Stoic Times

March 21, 2026 | Informed, Not Afraid

We suffer more in imagination than in reality.

Seneca
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Recent Headlines

politics

Pregnant in ICE Detention: Handcuffs and Pleas for Medical Care

Pregnant Women in Immigration Detention Face Medical Neglect. The System Works As Designed.

What Happened

The New York Times reports on pregnant women in Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) detention facilities experiencing inadequate medical care, including being shackled during medical procedures and having their requests for care denied or delayed.

What's In Your Control

Whether you contact elected representatives about detention standards. Whether you support organizations providing legal aid to detained immigrants. Whether you vote for officials who prioritize hu...

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world via NPR, NY Times

Israel launches more strikes on Tehran as Iran continues attacks on Gulf oil facilities

Israel and Iran Exchange Strikes. Two Ancient Enemies Continue Their Modern Dance.

What Happened

Israel conducted additional military strikes on targets in Tehran while Iran simultaneously attacked oil infrastructure in Gulf facilities. This represents an escalation in the ongoing conflict between the two nations with potential impacts on regional oil supply.

What's In Your Control

Whether you panic-buy gasoline (you shouldn't - strategic reserves exist for this). Checking if your investments are overexposed to oil/Middle East markets. Whether you refresh news feeds hourly (t...

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world

From mall to torture site: Venezuela debates El Helicoide prison's future

Venezuela Considers Future of Notorious Prison. Debate Continues While Inmates Remain.

What Happened

Venezuela is publicly debating what to do with El Helicoide, a prison facility that was originally built as a shopping mall but became known as a site where political prisoners were tortured. The discussion involves the building's future use and purpose.

What's In Your Control

Whether you stay informed about human rights situations globally. Supporting organizations that document abuses (Human Rights Watch, Amnesty International). Writing to representatives about foreign...

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economy

Record Number of Student Loan Borrowers Are in Delinquency and Default

Student Loan Defaults Rise to Record Levels. Debt Remains Debt.

What Happened

Student loan delinquency and default rates have reached record highs, with millions of borrowers unable to make payments on their educational debt. The exact numbers and timeline weren't specified in the headline, but this represents a significant increase from previous years.

What's In Your Control

If you have student loans: review your payment options, consider income-driven repayment plans, contact your servicer before missing payments. If you're planning education: research costs, consider...

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world

As Pakistan and Afghanistan declare truce, civilians in Kabul count the cost of war

Pakistan and Afghanistan Agree to Temporary Cease-Fire. Wars Pause Sometimes.

What Happened

Pakistan and Afghanistan have declared a truce following recent border clashes. Civilians in Kabul are assessing damage and casualties from the conflict. The agreement appears to be a temporary cessation of hostilities between the neighboring countries.

What's In Your Control

Whether you donate to humanitarian organizations working in the region. Whether you stay informed about the region's longer-term stability. Whether you pressure your representatives about foreign a...

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politics

In Swaths of Germany, the Far-Right AfD Is Part of the Fabric

Far-Right Party Gains Ground in Eastern Germany. Democracy Adapts or It Doesn't.

What Happened

The Alternative for Germany (AfD), a far-right political party, has become deeply embedded in the social and political fabric of several regions in eastern Germany, particularly in areas where they hold significant electoral support and local influence.

What's In Your Control

Whether you vote in German elections (if you're German). How you discuss political extremism with others. Supporting democratic institutions in your own country. Learning about how democracies have...

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politics

Trump temporarily waives the Jones Act to try to lower gas prices

Trump Waives Shipping Law Temporarily. Gas Prices Remain Subject to Global Forces.

What Happened

President Trump temporarily waived the Jones Act, a 1920 law requiring domestic shipping between U.S. ports to use American-flagged vessels with American crews. The waiver is intended to allow foreign ships to transport fuel more cheaply and help reduce gasoline prices.

What's In Your Control

Whether you adjust your driving habits based on current prices rather than hoping for policy fixes. Whether you track actual price changes at your local station over the coming weeks rather than as...

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world

The Faroe Islands Are Changing Some of Europe’s Strictest Abortion Rules

Faroe Islands Ease Abortion Laws. Small Island, Large Principle at Stake.

What Happened

The Faroe Islands, a Danish territory with 53,000 residents, is relaxing some of Europe's most restrictive abortion laws. Previously, abortions required approval from a medical committee and were severely limited. The new rules expand access, though specific details of the changes are not specifi...

What's In Your Control

Whether you follow developments in reproductive rights legislation. How you engage with debates about bodily autonomy in your own community. Supporting organizations that align with your values on ...

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technology

Turing Award Goes to Inventors of Quantum Cryptography

Scientists Win Computing's Top Prize for Quantum Work. Progress Moves in Quiet Steps.

What Happened

The Turing Award, often called the "Nobel Prize of computing," was awarded to researchers who developed quantum cryptography methods. This technology enables theoretically unbreakable communication by using quantum physics principles to detect any attempt at eavesdropping.

What's In Your Control

Whether you learn more about quantum computing if it interests you. Whether you recognize that most technological progress happens through decades of quiet work by people you'll never hear about. Y...

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world

Israel Intensifies Strikes on Beirut, Escalating Its Campaign Against Hezbollah

Israel Strikes Beirut Again. Middle East Wars Expand As They Always Do.

What Happened

Israel has increased airstrikes on Beirut as part of its ongoing military campaign against Hezbollah. The strikes represent an escalation in the conflict that has been building between the two forces.

What's In Your Control

Whether you consume hourly updates that change nothing about the situation. Whether you donate to humanitarian organizations helping civilians. Avoiding speculation about outcomes beyond anyone's a...

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