Much appreciated! Worked like a charm — I created a new php file in mu-plugin directory and added the code. Thanks for your great support in solving this issue!
Sadly yes — looks like I am off to option three.
Peaking at others “Newspaper” sites, others have found a way to disable the theme related <title> tag – at least it isn’t where it is expected in the HTML. So that will be my next option. If I come up with a repeatable workaround, I’ll be sure to pass it along.
Can’t wait – much appreciated! Thanks and keep up the great work.