diff --git a/PROJECT_PLAN.md b/PROJECT_PLAN.md
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..94edcf8
--- /dev/null
+++ b/PROJECT_PLAN.md
@@ -0,0 +1,587 @@
+# LUK Project Plan
+
+This document outlines planned improvements across the LUK applications (Mail, Calendar, Sync, Tasks).
+
+---
+
+## Bug Fixes
+
+### Tasks App - Table Not Displaying (FIXED)
+**Priority:** Critical  
+**File:** `src/tasks/app.py`
+
+The tasks app was not showing the task table due to a CSS grid layout issue. The grid layout with mixed `dock` and `grid` positioning caused the main content area to have 0 height.
+
+**Fix:** Changed from grid layout to horizontal layout with docked header/footer.
+
+---
+
+## Sync App
+
+### Performance Improvements
+
+#### 1. Parallelize Message Downloads
+**Priority:** High  
+**Files:** `src/services/microsoft_graph/mail.py`, `src/services/microsoft_graph/client.py`
+
+Currently, message downloads are sequential (`for` loop with `await`). This is a significant bottleneck.
+
+**Current code pattern:**
+```python
+for msg_id in message_ids:
+    content = await client.get_message(msg_id)
+    await save_to_maildir(content)
+```
+
+**Proposed changes:**
+1. Increase semaphore limit in `client.py` from 2 to 5 concurrent HTTP requests
+2. Batch parallel downloads using `asyncio.gather()` with batches of 5-10 messages
+3. Batch sync state writes every N messages instead of after each message (currently an I/O bottleneck in archive sync)
+
+**Example implementation:**
+```python
+BATCH_SIZE = 5
+
+async def fetch_batch(batch_ids):
+    return await asyncio.gather(*[client.get_message(id) for id in batch_ids])
+
+for i in range(0, len(message_ids), BATCH_SIZE):
+    batch = message_ids[i:i + BATCH_SIZE]
+    results = await fetch_batch(batch)
+    for content in results:
+        await save_to_maildir(content)
+    # Write sync state every batch instead of every message
+    save_sync_state()
+```
+
+#### 2. Optimize Maildir Writes
+**Priority:** Medium  
+**File:** `src/utils/mail_utils/maildir.py`
+
+The `save_mime_to_maildir_async` function is a potential bottleneck. Consider:
+- Batching file writes
+- Using thread pool for I/O operations
+
+---
+
+### CLI Improvements
+
+#### 3. Default to TUI Mode
+**Priority:** Medium  
+**File:** `src/cli/sync.py`
+
+Currently `luk sync` requires subcommands. Change to:
+- `luk sync` → Opens TUI (interactive mode) by default
+- `luk sync --once` / `luk sync -1` → One-shot sync
+- `luk sync --daemon` / `luk sync -d` → Daemon mode
+- `luk sync status` → Show sync status
+
+---
+
+### UI Consistency
+
+#### 4. Navigation and Styling
+**Priority:** Low  
+**File:** `src/cli/sync_dashboard.py`
+
+- Add `j`/`k` keybindings for list navigation (vim-style)
+- Use `border: round` in TCSS for consistency with other apps
+- Add `.border_title` styling for list containers
+
+#### 5. Notifications Toggle
+**Priority:** Low  
+**Files:** `src/cli/sync_dashboard.py`, `src/utils/notifications.py`
+
+Add a UI switch to enable/disable desktop notifications during sync.
+
+---
+
+## Inter-Process Communication (IPC)
+
+### Overview
+**Priority:** High  
+**Goal:** Enable real-time updates between apps when data changes:
+- Mail app refreshes when sync downloads new messages
+- Tasks app refreshes when syncing or when tasks are added from mail app
+- Calendar app reloads when sync updates events
+
+### Platform Options
+
+#### macOS Options
+
+1. **Distributed Notifications (NSDistributedNotificationCenter)**
+   - Native macOS IPC mechanism
+   - Simple pub/sub model
+   - Lightweight, no server needed
+   - Python: Use `pyobjc` (`Foundation.NSDistributedNotificationCenter`)
+   - Example: `CFNotificationCenterPostNotification()`
+
+2. **Unix Domain Sockets**
+   - Works on both macOS and Linux
+   - Requires a listener process (daemon or embedded in sync)
+   - More complex but more flexible
+   - Can send structured data (JSON messages)
+
+3. **Named Pipes (FIFO)**
+   - Simple, works on both platforms
+   - One-way communication
+   - Less suitable for bidirectional messaging
+
+4. **File-based Signaling**
+   - Write a "dirty" file that apps watch via `watchdog` or `fsevents`
+   - Simple but has latency
+   - Works cross-platform
+
+#### Linux Options
+
+1. **D-Bus**
+   - Standard Linux IPC
+   - Python: Use `dbus-python` or `pydbus`
+   - Powerful but more complex
+   - Not available on macOS by default
+
+2. **Unix Domain Sockets**
+   - Same as macOS, fully compatible
+   - Recommended for cross-platform compatibility
+
+3. **systemd Socket Activation**
+   - If running as a systemd service
+   - Clean integration with Linux init
+
+### Recommended Approach
+
+Use **Unix Domain Sockets** for cross-platform compatibility:
+
+```python
+# Socket path
+SOCKET_PATH = Path.home() / ".cache" / "luk" / "ipc.sock"
+
+# Message types
+class IPCMessage:
+    MAIL_UPDATED = "mail.updated"
+    TASKS_UPDATED = "tasks.updated"
+    CALENDAR_UPDATED = "calendar.updated"
+
+# Sync daemon sends notifications
+async def notify_mail_updated(folder: str):
+    await send_ipc_message({"type": IPCMessage.MAIL_UPDATED, "folder": folder})
+
+# Mail app listens
+async def listen_for_updates():
+    async for message in ipc_listener():
+        if message["type"] == IPCMessage.MAIL_UPDATED:
+            self.load_messages()
+```
+
+**Implementation files:**
+- `src/utils/ipc.py` - IPC client/server utilities
+- `src/cli/sync_daemon.py` - Add notification sending
+- `src/mail/app.py` - Add listener for mail updates
+- `src/tasks/app.py` - Add listener for task updates
+- `src/calendar/app.py` - Add listener for calendar updates
+
+---
+
+## Calendar App
+
+### Visual Improvements
+
+#### 1. Current Time Hour Line Styling
+**Priority:** High  
+**File:** `src/calendar/widgets/WeekGrid.py`
+
+The current time indicator hour line should have a subtle contrasting background color to make it more visible.
+
+#### 2. Cursor Hour Header Highlighting
+**Priority:** Medium  
+**File:** `src/calendar/widgets/WeekGrid.py`
+
+The hour header at cursor position should have a brighter background, similar to how the day header is highlighted when selected.
+
+---
+
+### Layout Improvements
+
+#### 3. Responsive Detail Panel
+**Priority:** Medium  
+**Files:** `src/calendar/app.py`, `src/calendar/widgets/`
+
+When the terminal is wider than X characters (e.g., 120), show a side-docked detail panel for the selected event instead of a modal/overlay.
+
+#### 4. Sidebar Mini-Calendar
+**Priority:** Medium  
+**Files:** `src/calendar/app.py`, `src/calendar/widgets/MonthCalendar.py`
+
+When the sidebar is toggled on, display a mini-calendar in the top-left corner showing:
+- Current day highlighted
+- The week(s) currently visible in the main WeekGrid pane
+- Click/navigate to jump to a specific date
+
+**Implementation:**
+- Reuse existing `MonthCalendar` widget in compact mode
+- Add reactive property to sync selected week with main pane
+- Add to sidebar composition when toggled
+
+---
+
+### Microsoft Graph Integration
+
+#### 5. Calendar Invites Sidebar
+**Priority:** Medium  
+**Files:** `src/calendar/app.py`, `src/services/microsoft_graph/calendar.py`
+
+Display a list of pending calendar invites from Microsoft Graph API in a sidebar panel:
+- List pending invites (meeting requests)
+- Show invite details (organizer, time, subject)
+- Accept/Decline/Tentative actions
+- No sync needed - fetch on-demand from API
+
+**API Endpoints:**
+- `GET /me/calendar/events?$filter=responseStatus/response eq 'notResponded'`
+- `POST /me/events/{id}/accept`
+- `POST /me/events/{id}/decline`
+- `POST /me/events/{id}/tentativelyAccept`
+
+**UI:**
+- Toggle with keybinding (e.g., `i` for invites)
+- Sidebar shows list of pending invites
+- Detail view shows full invite info
+- Action buttons/keys for response
+
+---
+
+### Search Feature
+
+#### 6. Calendar Search
+**Priority:** Medium  
+**Files:** `src/calendar/app.py`, `src/services/khal/client.py` (if khal supports search)
+
+Add search functionality if the underlying backend (khal) supports it:
+- `/` keybinding to open search input
+- Search by event title, description, location
+- Display search results in a modal or replace main view
+- Navigate to selected event
+
+**Check:** Does `khal search` command exist?
+
+---
+
+### Help System
+
+#### 7. Help Toast (Keep Current Implementation)
+**Priority:** Low  
+**File:** `src/calendar/app.py`
+
+The `?` key shows a help toast using `self.notify()`. This pattern should be implemented in other apps (Mail, Tasks, Sync) for consistency.
+
+---
+
+## Mail App
+
+### Layout Fixes
+
+#### 1. Remove Envelope Icon/Checkbox Gap
+**Priority:** High  
+**File:** `src/mail/widgets/EnvelopeListItem.py`
+
+There's a 1-character space between the envelope icon and checkbox that should be removed for tighter layout.
+
+---
+
+### Theme Improvements
+
+#### 2. Replace Hardcoded RGB Colors
+**Priority:** High  
+**File:** `src/mail/email_viewer.tcss`
+
+Multiple hardcoded RGB values should use Textual theme variables for better theming support:
+
+| Line | Current | Replacement |
+|------|---------|-------------|
+| 6 | `border: round rgb(117, 106, 129)` | `border: round $border` |
+| 46 | `background: rgb(55, 53, 57)` | `background: $surface` |
+| 52, 57 | RGB label colors | Theme variables |
+| 69 | `background: rgb(64, 62, 65)` | `background: $panel` |
+| 169, 225, 228, 272, 274 | Various RGB colors | Theme variables |
+
+---
+
+### Keybindings
+
+#### 3. Add Refresh Keybinding
+**Priority:** Medium  
+**File:** `src/mail/app.py`
+
+Add `r` keybinding to refresh/reload the message list.
+
+#### 4. Add Mark Read/Unread Action
+**Priority:** Medium  
+**Files:** `src/mail/app.py`, `src/mail/actions/` (new file)
+
+Add action to toggle read/unread status on selected message(s).
+
+---
+
+### Search Feature
+
+#### 5. Mail Search
+**Priority:** Medium  
+**Files:** `src/mail/app.py`, backend integration
+
+Add search functionality if the underlying mail backend supports it:
+- `/` keybinding to open search input
+- Search by subject, sender, body
+- Display results in message list
+- Check: Does himalaya or configured backend support search?
+
+---
+
+### UI Enhancements
+
+#### 6. Folder Message Counts
+**Priority:** Medium  
+**Files:** `src/mail/app.py`, `src/mail/widgets/`
+
+Display total message count next to each folder name (e.g., "Inbox (42)").
+
+#### 7. Sort Setting in Config/UI
+**Priority:** Low  
+**Files:** `src/mail/config.py`, `src/mail/app.py`
+
+Add configurable sort order (date, sender, subject) with UI toggle.
+
+---
+
+### Message Display
+
+#### 8. URL Compression in Markdown View
+**Priority:** Medium  
+**Files:** `src/mail/widgets/ContentContainer.py`, `src/mail/screens/LinkPanel.py`
+
+Compress long URLs in the markdown view to ~50 characters with a nerdfont icon. The `_shorten_url` algorithm in `LinkPanel.py` can be reused.
+
+**Considerations:**
+- Cache processed markdown to avoid re-processing on scroll
+- Store URL mapping for click handling
+
+#### 9. Remove Emoji from Border Title
+**Priority:** Low  
+**File:** `src/mail/widgets/ContentContainer.py` or `EnvelopeHeader.py`
+
+Remove the envelope emoji prefix before message ID in border titles.
+
+#### 10. Enhance Subject Styling
+**Priority:** Medium  
+**File:** `src/mail/widgets/EnvelopeHeader.py`
+
+- Move subject line to the top of the header
+- Make it bolder/brighter for better visual hierarchy
+
+---
+
+## Tasks App
+
+### Search Feature
+
+#### 1. Task Search
+**Priority:** Medium  
+**Files:** `src/tasks/app.py`, `src/services/dstask/client.py`
+
+Add search functionality:
+- `/` keybinding to open search input
+- Search by task summary, notes, project, tags
+- Display matching tasks
+- Check: dstask likely supports filtering which can be used for search
+
+**Implementation:**
+- Add search input widget (TextInput)
+- Filter tasks locally or via dstask command
+- Update table to show only matching tasks
+- Clear search with Escape
+
+---
+
+### Help System
+
+#### 2. Implement Help Toast
+**Priority:** Low  
+**File:** `src/tasks/app.py`
+
+Add `?` keybinding to show help toast (matching Calendar app pattern).
+**Note:** This is already implemented in the current code.
+
+---
+
+## Cross-App Improvements
+
+### 1. Consistent Help System
+Implement `?` key help toast in all apps using `self.notify()`:
+- Mail: `src/mail/app.py`
+- Tasks: `src/tasks/app.py` (already has it)
+- Sync: `src/cli/sync_dashboard.py`
+
+### 2. Consistent Navigation
+Add vim-style `j`/`k` navigation to all list views across apps.
+
+### 3. Consistent Border Styling
+Use `border: round` and `.border_title` styling consistently in all TCSS files.
+
+### 4. Consistent Search Interface
+Implement `/` keybinding for search across all apps with similar UX:
+- `/` opens search input
+- Enter executes search
+- Escape clears/closes search
+- Results displayed in main view or filtered list
+
+---
+
+## Implementation Priority
+
+### Phase 1: Critical/High Priority
+1. ~~Tasks App: Fix table display~~ (DONE)
+2. Sync: Parallelize message downloads
+3. Mail: Replace hardcoded RGB colors
+4. Mail: Remove envelope icon/checkbox gap
+5. Calendar: Current time hour line styling
+6. IPC: Implement cross-app refresh notifications
+
+### Phase 2: Medium Priority
+1. Sync: Default to TUI mode
+2. Calendar: Cursor hour header highlighting
+3. Calendar: Responsive detail panel
+4. Calendar: Sidebar mini-calendar
+5. Calendar: Calendar invites sidebar
+6. Mail: Add refresh keybinding
+7. Mail: Add mark read/unread action
+8. Mail: Folder message counts
+9. Mail: URL compression in markdown view
+10. Mail: Enhance subject styling
+11. Mail: Search feature
+12. Tasks: Search feature
+13. Calendar: Search feature
+
+### Phase 3: Low Priority
+1. Sync: UI consistency (j/k navigation, borders)
+2. Sync: Notifications toggle
+3. Calendar: Help toast (already implemented, replicate to other apps)
+4. Mail: Remove emoji from border title
+5. Mail: Sort setting in config/UI
+6. Cross-app: Consistent help, navigation, and styling
+
+---
+
+## Technical Notes
+
+### IPC Implementation Details
+
+For macOS-first with Linux compatibility:
+
+```python
+# src/utils/ipc.py
+import asyncio
+import json
+from pathlib import Path
+
+SOCKET_PATH = Path.home() / ".cache" / "luk" / "ipc.sock"
+
+class IPCServer:
+    """Server for sending notifications to listening apps."""
+    
+    async def broadcast(self, message: dict):
+        """Send message to all connected clients."""
+        pass
+
+class IPCClient:
+    """Client for receiving notifications in apps."""
+    
+    async def listen(self, callback):
+        """Listen for messages and call callback."""
+        pass
+```
+
+### Backend Search Capabilities
+
+| Backend | Search Support |
+|---------|---------------|
+| dstask | Filter by project/tag, summary search via shell |
+| himalaya | Check `himalaya search` command |
+| khal | Check `khal search` command |
+| Microsoft Graph | Full text search via `$search` parameter |
+
+---
+
+## Notes
+
+- All UI improvements should be tested with different terminal sizes
+- Theme changes should be tested with multiple Textual themes
+- Performance improvements should include before/after benchmarks
+- New keybindings should be documented in each app's help toast
+- IPC should gracefully handle missing socket (apps work standalone)
+- Search should be responsive and not block UI
+
+---
+
+## Library Updates & Python Version Review
+
+### Priority: Medium (Scheduled Review)
+
+Periodically review the latest releases of heavily-used libraries to identify:
+- Bug fixes that address issues we've encountered
+- New features that could improve the codebase
+- Deprecation warnings that need to be addressed
+- Security updates
+
+### Key Libraries to Review
+
+| Library | Current Use | Review Focus |
+|---------|-------------|--------------|
+| **Textual** | All TUI apps | New widgets, performance improvements, theming changes, CSS features |
+| **aiohttp** | Microsoft Graph API client | Async improvements, connection pooling |
+| **msal** | Microsoft authentication | Token caching, auth flow improvements |
+| **rich** | Console output (via Textual) | New formatting options |
+| **orjson** | Fast JSON parsing | Performance improvements |
+| **pyobjc** (macOS) | Notifications | API changes, compatibility |
+
+### Textual Changelog Review Checklist
+
+When reviewing Textual releases, check for:
+1. **New widgets** - Could replace custom implementations
+2. **CSS features** - New selectors, pseudo-classes, properties
+3. **Theming updates** - New theme variables, design token changes
+4. **Performance** - Rendering optimizations, memory improvements
+5. **Breaking changes** - Deprecated APIs, signature changes
+6. **Worker improvements** - Background task handling
+
+### Python Version Upgrade
+
+#### Current Status
+- Check `.python-version` and `pyproject.toml` for current Python version
+- Evaluate upgrade to Python 3.13 or 3.14 when stable
+
+#### Python 3.13 Features to Consider
+- Improved error messages
+- Type system enhancements (`typing` module improvements)
+- Performance optimizations (PEP 709 - inline comprehensions)
+
+#### Python 3.14 Considerations
+- **Status:** Currently in alpha/beta (as of Dec 2024)
+- **Expected stable release:** October 2025
+- **Recommendation:** Wait for stable release before adopting
+- **Pre-release testing:** Can test compatibility in CI/CD before adoption
+
+#### Upgrade Checklist
+1. [ ] Review Python release notes for breaking changes
+2. [ ] Check library compatibility (especially `pyobjc`, `textual`, `msal`)
+3. [ ] Update `.python-version` (mise/pyenv)
+4. [ ] Update `pyproject.toml` `requires-python` field
+5. [ ] Run full test suite
+6. [ ] Test on both macOS and Linux (if applicable)
+7. [ ] Update CI/CD Python version
+
+### Action Items
+
+1. **Quarterly Review** - Schedule quarterly reviews of library changelogs
+2. **Dependabot/Renovate** - Consider adding automated dependency update PRs
+3. **Changelog Reading** - Before updating, read changelogs for breaking changes
+4. **Test Coverage** - Ensure adequate test coverage before major updates
+
diff --git a/src/calendar/widgets/WeekGrid.py b/src/calendar/widgets/WeekGrid.py
index ad1c019..8d64512 100644
--- a/src/calendar/widgets/WeekGrid.py
+++ b/src/calendar/widgets/WeekGrid.py
@@ -373,8 +373,8 @@ class WeekGridBody(ScrollView):
 
         # Style time label - highlight current time, dim outside work hours
         if is_current_time_row:
-            secondary_color = self._get_theme_color("secondary")
-            time_style = Style(color=secondary_color, bold=True)
+            error_color = self._get_theme_color("error")
+            time_style = Style(color=error_color, bold=True)
         elif (
             row_index < self._work_day_start * rows_per_hour
             or row_index >= self._work_day_end * rows_per_hour
@@ -388,13 +388,19 @@ class WeekGridBody(ScrollView):
 
         # Event cells for each day
         for col_idx, day_col in enumerate(self._days):
-            cell_text, cell_style = self._render_event_cell(day_col, row_index, col_idx)
+            cell_text, cell_style = self._render_event_cell(
+                day_col, row_index, col_idx, is_current_time_row
+            )
             segments.append(Segment(cell_text, cell_style))
 
         return Strip(segments)
 
     def _render_event_cell(
-        self, day_col: DayColumn, row_index: int, col_idx: int
+        self,
+        day_col: DayColumn,
+        row_index: int,
+        col_idx: int,
+        is_current_time_row: bool = False,
     ) -> Tuple[str, Style]:
         """Render a single cell for a day/time slot."""
         events_at_row = day_col.grid[row_index] if row_index < len(day_col.grid) else []
@@ -404,10 +410,16 @@ class WeekGridBody(ScrollView):
 
         is_cursor = col_idx == self.cursor_col and row_index == self.cursor_row
 
+        # Get colors for current time line
+        error_color = self._get_theme_color("error") if is_current_time_row else None
+
         if not events_at_row:
             # Empty cell
             if is_cursor:
                 return ">" + " " * (day_col_width - 1), Style(reverse=True)
+            elif is_current_time_row:
+                # Current time indicator line
+                return "─" * day_col_width, Style(color=error_color, bold=True)
             else:
                 # Grid line style
                 if row_index % rows_per_hour == 0:
diff --git a/src/cli/__init__.py b/src/cli/__init__.py
index 6d8a5af..ee2f6e9 100644
--- a/src/cli/__init__.py
+++ b/src/cli/__init__.py
@@ -1,37 +1,55 @@
 # CLI module for the application
+# Uses lazy imports to speed up startup time
 
 import click
-
-from .sync import sync
-from .drive import drive
-from .email import email
-from .calendar import calendar
-from .ticktick import ticktick
-from .godspeed import godspeed
-from .gitlab_monitor import gitlab_monitor
-from .tasks import tasks
+import importlib
 
 
-@click.group()
+class LazyGroup(click.Group):
+    """A click Group that lazily loads subcommands."""
+
+    def __init__(self, *args, lazy_subcommands=None, **kwargs):
+        super().__init__(*args, **kwargs)
+        self._lazy_subcommands = lazy_subcommands or {}
+
+    def list_commands(self, ctx):
+        base = super().list_commands(ctx)
+        lazy = list(self._lazy_subcommands.keys())
+        return sorted(base + lazy)
+
+    def get_command(self, ctx, cmd_name):
+        if cmd_name in self._lazy_subcommands:
+            return self._load_command(cmd_name)
+        return super().get_command(ctx, cmd_name)
+
+    def _load_command(self, cmd_name):
+        module_path, attr_name = self._lazy_subcommands[cmd_name]
+        # Handle relative imports
+        if module_path.startswith("."):
+            module = importlib.import_module(module_path, package="src.cli")
+        else:
+            module = importlib.import_module(module_path)
+        return getattr(module, attr_name)
+
+
+# Create CLI with lazy loading - commands only imported when invoked
+@click.group(
+    cls=LazyGroup,
+    lazy_subcommands={
+        "sync": (".sync", "sync"),
+        "drive": (".drive", "drive"),
+        "email": (".email", "email"),
+        "mail": (".email", "email"),  # alias
+        "calendar": (".calendar", "calendar"),
+        "ticktick": (".ticktick", "ticktick"),
+        "tt": (".ticktick", "ticktick"),  # alias
+        "godspeed": (".godspeed", "godspeed"),
+        "gs": (".godspeed", "godspeed"),  # alias
+        "gitlab_monitor": (".gitlab_monitor", "gitlab_monitor"),
+        "glm": (".gitlab_monitor", "gitlab_monitor"),  # alias
+        "tasks": (".tasks", "tasks"),
+    },
+)
 def cli():
-    """Root command for the CLI."""
+    """LUK - Local Unix Kit for productivity."""
     pass
-
-
-cli.add_command(sync)
-cli.add_command(drive)
-cli.add_command(email)
-cli.add_command(calendar)
-cli.add_command(ticktick)
-cli.add_command(godspeed)
-cli.add_command(gitlab_monitor)
-cli.add_command(tasks)
-
-# Add 'mail' as an alias for email
-cli.add_command(email, name="mail")
-# Add 'tt' as a short alias for ticktick
-cli.add_command(ticktick, name="tt")
-# Add 'gs' as a short alias for godspeed
-cli.add_command(godspeed, name="gs")
-# Add 'glm' as a short alias for gitlab_monitor
-cli.add_command(gitlab_monitor, name="glm")
diff --git a/src/cli/sync_daemon.py b/src/cli/sync_daemon.py
index 544c791..b1bb886 100644
--- a/src/cli/sync_daemon.py
+++ b/src/cli/sync_daemon.py
@@ -14,6 +14,7 @@ from typing import Optional, Dict, Any
 
 from src.cli.sync import _sync_outlook_data, should_run_godspeed_sync, should_run_sweep
 from src.cli.sync import run_godspeed_sync, run_task_sweep, load_sync_state
+from src.utils.ipc import notify_all, notify_refresh
 
 
 class SyncDaemon:
@@ -247,6 +248,13 @@ class SyncDaemon:
                 notify=self.config.get("notify", False),
             )
             self.logger.info("Sync completed successfully")
+
+            # Notify all running TUI apps to refresh their data
+            results = await notify_all({"source": "sync_daemon"})
+            notified = [app for app, success in results.items() if success]
+            if notified:
+                self.logger.info(f"Notified apps to refresh: {', '.join(notified)}")
+
         except Exception as e:
             self.logger.error(f"Sync failed: {e}")
 
diff --git a/src/mail/app.py b/src/mail/app.py
index 6f4e26b..6b426ea 100644
--- a/src/mail/app.py
+++ b/src/mail/app.py
@@ -10,6 +10,7 @@ from .actions.delete import delete_current
 from src.services.taskwarrior import client as taskwarrior_client
 from src.services.himalaya import client as himalaya_client
 from src.utils.shared_config import get_theme_name
+from src.utils.ipc import IPCListener, IPCMessage
 from textual.containers import Container, ScrollableContainer, Vertical, Horizontal
 from textual.timer import Timer
 from textual.binding import Binding
@@ -149,7 +150,7 @@ class EmailViewerApp(App):
     async def on_mount(self) -> None:
         self.alert_timer: Timer | None = None  # Timer to throttle alerts
         self.theme = get_theme_name()
-        self.title = "MaildirGTD"
+        self.title = "LUK Mail"
         self.query_one("#main_content").border_title = self.status_title
         sort_indicator = "↑" if self.sort_order_ascending else "↓"
         self.query_one("#envelopes_list").border_title = f"1️⃣ Emails {sort_indicator}"
@@ -157,6 +158,10 @@ class EmailViewerApp(App):
 
         self.query_one("#folders_list").border_title = "3️⃣ Folders"
 
+        # Start IPC listener for refresh notifications from sync daemon
+        self._ipc_listener = IPCListener("mail", self._on_ipc_message)
+        self._ipc_listener.start()
+
         self.fetch_accounts()
         self.fetch_folders()
         worker = self.fetch_envelopes()
@@ -164,6 +169,12 @@ class EmailViewerApp(App):
         self.query_one("#envelopes_list").focus()
         self.action_oldest()
 
+    def _on_ipc_message(self, message: IPCMessage) -> None:
+        """Handle IPC messages from sync daemon."""
+        if message.event == "refresh":
+            # Schedule a reload on the main thread
+            self.call_from_thread(self.fetch_envelopes)
+
     def compute_status_title(self):
         metadata = self.message_store.get_metadata(self.current_message_id)
         message_date = metadata["date"] if metadata else "N/A"
@@ -820,6 +831,9 @@ class EmailViewerApp(App):
         self.query_one("#envelopes_list").focus()
 
     def action_quit(self) -> None:
+        # Stop IPC listener before exiting
+        if hasattr(self, "_ipc_listener"):
+            self._ipc_listener.stop()
         self.exit()
 
     def action_toggle_selection(self) -> None:
diff --git a/src/mail/email_viewer.tcss b/src/mail/email_viewer.tcss
index a6b58f8..a735d2a 100644
--- a/src/mail/email_viewer.tcss
+++ b/src/mail/email_viewer.tcss
@@ -3,7 +3,7 @@
 
 #main_content, .list_view {
   scrollbar-size: 1 1;
-  border: round rgb(117, 106, 129);
+  border: round $border;
   height: 1fr;
 }
 
@@ -43,18 +43,18 @@
 
 #main_content:focus, .list_view:focus {
   border: round $secondary;
-  background: rgb(55, 53, 57);
+  background: $surface;
   border-title-style: bold;
 }
 
 Label#task_prompt {
   padding: 1;
-  color: rgb(128,128,128);
+  color: $text-muted;
 }
 
 Label#task_prompt_label {
   padding: 1;
-  color: rgb(255, 216, 102);
+  color: $warning;
 }
 
 Label#message_label {
@@ -66,7 +66,7 @@ StatusTitle {
   width: 100%;
   height: 1;
   color: $text;
-  background: rgb(64, 62, 65);
+  background: $panel;
   content-align: center middle;
 }
 
@@ -113,8 +113,8 @@ EnvelopeListItem .envelope-row-3 {
 }
 
 EnvelopeListItem .status-icon {
-  width: 3;
-  padding: 0 1 0 0;
+  width: 2;
+  padding: 0;
   color: $text-muted;
 }
 
@@ -124,7 +124,7 @@ EnvelopeListItem .status-icon.unread {
 
 EnvelopeListItem .checkbox {
   width: 2;
-  padding: 0 1 0 0;
+  padding: 0;
 }
 
 EnvelopeListItem .sender-name {
@@ -166,11 +166,11 @@ EnvelopeListItem.selected {
 GroupHeader {
   height: 1;
   width: 1fr;
-  background: rgb(64, 62, 65);
+  background: $panel;
 }
 
 GroupHeader .group-header-label {
-  color: rgb(160, 160, 160);
+  color: $text-muted;
   text-style: bold;
   padding: 0 1;
   width: 1fr;
@@ -222,10 +222,10 @@ GroupHeader .group-header-label {
  
 #envelopes_list {
   ListItem:odd {
-    background: rgb(45, 45, 46);
+    background: $surface;
   }
   ListItem:even {
-    background: rgb(50, 50, 56);
+    background: $surface-darken-1;
   }
   
   & > ListItem {
@@ -269,9 +269,9 @@ GroupHeader .group-header-label {
 }
 
 Label.group_header {
-  color: rgb(140, 140, 140);
+  color: $text-muted;
   text-style: bold;
-  background: rgb(64, 62, 65);
+  background: $panel;
   width: 100%;
   padding: 0 1;
 }
@@ -300,6 +300,3 @@ ContentContainer {
   width: 100%;
   height: 1fr;
 }
-.checkbox {
-  padding-right: 1;
-}
diff --git a/src/mail/widgets/EnvelopeListItem.py b/src/mail/widgets/EnvelopeListItem.py
index 8ecb0ba..d10591a 100644
--- a/src/mail/widgets/EnvelopeListItem.py
+++ b/src/mail/widgets/EnvelopeListItem.py
@@ -44,12 +44,17 @@ class EnvelopeListItem(Static):
 
     EnvelopeListItem .status-icon {
         width: 2;
-        padding: 0 1 0 0;
+        padding: 0;
     }
 
     EnvelopeListItem .checkbox {
         width: 2;
-        padding: 0 1 0 0;
+        padding: 0;
+    }
+
+    EnvelopeListItem .checkbox {
+        width: 2;
+        padding: 0;
     }
 
     EnvelopeListItem .sender-name {
diff --git a/src/services/microsoft_graph/client.py b/src/services/microsoft_graph/client.py
index f86436c..ee0f361 100644
--- a/src/services/microsoft_graph/client.py
+++ b/src/services/microsoft_graph/client.py
@@ -13,8 +13,8 @@ logging.getLogger("aiohttp.access").setLevel(logging.ERROR)
 logging.getLogger("urllib3").setLevel(logging.ERROR)
 logging.getLogger("asyncio").setLevel(logging.ERROR)
 
-# Define a global semaphore for throttling - reduced for better compliance
-semaphore = asyncio.Semaphore(2)
+# Define a global semaphore for throttling - increased for better parallelization
+semaphore = asyncio.Semaphore(5)
 
 
 async def _handle_throttling_retry(func, *args, max_retries=3):
diff --git a/src/services/microsoft_graph/mail.py b/src/services/microsoft_graph/mail.py
index c283a39..deeeddb 100644
--- a/src/services/microsoft_graph/mail.py
+++ b/src/services/microsoft_graph/mail.py
@@ -110,26 +110,47 @@ async def fetch_mail_async(
     progress.update(task_id, total=len(messages_to_download), completed=0)
     downloaded_count = 0
 
-    for message in messages_to_download:
+    # Download messages in parallel batches for better performance
+    BATCH_SIZE = 5
+
+    for i in range(0, len(messages_to_download), BATCH_SIZE):
         # Check if task was cancelled/disabled
         if is_cancelled and is_cancelled():
             progress.console.print("Task cancelled, stopping inbox fetch")
             break
 
-        progress.console.print(
-            f"Processing message: {message.get('subject', 'No Subject')}", end="\r"
-        )
-        await save_mime_to_maildir_async(
-            maildir_path,
-            message,
-            attachments_dir,
-            headers,
-            progress,
-            dry_run,
-            download_attachments,
-        )
-        progress.update(task_id, advance=1)
-        downloaded_count += 1
+        batch = messages_to_download[i : i + BATCH_SIZE]
+
+        # Create tasks for parallel download
+        async def download_message(message):
+            progress.console.print(
+                f"Processing message: {message.get('subject', 'No Subject')[:50]}",
+                end="\r",
+            )
+            await save_mime_to_maildir_async(
+                maildir_path,
+                message,
+                attachments_dir,
+                headers,
+                progress,
+                dry_run,
+                download_attachments,
+            )
+            return 1
+
+        # Execute batch in parallel
+        tasks = [download_message(msg) for msg in batch]
+        results = await asyncio.gather(*tasks, return_exceptions=True)
+
+        # Count successful downloads
+        batch_success = sum(1 for r in results if r == 1)
+        downloaded_count += batch_success
+        progress.update(task_id, advance=len(batch))
+
+        # Log any errors
+        for idx, result in enumerate(results):
+            if isinstance(result, Exception):
+                progress.console.print(f"Error downloading message: {result}")
 
     progress.update(task_id, completed=downloaded_count)
     progress.console.print(f"\nFinished downloading {downloaded_count} new messages.")
@@ -461,37 +482,57 @@ async def fetch_archive_mail_async(
     # Update progress to reflect only the messages we actually need to download
     progress.update(task_id, total=len(messages_to_download), completed=0)
 
-    # Load sync state once, we'll update it incrementally
+    # Load sync state once, we'll update it after each batch for resilience
     synced_ids = _load_archive_sync_state(maildir_path) if not dry_run else set()
     downloaded_count = 0
 
-    for message in messages_to_download:
+    # Download messages in parallel batches for better performance
+    BATCH_SIZE = 5
+
+    for i in range(0, len(messages_to_download), BATCH_SIZE):
         # Check if task was cancelled/disabled
         if is_cancelled and is_cancelled():
             progress.console.print("Task cancelled, stopping archive fetch")
             break
 
-        progress.console.print(
-            f"Processing archived message: {message.get('subject', 'No Subject')[:50]}",
-            end="\r",
-        )
-        # Save to .Archive folder instead of main maildir
-        await save_mime_to_maildir_async(
-            archive_dir,  # Use archive_dir instead of maildir_path
-            message,
-            attachments_dir,
-            headers,
-            progress,
-            dry_run,
-            download_attachments,
-        )
-        progress.update(task_id, advance=1)
-        downloaded_count += 1
+        batch = messages_to_download[i : i + BATCH_SIZE]
+        batch_msg_ids = []
 
-        # Update sync state after each message for resilience
-        # This ensures we don't try to re-upload this message in archive_mail_async
-        if not dry_run:
-            synced_ids.add(message["id"])
+        # Create tasks for parallel download
+        async def download_message(message):
+            progress.console.print(
+                f"Processing archived message: {message.get('subject', 'No Subject')[:50]}",
+                end="\r",
+            )
+            # Save to .Archive folder instead of main maildir
+            await save_mime_to_maildir_async(
+                archive_dir,  # Use archive_dir instead of maildir_path
+                message,
+                attachments_dir,
+                headers,
+                progress,
+                dry_run,
+                download_attachments,
+            )
+            return message["id"]
+
+        # Execute batch in parallel
+        tasks = [download_message(msg) for msg in batch]
+        results = await asyncio.gather(*tasks, return_exceptions=True)
+
+        # Process results and collect successful message IDs
+        for result in results:
+            if isinstance(result, Exception):
+                progress.console.print(f"Error downloading archived message: {result}")
+            elif result:
+                batch_msg_ids.append(result)
+                downloaded_count += 1
+
+        progress.update(task_id, advance=len(batch))
+
+        # Update sync state after each batch (not each message) for resilience + performance
+        if not dry_run and batch_msg_ids:
+            synced_ids.update(batch_msg_ids)
             _save_archive_sync_state(maildir_path, synced_ids)
 
     progress.update(task_id, completed=downloaded_count)
diff --git a/src/tasks/app.py b/src/tasks/app.py
index b996f39..99692be 100644
--- a/src/tasks/app.py
+++ b/src/tasks/app.py
@@ -46,24 +46,20 @@ class TasksApp(App):
 
     CSS = """
     Screen {
-        layout: grid;
-        grid-size: 2;
-        grid-columns: auto 1fr;
-        grid-rows: auto 1fr auto auto;
+        layout: horizontal;
     }
 
     Header {
-        column-span: 2;
+        dock: top;
     }
 
     Footer {
-        column-span: 2;
+        dock: bottom;
     }
 
     #sidebar {
         width: 28;
         height: 100%;
-        row-span: 1;
     }
 
     #sidebar.hidden {
@@ -116,7 +112,6 @@ class TasksApp(App):
         background: $surface;
         color: $text-muted;
         padding: 0 1;
-        column-span: 2;
     }
 
     #detail-pane {
@@ -124,7 +119,6 @@ class TasksApp(App):
         height: 50%;
         border-top: solid $primary;
         background: $surface;
-        column-span: 2;
     }
 
     #detail-pane.hidden {
@@ -154,7 +148,6 @@ class TasksApp(App):
         border-top: solid $primary;
         padding: 1;
         background: $surface;
-        column-span: 2;
     }
 
     #notes-pane.hidden {
diff --git a/src/utils/ipc.py b/src/utils/ipc.py
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..61251eb
--- /dev/null
+++ b/src/utils/ipc.py
@@ -0,0 +1,318 @@
+"""Inter-Process Communication using Unix Domain Sockets.
+
+This module provides a simple pub/sub mechanism for cross-app notifications.
+The sync daemon can broadcast messages when data changes, and TUI apps can
+listen for these messages to refresh their displays.
+
+Usage:
+    # In sync daemon (publisher):
+    from src.utils.ipc import notify_refresh
+    await notify_refresh("mail")  # Notify mail app to refresh
+    await notify_refresh("calendar")  # Notify calendar app to refresh
+    await notify_refresh("tasks")  # Notify tasks app to refresh
+
+    # In TUI apps (subscriber):
+    from src.utils.ipc import IPCListener
+
+    class MyApp(App):
+        def on_mount(self):
+            self.ipc_listener = IPCListener("mail", self.on_refresh)
+            self.ipc_listener.start()
+
+        def on_unmount(self):
+            self.ipc_listener.stop()
+
+        async def on_refresh(self, message):
+            # Refresh the app's data
+            await self.refresh_data()
+"""
+
+import asyncio
+import json
+import os
+import socket
+import threading
+from pathlib import Path
+from typing import Callable, Optional, Any, Dict
+
+# Socket paths for each app type
+SOCKET_DIR = Path("~/.local/share/luk/ipc").expanduser()
+SOCKET_PATHS = {
+    "mail": SOCKET_DIR / "mail.sock",
+    "calendar": SOCKET_DIR / "calendar.sock",
+    "tasks": SOCKET_DIR / "tasks.sock",
+}
+
+
+def ensure_socket_dir():
+    """Ensure the socket directory exists."""
+    SOCKET_DIR.mkdir(parents=True, exist_ok=True)
+
+
+def get_socket_path(app_type: str) -> Path:
+    """Get the socket path for a given app type."""
+    if app_type not in SOCKET_PATHS:
+        raise ValueError(
+            f"Unknown app type: {app_type}. Must be one of: {list(SOCKET_PATHS.keys())}"
+        )
+    return SOCKET_PATHS[app_type]
+
+
+class IPCMessage:
+    """A message sent via IPC."""
+
+    def __init__(self, event: str, data: Optional[Dict[str, Any]] = None):
+        self.event = event
+        self.data = data or {}
+
+    def to_json(self) -> str:
+        return json.dumps({"event": self.event, "data": self.data})
+
+    @classmethod
+    def from_json(cls, json_str: str) -> "IPCMessage":
+        parsed = json.loads(json_str)
+        return cls(event=parsed["event"], data=parsed.get("data", {}))
+
+
+async def notify_refresh(app_type: str, data: Optional[Dict[str, Any]] = None) -> bool:
+    """Send a refresh notification to a specific app.
+
+    Args:
+        app_type: The type of app to notify ("mail", "calendar", "tasks")
+        data: Optional data to include with the notification
+
+    Returns:
+        True if the notification was sent successfully, False otherwise
+    """
+    socket_path = get_socket_path(app_type)
+
+    if not socket_path.exists():
+        # No listener, that's okay
+        return False
+
+    try:
+        message = IPCMessage("refresh", data)
+
+        # Connect to the socket and send the message
+        reader, writer = await asyncio.open_unix_connection(str(socket_path))
+
+        writer.write((message.to_json() + "\n").encode())
+        await writer.drain()
+
+        writer.close()
+        await writer.wait_closed()
+
+        return True
+    except (ConnectionRefusedError, FileNotFoundError, OSError):
+        # Socket exists but no one is listening, or other error
+        return False
+    except Exception:
+        return False
+
+
+async def notify_all(data: Optional[Dict[str, Any]] = None) -> Dict[str, bool]:
+    """Send a refresh notification to all apps.
+
+    Args:
+        data: Optional data to include with the notification
+
+    Returns:
+        Dictionary of app_type -> success status
+    """
+    results = {}
+    for app_type in SOCKET_PATHS:
+        results[app_type] = await notify_refresh(app_type, data)
+    return results
+
+
+class IPCListener:
+    """Listens for IPC messages on a Unix socket.
+
+    Usage:
+        listener = IPCListener("mail", on_message_callback)
+        listener.start()
+        # ... later ...
+        listener.stop()
+    """
+
+    def __init__(
+        self,
+        app_type: str,
+        callback: Callable[[IPCMessage], Any],
+    ):
+        """Initialize the IPC listener.
+
+        Args:
+            app_type: The type of app ("mail", "calendar", "tasks")
+            callback: Function to call when a message is received.
+                     Can be sync or async.
+        """
+        self.app_type = app_type
+        self.callback = callback
+        self.socket_path = get_socket_path(app_type)
+        self._server: Optional[asyncio.AbstractServer] = None
+        self._running = False
+        self._loop: Optional[asyncio.AbstractEventLoop] = None
+        self._thread: Optional[threading.Thread] = None
+
+    async def _handle_client(
+        self, reader: asyncio.StreamReader, writer: asyncio.StreamWriter
+    ):
+        """Handle an incoming client connection."""
+        try:
+            data = await reader.readline()
+            if data:
+                message_str = data.decode().strip()
+                if message_str:
+                    message = IPCMessage.from_json(message_str)
+
+                    # Call the callback (handle both sync and async)
+                    result = self.callback(message)
+                    if asyncio.iscoroutine(result):
+                        await result
+        except Exception:
+            pass  # Ignore errors from malformed messages
+        finally:
+            writer.close()
+            try:
+                await writer.wait_closed()
+            except Exception:
+                pass
+
+    async def _run_server(self):
+        """Run the Unix socket server."""
+        ensure_socket_dir()
+
+        # Remove stale socket file if it exists
+        if self.socket_path.exists():
+            self.socket_path.unlink()
+
+        self._server = await asyncio.start_unix_server(
+            self._handle_client, path=str(self.socket_path)
+        )
+
+        # Set socket permissions (readable/writable by owner only)
+        os.chmod(self.socket_path, 0o600)
+
+        async with self._server:
+            await self._server.serve_forever()
+
+    def _run_in_thread(self):
+        """Run the event loop in a separate thread."""
+        self._loop = asyncio.new_event_loop()
+        asyncio.set_event_loop(self._loop)
+        try:
+            self._loop.run_until_complete(self._run_server())
+        except asyncio.CancelledError:
+            pass
+        finally:
+            self._loop.close()
+
+    def start(self):
+        """Start listening for IPC messages in a background thread."""
+        if self._running:
+            return
+
+        self._running = True
+        self._thread = threading.Thread(target=self._run_in_thread, daemon=True)
+        self._thread.start()
+
+    def stop(self):
+        """Stop listening for IPC messages."""
+        if not self._running:
+            return
+
+        self._running = False
+
+        # Cancel the server
+        if self._server and self._loop:
+            self._loop.call_soon_threadsafe(self._server.close)
+
+        # Stop the event loop
+        if self._loop:
+            self._loop.call_soon_threadsafe(self._loop.stop)
+
+        # Wait for thread to finish
+        if self._thread:
+            self._thread.join(timeout=1.0)
+
+        # Clean up socket file
+        if self.socket_path.exists():
+            try:
+                self.socket_path.unlink()
+            except Exception:
+                pass
+
+
+class AsyncIPCListener:
+    """Async version of IPCListener for use within an existing event loop.
+
+    Usage in a Textual app:
+        class MyApp(App):
+            async def on_mount(self):
+                self.ipc_listener = AsyncIPCListener("mail", self.on_refresh)
+                await self.ipc_listener.start()
+
+            async def on_unmount(self):
+                await self.ipc_listener.stop()
+
+            async def on_refresh(self, message):
+                self.refresh_data()
+    """
+
+    def __init__(
+        self,
+        app_type: str,
+        callback: Callable[[IPCMessage], Any],
+    ):
+        self.app_type = app_type
+        self.callback = callback
+        self.socket_path = get_socket_path(app_type)
+        self._server: Optional[asyncio.AbstractServer] = None
+
+    async def _handle_client(
+        self, reader: asyncio.StreamReader, writer: asyncio.StreamWriter
+    ):
+        """Handle an incoming client connection."""
+        try:
+            data = await reader.readline()
+            if data:
+                message_str = data.decode().strip()
+                if message_str:
+                    message = IPCMessage.from_json(message_str)
+
+                    result = self.callback(message)
+                    if asyncio.iscoroutine(result):
+                        await result
+        except Exception:
+            pass
+        finally:
+            writer.close()
+            try:
+                await writer.wait_closed()
+            except Exception:
+                pass
+
+    async def start(self):
+        """Start the Unix socket server."""
+        ensure_socket_dir()
+
+        if self.socket_path.exists():
+            self.socket_path.unlink()
+
+        self._server = await asyncio.start_unix_server(
+            self._handle_client, path=str(self.socket_path)
+        )
+        os.chmod(self.socket_path, 0o600)
+
+    async def stop(self):
+        """Stop the server and clean up."""
+        if self._server:
+            self._server.close()
+            await self._server.wait_closed()
+
+        if self.socket_path.exists():
+            try:
+                self.socket_path.unlink()
+            except Exception:
+                pass