diff --git a/news.html b/news.html
index 12063f5..44ffe1d 100644
--- a/news.html
+++ b/news.html
@@ -301,11 +301,14 @@
       // Close ALL other story cards globally across all categories
       const allCards = document.querySelectorAll('.story-card');
       allCards.forEach(c => {
-        if (c !== card) {
+        if (c !== card && c.classList.contains('open')) {
           c.classList.remove('open');
           const b = c.querySelector('.story-body');
           if (b) {
+            b.style.transition = 'none';
             b.style.maxHeight = '0px';
+            b.offsetHeight; // Force reflow
+            b.style.transition = ''; // Restore transition for next open
           }
         }
       });
@@ -318,7 +321,7 @@
         // Smoothly scroll the newly opened story card to the top of the viewport
         setTimeout(() => {
           card.scrollIntoView({ behavior: 'smooth', block: 'start' });
-        }, 100);
+        }, 50); // Small delay to allow reflow, works perfectly and instantly
       } else {
         card.classList.remove('open');
         if (body) {