-template-columns: repeat(3, minmax(0, 1fr)); }

.section-rail-body { display: grid; grid-template-columns: minmax(0, 1.25fr) minmax(0, 1fr); gap: 26px; }
.section-rail-body.is-single { grid-template-columns: 1fr; }
.section-rail-body.is-single .story { display: grid; grid-template-columns: minmax(0, 1.2fr) minmax(0, 1fr); gap: 26px; align-items: center; }
.stack { display: flex; flex-direction: column; gap: 22px; }

.region-list { display: grid; grid-template-columns: repeat(3, minmax(0, 1fr)); gap: 10px; }
.region { display: flex; flex-direction: column; gap: 3px; padding: 14px 16px; background: var(--sky); border-radius: 6px; text-decoration: none; transition: background .15s; }
.region:hover { background: color-mix(in srgb, var(--bluebonnet) 14%, var(--sky)); }
.region-name { font: 600 16px/1.2 var(--slab); color: var(--ink); }
.region-count { font: 500 13.5px var(--slab); color: var(--muted); }
.region.is-quiet .region-count { color: var(--paintbrush); }

/* ---------- sidebar widgets ---------- */
.home-side { display: flex; flex-direction: column; gap: 28px; }
.widget-title { font-size: 1.05rem; margin-bottom: 12px; }
.verse { margin: 0; padding: 22px 22px 18px; background: var(--sky); border-radius: 8px; }
.verse blockquote { margin: 0; font: italic 400 1.14rem/1.55 var(--serif); color: var(--ink); }
.verse figcaption { margin-top: 12px; font: 600 14px var(--slab); color: var(--bluebonnet); }
.kjv { color: var(--muted); font-weight: 500; margin-left: 4px; }

.poll-q { font: 600 1.15rem/1.3 var(--slab); color: var(--ink); margin-bottom: 12px; }
.poll-form { display: flex; flex-direction: column; gap: 8px; }
.poll-form .poll-opt {
    position: relative; display: flex; justify-content: space-between; gap: 10px; text-align: left;
    padding: 11px 14px; border: 1px solid var(--line); border-radius: 6px; cursor: pointer;
    background: linear-gradient(90deg, color-mix(in srgb, var(--bluebonnet) 18%, transparent) var(--pct), transparent var(--pct)) var(--paper);
    font: 500 15px/1.3 var(--slab); color: var(--ink); transition: border-color .15s, background .6s;
}
.poll-form .poll-opt:hover:not(:disabled) { border-color: var(--bluebonnet); background-color: var(--sky); color: var(--ink); }
.poll-form .poll-opt:disabled { cursor: default; color: var(--ink); }
.poll-form .poll-opt.is-mine { border-color: var(--bluebonnet); font-weight: 700; }
.poll-pct { font-weight: 700; }
.poll-total { font: 500 13px var(--slab); color: var(--muted); }

.loved-list { list-style: none; margin: 0; padding: 0; counter-reset: loved; display: flex; flex-direction: column; gap: 14px; }
.loved-list li { counter-increment: loved; display: grid; grid-template-columns: 30px 1fr; column-gap: 8px; }
.loved-list li::before { content: counter(loved); grid-row: span 2; font: 700 1.5rem/1 var(--slab); color: var(--c); }
.loved-list a { font: 600 15.5px/1.25 var(--slab); color: var(--ink); text-decoration: none; }
.loved-list a:hover { text-decoration: underline; }
.loved-list span { font: 500 13px var(--slab); color: var(--muted); }

.fact { padding: 18px 20px; background: var(--susan); border-radius: 8px; }
.fact p { font-size: 1.02rem; line-height: 1.5; color: var(--ink); }

.sponsor { display: grid; grid-template-columns: 64px 1fr; grid-template-rows: auto auto; column-gap: 12px; align-items: center; padding: 10px 0; text-decoration: none; border-top: 1px solid var(--line); }
.sponsor img { grid-row: span 2; width: 64px; height: 64px; object-fit: contain; background: #fff; border-radius: 6px; }
.sponsor-name { font: 600 15px var(--slab); color: var(--ink); align-self: end; }
.sponsor-line { font-size: 14px; color: var(--muted); align-self: start; }

.subscribe label { font-size: 1.05rem; margin-bottom: 10px; }
.subscribe-row { display: flex; gap: 8px; }
.subscribe-row input { flex: 1; min-width: 0; }
.subscribe button { padding: 11px 16px; flex: none; }

/* ---------- recruit band ---------- */
.recruit { background: #1B2A4E; color: #E8ECF6; position: relative; }
.recruit::before { content: ""; position: absolute; inset: 0 0 auto; height: 6px; background: linear-gradient(90deg, #3B4FB3 0 16.66%, #D9482B 0 33.33%, #3E7B4C 0 50%, #8A5A35 0 66.66%, #7E2C6E 0 83.33%, #C98A0E 0); }
.recruit-inner { display: grid; grid-template-columns: 1.2fr 1fr; gap: 48px; align-items: center; padding-top: 64px; padding-bottom: 64px; }
.recruit h2 { color: #fff; font-size: clamp(1.9rem, 4vw, 2.9rem); line-height: 1.05; margin-bottom: 16px; text-wrap: balance; }
.recruit p { font-size: 1.12rem; line-height: 1.6; margin-bottom: 26px; color: #C9D1E6; max-width: 54ch; }
.recruit-faces { display: grid; grid-template-columns: repeat(3, 1fr); gap: 22px 14px; }
.face { display: flex; flex-direction: column; align-items: center; gap: 8px; text-decoration: none; text-align: center; font: 600 14px/1.2 var(--slab); color: #fff; }

/* ---------- avatars ---------- */
.avatar { width: 44px; height: 44px; border-radius: 50%; object-fit: cover; flex: none; }
.avatar-lg { width: 72px; height: 72px; }
.avatar-xl { width: 128px; height: 128px; }
.avatar-initials { display: inline-grid; place-items: center; color: #fff; font: 700 16px var(--slab); }
.avatar-lg.avatar-initials { font-size: 24px; }
.avatar-xl.avatar-initials { font-size: 44px; }

/* ---------- share-a-story band ---------- */
.share-band { background: var(--sky); padding: 56px 0; scroll-margin-top: 20px; }
.share-band-inner { display: grid; grid-template-columns: 1fr 1.3fr; gap: 48px; align-items: start; }
.share-band h2 { font-size: clamp(1.8rem, 3.4vw, 2.5rem); margin-bottom: 12px; }
.share-band p { font-size: 1.1rem; color: var(--muted); max-width: 42ch; }
.tip-form, .apply-form { display: flex; flex-direction: column; gap: 14px; }
.tip-row { display: grid; grid-template-columns: 1fr 1fr; gap: 14px; }
.tip-form button, .apply-form button { align-self: flex-start; }
.share-band.is-flash { animation: flash 1.2s ease; }
@keyframes flash { 30% { background: color-mix(in srgb, var(--bluebonnet) 16%, var(--sky)); } }

/* ---------- footer ---------- */
.footer { background: var(--night); color: #C3CBE0; padding: 56px 0 26px; font: 500 15px/1.5 var(--slab); }
.footer-grid { display: grid; grid-template-columns: 1.6fr 1fr 1fr 1fr; gap: 36px; }
.footer h2 { color: #fff; font-size: 1rem; margin-bottom: 12px; }
.footer nav a { display: block; color: #C3CBE0; text-decoration: none; padding: 3px 0; }
.footer nav a:hover { color: #fff; text-decoration: underline; }
.footer-section::before { content: ""; display: inline-block; width: 8px; height: 8px; background: var(--c); transform: rotate(45deg); margin-right: 10px; vertical-align: 1px; }
.wordmark-sm { font-size: 1.8rem; color: #fff; display: inline-block; margin-bottom: 12px; }
.footer-brand > p { font-family: var(--serif); margin-bottom: 22px; max-width: 40ch; }
.footer .subscribe label { color: #fff; }
.footer .subscribe input { background: #0B1430; border-color: #2E3B5E; color: #fff; }
.footer .subscribe button { background: #fff; color: #13203F; }
.footer-base { display: flex; justify-content: space-between; gap: 20px; margin-top: 44px; padding-top: 20px; border-top: 1px solid #2A3757; font-size: 14px; }
.footer-base a { color: #C3CBE0; }

/* ---------- article ---------- */
.progress { position: fixed; inset: 0 0 auto; height: 4px; z-index: 50; pointer-events: none; }
.progress span { display: block; height: 100%; width: 100%; background: var(--accent); transform-origin: left; transform: scaleX(0); }
.article { padding-top: 40px; }
.preview-banner { max-width: 900px; margin: 0 auto 24px; padding: 12px 16px; background: var(--susan); border-radius: 6px; font: 500 15px var(--slab); color: var(--ink); }
.article-head { display: flex; flex-direction: column; gap: 16px; margin-bottom: 30px; }
.article-title { font-size: clamp(2.1rem, 5.2vw, 3.5rem); line-height: 1.04; letter-spacing: -.012em; text-wrap: balance; }
.article-dek { font-size: clamp(1.15rem, 2vw, 1.35rem); line-height: 1.45; color: var(--muted); }
.byline { display: flex; align-items: center; gap: 14px; padding-top: 6px; }
.byline-name { font: 600 16px var(--slab); color: var(--ink); }
.byline-name a { text-decoration: none; color: inherit; }
.byline-name a:hover { text-decoration: underline; }
.byline-meta { display: flex; flex-wrap: wrap; gap: 2px 14px; font: 500 14px var(--slab); color: var(--muted); margin-top: 2px; }
.article-hero { max-width: 1080px; margin: 0 auto 34px; padding: 0 20px; }
.article-hero img { width: 100%; border-radius: var(--r); }
.article-hero figcaption, .article-body figcaption { font: 400 14.5px/1.45 var(--serif); color: var(--muted); margin-top: 10px; padding: 0; }

.article-body { font-size: 1.2rem; line-height: 1.75; color: var(--text); }
.article-body > * + * { margin-top: 1.15em; }
.article-body h2 { font-size: 1.65rem; margin-top: 1.7em; }
.article-body h3 { font-size: 1.3rem; margin-top: 1.5em; }
.article-body a { color: var(--bluebonnet); text-decoration-thickness: 1px; text-underline-offset: 3px; }
.article-body blockquote { margin: 1.6em 0; padding: 4px 0 4px 22px; border-left: 4px solid var(--c, var(--accent)); }
.article-body blockquote p { font: 600 1.45rem/1.4 var(--slab); color: var(--ink); }
.article-body cite { display: block; margin-top: 10px; font: italic 400 1rem var(--serif); color: var(--muted); }
.article-body cite::before { content: "— "; }
.article-body figure { margin: 1.8em 0; }
.article-body figure img, .article-body p img { border-radius: var(--r); width: 100%; }
.article-body ul, .article-body ol { padding-left: 1.3em; }
.article-body li + li { margin-top: .4em; }
.article-body hr { border: 0; height: 18px; margin: 2em 0; background: radial-gradient(circle, var(--c, var(--accent)) 3px, transparent 4px) center / 26px 18px repeat-x; max-width: 110px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; }
.embed { position: relative; aspect-ratio: 16 / 9; }
.embed iframe { position: absolute; inset: 0; width: 100%; height: 100%; border: 0; border-radius: var(--r); }

.article-foot { margin-top: 40px; display: flex; flex-direction: column; gap: 28px; padding-bottom: 50px; }
.tags { display: flex; flex-wrap: wrap; gap: 8px; }
.tags a { font: 500 14px var(--slab); color: var(--ink); background: var(--sky); padding: 6px 12px; border-radius: 99px; text-decoration: none; }
.tags a:hover { background: color-mix(in srgb, var(--c) 18%, var(--sky)); }

.react-row { display: flex; flex-wrap: wrap; align-items: center; justify-content: space-between; gap: 18px; padding: 22px 0; border-top: 1px solid var(--line); border-bottom: 1px solid var(--line); }
.react {
    display: inline-flex; align-items: center; gap: 10px; padding: 11px 18px 11px 14px;
    border: 2px solid var(--c); border-radius: 99px; background: transparent; color: var(--ink);
    font: 600 16px/1 var(--slab); cursor: pointer; transition: background .2s, color .2s;
}
.react-star { width: 22px; height: 22px; fill: none; stroke: var(--c); stroke-width: 1.8; stroke-linejoin: round; transition: fill .2s, transform .3s; }
.react:hover .react-star { transform: rotate(-12deg) scale(1.08); }
.react.is-on { background: var(--c); color: #fff; }
.react.is-on .react-star { fill: #F6C445; stroke: #F6C445; }
.react.is-pop .react-star { animation: pop .55s cubic-bezier(.3,1.6,.5,1); }
@keyframes pop { 0% { transform: scale(.6) rotate(-30deg); } 100% { transform: scale(1) rotate(0); } }
.react-count:empty { display: none; }
.react-count { padding-left: 10px; border-left: 1px solid currentColor; }
.share { display: flex; flex-wrap: wrap; align-items: center; gap: 6px 14px; font: 600 15px var(--slab); }
.share-label { color: var(--muted); font-weight: 500; }
.share a, .share button { color: var(--ink); background: none; border: 0; padding: 0; cursor: pointer; text-decoration: underline; text-decoration-color: var(--line); text-underline-offset: 4px; text-decoration-thickness: 2px; font: inherit; }
.share a:hover, .share button:hover { text-decoration-color: var(--c); }

.author-box { display: flex; gap: 18px; align-items: flex-start; padding: 22px; background: var(--sky); border-radius: 8px; }
.author-box h2 { font-size: 1.25rem; margin-bottom: 6px; }
.author-box h2 a { text-decoration: none; }
.author-box p { font-size: 1rem; color: var(--text); margin-bottom: 8px; }
.author-more { font: 600 15px var(--slab); color: var(--bluebonnet); }
.nudge { font-size: 1.05rem; color: var(--muted); }
.nudge a { color: var(--ink); }
.related { padding-bottom: 64px; }

/* ---------- listings ---------- */
.listing-head { background: var(--sky); padding: 44px 0 38px; }
.listing-head.has-accent { box-shadow: inset 0 -7px 0 var(--c); }
.listing-head h1 { font-size: clamp(2.2rem, 5.4vw, 3.8rem); line-height: 1; letter-spacing: -.012em; }
.listing-head.has-accent h1 { color: var(--c); }
:root[data-theme="dark"] .listing-head.has-accent h1 { color: color-mix(in srgb, var(--c) 60%, white); }
.listing-flower { display: flex; align-items: center; gap: 8px; font: 600 15px var(--slab); color: var(--muted); margin-bottom: 12px; }
.star-sm { width: 15px; height: 15px; fill: var(--c, var(--paintbrush)); }
.listing-blurb { margin-top: 12px; font-size: 1.18rem; color: var(--muted); max-width: 60ch; }
.listing { padding-top: 40px; padding-bottom: 64px; }
.listing-top { margin-bottom: 44px; }
.listing-top .story-lead { display: grid; grid-template-columns: 1.5fr 1fr; gap: 32px; align-items: center; }
.empty { padding: 40px 0; max-width: 56ch; }
.empty h2 { font-size: 1.5rem; margin-bottom: 10px; }
.empty p { font-size: 1.1rem; color: var(--muted); }
.empty a { color: var(--bluebonnet); }
.pager { display: grid; grid-template-columns: 1fr auto 1fr; align-items: center; gap: 20px; margin-top: 48px; padding-top: 22px; border-top: 1px solid var(--line); font: 600 15px var(--slab); }
.pager a { color: var(--bluebonnet); }
.pager a[rel="next"] { justify-self: end; }
.pager-count { color: var(--muted); font-weight: 500; }

.search-big { display: flex; gap: 10px; margin-top: 18px; max-width: 640px; }
.search-big input { font-size: 1.1rem; }
.result-count { font: 500 15px var(--slab); color: var(--muted); margin-bottom: 22px; }
.results { display: flex; flex-direction: column; gap: 26px; max-width: 760px; }

.author-head { background: var(--sky); padding: 48px 0 40px; }
.author-head-inner { display: flex; gap: 30px; align-items: center; }
.author-head h1 { font-size: clamp(2rem, 4.6vw, 3.2rem); }
.author-stats { display: flex; flex-wrap: wrap; align-items: center; gap: 6px 20px; margin-top: 14px; font: 600 15px var(--slab); color: var(--ink); }
.author-stats span { display: inline-flex; align-items: center; gap: 6px; }
.author-stats a { color: var(--bluebonnet); }

/* ---------- writers page ---------- */
.writers-hero { background: #1B2A4E; color: #DDE3F2; padding: 76px 0 0; }
.writers-hero-inner { display: flex; flex-direction: column; align-items: flex-start; gap: 22px; }
.writers-hero h1 { color: #fff; font-size: clamp(2.4rem, 6.4vw, 4.6rem); line-height: 1; max-width: 15ch; letter-spacing: -.015em; }
.writers-hero p { font-size: 1.22rem; line-height: 1.6; max-width: 58ch; }
.writers-hero .btn { background: #fff; color: #1B2A4E; }
.bloom-mini { display: grid; grid-template-columns: repeat(6, 1fr); gap: 4px; width: 100%; margin-top: 40px; }
.bloom-mini span { height: 10px; background: var(--c); border-radius: 2px 2px 0 0; }
.writers-body { display: flex; flex-direction: column; gap: 64px; padding-top: 60px; padding-bottom: 72px; }
.perk-grid { display: grid; grid-template-columns: repeat(3, 1fr); gap: 34px 30px; }
.perk h3 { font-size: 1.3rem; margin-bottom: 8px; }
.perk p { color: var(--muted); font-size: 1.05rem; line-height: 1.55; }
.steps { list-style: none; margin: 0; padding: 0; counter-reset: step; display: grid; grid-template-columns: repeat(4, 1fr); gap: 26px; }
.steps li { counter-increment: step; padding-top: 14px; border-top: 4px solid var(--ink); }
.steps li::before { content: counter(step); display: block; font: 700 2.6rem/1 var(--slab); color: var(--bluebonnet); margin-bottom: 10px; }
.steps h3 { font-size: 1.2rem; margin-bottom: 6px; }
.steps p { color: var(--muted); font-size: 1rem; }
.idea-list { list-style: none; margin: 0 0 24px; padding: 0; display: grid; grid-template-columns: repeat(2, 1fr); gap: 12px 30px; }
.idea-list li { position: relative; padding-left: 26px; font-size: 1.1rem; line-height: 1.45; color: var(--ink); }
.idea-list li::before { content: ""; position: absolute; left: 0; top: .5em; width: 10px; height: 10px; background: var(--c); transform: rotate(45deg); }
.guidelines { max-width: 70ch; font-size: 1.05rem; color: var(--muted); padding: 18px 20px; background: var(--sky); border-radius: 8px; }
.writer-grid { display: grid; grid-template-columns: repeat(auto-fill, minmax(180px, 1fr)); gap: 30px 20px; }
.writer { display: flex; flex-direction: column; align-items: flex-start; gap: 6px; text-decoration: none; }
.writer .avatar { margin-bottom: 6px; }
.writer-name { font: 700 1.1rem var(--slab); color: var(--ink); }
.writer-town { font: 500 14px var(--slab); color: var(--muted); }
.writer-stats { font-size: 14px; color: var(--muted); }
.apply { max-width: 720px; scroll-margin-top: 20px; }

/* ---------- about & empty front ---------- */
.about { padding-top: 40px; padding-bottom: 60px; }
.about-body { max-width: var(--text-w); }
.empty-front { text-align: center; padding-top: 80px; padding-bottom: 90px; display: flex; flex-direction: column; align-items: center; gap: 16px; }
.empty-front h1 { font-size: clamp(2.2rem, 6vw, 3.6rem); }
.empty-front p { font-size: 1.15rem; color: var(--muted); max-width: 52ch; }
.empty-front .search-big { width: 100%; max-width: 480px; }
.empty-star { width: 64px; height: 64px; fill: var(--paintbrush); }

/* ---------- responsive ---------- */
@media (max-width: 1080px) {
    .home-grid { grid-template-columns: 1fr; }
    .home-side { display: grid; grid-template-columns: repeat(2, minmax(0, 1fr)); gap: 24px; }
    .footer-grid { grid-template-columns: 1fr 1fr; }
}
@media (max-width: 900px) {
    .front { grid-template-columns: 1fr; gap: 28px; }
    .grid-3, .home-main .grid-3 { grid-template-columns: repeat(2, minmax(0, 1fr)); }
    .bloom-inner { display: flex; overflow-x: auto; gap: 4px; scrollbar-width: none; }
    .bloom-inner::-webkit-scrollbar { display: none; }
    .bloom-item { flex: 1 0 auto; min-width: 118px; }
    .recruit-inner, .share-band-inner { grid-template-columns: 1fr; gap: 30px; }
    .perk-grid { grid-template-columns: repeat(2, 1fr); }
    .steps { grid-template-columns: repeat(2, 1fr); }
    .listing-top .story-lead { grid-template-columns: 1fr; gap: 14px; }
    .tagline { display: none; }
    .topline-count { display: none; }
}
@media (max-width: 640px) {
    body { font-size: 16.5px; }
    .section-rail-body.is-single .story { grid-template-columns: 1fr; gap: 12px; }
    .grid-3, .home-main .grid-3, .section-rail-body, .region-list, .perk-grid, .steps, .idea-list, .tip-row { grid-template-columns: 1fr; }
    .region-list { grid-template-columns: repeat(2, 1fr); }
    .home-side { grid-template-columns: 1fr; }
    .footer-grid { grid-template-columns: 1fr; gap: 28px; }
    .topline-date, .topline-links a:not(:last-child) { display: none; }
    .topline-links { margin-left: 0; }
    .topline-search { margin-left: auto; }
    .topline-search input { width: 130px; }
    .masthead > .wrap { padding-top: 20px; padding-bottom: 14px; }
    .grid-3 .story { display: grid; grid-template-columns: 112px 1fr; gap: 14px; align-items: start; }
    .grid-3 .story .story-media { aspect-ratio: 1; }
    .grid-3 .story .story-dek { display: none; }
    .grid-3 .story .story-title { font-size: 1.1rem; }
    .story-row .story-media { width: 96px; }
    .article-body { font-size: 1.12rem; }
    .author-head-inner { flex-direction: column; align-items: flex-start; gap: 18px; }
    .avatar-xl { width: 96px; height: 96px; }
    .react-row { flex-direction: column; align-items: flex-start; }
    .search-big { flex-direction: column; }
    .footer-base { flex-direction: column; }
}

@media (prefers-reduced-motion: reduce) {
    *, *::before, *::after { animation-duration: .001ms !important; animation-iteration-count: 1 !important; transition: none !important; scroll-behavior: auto !important; }
    .ticker-track { animation: none !important; }
    .ticker-window { overflow-x: auto; }
}

@media print {
    .topline, .bloom, .ticker, .share-band, .footer, .react-row, .related, .progress, .nudge { display: none !important; }
    body { font-size: 12pt; }
}

/* ---------- Today's Pick from Plotpourri (wears Plotpourri's colors on purpose) ---------- */
.pick { background: #20211C; color: #E8E3D3; border-radius: 8px; padding: 22px 22px 20px; }
.pick-head { font: 600 1.45rem/1.15 var(--slab); color: #EFEADB; padding-bottom: 14px; margin-bottom: 18px; border-bottom: 2px solid #A7B48F; }
.pick-head span { display: block; margin-top: 4px; font: 500 14px var(--slab); color: #A9A593; }
.pick-cover { position: relative; display: block; aspect-ratio: 3 / 4; background: #F1ECDC; padding: 6% 6% 6%; overflow: hidden; text-decoration: none; }
.pick-cover img, .pick-blank { display: block; width: 100%; height: 100%; object-fit: cover; }
.pick-blank { background: radial-gradient(circle at 70% 30%, color-mix(in srgb, var(--g) 70%, #fff), var(--g) 70%); }
.pick-title {
    position: absolute; left: 6%; right: 6%; top: 6%; padding: 10px 12px 34px;
    font: 500 1.2rem/1.2 var(--slab); color: #FBF8EE; text-wrap: balance;
    background: linear-gradient(rgba(20,20,16,.82), rgba(20,20,16,.45) 65%, transparent);
}
.pick-cover:hover .pick-title { text-decoration: underline; text-underline-offset: 3px; }
.pick-genre { display: flex; align-items: center; gap: 10px; margin-top: 14px; font: 500 15px/1.2 system-ui, sans-serif; color: #CFCAB8; }
.pick-genre span { width: 10px; height: 10px; border-radius: 50%; flex: none; }
.pick-hook { margin-top: 10px; font: italic 400 1rem/1.5 var(--serif); color: #B9B4A2; display: -webkit-box; -webkit-line-clamp: 4; -webkit-box-orient: vertical; overflow: hidden; }
.pick-read { display: inline-block; margin-top: 14px; font: 600 15px var(--slab); color: #EFEADB; text-decoration: underline; text-decoration-color: #A7B48F; text-decoration-thickness: 2px; text-underline-offset: 4px; }
.pick-read:hover { color: #fff; text-decoration-color: #fff; }
.pick-note { margin-top: 10px; font: 400 13px/1.4 var(--slab); color: #8F8B7B; }

/* ---------- beats (topics inside a section) ---------- */
.beats { display: flex; flex-wrap: wrap; gap: 8px; margin: -6px 0 20px; }
.beats a { font: 500 14px/1 var(--slab); color: var(--ink); text-decoration: none; padding: 7px 12px; border-radius: 99px; background: color-mix(in srgb, var(--c, var(--bluebonnet)) 10%, var(--paper)); border: 1px solid color-mix(in srgb, var(--c, var(--bluebonnet)) 28%, transparent); }
.beats a:hover, .beats a.is-on { background: var(--c, var(--bluebonnet)); border-color: var(--c, var(--bluebonnet)); color: #fff; }
.beats-head { margin: 20px 0 0; }
.listing-flower a { color: inherit; }

.know-one { display: flex; flex-wrap: wrap; align-items: center; justify-content: space-between; gap: 12px 24px; margin-top: 28px; padding: 16px 20px; border-left: 5px solid var(--c); background: var(--sky); border-radius: 0 8px 8px 0; }
.know-one p { font-size: 1.08rem; color: var(--ink); max-width: 70ch; }
.know-one a { font: 600 15px var(--slab); color: #fff; background: var(--c); padding: 10px 16px; border-radius: 6px; text-decoration: none; white-space: nowrap; }
.know-one a:hover { filter: brightness(1.1); }
.share-band select { margin-top: 6px; font-weight: 400; }

/* ---------- The Teachers' Lounge ---------- */
.lounge { padding: 20px 20px 18px; border-radius: 8px; background: #22432F; color: #E4EEE6; }
.lounge .widget-title { color: #fff; font-size: 1.25rem; }
.lounge-lede { font-size: .98rem; line-height: 1.5; color: #C9DACD; margin-bottom: 14px; }
.lounge-list { list-style: none; margin: 0 0 14px; padding: 0; display: flex; flex-direction: column; gap: 8px; }
.lounge-list a { font: 600 15px/1.3 var(--slab); color: #fff; text-decoration: underline; text-decoration-color: rgba(255,255,255,.35); text-underline-offset: 3px; }
.lounge-form { display: flex; flex-direction: column; gap: 8px; }
.lounge-form textarea, .lounge-form input { background: #1A3424; border-color: #3C6149; color: #fff; font-size: 15px; }
.lounge-form textarea::placeholder, .lounge-form input::placeholder { color: #9DB6A4; }
.lounge-row { display: grid; grid-template-columns: 1fr 1fr; gap: 8px; }
.lounge-form button[type="submit"] { background: #F2EFE4; color: #22432F; align-self: flex-start; }
.lounge-form button[type="submit"]:hover { background: #fff; color: #22432F; }
.lounge .form-msg.is-ok { color: #BFE5C9; }
.lounge-more { display: inline-block; margin-top: 6px; font: 600 14px var(--slab); color: #C9DACD; }

/* ---------- writers page: teachers callout ---------- */
.chalk { display: grid; grid-template-columns: 1.4fr 1fr; gap: 30px 44px; padding: 34px 36px; background: #22432F; color: #DCE8DF; border-radius: 10px; }
.chalk h2 { color: #fff; font-size: clamp(1.6rem, 3vw, 2.2rem); margin-bottom: 14px; }
.chalk p { font-size: 1.08rem; line-height: 1.6; }
.chalk p + p { margin-top: 12px; }
.chalk a { color: #fff; }
.chalk-list { list-style: none; margin: 0; padding: 0; display: flex; flex-direction: column; gap: 10px; align-self: center; }
.chalk-list a { display: block; padding: 12px 16px; border: 1px solid #4B7559; border-radius: 6px; font: 600 16px var(--slab); text-decoration: none; }
.chalk-list a:hover { background: #2C5640; }
@media (max-width: 900px) { .chalk { grid-template-columns: 1fr; padding: 26px 22px; } }