/* ==============================================================================
   NEWS (BLOG INDEX) — PAGE-SPECIFIC STYLES (Layer 3)
   ==============================================================================

   Page-specific styles for the News blog index page. Foundation, header,
   and footer styles live in their own files.

   WORDPRESS PLACEMENT
   -------------------
   wp-content/themes/synergy/assets/css/pages/news.css

   ENQUEUE (in functions.php):

       if ( is_page( 'news' ) || is_home() ) {
           wp_enqueue_style(
               'synergy-news',
               get_template_directory_uri() . '/assets/css/pages/news.css',
               array( 'synergy-foundation' ),
               filemtime( get_template_directory() . '/assets/css/pages/news.css' )
           );
       }

   STRUCTURE
   ---------
   Sections covered:
     - Page hero
     - Intro
     - Featured articles strip (top 3 picks)
     - Latest posts grid with topic filter chips (9 article cards)
     - Topics taxonomy block
     - Newsletter signup form
     - "Why our writing matters" trust strip (E-E-A-T)
     - FAQ accordions
     - Closing CTA

   PAGE-SPECIFIC COMPONENTS (Layer 3)
   ----------------------------------
     - .filter-chip-bar / .filter-chip  (single-group topic filter — All,
                                          Solar, Heating, Resilience, EV,
                                          Commercial)
     - .post-grid / .post-card          (article grid — like Installations
                                          but populated with real content)
     - .post-card-img / .post-card-body
     - .post-meta / .post-date-badge / .post-type-badge
     - .post-card.is-hidden             (filter hide state)
     - #postGridEmpty                   (empty-state message)
     - .featured-strip / .featured-card (top 3 featured articles)
     - .topic-taxonomy / .topic-card    (topic directory)
     - .newsletter / .newsletter-form / .nf-row / .nf-field / .nf-topics /
       .nf-topic-pills / .nf-submit     (newsletter signup form)
     - .why-strip                       (trust strip / E-E-A-T)

   LAYER 2 CANDIDATES
   ------------------
     - .page-hero, .section, .section-light
     - .closing-cta, .faq, .faq-list
     - .filter-chip pattern (shared with Installations and Manuals — strong
       candidate for Layer 2 extraction)
     - .post-card grid pattern (shared with Installations)

   CI COMPLIANCE
   -------------
   All colours updated to CI specification on 12 May 2026.

   ============================================================================== */

/* =========================================================
       DESIGN TOKENS (matched to about-us / carbon fibre)
       ========================================================= */

/* =========================================================
       RESET / BASE
       ========================================================= */

h2 strong { color: var(--brand); font-weight: 700; }

p:last-child { margin-bottom: 0; }

/* =========================================================
       UTILITIES
       ========================================================= */

.section { padding: 80px 0; }

.section-light { background: var(--light-bg); }

.eyebrow {
      display: inline-block;
      font-size: 12px;
      font-weight: 700;
      letter-spacing: 2px;
      text-transform: uppercase;
      color: var(--brand);
      margin-bottom: 14px;
    }

.lede {
      font-size: 16px;
      line-height: 1.7;
      color: var(--text);
      max-width: 760px;
      margin: 0 auto 36px;
    }

.section-head {
      text-align: center;
      margin-bottom: 50px;
    }

.section-head h2 { margin-bottom: 16px; }

/* =========================================================
       BUTTONS
       ========================================================= */

.btn-hero {
      display: inline-block;
      background: var(--brand);
      color: #fff;
      border: 2px solid var(--brand);
      padding: 14px 32px;
      border-radius: 3px;
      text-transform: uppercase;
      letter-spacing: 0.5px;
      font-weight: 700;
      font-size: 14px;
      transition: all 0.2s;
    }

.btn-hero:hover { background: #fff; color: var(--brand); }

.btn-hero-secondary {
      display: inline-block;
      background: transparent;
      color: #fff;
      border: 2px solid #fff;
      padding: 14px 32px;
      border-radius: 3px;
      text-transform: uppercase;
      letter-spacing: 0.5px;
      font-weight: 700;
      font-size: 14px;
      transition: all 0.2s;
      margin-left: 12px;
    }

.btn-hero-secondary:hover { background: #fff; color: var(--brand-dark); }

@media (max-width: 600px) {
      .btn-hero-secondary { margin-left: 0; margin-top: 12px; }
    }

.btn-white {
      display: inline-block;
      background: #fff;
      color: var(--ink);
      border: 2px solid #fff;
      padding: 14px 32px;
      border-radius: 3px;
      text-transform: uppercase;
      letter-spacing: 0.5px;
      font-weight: 700;
      font-size: 14px;
      transition: all 0.2s;
    }

.btn-white:hover { background: transparent; color: #fff; }

/* Pill button used in the header */

/* =========================================================
       ANNOUNCEMENT BAR
       ========================================================= */

/* =========================================================
       HEADER
       ========================================================= */

/* =========================================================
       BREADCRUMB
       ========================================================= */

/* =========================================================
       PAGE HERO (rotating background)
       ========================================================= */

.page-hero {
      position: relative;
      background: var(--ink);
      color: #fff;
      padding: 90px 0 100px;
      overflow: hidden;
      isolation: isolate;
    }

.hero-bg {
      position: absolute;
      inset: 0;
      background-position: var(--bg-pos, right center);
      background-size: cover;
      background-repeat: no-repeat;
      background-color: var(--ink);
      opacity: 0;
      z-index: 0;
      animation: hero-rotate 36s infinite;
      will-change: opacity;
    }

.hero-bg-1 { animation-delay:   0s; }

.hero-bg-2 { animation-delay:  -6s; }

.hero-bg-3 { animation-delay: -12s; }

.hero-bg-4 { animation-delay: -18s; }

.hero-bg-5 { animation-delay: -24s; }

.hero-bg-6 { animation-delay: -30s; }

.hero-bg-1, .hero-bg-2, .hero-bg-3,
    .hero-bg-4, .hero-bg-5, .hero-bg-6 { --bg-pos: right center; }

@media (min-width: 1600px) {
      .hero-bg { background-position: 80% center; }
      .hero-bg-1, .hero-bg-2, .hero-bg-3,
      .hero-bg-4, .hero-bg-5, .hero-bg-6 { --bg-pos: 80% center; }
    }

@media (max-width: 760px) {
      .hero-bg { background-position: center top; }
      .hero-bg-1, .hero-bg-2, .hero-bg-3,
      .hero-bg-4, .hero-bg-5, .hero-bg-6 { --bg-pos: center top; }
    }

@keyframes hero-rotate {
      0%   { opacity: 0; }
      3%   { opacity: 1; }
      13%  { opacity: 1; }
      16%  { opacity: 0; }
      100% { opacity: 0; }
    }

.page-hero::before {
      content: "";
      position: absolute;
      inset: 0;
      background: linear-gradient(100deg,
        rgba(167, 190, 57, 0.92) 0%,
        rgba(142, 162, 48, 0.78) 40%,
        rgba(45, 57, 64, 0.55) 100%);
      z-index: 1;
      pointer-events: none;
    }

.page-hero-inner {
      position: relative;
      z-index: 2;
      max-width: 1180px;
      margin: 0 auto;
      padding: 0 30px;
    }

@media (prefers-reduced-motion: reduce) {
      .hero-bg { animation: none; }
      .hero-bg-1 { opacity: 1; }
    }

.page-hero h1 { color: #fff; max-width: 820px; margin-bottom: 18px; }

.page-hero h1 strong { color: var(--accent-warn); font-weight: 700; }

.page-hero .hero-lede {
      max-width: 800px;
      font-size: 16px;
      line-height: 1.7;
      margin-bottom: 32px;
      color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.95);
    }

.hero-badge {
      display: inline-flex;
      align-items: center;
      gap: 8px;
      font-size: 12px;
      letter-spacing: 1.5px;
      text-transform: uppercase;
      background: var(--brand);
      border: 1px solid rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.3);
      color: #fff;
      padding: 8px 16px;
      border-radius: 30px;
      margin-bottom: 22px;
      font-weight: 700;
      box-shadow: 0 4px 12px rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.15);
    }

/* =========================================================
       TRUST BAR
       ========================================================= */

.trust-bar {
      background: #fff;
      border-bottom: 1px solid var(--line);
      padding: 28px 0;
    }

.trust-bar-inner {
      max-width: 1180px;
      margin: 0 auto;
      padding: 0 30px;
      display: flex;
      flex-wrap: wrap;
      gap: 30px;
      justify-content: space-around;
      align-items: center;
    }

.trust-item {
      font-size: 13px;
      color: var(--ink-soft);
      font-weight: 600;
      text-align: center;
    }

.trust-item strong {
      color: var(--brand);
      display: block;
      font-size: 18px;
      margin-bottom: 2px;
      font-family: 'Poppins', sans-serif;
    }

/* =========================================================
       INTRO SECTION (GEO-quotable two-column)
       ========================================================= */

.intro-grid {
      display: grid;
      grid-template-columns: 1.4fr 1fr;
      gap: 50px;
      align-items: start;
      max-width: 1080px;
      margin: 0 auto;
    }

@media (max-width: 900px) {
      .intro-grid { grid-template-columns: 1fr; gap: 32px; }
    }

.intro-prose .eyebrow { margin-bottom: 18px; }

.intro-prose h2 {
      font-size: 30px;
      line-height: 1.25;
      margin-bottom: 18px;
      color: var(--heading);
    }

.intro-prose h2 strong { color: var(--brand); font-weight: 700; }

.intro-lede {
      font-size: 16px;
      line-height: 1.8;
      color: var(--ink-soft);
      margin-bottom: 16px;
    }

.intro-lede.first {
      font-size: 17px;
      color: var(--ink);
      font-weight: 500;
    }

.intro-meta {
      display: flex;
      flex-wrap: wrap;
      gap: 18px 28px;
      margin-top: 22px;
      padding-top: 22px;
      border-top: 1px solid var(--line);
      font-family: 'Poppins', sans-serif;
      font-size: 12px;
      letter-spacing: 0.5px;
      text-transform: uppercase;
      color: var(--text);
    }

.intro-meta strong { color: var(--brand-dark); font-weight: 600; }

.intro-meta-item { display: inline-flex; align-items: center; gap: 6px; }

.intro-meta-item::before {
      content: '';
      width: 6px; height: 6px;
      background: var(--brand);
      border-radius: 50%;
      display: inline-block;
    }

/* Numbers panel (right column) */

.intro-panel {
      background: var(--light-bg);
      border: 1px solid var(--line);
      border-radius: 12px;
      padding: 28px 26px;
      position: sticky;
      top: 100px;
    }

.intro-panel-title {
      font-family: 'Poppins', sans-serif;
      font-weight: 700;
      font-size: 13px;
      letter-spacing: 1.5px;
      text-transform: uppercase;
      color: var(--brand-dark);
      margin-bottom: 18px;
      display: flex;
      align-items: center;
      gap: 8px;
    }

.intro-panel-title::before {
      content: '';
      width: 22px; height: 2px;
      background: var(--brand);
      display: inline-block;
    }

.intro-stats { display: grid; grid-template-columns: 1fr 1fr; gap: 12px; }

.intro-stat {
      background: #fff;
      border: 1px solid var(--line);
      border-radius: 8px;
      padding: 14px 12px;
      text-align: center;
    }

.intro-stat-num {
      font-family: 'Poppins', sans-serif;
      font-size: 22px;
      font-weight: 700;
      color: var(--brand-dark);
      line-height: 1;
      letter-spacing: -0.01em;
      display: block;
    }

.intro-stat-label {
      font-size: 11px;
      color: var(--text);
      text-transform: uppercase;
      letter-spacing: 0.4px;
      line-height: 1.35;
      margin-top: 6px;
      display: block;
      font-weight: 600;
    }

/* =========================================================
       FEATURED POST HERO CARD
       ========================================================= */

.featured-post {
      max-width: 1180px;
      margin: 0 auto;
    }

.featured-post-card {
      display: grid;
      grid-template-columns: 1.1fr 1fr;
      background: #fff;
      border: 1px solid var(--line);
      border-radius: 14px;
      overflow: hidden;
      box-shadow: 0 6px 30px rgba(0,0,0,0.06);
      transition: transform 0.3s ease, box-shadow 0.3s ease;
    }

.featured-post-card:hover {
      transform: translateY(-4px);
      box-shadow: 0 18px 44px rgba(0,0,0,0.10);
    }

@media (max-width: 900px) {
      .featured-post-card { grid-template-columns: 1fr; }
    }

.featured-img {
      position: relative;
      overflow: hidden;
      min-height: 360px;
      background: var(--light-bg);
    }

.featured-img img {
      position: absolute;
      inset: 0;
      width: 100%;
      height: 100%;
      object-fit: cover;
      transition: transform 0.6s ease;
    }

.featured-post-card:hover .featured-img img {
      transform: scale(1.04);
    }

.featured-flag {
      position: absolute;
      top: 22px;
      left: 22px;
      z-index: 2;
      background: var(--brand);
      color: #fff;
      font-family: 'Poppins', sans-serif;
      font-size: 11px;
      font-weight: 700;
      letter-spacing: 1.5px;
      text-transform: uppercase;
      padding: 7px 14px;
      border-radius: 999px;
      box-shadow: 0 4px 14px rgba(167,190,57,0.35);
      display: inline-flex;
      align-items: center;
      gap: 7px;
    }

.featured-flag::before {
      content: '';
      width: 7px; height: 7px;
      background: #fff;
      border-radius: 50%;
      display: inline-block;
      box-shadow: 0 0 0 0 rgba(255,255,255,0.7);
      animation: pulse 2s infinite;
    }

@keyframes pulse {
      0%   { box-shadow: 0 0 0 0 rgba(255,255,255,0.7); }
      70%  { box-shadow: 0 0 0 10px rgba(255,255,255,0); }
      100% { box-shadow: 0 0 0 0 rgba(255,255,255,0); }
    }

.featured-body {
      padding: 38px 40px 36px;
      display: flex;
      flex-direction: column;
      justify-content: center;
    }

@media (max-width: 600px) {
      .featured-body { padding: 28px 24px; }
      .featured-img { min-height: 240px; }
    }

.featured-categories {
      display: flex;
      flex-wrap: wrap;
      gap: 8px;
      margin-bottom: 16px;
    }

.cat-pill {
      display: inline-block;
      font-family: 'Poppins', sans-serif;
      font-size: 11px;
      font-weight: 700;
      letter-spacing: 1px;
      text-transform: uppercase;
      color: var(--brand-dark);
      background: rgba(167,190,57,0.10);
      border: 1px solid rgba(167,190,57,0.25);
      padding: 4px 11px;
      border-radius: 999px;
      transition: background 0.2s ease, color 0.2s ease;
    }

a.cat-pill:hover { background: var(--brand); color: #fff; }

.featured-body h2 {
      font-size: 28px;
      line-height: 1.25;
      color: var(--heading);
      margin-bottom: 14px;
      letter-spacing: -0.01em;
    }

.featured-body h2 a { color: inherit; }

.featured-body h2 a:hover { color: var(--brand-dark); }

.featured-summary {
      font-size: 15px;
      line-height: 1.75;
      color: var(--text);
      margin-bottom: 22px;
    }

.featured-byline {
      display: flex;
      flex-wrap: wrap;
      align-items: center;
      gap: 14px;
      font-size: 13px;
      color: var(--text);
      margin-bottom: 26px;
      padding-bottom: 22px;
      border-bottom: 1px solid var(--line);
    }

.featured-byline strong { color: var(--ink); font-weight: 600; }

.featured-byline-sep {
      width: 4px; height: 4px;
      background: var(--line);
      border-radius: 50%;
      display: inline-block;
    }

.read-more-link {
      display: inline-flex;
      align-items: center;
      gap: 8px;
      font-family: 'Poppins', sans-serif;
      font-size: 13px;
      font-weight: 700;
      letter-spacing: 1.5px;
      text-transform: uppercase;
      color: var(--brand-dark);
      transition: gap 0.2s ease, color 0.2s ease;
    }

.read-more-link::after {
      content: '→';
      transition: transform 0.2s ease;
    }

.read-more-link:hover { color: var(--brand); gap: 12px; }

.read-more-link:hover::after { transform: translateX(2px); }

/* =========================================================
       TOPIC FILTER CHIPS
       ========================================================= */

.topic-filter {
      display: flex;
      flex-wrap: wrap;
      gap: 10px;
      justify-content: center;
      margin: 0 auto 48px;
      max-width: 980px;
      padding: 0 10px;
    }

.filter-chip {
      display: inline-flex;
      align-items: center;
      gap: 8px;
      font-family: 'Poppins', sans-serif;
      font-size: 13px;
      font-weight: 600;
      letter-spacing: 0.3px;
      color: var(--ink-soft);
      background: #fff;
      border: 1.5px solid var(--line);
      padding: 9px 18px;
      border-radius: 999px;
      cursor: pointer;
      transition: all 0.2s ease;
      white-space: nowrap;
    }

.filter-chip:hover {
      border-color: var(--brand);
      color: var(--brand-dark);
      transform: translateY(-1px);
    }

.filter-chip.is-active {
      background: var(--brand);
      border-color: var(--brand);
      color: #fff;
      box-shadow: 0 4px 14px rgba(167,190,57,0.3);
    }

.filter-chip-count {
      font-size: 11px;
      font-weight: 700;
      background: rgba(167,190,57,0.10);
      color: var(--brand-dark);
      padding: 2px 7px;
      border-radius: 999px;
      letter-spacing: 0;
      transition: background 0.2s ease, color 0.2s ease;
    }

.filter-chip.is-active .filter-chip-count {
      background: rgba(255,255,255,0.25);
      color: #fff;
    }

/* =========================================================
       POST GRID
       ========================================================= */

.post-grid {
      display: grid;
      grid-template-columns: repeat(3, 1fr);
      gap: 28px;
    }

@media (max-width: 960px) { .post-grid { grid-template-columns: repeat(2, 1fr); } }

@media (max-width: 600px) { .post-grid { grid-template-columns: 1fr; } }

.post-card {
      background: #fff;
      border: 1px solid var(--line);
      border-radius: 12px;
      overflow: hidden;
      display: flex;
      flex-direction: column;
      box-shadow: 0 2px 12px rgba(0,0,0,0.04);
      transition: transform 0.25s ease, box-shadow 0.25s ease, border-color 0.25s ease;
      position: relative;
    }

.post-card:hover {
      transform: translateY(-4px);
      box-shadow: 0 16px 36px rgba(0,0,0,0.10);
      border-color: rgba(167,190,57,0.35);
    }

.post-card.is-hidden { display: none; }

.post-img {
      position: relative;
      aspect-ratio: 16 / 10;
      overflow: hidden;
      background: var(--light-bg);
    }

.post-img img {
      width: 100%;
      height: 100%;
      object-fit: cover;
      transition: transform 0.5s ease;
    }

.post-card:hover .post-img img { transform: scale(1.05); }

.post-img a {
      display: block;
      width: 100%;
      height: 100%;
    }

.post-date-badge {
      position: absolute;
      top: 14px;
      left: 14px;
      background: rgba(45,57,64,0.85);
      backdrop-filter: blur(6px);
      -webkit-backdrop-filter: blur(6px);
      color: #fff;
      font-family: 'Poppins', sans-serif;
      font-size: 11px;
      font-weight: 600;
      letter-spacing: 0.5px;
      padding: 5px 11px;
      border-radius: 6px;
      text-transform: uppercase;
    }

.post-date-badge time { color: #fff; }

.post-body {
      padding: 22px 24px 24px;
      display: flex;
      flex-direction: column;
      flex: 1;
    }

.post-categories {
      display: flex;
      flex-wrap: wrap;
      gap: 6px;
      margin-bottom: 12px;
    }

.post-categories .cat-pill {
      font-size: 10px;
      padding: 3px 9px;
    }

.post-card h3 {
      font-size: 17px;
      line-height: 1.4;
      color: var(--heading);
      margin-bottom: 12px;
      letter-spacing: -0.005em;
    }

.post-card h3 a { color: inherit; }

.post-card h3 a:hover { color: var(--brand-dark); }

.post-excerpt {
      font-size: 13.5px;
      line-height: 1.65;
      color: var(--text);
      flex: 1;
      margin-bottom: 16px;
    }

.post-meta {
      display: flex;
      align-items: center;
      justify-content: space-between;
      gap: 10px;
      padding-top: 14px;
      border-top: 1px solid var(--line);
      font-size: 12px;
      color: var(--text);
    }

.post-meta .read-more-mini {
      font-family: 'Poppins', sans-serif;
      font-size: 12px;
      font-weight: 700;
      letter-spacing: 0.8px;
      text-transform: uppercase;
      color: var(--brand-dark);
      display: inline-flex;
      align-items: center;
      gap: 5px;
      transition: gap 0.2s ease, color 0.2s ease;
    }

.post-meta .read-more-mini::after {
      content: '→';
      transition: transform 0.2s ease;
    }

.post-meta .read-more-mini:hover { color: var(--brand); gap: 8px; }

.post-meta .read-more-mini:hover::after { transform: translateX(2px); }

.post-read-time {
      font-family: 'Poppins', sans-serif;
      font-weight: 600;
      letter-spacing: 0.3px;
    }

/* Empty state when no posts match a filter */

.post-grid-empty {
      grid-column: 1 / -1;
      text-align: center;
      padding: 60px 20px;
      color: var(--text);
      display: none;
    }

.post-grid-empty.is-visible { display: block; }

.post-grid-empty h4 {
      font-size: 18px;
      color: var(--heading);
      margin-bottom: 8px;
    }

/* =========================================================
       PAGINATION
       ========================================================= */

.pagination-wrap {
      margin-top: 56px;
      display: flex;
      flex-direction: column;
      align-items: center;
      gap: 18px;
    }

.pagination-status {
      font-family: 'Poppins', sans-serif;
      font-size: 13px;
      color: var(--text);
      letter-spacing: 0.3px;
    }

.pagination-status strong { color: var(--brand-dark); font-weight: 700; }

.pagination-controls {
      display: flex;
      align-items: center;
      gap: 10px;
      flex-wrap: wrap;
      justify-content: center;
    }

.page-link {
      display: inline-flex;
      align-items: center;
      gap: 7px;
      font-family: 'Poppins', sans-serif;
      font-size: 13px;
      font-weight: 600;
      letter-spacing: 0.3px;
      color: var(--ink-soft);
      background: #fff;
      border: 1.5px solid var(--line);
      padding: 10px 18px;
      border-radius: 8px;
      transition: all 0.2s ease;
      min-width: 42px;
      justify-content: center;
    }

.page-link:hover {
      border-color: var(--brand);
      color: var(--brand-dark);
      transform: translateY(-1px);
    }

.page-link.is-current {
      background: var(--brand);
      border-color: var(--brand);
      color: #fff;
      pointer-events: none;
    }

.page-link.is-disabled {
      opacity: 0.4;
      pointer-events: none;
    }

.page-link-prev::before { content: '←'; }

.page-link-next::after { content: '→'; }

/* =========================================================
       TOPIC CLUSTERS
       ========================================================= */

.clusters-grid {
      display: grid;
      grid-template-columns: repeat(3, 1fr);
      gap: 26px;
    }

@media (max-width: 960px) {
      .clusters-grid { grid-template-columns: 1fr; }
    }

.cluster-card {
      background: #fff;
      border: 1px solid var(--line);
      border-radius: 14px;
      padding: 32px 30px 28px;
      display: flex;
      flex-direction: column;
      box-shadow: 0 2px 12px rgba(0,0,0,0.04);
      transition: transform 0.25s ease, box-shadow 0.25s ease, border-color 0.25s ease;
      position: relative;
      overflow: hidden;
    }

.cluster-card::before {
      content: '';
      position: absolute;
      top: 0; left: 0; right: 0;
      height: 4px;
      background: var(--brand-gradient);
    }

.cluster-card:hover {
      transform: translateY(-4px);
      box-shadow: 0 16px 40px rgba(0,0,0,0.10);
      border-color: rgba(167,190,57,0.4);
    }

.cluster-icon {
      width: 56px; height: 56px;
      border-radius: 14px;
      background: rgba(167,190,57,0.10);
      color: var(--brand-dark);
      display: flex;
      align-items: center;
      justify-content: center;
      margin-bottom: 18px;
      transition: background 0.25s ease;
    }

.cluster-card:hover .cluster-icon {
      background: var(--brand);
      color: #fff;
    }

.cluster-icon svg {
      width: 28px; height: 28px;
      stroke: currentColor;
      stroke-width: 1.6;
      fill: none;
      stroke-linecap: round;
      stroke-linejoin: round;
    }

.cluster-card h3 {
      font-size: 19px;
      color: var(--heading);
      margin-bottom: 10px;
      letter-spacing: -0.01em;
    }

.cluster-card h3 strong { color: var(--brand-dark); font-weight: 600; }

.cluster-summary {
      font-size: 14px;
      line-height: 1.7;
      color: var(--text);
      margin-bottom: 20px;
    }

.cluster-articles {
      list-style: none !important;
      padding: 0 !important;
      margin: 0 0 18px;
      border-top: 1px solid var(--line);
    }

.cluster-articles li {
      padding: 12px 0;
      border-bottom: 1px solid var(--line);
      margin: 0;
      line-height: 1.45;
    }

.cluster-articles li:last-child { border-bottom: 0; }

.cluster-articles a {
      display: flex;
      align-items: flex-start;
      gap: 10px;
      font-size: 13.5px;
      color: var(--ink-soft);
      transition: color 0.2s ease;
      line-height: 1.45;
    }

.cluster-articles a:hover { color: var(--brand-dark); }

.cluster-articles a::before {
      content: '';
      width: 6px; height: 6px;
      background: var(--brand);
      border-radius: 50%;
      margin-top: 7px;
      flex-shrink: 0;
      transition: transform 0.2s ease;
    }

.cluster-articles a:hover::before {
      transform: scale(1.4);
    }

.cluster-cta {
      margin-top: auto;
      font-family: 'Poppins', sans-serif;
      font-size: 12px;
      font-weight: 700;
      letter-spacing: 1.2px;
      text-transform: uppercase;
      color: var(--brand-dark);
      display: inline-flex;
      align-items: center;
      gap: 7px;
      align-self: flex-start;
      padding-top: 4px;
      transition: gap 0.2s ease, color 0.2s ease;
    }

.cluster-cta::after {
      content: '→';
      transition: transform 0.2s ease;
    }

.cluster-cta:hover { color: var(--brand); gap: 11px; }

.cluster-cta:hover::after { transform: translateX(2px); }

/* =========================================================
       NEWSLETTER SIGNUP
       ========================================================= */

.newsletter {
      background:
        radial-gradient(800px 280px at 15% 0%, rgba(167,190,57,0.12), transparent 60%),
        radial-gradient(800px 280px at 85% 100%, rgba(180,200,87,0.08), transparent 60%),
        var(--ink);
      color: #fff;
      padding: 70px 0;
      position: relative;
      overflow: hidden;
    }

.newsletter-grid {
      display: grid;
      grid-template-columns: 1fr 1fr;
      gap: 50px;
      align-items: center;
      max-width: 1100px;
      margin: 0 auto;
    }

@media (max-width: 900px) {
      .newsletter-grid { grid-template-columns: 1fr; gap: 32px; text-align: center; }
    }

.newsletter-prose .eyebrow { color: var(--brand-light); margin-bottom: 14px; }

.newsletter-prose h2 {
      color: #fff;
      font-size: 28px;
      line-height: 1.25;
      margin-bottom: 14px;
    }

.newsletter-prose h2 strong { color: var(--brand-light); font-weight: 700; }

.newsletter-prose p {
      color: rgba(255,255,255,0.85);
      font-size: 15px;
      line-height: 1.7;
      max-width: 480px;
      margin: 0;
    }

@media (max-width: 900px) {
      .newsletter-prose p { margin: 0 auto; }
    }

.newsletter-perks {
      list-style: none !important;
      padding: 0 !important;
      margin: 18px 0 0;
      display: flex;
      flex-wrap: wrap;
      gap: 8px 14px;
    }

@media (max-width: 900px) {
      .newsletter-perks { justify-content: center; }
    }

.newsletter-perks li {
      font-family: 'Poppins', sans-serif;
      font-size: 12px;
      letter-spacing: 0.5px;
      color: rgba(255,255,255,0.92);
      display: inline-flex;
      align-items: center;
      gap: 7px;
      margin: 0;
    }

.newsletter-perks li::before {
      content: '✓';
      width: 18px; height: 18px;
      background: rgba(180,200,87,0.20);
      color: var(--brand-light);
      border-radius: 50%;
      display: inline-flex;
      align-items: center;
      justify-content: center;
      font-size: 11px;
      font-weight: 700;
      flex-shrink: 0;
    }

/* The form itself */

.newsletter-form {
      background: rgba(255,255,255,0.04);
      border: 1px solid rgba(255,255,255,0.10);
      border-radius: 14px;
      padding: 28px 28px 24px;
      backdrop-filter: blur(8px);
      -webkit-backdrop-filter: blur(8px);
    }

.newsletter-form-title {
      font-family: 'Poppins', sans-serif;
      font-weight: 700;
      font-size: 14px;
      letter-spacing: 1px;
      text-transform: uppercase;
      color: #fff;
      margin-bottom: 16px;
      display: flex;
      align-items: center;
      gap: 9px;
    }

.newsletter-form-title::before {
      content: '';
      width: 22px; height: 2px;
      background: var(--brand-light);
      display: inline-block;
    }

.nf-row {
      display: grid;
      grid-template-columns: 1fr 1fr;
      gap: 12px;
      margin-bottom: 12px;
    }

@media (max-width: 540px) {
      .nf-row { grid-template-columns: 1fr; }
    }

.nf-field { display: flex; flex-direction: column; }

.nf-field label {
      font-family: 'Poppins', sans-serif;
      font-size: 11px;
      font-weight: 600;
      letter-spacing: 0.5px;
      text-transform: uppercase;
      color: rgba(255,255,255,0.85);
      margin-bottom: 6px;
    }

.nf-field input[type="text"],
    .nf-field input[type="email"] {
      background: rgba(255,255,255,0.07);
      border: 1px solid rgba(255,255,255,0.18);
      border-radius: 8px;
      padding: 12px 14px;
      color: #fff;
      font-family: inherit;
      font-size: 14px;
      transition: border-color 0.2s ease, background 0.2s ease;
    }

.nf-field input::placeholder {
      color: rgba(255,255,255,0.45);
    }

.nf-field input:focus {
      outline: none;
      border-color: var(--brand-light);
      background: rgba(255,255,255,0.10);
    }

.nf-topics {
      margin-bottom: 16px;
    }

.nf-topic-label {
      font-family: 'Poppins', sans-serif;
      font-size: 11px;
      font-weight: 600;
      letter-spacing: 0.5px;
      text-transform: uppercase;
      color: rgba(255,255,255,0.85);
      margin-bottom: 8px;
      display: block;
    }

.nf-topic-pills {
      display: flex;
      flex-wrap: wrap;
      gap: 7px;
    }

.nf-topic-pills label {
      cursor: pointer;
    }

.nf-topic-pills input[type="checkbox"] {
      position: absolute;
      opacity: 0;
      width: 1px; height: 1px;
      pointer-events: none;
    }

.nf-topic-pills span {
      display: inline-block;
      font-family: 'Poppins', sans-serif;
      font-size: 12px;
      font-weight: 600;
      letter-spacing: 0.3px;
      color: rgba(255,255,255,0.85);
      background: rgba(255,255,255,0.06);
      border: 1px solid rgba(255,255,255,0.16);
      padding: 6px 12px;
      border-radius: 999px;
      transition: all 0.2s ease;
    }

.nf-topic-pills label:hover span {
      border-color: var(--brand-light);
      color: #fff;
    }

.nf-topic-pills input:checked + span {
      background: var(--brand);
      border-color: var(--brand);
      color: #fff;
    }

.nf-topic-pills input:focus-visible + span {
      outline: 2px solid var(--brand-light);
      outline-offset: 2px;
    }

.nf-submit-row {
      display: flex;
      align-items: center;
      gap: 14px;
      margin-top: 6px;
      flex-wrap: wrap;
    }

.nf-submit {
      background: var(--brand);
      color: #fff;
      border: 2px solid var(--brand);
      padding: 12px 26px;
      border-radius: 999px;
      font-family: 'Poppins', sans-serif;
      font-size: 13px;
      font-weight: 700;
      letter-spacing: 0.5px;
      cursor: pointer;
      transition: all 0.2s ease;
      display: inline-flex;
      align-items: center;
      gap: 8px;
    }

.nf-submit::after {
      content: '→';
      transition: transform 0.2s ease;
    }

.nf-submit:hover {
      background: var(--brand-light);
      border-color: var(--brand-light);
    }

.nf-submit:hover::after { transform: translateX(3px); }

.nf-privacy {
      font-size: 11px;
      color: rgba(255,255,255,0.65);
      letter-spacing: 0.2px;
      flex: 1;
      min-width: 200px;
    }

.nf-privacy a {
      color: rgba(255,255,255,0.85);
      border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(255,255,255,0.3);
    }

.nf-privacy a:hover { color: #fff; border-color: #fff; }

/* =========================================================
       WHY SYNERGY TRUST STRIP
       ========================================================= */

.why-strip {
      max-width: 1080px;
      margin: 0 auto;
    }

.why-strip-grid {
      display: grid;
      grid-template-columns: repeat(4, 1fr);
      gap: 22px;
    }

@media (max-width: 900px) {
      .why-strip-grid { grid-template-columns: repeat(2, 1fr); }
    }

@media (max-width: 480px) {
      .why-strip-grid { grid-template-columns: 1fr; }
    }

.why-item-card {
      background: #fff;
      border: 1px solid var(--line);
      border-radius: 10px;
      padding: 26px 24px 22px;
      transition: transform 0.25s ease, box-shadow 0.25s ease, border-color 0.25s ease;
      position: relative;
    }

.why-item-card:hover {
      transform: translateY(-3px);
      box-shadow: 0 12px 28px rgba(0,0,0,0.08);
      border-color: rgba(167,190,57,0.4);
    }

.why-item-icon {
      width: 44px; height: 44px;
      border-radius: 10px;
      background: rgba(167,190,57,0.12);
      color: var(--brand-dark);
      display: flex;
      align-items: center;
      justify-content: center;
      margin-bottom: 14px;
    }

.why-item-icon svg {
      width: 22px; height: 22px;
      fill: none; stroke: currentColor;
      stroke-width: 1.7;
      stroke-linecap: round;
      stroke-linejoin: round;
    }

.why-item-card h4 {
      font-size: 15px;
      color: var(--heading);
      margin-bottom: 6px;
      line-height: 1.3;
    }

.why-item-card p {
      font-size: 13px;
      line-height: 1.6;
      color: var(--text);
      margin: 0;
    }

/* =========================================================
       FAQ ACCORDION
       ========================================================= */

.faq-list {
      max-width: 880px;
      margin: 0 auto;
    }

.faq {
      background: #fff;
      border: 1px solid var(--line);
      border-radius: 10px;
      margin-bottom: 12px;
      overflow: hidden;
      transition: border-color 0.2s ease, box-shadow 0.2s ease;
    }

.faq[open] {
      border-color: rgba(167,190,57,0.45);
      box-shadow: 0 6px 20px rgba(0,0,0,0.05);
    }

.faq summary {
      padding: 18px 56px 18px 24px;
      cursor: pointer;
      font-family: 'Poppins', sans-serif;
      font-weight: 600;
      font-size: 15px;
      color: var(--heading);
      list-style: none;
      position: relative;
      transition: color 0.2s ease;
    }

.faq summary:hover { color: var(--brand-dark); }

.faq summary::-webkit-details-marker { display: none; }

.faq summary::after {
      content: '+';
      position: absolute;
      right: 22px;
      top: 50%;
      transform: translateY(-50%);
      font-size: 24px;
      font-weight: 300;
      color: var(--brand);
      transition: transform 0.25s ease;
      width: 22px;
      height: 22px;
      display: flex;
      align-items: center;
      justify-content: center;
      line-height: 1;
    }

.faq[open] summary::after {
      transform: translateY(-50%) rotate(45deg);
    }

.faq-answer {
      padding: 0 24px 22px;
    }

.faq-answer p {
      font-size: 14px;
      line-height: 1.75;
      color: var(--text);
      margin: 0;
    }

.faq-answer a {
      color: var(--brand-dark);
      border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(167,190,57,0.3);
      transition: color 0.2s ease, border-color 0.2s ease;
    }

.faq-answer a:hover { color: var(--brand); border-color: var(--brand); }

/* =========================================================
       CLOSING CTA
       ========================================================= */

.closing-cta {
      background: var(--brand-gradient);
      color: #fff;
      padding: 80px 0;
      text-align: center;
      position: relative;
      overflow: hidden;
    }

.closing-cta::before {
      content: '';
      position: absolute;
      inset: 0;
      background:
        radial-gradient(700px 240px at 15% 0%, rgba(255,255,255,0.10), transparent 60%),
        radial-gradient(700px 240px at 85% 100%, rgba(255,255,255,0.08), transparent 60%);
      pointer-events: none;
    }

.closing-cta .container { position: relative; z-index: 1; }

.closing-cta h2 {
      color: #fff;
      max-width: 880px;
      margin: 0 auto 18px;
    }

.closing-cta h2 strong { color: #fff; font-weight: 700; }

.closing-cta p {
      max-width: 760px;
      margin: 0 auto 32px;
      font-size: 16px;
      line-height: 1.7;
      color: rgba(255,255,255,0.95);
    }

.closing-cta .cta-eyebrow {
      display: block;
      font-family: 'Poppins', sans-serif;
      font-size: 12px;
      font-weight: 700;
      letter-spacing: 3px;
      text-transform: uppercase;
      color: rgba(255,255,255,0.92);
      margin-bottom: 14px;
    }

.closing-cta .btn-white { color: var(--brand-dark); }

.closing-cta .btn-white:hover { background: transparent; color: #fff; border-color: #fff; }

.closing-cta .cta-meta {
      margin-top: 22px;
      font-size: 13px;
      color: rgba(255,255,255,0.85);
      letter-spacing: 0.3px;
    }

.closing-cta .cta-meta a {
      color: #fff;
      font-weight: 700;
      border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(255,255,255,0.4);
    }

.closing-cta .cta-meta a:hover { color: #fff; border-color: #fff; }

/* =========================================================
       FLOATING MOBILE CTA
       ========================================================= */

.float-cta {
      display: none;
      position: fixed;
      bottom: 18px; right: 18px;
      z-index: 90;
      background: var(--brand);
      color: #fff;
      font-family: 'Poppins', sans-serif;
      font-weight: 700;
      font-size: 13px;
      letter-spacing: 0.5px;
      text-transform: uppercase;
      padding: 12px 18px;
      border-radius: 999px;
      box-shadow: 0 8px 22px rgba(0,0,0,0.22);
    }

@media (max-width: 760px) {
      .float-cta.visible { display: inline-block; }
    }

.float-cta:hover { background: var(--brand-dark); color: #fff; }

/* =========================================================
       FOOTER
       ========================================================= */

@media (max-width: 900px) {
    }

@media (max-width: 600px) {
    }

/* ============================================================
   2026-06-01 — "Why our writing matters" restyled to match the
   About Us "Why choose us" icon-pill cards (.why-grid/.why-item/.why-icon).
   Replaces the old .why-strip layout (now unused).
   ============================================================ */
.why-grid {
  display: grid;
  grid-template-columns: repeat(4, 1fr);
  gap: 24px;
}
@media (max-width: 960px) { .why-grid { grid-template-columns: repeat(2, 1fr); } }
@media (max-width: 600px) { .why-grid { grid-template-columns: 1fr; } }

.why-item {
  background: #fff;
  border: 1px solid var(--line);
  border-radius: 10px;
  padding: 30px 28px 28px;
  position: relative;
  transition: transform 0.25s ease, box-shadow 0.25s ease, border-color 0.25s ease;
}
.why-item:hover {
  transform: translateY(-3px);
  box-shadow: 0 12px 28px rgba(0,0,0,0.08);
  border-color: rgba(167,190,57,0.35);
}
.why-item h4 { font-size: 16px; color: var(--heading); margin-bottom: 10px; line-height: 1.35; }
.why-item p { font-size: 14px; line-height: 1.65; color: var(--text); margin: 0; }

.why-icon {
  display: inline-flex;
  align-items: center;
  justify-content: center;
  width: 54px;
  height: 54px;
  border-radius: 14px;
  background: linear-gradient(180deg, #a4c93d 0%, #8db82e 100%);
  box-shadow: 0 6px 16px rgba(141, 184, 46, 0.30);
  margin-bottom: 18px;
}
.why-icon svg {
  width: 26px;
  height: 26px;
  stroke: #fff;
  fill: none;
  stroke-width: 2;
  stroke-linecap: round;
  stroke-linejoin: round;
}

/* ============================================================
   2026-06-01 — Accreditations logo-card section (matches About Us).
   ============================================================ */
#accreditations {
  padding: 64px 0;
  background: #fff;
}
#accreditations .section-header {
  text-align: center;
  max-width: 760px;
  margin: 0 auto 48px;
  padding: 0 20px;
}
#accreditations .section-eyebrow {
  display: inline-block;
  color: var(--brand, #8bb524);
  font-size: 13px;
  font-weight: 700;
  letter-spacing: 1.5px;
  text-transform: uppercase;
  margin-bottom: 16px;
}
#accreditations h2 {
  font-size: 34px;
  font-weight: 700;
  line-height: 1.2;
  color: #1a1a1a;
  margin: 0 0 16px;
}
#accreditations h2 strong { color: var(--brand, #8bb524); font-weight: 700; }
#accreditations .section-lede {
  font-size: 16px;
  line-height: 1.6;
  color: #4a4a4a;
  margin: 0;
}
.accreditations-grid {
  display: flex;
  flex-wrap: wrap;
  justify-content: center;
  gap: 22px;
  max-width: 1200px;
  margin: 0 auto;
  padding: 0 20px;
}
.accreditation-card {
  background: #fff;
  border: 1px solid #e5e5e5;
  border-radius: 16px;
  padding: 32px 22px;
  text-align: center;
  flex: 1 1 220px;
  max-width: 260px;
  display: flex;
  flex-direction: column;
  align-items: center;
  transition: transform 0.2s ease, box-shadow 0.2s ease;
}
.accreditation-card:hover {
  transform: translateY(-3px);
  box-shadow: 0 10px 28px rgba(0,0,0,0.07);
}
.accreditation-logo {
  height: 90px;
  display: flex;
  align-items: center;
  justify-content: center;
  margin-bottom: 18px;
  width: 100%;
}
.accreditation-logo img {
  max-height: 80px;
  max-width: 170px;
  width: auto;
  height: auto;
  object-fit: contain;
}
.accreditation-logo.accreditation-tesla svg { max-width: 180px; max-height: 72px; }
.accreditation-card h3 {
  font-size: 17px;
  font-weight: 700;
  color: #1a1a1a;
  margin: 0 0 12px;
  line-height: 1.3;
}
.accreditation-card p {
  font-size: 13.5px;
  line-height: 1.55;
  color: #4a4a4a;
  margin: 0;
}
@media (max-width: 900px) {
  #accreditations h2 { font-size: 28px; }
  .accreditation-card { flex: 1 1 200px; max-width: 240px; }
}
@media (max-width: 600px) {
  #accreditations { padding: 48px 0; }
  .accreditation-card { flex: 1 1 100%; max-width: 360px; }
}

/* ============================================================
   2026-06-01 — "What we do" service-card grid (matches About Us).
   ============================================================ */
.feature-grid {
  display: grid;
  grid-template-columns: repeat(3, 1fr);
  gap: 26px;
}
@media (max-width: 960px) { .feature-grid { grid-template-columns: repeat(2, 1fr); } }
@media (max-width: 600px) { .feature-grid { grid-template-columns: 1fr; } }

.feature-card {
  background: #fff;
  border: 1px solid var(--line);
  border-radius: 10px;
  overflow: hidden;
  display: flex;
  flex-direction: column;
  box-shadow: 0 2px 12px rgba(0,0,0,0.04);
  transition: transform 0.25s ease, box-shadow 0.25s ease, border-color 0.25s ease;
}
.feature-card:hover {
  transform: translateY(-4px);
  box-shadow: 0 14px 32px rgba(0,0,0,0.10);
  border-color: rgba(167,190,57,0.35);
}
.feature-img {
  aspect-ratio: 16 / 10;
  overflow: hidden;
  background: var(--light-bg);
}
.feature-img img {
  width: 100%;
  height: 100%;
  object-fit: cover;
  transition: transform 0.5s ease;
}
.feature-card:hover .feature-img img { transform: scale(1.04); }
.feature-body {
  padding: 24px 26px 26px;
  display: flex;
  flex-direction: column;
  flex: 1;
}
.feature-body h3 {
  font-size: 17px;
  color: var(--heading);
  margin-bottom: 10px;
  line-height: 1.35;
}
.feature-body p {
  font-size: 14px;
  line-height: 1.65;
  color: var(--text);
  flex: 1;
  margin-bottom: 16px;
}
.feature-link {
  font-family: 'Poppins', sans-serif;
  font-size: 13px;
  font-weight: 600;
  color: var(--brand-dark);
  text-transform: uppercase;
  letter-spacing: 1px;
  display: inline-flex;
  align-items: center;
  gap: 6px;
  transition: color 0.2s ease, gap 0.2s ease;
}
.feature-link::after { content: '→'; transition: transform 0.2s ease; }
.feature-link:hover { color: var(--brand); gap: 10px; }
.feature-link:hover::after { transform: translateX(2px); }