/* Scam Wire — premium investigative news desk */
@import url("https://fonts.googleapis.com/css2?family=Instrument+Serif:ital@0;1&family=Inter:wght@400;500;600;700;800&display=swap");

:root {
  --ink: #0c0c0c;
  --ink-2: #1c1c1c;
  --ink-3: #2a2a2a;
  --muted: #5f5f5f;
  --muted-2: #8a8a8a;
  --line: #e2e2e0;
  --line-2: #ecece9;
  --paper: #fbfbf8;
  --paper-2: #f3f2ed;
  --paper-3: #ffffff;
  --accent: #8f1212;
  --accent-2: #b91c1c;
  --accent-soft: #f7eaea;
  --up: #0d7a42;
  --down: #b00020;
  --live: #d4142c;
  --gold: #9a7b2f;
  --max: 1180px;
  --header-h: 0px;
  --font-serif: "Instrument Serif", Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;
  --font-sans: Inter, "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;
  --shadow-sm: 0 1px 2px rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.04);
  --shadow-md: 0 10px 30px rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.06);
  --radius: 2px;
}

*,
*::before,
*::after {
  box-sizing: border-box;
}

html {
  scroll-behavior: smooth;
}

body {
  margin: 0;
  color: var(--ink);
  background: var(--paper);
  font-family: var(--font-sans);
  font-size: 1.02rem;
  line-height: 1.6;
  -webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased;
  text-rendering: optimizeLegibility;
}

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

a {
  color: var(--ink);
  text-decoration-thickness: 1px;
  text-underline-offset: 0.16em;
  transition: color 0.15s ease;
}

a:hover {
  color: var(--accent);
}

::selection {
  background: #f0d6d6;
  color: var(--ink);
}

.container {
  width: min(100% - 2rem, var(--max));
  margin-inline: auto;
}

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

/* ========== Markets ticker ========== */
.markets-bar {
  background: linear-gradient(180deg, #0a0a0a 0%, #121212 100%);
  color: #ececec;
  font-size: 0.7rem;
  letter-spacing: 0.03em;
  overflow: hidden;
  border-bottom: 1px solid #222;
  position: sticky;
  top: 0;
  z-index: 80;
  /* hide-on-scroll stack */
  backface-visibility: hidden;
  -webkit-backface-visibility: hidden;
}

.markets-bar-inner {
  display: flex;
  align-items: stretch;
  min-height: 2.4rem;
}

.markets-live-label {
  flex: 0 0 auto;
  display: flex;
  align-items: center;
  gap: 0.45rem;
  padding: 0 0.95rem;
  background: #000;
  border-right: 1px solid #2a2a2a;
  text-transform: uppercase;
  font-weight: 700;
  letter-spacing: 0.14em;
  color: #fff;
  white-space: nowrap;
  font-size: 0.65rem;
}

.pulse {
  width: 7px;
  height: 7px;
  border-radius: 50%;
  background: var(--live);
  box-shadow: 0 0 0 0 rgba(212, 20, 44, 0.65);
  animation: pulse 1.6s infinite;
}

@keyframes pulse {
  0% {
    box-shadow: 0 0 0 0 rgba(212, 20, 44, 0.55);
  }
  70% {
    box-shadow: 0 0 0 8px rgba(212, 20, 44, 0);
  }
  100% {
    box-shadow: 0 0 0 0 rgba(212, 20, 44, 0);
  }
}

.ticker-track {
  flex: 1;
  overflow: hidden;
  mask-image: linear-gradient(90deg, transparent, #000 3%, #000 97%, transparent);
}

.ticker-move {
  display: flex;
  gap: 2.1rem;
  width: max-content;
  animation: ticker 50s linear infinite;
  padding: 0.58rem 1rem;
  align-items: center;
}

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

@keyframes ticker {
  from {
    transform: translateX(0);
  }
  to {
    transform: translateX(-50%);
  }
}

.ticker-item {
  display: inline-flex;
  align-items: baseline;
  gap: 0.45rem;
  white-space: nowrap;
  font-variant-numeric: tabular-nums;
}

.ticker-item .sym {
  font-weight: 700;
  color: #fff;
  letter-spacing: 0.05em;
}

.ticker-item .px {
  color: #c8c8c8;
}

.ticker-item .chg.up {
  color: #4ade80;
}

.ticker-item .chg.down {
  color: #fb7185;
}

.ticker-item .chg.flat {
  color: #999;
}

/* ========== Header ========== */
.site-header {
  border-bottom: 1px solid var(--line);
  background: rgba(251, 251, 248, 0.94);
  backdrop-filter: blur(10px);
  -webkit-backdrop-filter: blur(10px);
  position: sticky;
  top: var(--markets-h, 2.4rem);
  z-index: 70;
  backface-visibility: hidden;
  -webkit-backface-visibility: hidden;
}

/*
 * Hide sticky stack on scroll-down (markets + masthead together).
 * Desktop + mobile. Smooth premium easing; no layout jump.
 */
.markets-bar,
.site-header {
  transition:
    transform 0.42s cubic-bezier(0.22, 1, 0.36, 1),
    box-shadow 0.35s ease,
    opacity 0.35s ease;
}

body.header-stuck .site-header {
  box-shadow:
    0 1px 0 rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.65) inset,
    0 10px 28px rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.06);
}

body.header-away .markets-bar,
body.header-away .site-header {
  transform: translate3d(0, calc(-1 * var(--sticky-stack-h, 240px)), 0);
  pointer-events: none;
  box-shadow: none;
}

body.header-away .markets-bar {
  opacity: 0.97;
}

@media (prefers-reduced-motion: reduce) {
  .markets-bar,
  .site-header {
    transition: none;
  }
}

.header-top {
  display: flex;
  align-items: center;
  justify-content: space-between;
  gap: 0.75rem;
  padding: 0.55rem 0;
  border-bottom: 1px solid var(--line-2);
  font-size: 0.68rem;
  letter-spacing: 0.08em;
  text-transform: uppercase;
  color: var(--muted);
  font-weight: 500;
}

.header-top .live-status {
  display: inline-flex;
  align-items: center;
  gap: 0.4rem;
  color: var(--ink-2);
  font-weight: 600;
  letter-spacing: 0.06em;
}

.header-top .live-status .dot {
  width: 6px;
  height: 6px;
  border-radius: 50%;
  background: var(--up);
}

.header-top .live-status.is-loading .dot {
  background: var(--gold);
}

.header-top .live-status.is-error .dot {
  background: var(--down);
}

.brand {
  display: block;
  padding: 1.35rem 0 1rem;
  text-align: center;
  text-decoration: none;
  color: var(--ink);
}

.brand:hover {
  color: var(--ink);
}

.brand-kicker {
  display: block;
  font-size: 0.66rem;
  letter-spacing: 0.28em;
  text-transform: uppercase;
  color: var(--muted);
  margin-bottom: 0.4rem;
  font-weight: 600;
}

.brand-name {
  display: block;
  font-family: var(--font-serif);
  font-size: clamp(2.4rem, 6vw, 3.6rem);
  font-weight: 400;
  letter-spacing: 0.04em;
  line-height: 0.95;
  text-transform: uppercase;
}

.brand-tagline {
  display: block;
  margin-top: 0.55rem;
  font-size: 0.8rem;
  color: var(--muted);
  letter-spacing: 0.04em;
  font-weight: 500;
}

.nav {
  display: flex;
  justify-content: center;
  flex-wrap: wrap;
  gap: 0.15rem 1.4rem;
  padding: 0.8rem 0 0.95rem;
  border-top: 3px double var(--ink);
  font-size: 0.74rem;
  letter-spacing: 0.12em;
  text-transform: uppercase;
}

.nav a {
  text-decoration: none;
  color: var(--ink-2);
  font-weight: 700;
  padding: 0.15rem 0;
  border-bottom: 2px solid transparent;
}

.nav a:hover,
.nav a[aria-current="page"] {
  color: var(--accent);
  border-bottom-color: var(--accent);
}

/* ========== Strips ========== */
.edition-strip {
  background: var(--paper-2);
  border-bottom: 1px solid var(--line);
  font-size: 0.76rem;
  color: var(--muted);
}

.edition-strip .container {
  display: flex;
  flex-wrap: wrap;
  justify-content: space-between;
  gap: 0.5rem 1.5rem;
  padding: 0.55rem 0;
}

.edition-strip strong {
  color: var(--ink);
  font-weight: 700;
  letter-spacing: 0.06em;
  text-transform: uppercase;
  font-size: 0.7rem;
}

.tip-bar {
  background: linear-gradient(90deg, #120808 0%, #1a0c0c 50%, #120808 100%);
  color: #f0e4e4;
  border-bottom: 1px solid #3a1515;
  font-size: 0.82rem;
}

.tip-bar-inner {
  display: flex;
  flex-wrap: wrap;
  align-items: center;
  justify-content: space-between;
  gap: 0.5rem 1.25rem;
  padding: 0.62rem 0;
}

.tip-bar strong {
  color: #fff;
  letter-spacing: 0.06em;
  text-transform: uppercase;
  font-size: 0.7rem;
  margin-right: 0.4rem;
}

.tip-link {
  color: #ffb4b4;
  text-decoration: none;
  font-weight: 700;
  letter-spacing: 0.02em;
  border: 1px solid rgba(255, 180, 180, 0.35);
  padding: 0.3rem 0.7rem;
  font-size: 0.75rem;
}

.tip-link:hover {
  color: #fff;
  border-color: #ffb4b4;
  background: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.04);
}

/* ========== Stats / trust strip ========== */
.stats-strip {
  border-bottom: 1px solid var(--line);
  background: var(--paper-3);
}

.stats-grid {
  display: grid;
  grid-template-columns: repeat(2, 1fr);
  gap: 0;
}

@media (min-width: 760px) {
  .stats-grid {
    grid-template-columns: repeat(4, 1fr);
  }
}

.stat-cell {
  padding: 1rem 1.1rem;
  border-right: 1px solid var(--line-2);
  border-bottom: 1px solid var(--line-2);
}

@media (min-width: 760px) {
  .stat-cell {
    border-bottom: 0;
  }
  .stat-cell:last-child {
    border-right: 0;
  }
}

.stat-cell .k {
  display: block;
  font-size: 0.66rem;
  letter-spacing: 0.14em;
  text-transform: uppercase;
  color: var(--muted);
  font-weight: 700;
  margin-bottom: 0.3rem;
}

.stat-cell .v {
  font-family: var(--font-serif);
  font-size: 1.35rem;
  line-height: 1.15;
  color: var(--ink);
}

/* ========== Top grid / lead ========== */
.top-grid {
  display: grid;
  gap: 1.75rem;
  padding: 2rem 0 1.5rem;
  border-bottom: 1px solid var(--line);
}

@media (min-width: 980px) {
  .top-grid {
    grid-template-columns: 1.55fr 1fr 0.95fr;
    gap: 1.75rem 2rem;
    padding: 2.25rem 0 1.75rem;
  }
}

.lead-story {
  min-width: 0;
  position: relative;
}

.lead-story .case-badge {
  display: inline-flex;
  align-items: center;
  gap: 0.4rem;
  font-size: 0.68rem;
  font-weight: 800;
  letter-spacing: 0.12em;
  text-transform: uppercase;
  color: var(--accent);
  margin-bottom: 0.75rem;
}

.lead-story h1 {
  font-family: var(--font-serif);
  font-size: clamp(2rem, 4.2vw, 3.05rem);
  line-height: 1.08;
  font-weight: 400;
  margin: 0 0 1rem;
  letter-spacing: -0.01em;
}

.lead-story h1 a {
  text-decoration: none;
}

.lead-story .dek {
  font-size: 1.1rem;
  color: var(--ink-2);
  margin: 0 0 1.1rem;
  max-width: 40rem;
  line-height: 1.55;
  font-weight: 400;
}

.eyebrow {
  display: inline-block;
  font-size: 0.68rem;
  font-weight: 800;
  letter-spacing: 0.16em;
  text-transform: uppercase;
  color: var(--accent);
  margin-bottom: 0.65rem;
}

.byline {
  font-size: 0.8rem;
  color: var(--muted);
}

.byline strong {
  color: var(--ink);
  font-weight: 700;
}

.col-rail {
  min-width: 0;
  border-top: 0;
  padding-top: 0;
}

/* Mobile: one separator between rails only — not under every title + top */
@media (max-width: 979px) {
  .col-rail + .col-rail {
    margin-top: 1.35rem;
    padding-top: 1.35rem;
    border-top: 1px solid var(--line);
  }
}

@media (min-width: 980px) {
  .col-rail {
    border-top: 0;
    border-left: 1px solid var(--line);
    padding-top: 0;
    padding-left: 1.5rem;
  }
}

.col-rail h2 {
  margin: 0 0 0.75rem;
  font-size: 0.7rem;
  letter-spacing: 0.16em;
  text-transform: uppercase;
  font-weight: 800;
  color: var(--ink);
  display: flex;
  align-items: center;
  justify-content: space-between;
  gap: 0.5rem;
  /* Single rule under title */
  border-bottom: 2px solid var(--ink);
  border-top: 0;
  padding-bottom: 0.5rem;
  line-height: 1.2;
  box-shadow: none;
}

.col-rail h2 .badge-live {
  font-size: 0.6rem;
  letter-spacing: 0.12em;
  color: var(--live);
  font-weight: 800;
}

.headline-list,
.story-stack {
  list-style: none;
  margin: 0;
  padding: 0;
}

.headline-list li,
.story-stack li {
  padding: 0.78rem 0;
  border-bottom: 1px solid var(--line-2);
}

.headline-list li:last-child,
.story-stack li:last-child {
  border-bottom: 0;
}

.headline-list a,
.story-stack a {
  text-decoration: none;
  font-family: var(--font-serif);
  font-size: 1.05rem;
  font-weight: 400;
  line-height: 1.28;
  display: block;
  letter-spacing: 0.005em;
}

.headline-list .meta,
.story-stack .meta {
  display: block;
  margin-top: 0.3rem;
  font-family: var(--font-sans);
  font-size: 0.7rem;
  color: var(--muted);
  font-weight: 500;
  letter-spacing: 0.02em;
}

/* ========== Markets board ========== */
.markets-board {
  padding: 1.75rem 0 0.5rem;
}

.section-head {
  display: flex;
  align-items: baseline;
  justify-content: space-between;
  gap: 1rem;
  border-bottom: 2px solid var(--ink);
  padding-bottom: 0.5rem;
  margin-bottom: 1.15rem;
}

.section-head h2 {
  margin: 0;
  font-size: 0.8rem;
  letter-spacing: 0.16em;
  text-transform: uppercase;
  font-weight: 800;
}

.section-head .hint {
  font-size: 0.7rem;
  color: var(--muted);
  letter-spacing: 0.02em;
}

.board-grid {
  display: grid;
  grid-template-columns: repeat(2, 1fr);
  gap: 0.7rem;
}

@media (min-width: 700px) {
  .board-grid {
    grid-template-columns: repeat(3, 1fr);
  }
}

@media (min-width: 1000px) {
  .board-grid {
    grid-template-columns: repeat(6, 1fr);
  }
}

.board-card {
  border: 1px solid var(--line);
  background: var(--paper-3);
  padding: 0.9rem 0.95rem 1rem;
  min-height: 5.6rem;
  box-shadow: var(--shadow-sm);
  transition: border-color 0.15s ease, transform 0.15s ease;
}

.board-card:hover {
  border-color: #cfcfcf;
  transform: translateY(-1px);
}

.board-card .label {
  font-size: 0.64rem;
  font-weight: 800;
  letter-spacing: 0.12em;
  text-transform: uppercase;
  color: var(--muted);
  margin-bottom: 0.4rem;
}

.board-card .price {
  font-size: 1.18rem;
  font-weight: 700;
  font-variant-numeric: tabular-nums;
  letter-spacing: -0.02em;
  line-height: 1.15;
}

.board-card .chg {
  margin-top: 0.32rem;
  font-size: 0.78rem;
  font-weight: 700;
  font-variant-numeric: tabular-nums;
}

.board-card .chg.up {
  color: var(--up);
}

.board-card .chg.down {
  color: var(--down);
}

.board-card .chg.flat {
  color: var(--muted);
}

.board-card.is-loading .price,
.board-card.is-loading .chg {
  color: #bbb;
}

.board-card.is-cached {
  opacity: 0.93;
}

/* ========== News triad ========== */
.news-triad {
  padding: 2.1rem 0 0.5rem;
}

.triad-grid {
  display: grid;
  gap: 1.75rem;
}

@media (min-width: 880px) {
  .triad-grid {
    grid-template-columns: repeat(3, 1fr);
    gap: 2rem;
  }
}

.news-col {
  min-width: 0;
}

.news-col + .news-col {
  border-top: 1px solid var(--line);
  padding-top: 1.25rem;
}

@media (min-width: 880px) {
  .news-col + .news-col {
    border-top: 0;
    padding-top: 0;
    border-left: 1px solid var(--line);
    padding-left: 1.5rem;
  }
}

.news-col .section-head {
  margin-bottom: 0.85rem;
}

.story-stack li:first-child {
  padding-top: 0.15rem;
}

/* ========== Case files ========== */
.section {
  padding: 2.25rem 0 2.75rem;
}

.story-grid {
  display: grid;
  gap: 1.25rem;
}

@media (min-width: 760px) {
  .story-grid {
    grid-template-columns: repeat(3, 1fr);
    gap: 1.35rem;
  }
}

.story-card {
  display: flex;
  flex-direction: column;
  gap: 0.55rem;
  padding: 1.25rem 1.2rem 1.3rem;
  border: 1px solid var(--line);
  background: var(--paper-3);
  transition: border-color 0.15s ease, box-shadow 0.15s ease, transform 0.15s ease;
  min-height: 100%;
}

.story-card:hover {
  border-color: #c8c8c8;
  box-shadow: var(--shadow-md);
  transform: translateY(-2px);
}

.story-card--case {
  border-left: 3px solid var(--accent);
}

.story-card .case-id {
  font-size: 0.66rem;
  font-weight: 700;
  letter-spacing: 0.12em;
  text-transform: uppercase;
  color: var(--muted-2);
}

.story-card .category {
  font-size: 0.66rem;
  font-weight: 800;
  letter-spacing: 0.14em;
  text-transform: uppercase;
  color: var(--accent);
}

.story-card h3 {
  margin: 0;
  font-family: var(--font-serif);
  font-size: 1.35rem;
  line-height: 1.2;
  font-weight: 400;
}

.story-card h3 a {
  text-decoration: none;
}

.story-card p {
  margin: 0;
  color: var(--muted);
  font-size: 0.9rem;
  flex: 1;
  line-height: 1.5;
}

.story-card .meta {
  font-size: 0.7rem;
  color: var(--muted);
  margin-top: auto;
  letter-spacing: 0.02em;
}

/* ========== Wire box ========== */
.wire-section {
  padding: 0 0 3rem;
}

.wire-box {
  border: 1px solid var(--line);
  background: var(--paper-3);
  box-shadow: var(--shadow-sm);
  overflow: hidden;
}

.wire-box-head {
  display: flex;
  flex-wrap: wrap;
  align-items: center;
  justify-content: space-between;
  gap: 0.75rem;
  padding: 0.9rem 1.15rem;
  border-bottom: 1px solid #222;
  background: linear-gradient(180deg, #111 0%, #0a0a0a 100%);
  color: #fff;
}

.wire-box-head h2 {
  margin: 0;
  font-size: 0.76rem;
  letter-spacing: 0.16em;
  text-transform: uppercase;
  font-weight: 800;
}

.wire-box-head .refresh-meta {
  font-size: 0.7rem;
  color: #b0b0b0;
  letter-spacing: 0.03em;
}

.btn-refresh {
  appearance: none;
  border: 1px solid #444;
  background: #1a1a1a;
  color: #fff;
  font-size: 0.66rem;
  font-weight: 700;
  letter-spacing: 0.12em;
  text-transform: uppercase;
  padding: 0.45rem 0.75rem;
  cursor: pointer;
  font-family: var(--font-sans);
  transition: background 0.15s ease, border-color 0.15s ease;
}

.btn-refresh:hover {
  border-color: #777;
  background: #242424;
}

.btn-refresh:disabled {
  opacity: 0.55;
  cursor: wait;
}

.wire-grid {
  display: grid;
  gap: 0;
}

@media (min-width: 880px) {
  .wire-grid {
    grid-template-columns: 1fr 1fr;
  }
  .wire-grid .wire-col + .wire-col {
    border-left: 1px solid var(--line);
  }
}

.wire-col {
  padding: 0.35rem 1.15rem 0.95rem;
}

.wire-col h3 {
  margin: 0.9rem 0 0.35rem;
  font-size: 0.66rem;
  letter-spacing: 0.14em;
  text-transform: uppercase;
  color: var(--muted);
  font-weight: 800;
}

.state-msg {
  font-size: 0.85rem;
  color: var(--muted);
  padding: 0.75rem 0;
  margin: 0;
  font-family: var(--font-sans);
}

/* ========== Method / how we work ========== */
.method-band {
  background: var(--ink);
  color: #f2f2f0;
  padding: 2.5rem 0;
  margin-bottom: 0;
}

.method-grid {
  display: grid;
  gap: 1.5rem;
}

@media (min-width: 800px) {
  .method-grid {
    grid-template-columns: 1.2fr 1fr 1fr 1fr;
    gap: 1.75rem;
    align-items: start;
  }
}

.method-band h2 {
  margin: 0 0 0.6rem;
  font-family: var(--font-serif);
  font-size: clamp(1.6rem, 3vw, 2rem);
  font-weight: 400;
  line-height: 1.15;
}

.method-band .lead {
  margin: 0;
  color: #bdbdb8;
  font-size: 0.92rem;
  max-width: 22rem;
  line-height: 1.55;
}

.method-item h3 {
  margin: 0 0 0.4rem;
  font-size: 0.7rem;
  letter-spacing: 0.14em;
  text-transform: uppercase;
  color: #ffb4b4;
  font-weight: 800;
}

.method-item p {
  margin: 0;
  color: #d4d4cf;
  font-size: 0.9rem;
  line-height: 1.5;
}

/* ========== Article ========== */
.article-page {
  padding: 2.25rem 0 3.75rem;
}

.article-header {
  max-width: 42rem;
  margin: 0 auto 2rem;
}

.article-header h1 {
  font-family: var(--font-serif);
  font-size: clamp(2rem, 4.2vw, 3rem);
  line-height: 1.1;
  margin: 0 0 1rem;
  font-weight: 400;
  letter-spacing: -0.01em;
}

.article-header .dek {
  font-size: 1.12rem;
  color: var(--ink-2);
  margin: 0 0 1rem;
  line-height: 1.55;
}

.article-progress {
  position: fixed;
  top: 0;
  left: 0;
  height: 3px;
  width: 0;
  background: var(--accent);
  z-index: 100;
  pointer-events: none;
}

.article-body {
  max-width: 42rem;
  margin: 0 auto;
  font-family: var(--font-serif);
  font-size: 1.2rem;
  line-height: 1.78;
  color: var(--ink-2);
}

.article-body p {
  margin: 0 0 1.3rem;
}

.article-body h2 {
  font-family: var(--font-sans);
  font-size: 0.95rem;
  margin: 2.2rem 0 0.85rem;
  letter-spacing: 0.04em;
  text-transform: uppercase;
  font-weight: 800;
  color: var(--ink);
}

.article-body blockquote {
  margin: 1.9rem 0;
  padding: 0.4rem 0 0.4rem 1.25rem;
  border-left: 3px solid var(--ink);
  font-style: italic;
  color: var(--ink);
  font-size: 1.25rem;
  line-height: 1.5;
}

.article-body ul {
  margin: 0 0 1.3rem;
  padding-left: 1.2rem;
}

.article-body li {
  margin-bottom: 0.45rem;
}

.red-flag-box {
  background: var(--accent-soft);
  border: 1px solid #e8cfcf;
  border-left: 3px solid var(--accent);
  padding: 1rem 1.1rem;
  margin: 1.5rem 0 1.75rem;
  font-family: var(--font-sans);
  font-size: 0.92rem;
  line-height: 1.5;
  color: var(--ink-2);
}

.red-flag-box strong {
  display: block;
  font-size: 0.68rem;
  letter-spacing: 0.14em;
  text-transform: uppercase;
  color: var(--accent);
  margin-bottom: 0.4rem;
}

.article-footer {
  max-width: 42rem;
  margin: 2.75rem auto 0;
  padding-top: 1.5rem;
  border-top: 1px solid var(--line);
  font-size: 0.88rem;
  color: var(--muted);
  font-family: var(--font-sans);
}

.article-share {
  display: flex;
  flex-wrap: wrap;
  gap: 0.5rem;
  margin: 1.25rem 0 0;
}

.article-share a,
.article-share button {
  font-family: var(--font-sans);
  font-size: 0.68rem;
  font-weight: 700;
  letter-spacing: 0.1em;
  text-transform: uppercase;
  text-decoration: none;
  border: 1px solid var(--line);
  background: var(--paper-3);
  color: var(--ink-2);
  padding: 0.45rem 0.7rem;
  cursor: pointer;
}

.article-share a:hover,
.article-share button:hover {
  border-color: var(--accent);
  color: var(--accent);
}

/* ========== About / tip / cases pages ========== */
.page-hero {
  padding: 2.25rem 0 1.25rem;
  border-bottom: 1px solid var(--line);
  margin-bottom: 2rem;
}

.page-hero h1 {
  font-family: var(--font-serif);
  font-size: clamp(2rem, 4vw, 2.8rem);
  margin: 0 0 0.75rem;
  font-weight: 400;
  line-height: 1.1;
}

.page-hero .dek {
  margin: 0;
  max-width: 40rem;
  color: var(--muted);
  font-size: 1.05rem;
}

.about-page,
.prose-page {
  padding: 0 0 3.5rem;
  max-width: 42rem;
  margin: 0 auto;
}

.prose-page p,
.about-page p {
  color: var(--ink-2);
}

.prose-page h2,
.about-page h2 {
  font-family: var(--font-sans);
  font-size: 0.85rem;
  letter-spacing: 0.1em;
  text-transform: uppercase;
  margin: 2rem 0 0.75rem;
  font-weight: 800;
}

.form-card {
  background: var(--paper-3);
  border: 1px solid var(--line);
  padding: 1.5rem 1.35rem;
  box-shadow: var(--shadow-sm);
  max-width: 36rem;
}

.form-card label {
  display: block;
  font-size: 0.7rem;
  font-weight: 700;
  letter-spacing: 0.1em;
  text-transform: uppercase;
  color: var(--muted);
  margin: 0.9rem 0 0.35rem;
}

.form-card label:first-child {
  margin-top: 0;
}

.form-card input,
.form-card textarea,
.form-card select {
  width: 100%;
  border: 1px solid var(--line);
  background: var(--paper);
  padding: 0.7rem 0.75rem;
  font-family: var(--font-sans);
  font-size: 0.95rem;
  color: var(--ink);
}

.form-card input:focus,
.form-card textarea:focus,
.form-card select:focus {
  outline: 2px solid rgba(143, 18, 18, 0.25);
  border-color: #c99;
}

.form-card textarea {
  min-height: 9rem;
  resize: vertical;
}

.btn-primary {
  appearance: none;
  border: 0;
  background: var(--ink);
  color: #fff;
  font-family: var(--font-sans);
  font-size: 0.72rem;
  font-weight: 700;
  letter-spacing: 0.12em;
  text-transform: uppercase;
  padding: 0.85rem 1.2rem;
  cursor: pointer;
  margin-top: 1.1rem;
  transition: background 0.15s ease;
}

.btn-primary:hover {
  background: var(--accent);
}

.form-note {
  margin: 0.85rem 0 0;
  font-size: 0.8rem;
  color: var(--muted);
}

/* cases archive list */
.case-list {
  display: grid;
  gap: 1rem;
  padding-bottom: 3rem;
}

.case-row {
  display: grid;
  gap: 0.35rem 1.5rem;
  padding: 1.25rem 1.2rem;
  border: 1px solid var(--line);
  background: var(--paper-3);
  text-decoration: none;
  color: inherit;
  transition: box-shadow 0.15s ease, border-color 0.15s ease;
  border-left: 3px solid var(--accent);
}

.case-row:hover {
  border-color: #c8c8c8;
  box-shadow: var(--shadow-md);
  color: inherit;
}

@media (min-width: 720px) {
  .case-row {
    grid-template-columns: 5.5rem 1fr auto;
    align-items: baseline;
  }
}

.case-row .cid {
  font-size: 0.7rem;
  font-weight: 800;
  letter-spacing: 0.1em;
  color: var(--muted);
}

.case-row h2 {
  margin: 0;
  font-family: var(--font-serif);
  font-size: 1.35rem;
  font-weight: 400;
  line-height: 1.2;
}

.case-row .excerpt {
  margin: 0.35rem 0 0;
  color: var(--muted);
  font-size: 0.9rem;
  grid-column: 1 / -1;
}

@media (min-width: 720px) {
  .case-row .excerpt {
    grid-column: 2 / 3;
  }
}

.case-row .when {
  font-size: 0.75rem;
  color: var(--muted);
  white-space: nowrap;
}

/* 404 */
.not-found {
  min-height: 55vh;
  display: grid;
  place-items: center;
  text-align: center;
  padding: 3rem 1rem;
}

.not-found h1 {
  font-family: var(--font-serif);
  font-size: clamp(2.5rem, 6vw, 4rem);
  margin: 0 0 0.5rem;
  font-weight: 400;
}

.not-found p {
  color: var(--muted);
  max-width: 28rem;
  margin: 0 auto 1.5rem;
}

/* ========== Footer (premium dark) ========== */
.site-footer {
  position: relative;
  margin-top: 0;
  background: #070707;
  color: #c8c8c4;
  overflow: hidden;
  border-top: 0;
}

.site-footer::before {
  content: "";
  position: absolute;
  inset: 0 0 auto 0;
  height: 3px;
  background: linear-gradient(90deg, var(--accent) 0%, #5c0a0a 40%, transparent 100%);
  z-index: 2;
}

.footer-cta {
  position: relative;
  z-index: 1;
  border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.08);
  background: linear-gradient(180deg, #120808 0%, #0a0a0a 100%);
}

.footer-cta-inner {
  display: flex;
  flex-wrap: wrap;
  align-items: center;
  justify-content: space-between;
  gap: 1rem 1.5rem;
  padding: 1.35rem 0;
}

.footer-cta-copy {
  min-width: min(100%, 20rem);
}

.footer-cta-kicker {
  display: block;
  font-size: 0.66rem;
  font-weight: 800;
  letter-spacing: 0.18em;
  text-transform: uppercase;
  color: #ff9b9b;
  margin-bottom: 0.35rem;
}

.footer-cta-title {
  margin: 0;
  font-family: var(--font-serif);
  font-size: clamp(1.35rem, 2.5vw, 1.75rem);
  font-weight: 400;
  color: #f5f5f0;
  line-height: 1.2;
  letter-spacing: 0.01em;
}

.footer-cta-note {
  margin: 0.4rem 0 0;
  font-size: 0.88rem;
  color: #9a9a94;
  max-width: 28rem;
  line-height: 1.45;
}

.footer-cta-actions {
  display: flex;
  flex-wrap: wrap;
  gap: 0.6rem;
}

.footer-btn {
  display: inline-flex;
  align-items: center;
  justify-content: center;
  text-decoration: none;
  font-size: 0.7rem;
  font-weight: 700;
  letter-spacing: 0.12em;
  text-transform: uppercase;
  padding: 0.8rem 1.15rem;
  border: 1px solid transparent;
  transition: background 0.15s ease, color 0.15s ease, border-color 0.15s ease;
}

.footer-btn--primary {
  background: var(--accent);
  color: #fff;
  border-color: var(--accent);
}

.footer-btn--primary:hover {
  background: #a81414;
  color: #fff;
  border-color: #a81414;
}

.footer-btn--ghost {
  background: transparent;
  color: #e8e8e2;
  border-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.22);
}

.footer-btn--ghost:hover {
  border-color: #ffb4b4;
  color: #fff;
}

.footer-main {
  position: relative;
  z-index: 1;
  padding: 2.75rem 0 1.5rem;
}

.footer-grid {
  display: grid;
  gap: 2rem 1.75rem;
}

@media (min-width: 880px) {
  .footer-grid {
    grid-template-columns: 1.4fr 1fr 1fr 1fr;
    gap: 2rem;
  }
}

.footer-brand-block {
  max-width: 22rem;
}

.footer-brand {
  font-family: var(--font-serif);
  font-weight: 400;
  font-size: 1.85rem;
  margin: 0 0 0.35rem;
  text-transform: uppercase;
  letter-spacing: 0.08em;
  color: #f7f7f2;
  line-height: 1;
}

.footer-tag {
  display: block;
  font-size: 0.68rem;
  letter-spacing: 0.16em;
  text-transform: uppercase;
  color: #8a8a84;
  font-weight: 600;
  margin-bottom: 0.85rem;
}

.footer-note {
  margin: 0;
  font-size: 0.9rem;
  color: #9c9c96;
  line-height: 1.6;
}

.footer-pill-row {
  display: flex;
  flex-wrap: wrap;
  gap: 0.4rem;
  margin-top: 1.1rem;
}

.footer-pill {
  font-size: 0.62rem;
  font-weight: 700;
  letter-spacing: 0.1em;
  text-transform: uppercase;
  color: #d0d0c8;
  border: 1px solid rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.12);
  padding: 0.35rem 0.55rem;
  background: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.03);
}

.footer-col h3 {
  margin: 0 0 0.75rem;
  font-size: 0.68rem;
  letter-spacing: 0.16em;
  text-transform: uppercase;
  font-weight: 800;
  color: #f0f0ea;
  padding-bottom: 0.45rem;
  border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.1);
}

.footer-col a {
  display: block;
  text-decoration: none;
  color: #9a9a94;
  font-size: 0.9rem;
  padding: 0.28rem 0;
  transition: color 0.15s ease, padding-left 0.15s ease;
}

.footer-col a:hover {
  color: #ffb4b4;
  padding-left: 0.2rem;
}

.footer-mark {
  position: relative;
  z-index: 1;
  padding: 0.5rem 0 0.25rem;
  pointer-events: none;
  user-select: none;
  overflow: hidden;
}

.footer-mark-text {
  display: block;
  font-family: var(--font-serif);
  font-size: clamp(3.2rem, 12vw, 7.5rem);
  line-height: 0.85;
  letter-spacing: 0.04em;
  text-transform: uppercase;
  color: transparent;
  -webkit-text-stroke: 1px rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.07);
  text-align: center;
  white-space: nowrap;
}

.footer-bottom {
  position: relative;
  z-index: 1;
  margin-top: 0;
  padding: 1.1rem 0 1.4rem;
  border-top: 1px solid rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.08);
  font-size: 0.72rem;
  color: #7a7a74;
  display: flex;
  flex-wrap: wrap;
  gap: 0.55rem 1.25rem;
  justify-content: space-between;
  align-items: center;
  letter-spacing: 0.03em;
}

.footer-bottom strong {
  color: #b8b8b0;
  font-weight: 600;
}

.footer-bottom a {
  color: #9a9a94;
  text-decoration: none;
}

.footer-bottom a:hover {
  color: #ffb4b4;
}

.footer-motto {
  color: #a08080;
  font-style: italic;
  font-family: var(--font-serif);
  font-size: 0.85rem;
  letter-spacing: 0.02em;
}

/* compact footer on inner pages still inherits dark look */
.site-footer--compact .footer-main {
  padding: 1.5rem 0 0.75rem;
}

.site-footer--compact .footer-mark-text {
  font-size: clamp(2.2rem, 8vw, 4rem);
}

/* skeleton shimmer for loading */
@keyframes shimmer {
  0% {
    background-position: -200px 0;
  }
  100% {
    background-position: calc(200px + 100%) 0;
  }
}

.is-skeleton {
  color: transparent !important;
  background: linear-gradient(90deg, #eee 0px, #f5f5f5 40px, #eee 80px);
  background-size: 200px 100%;
  animation: shimmer 1.2s infinite linear;
  border-radius: 2px;
}

/* mobile nav density */
@media (max-width: 560px) {
  .brand {
    padding: 1rem 0 0.75rem;
  }
  .brand-name {
    font-size: 2.1rem;
  }
  .nav {
    gap: 0.15rem 0.9rem;
    font-size: 0.68rem;
  }
  .header-top {
    font-size: 0.62rem;
  }
  .lead-story h1 {
    font-size: 1.85rem;
  }
}



/* ============================================================
   SCAM WIRE — PREMIUM 10/10 LAYER (news desk polish)
   ============================================================ */

@import url("https://fonts.googleapis.com/css2?family=Source+Serif+4:ital,opsz,wght@0,8..60,400;0,8..60,600;0,8..60,700;1,8..60,400&family=Inter:wght@400;500;600;700;800&display=swap");

:root {
  --ink: #0a0a0a;
  --ink-2: #171717;
  --muted: #5a5a5a;
  --muted-2: #7a7a7a;
  --line: #dddcd6;
  --line-2: #ebeae4;
  --paper: #f7f6f1;
  --paper-2: #efeee8;
  --paper-3: #fffcf7;
  --accent: #9b0f0f;
  --accent-2: #c41818;
  --gold: #8a7340;
  --max: 1220px;
  --font-serif: "Source Serif 4", "Instrument Serif", Georgia, serif;
  --font-sans: Inter, "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;
  --shadow-sm: 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.04);
  --shadow-md: 0 12px 40px rgba(10,10,10,0.07);
  --shadow-lg: 0 24px 60px rgba(10,10,10,0.1);
}

body {
  background:
    radial-gradient(ellipse 120% 80% at 50% -20%, rgba(155,15,15,0.03), transparent 50%),
    var(--paper);
  font-feature-settings: "kern" 1, "liga" 1;
}

/* subtle paper grain */
body::before {
  content: "";
  pointer-events: none;
  position: fixed;
  inset: 0;
  z-index: 9999;
  opacity: 0.035;
  background-image: url("data:image/svg+xml,%3Csvg viewBox='0 0 200 200' xmlns='http://www.w3.org/2000/svg'%3E%3Cfilter id='n'%3E%3CfeTurbulence type='fractalNoise' baseFrequency='0.85' numOctaves='4' stitchTiles='stitch'/%3E%3C/filter%3E%3Crect width='100%25' height='100%25' filter='url(%23n)'/%3E%3C/svg%3E");
  mix-blend-mode: multiply;
}

.container {
  width: min(100% - 2.25rem, var(--max));
}

/* ---- Markets ticker premium ---- */
.markets-bar {
  background: #050505;
  border-bottom: 1px solid #1a1a1a;
  box-shadow: 0 1px 0 rgba(255,255,255,0.03) inset;
}

.markets-live-label {
  background: linear-gradient(180deg, #141414, #0a0a0a);
  border-right: 1px solid #2a2a2a;
  font-size: 0.62rem;
  letter-spacing: 0.16em;
}

/* ---- Header / masthead ---- */
.site-header {
  background: rgba(247, 246, 241, 0.92);
  backdrop-filter: blur(14px) saturate(1.2);
  -webkit-backdrop-filter: blur(14px) saturate(1.2);
  border-bottom: 1px solid var(--line);
  box-shadow: 0 1px 0 rgba(255,255,255,0.7) inset;
}

.header-top {
  font-size: 0.64rem;
  letter-spacing: 0.12em;
  border-bottom: 1px solid var(--line-2);
  padding: 0.48rem 0;
}

.brand {
  padding: 1.5rem 0 1.05rem;
  position: relative;
}

.brand-kicker {
  font-size: 0.64rem;
  letter-spacing: 0.32em;
  color: var(--accent);
  font-weight: 700;
}

.brand-name {
  font-size: clamp(2.6rem, 7vw, 4.1rem);
  letter-spacing: 0.06em;
  font-weight: 600;
  background: linear-gradient(180deg, #111 0%, #000 100%);
  -webkit-background-clip: text;
  background-clip: text;
  /* fallback solid for browsers without clip */
  color: var(--ink);
}

@supports (-webkit-background-clip: text) {
  .brand-name {
    color: transparent;
    -webkit-text-fill-color: transparent;
    background: linear-gradient(180deg, #1a1a1a 0%, #000 100%);
    -webkit-background-clip: text;
    background-clip: text;
  }
}

.brand-tagline {
  font-size: 0.82rem;
  letter-spacing: 0.06em;
  color: var(--muted);
  margin-top: 0.5rem;
}

.nav {
  border-top: 1px solid var(--ink);
  box-shadow: 0 -3px 0 var(--ink);
  padding: 0.85rem 0 0.95rem;
  gap: 0.15rem 1.55rem;
  font-size: 0.72rem;
  letter-spacing: 0.14em;
}

.nav a {
  position: relative;
  padding: 0.2rem 0;
  border-bottom: 0 !important;
}

.nav a::after {
  content: "";
  position: absolute;
  left: 0;
  right: 0;
  bottom: -0.35rem;
  height: 2px;
  background: var(--accent);
  transform: scaleX(0);
  transform-origin: left;
  transition: transform 0.2s ease;
}

.nav a:hover::after,
.nav a[aria-current="page"]::after {
  transform: scaleX(1);
}

.nav a:hover,
.nav a[aria-current="page"] {
  color: var(--accent);
}

/* ---- Edition / tip / stats ---- */
.edition-strip {
  background: var(--paper-3);
  border-bottom: 1px solid var(--line);
  font-size: 0.74rem;
}

.edition-strip strong {
  color: var(--accent);
}

.tip-bar {
  background: linear-gradient(90deg, #0d0606 0%, #1a0a0a 45%, #0d0606 100%);
  border-bottom: 1px solid #3a1515;
}

.tip-link {
  border-radius: 0;
  letter-spacing: 0.08em;
  text-transform: uppercase;
  font-size: 0.68rem;
  padding: 0.45rem 0.85rem;
}

.stats-strip {
  background: var(--paper-3);
  border-bottom: 1px solid var(--line);
}

.stat-cell {
  padding: 1.15rem 1.2rem;
  transition: background 0.15s ease;
}

.stat-cell:hover {
  background: rgba(155, 15, 15, 0.03);
}

.stat-cell .k {
  color: var(--accent);
  letter-spacing: 0.16em;
}

.stat-cell .v {
  font-size: 1.4rem;
  letter-spacing: -0.01em;
}

/* ---- Lead / top grid ---- */
.top-grid {
  padding: 2.5rem 0 2rem;
  gap: 2rem;
}

.lead-story {
  position: relative;
  padding-right: 0.5rem;
}

.lead-story::before {
  content: "";
  position: absolute;
  left: -1rem;
  top: 0;
  bottom: 0;
  width: 3px;
  background: linear-gradient(180deg, var(--accent), transparent);
  opacity: 0.9;
}

@media (max-width: 700px) {
  .lead-story::before { display: none; }
}

.lead-story .case-badge,
.eyebrow {
  font-size: 0.66rem;
  letter-spacing: 0.18em;
}

.lead-story h1 {
  font-size: clamp(2.15rem, 4.6vw, 3.35rem);
  font-weight: 600;
  letter-spacing: -0.02em;
  line-height: 1.05;
  margin-bottom: 1.1rem;
}

.lead-story h1 a {
  background-image: linear-gradient(var(--accent), var(--accent));
  background-position: 0 100%;
  background-repeat: no-repeat;
  background-size: 0 2px;
  transition: background-size 0.25s ease, color 0.15s ease;
}

.lead-story h1 a:hover {
  background-size: 100% 2px;
  color: var(--ink);
}

.lead-story .dek {
  font-size: 1.15rem;
  line-height: 1.55;
  color: var(--ink-2);
  max-width: 38rem;
  font-weight: 400;
}

.col-rail h2 {
  font-size: 0.68rem;
  letter-spacing: 0.18em;
  border-bottom: 2px solid var(--ink);
  border-top: none;
}

.col-rail h2 .badge-live {
  /* no blink — static LIVE label (premium desk) */
  animation: none;
  opacity: 1;
}

@keyframes liveBlink {
  0%, 100% { opacity: 1; }
  50% { opacity: 0.45; }
}

.headline-list a,
.story-stack a {
  font-size: 1.08rem;
  font-weight: 600;
  letter-spacing: -0.01em;
  transition: color 0.15s ease;
}

.headline-list li {
  transition: background 0.15s ease;
  margin: 0 -0.4rem;
  padding-left: 0.4rem;
  padding-right: 0.4rem;
  border-radius: 2px;
}

.headline-list li:hover {
  background: rgba(0,0,0,0.025);
}

/* ---- Markets board ---- */
.markets-board {
  padding: 2rem 0 0.75rem;
}

.section-head {
  border-bottom: 2px solid var(--ink);
  position: relative;
}

.section-head h2 {
  font-size: 0.78rem;
  letter-spacing: 0.18em;
  position: relative;
  padding-left: 0.75rem;
}

.section-head h2::before {
  content: "";
  position: absolute;
  left: 0;
  top: 0.15rem;
  bottom: 0.15rem;
  width: 3px;
  background: var(--accent);
}

.board-card {
  background: var(--paper-3);
  border: 1px solid var(--line);
  box-shadow: var(--shadow-sm);
  position: relative;
  overflow: hidden;
}

.board-card::after {
  content: "";
  position: absolute;
  top: 0;
  left: 0;
  right: 0;
  height: 2px;
  background: transparent;
  transition: background 0.2s ease;
}

.board-card:hover {
  transform: translateY(-2px);
  box-shadow: var(--shadow-md);
  border-color: #cfcfc8;
}

.board-card:hover::after {
  background: var(--accent);
}

.board-card .price {
  font-variant-numeric: tabular-nums;
  font-feature-settings: "tnum" 1;
  font-size: 1.28rem;
  letter-spacing: -0.03em;
}

/* ---- Story cards / cases ---- */
.story-card {
  background: var(--paper-3);
  border: 1px solid var(--line);
  position: relative;
  overflow: hidden;
}

.story-card--case {
  border-left: 3px solid var(--accent);
  box-shadow: var(--shadow-sm);
}

.story-card--case::before {
  content: attr(data-cf);
  position: absolute;
  right: -0.1rem;
  bottom: -0.35rem;
  font-family: var(--font-serif);
  font-size: 3.5rem;
  line-height: 1;
  color: rgba(0,0,0,0.035);
  font-weight: 700;
  pointer-events: none;
  letter-spacing: -0.02em;
}

.story-card:hover {
  transform: translateY(-3px);
  box-shadow: var(--shadow-lg);
  border-color: #c8c8c0;
}

.story-card h3 {
  font-size: 1.38rem;
  font-weight: 600;
  letter-spacing: -0.015em;
}

.story-card .category {
  letter-spacing: 0.16em;
}

/* ---- Wire box ---- */
.wire-box {
  box-shadow: var(--shadow-md);
  border: 1px solid #1a1a1a;
}

.wire-box-head {
  background: linear-gradient(180deg, #161616 0%, #0a0a0a 100%);
  position: relative;
}

.wire-box-head::after {
  content: "";
  position: absolute;
  left: 0;
  right: 0;
  bottom: 0;
  height: 2px;
  background: linear-gradient(90deg, var(--accent), transparent 60%);
}

.btn-refresh {
  letter-spacing: 0.14em;
  transition: transform 0.15s ease, background 0.15s ease;
}

.btn-refresh:hover {
  transform: translateY(-1px);
}

/* ---- Method band ---- */
.method-band {
  background:
    radial-gradient(ellipse 80% 100% at 100% 0%, rgba(155,15,15,0.18), transparent 50%),
    #080808;
  padding: 3rem 0;
  border-top: 1px solid #1a1a1a;
}

.method-band h2 {
  font-weight: 600;
  letter-spacing: -0.02em;
}

.method-item h3 {
  color: #ff9b9b;
  letter-spacing: 0.16em;
}

/* ---- Articles ---- */
.article-header h1 {
  font-weight: 600;
  letter-spacing: -0.02em;
}

.article-body {
  font-size: 1.22rem;
  line-height: 1.8;
}

.article-body p:first-of-type::first-letter {
  font-family: var(--font-serif);
  font-size: 3.4rem;
  float: left;
  line-height: 0.85;
  padding: 0.12rem 0.45rem 0 0;
  font-weight: 600;
  color: var(--accent);
}

.red-flag-box {
  box-shadow: var(--shadow-sm);
}

/* ---- Page hero ---- */
.page-hero h1 {
  font-weight: 600;
  letter-spacing: -0.02em;
}

.case-row {
  transition: transform 0.15s ease, box-shadow 0.15s ease;
}

.case-row:hover {
  transform: translateY(-2px);
  box-shadow: var(--shadow-md);
}

/* ---- Premium lead frame ---- */
.lead-frame {
  display: block;
  margin: 0 0 1.15rem;
  border: 1px solid var(--line);
  background:
    linear-gradient(135deg, rgba(155,15,15,0.06), transparent 40%),
    var(--paper-3);
  padding: 1.25rem 1.35rem;
  position: relative;
  overflow: hidden;
}

.lead-frame::before {
  content: "LEAD";
  position: absolute;
  top: 0.75rem;
  right: 0.9rem;
  font-size: 0.6rem;
  font-weight: 800;
  letter-spacing: 0.2em;
  color: var(--accent);
  opacity: 0.7;
}

.lead-frame-meta {
  display: flex;
  flex-wrap: wrap;
  gap: 0.5rem 1rem;
  font-size: 0.72rem;
  letter-spacing: 0.08em;
  text-transform: uppercase;
  color: var(--muted);
  margin-bottom: 0.65rem;
  font-weight: 600;
}

.lead-frame-meta span {
  display: inline-flex;
  align-items: center;
  gap: 0.35rem;
}

.lead-frame-meta .dot-red {
  width: 6px;
  height: 6px;
  border-radius: 50%;
  background: var(--accent);
  box-shadow: 0 0 0 3px rgba(155,15,15,0.15);
}

/* ---- Breaking rail accent ---- */
.col-rail--breaking {
  background: linear-gradient(180deg, rgba(155,15,15,0.04), transparent 40%);
  /* same vertical rhythm as World — only left accent, no extra top/bottom lines */
  padding: 0 0 0 1.15rem !important;
  margin-left: 0;
  border-top: 0 !important;
  border-left: 2px solid var(--accent) !important;
}

@media (min-width: 980px) {
  .col-rail--breaking {
    padding-left: 1.35rem !important;
  }
}

@media (max-width: 979px) {
  .col-rail--breaking {
    padding-left: 0.9rem !important;
  }
}

/* ---- Section label ribbon ---- */
.section-label {
  display: inline-flex;
  align-items: center;
  gap: 0.5rem;
  font-size: 0.68rem;
  font-weight: 800;
  letter-spacing: 0.18em;
  text-transform: uppercase;
  color: var(--accent);
  margin: 0 0 0.55rem;
}

.section-label::before {
  content: "";
  width: 1.25rem;
  height: 2px;
  background: var(--accent);
  flex: 0 0 auto;
}

/* When label sits above a section-head, tighten the pair */
.section-label + .section-head {
  margin-top: 0;
}

.section-label + .section-head h2::before {
  display: none; /* avoid double red bars */
}

.section-label + .section-head h2 {
  padding-left: 0;
}

/* fine print under sections */
.section-fine {
  font-size: 0.75rem;
  color: var(--muted-2);
  letter-spacing: 0.02em;
  margin: 0.35rem 0 1.35rem;
}

#cases .story-grid {
  display: grid;
  gap: 1.25rem;
}

@media (min-width: 760px) {
  #cases .story-grid {
    grid-template-columns: repeat(3, 1fr);
  }
}

/* Mobile refinements */
@media (max-width: 700px) {
  .brand-name {
    font-size: 2.35rem;
  }
  .lead-story h1 {
    font-size: 1.9rem;
  }
  .nav {
    gap: 0.1rem 0.85rem;
    font-size: 0.66rem;
  }
  .col-rail--breaking {
    margin-left: 0;
    padding-left: 0.85rem !important;
  }
  .article-body p:first-of-type::first-letter {
    font-size: 2.6rem;
  }
}