THE STOIC TIMES

January 20, 2026 | Informed, Not Afraid

"We suffer more in imagination than in reality."

- Seneca

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The same news everyone reads, reframed through a Stoic lens. Facts without fear. Context without chaos.

Recent Headlines

world

Russia is 'going backwards' in equipment and deploying post WWII-era tanks, according to Western officials

Russia Using Older Military Equipment in Ukraine. Wars Change. This One Continues.

What Happened

Western intelligence officials report that Russia is deploying tanks and equipment from the post-WWII era in Ukraine, suggesting potential strain on their modern military inventory. This represents a shift from the more advanced equipment used earlier in the conflict.

What's In Your Control

• How you consume war coverage (limit doom-scrolling)
• Whether you support humanitarian aid organizations helping civilians
• Your own preparedness for economic disruption (food prices, energy cos...

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sports

Watchdog investigates force over Israeli fan ban

Police Watchdog Reviews Fan Ban Decision. Here's What Actually Happened.

What Happened

A police watchdog is investigating a decision by law enforcement to ban Israeli football fans from attending a match. The investigation appears to focus on whether the ban was appropriate or potentially discriminatory. The specific details of the original incident that led to the ban and the scop...

What's In Your Control

• Whether you choose to follow sports-related news that genuinely affects your life
• How you treat people of different backgrounds in your own community
• Your response to inflammatory headlines d...

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culture

Italian fashion designer Valentino dies aged 93

Valentino Garavani, Fashion Icon, Dies at 93. A Life Well-Lived Comes to Its Natural End.

What Happened

Valentino Garavani, the renowned Italian fashion designer who founded the Valentino fashion house, has died at age 93. He was known for his elegant designs and signature red dresses worn by celebrities and royalty over his decades-long career.

What's In Your Control

- How you honor the creative work and beauty he brought into the world
- Whether you reflect on what legacy you want to leave in your own field
- Your appreciation for craftsmanship and artistry in...

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sports

Under-pressure Frank 'feeling trust' of Spurs board

Spurs Manager Says He Has Board's Support. Sports Drama Continues as Expected.

What Happened

Tottenham Hotspur manager Ange Postecoglou (referred to as "Frank" in what appears to be an error in the original headline) stated he feels he has the trust and support of the club's board amid speculation about his job security. This comes during a period of scrutiny over the team's recent perfo...

What's In Your Control

• Whether you choose to emotionally invest in coaching carousel drama
• How much time you spend reading speculation about job security
• Whether you support your team regardless of who manages them...

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markets

Gold and silver prices hit high after tariff threat

Gold Hit a New High Today. This Is What Precious Metals Do During Uncertainty.

What Happened

Gold and silver prices reached new highs following announcements or threats of new tariffs. Investors moved money into precious metals as a hedge against potential economic uncertainty and inflation concerns.

What's In Your Control

• Whether you panic-buy gold based on headlines (probably not wise)
• Whether you check commodity prices obsessively (you shouldn't)
• Your own financial diversification strategy, developed calmly ...

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politics

Chris Mason: Starmer sticks to his strategy and picks his words carefully

A Political Leader Chooses His Words. This Is What Political Leaders Do.

What Happened

BBC's Chris Mason reported that UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer is maintaining his current political strategy and speaking cautiously in public statements. This appears to be commentary on Starmer's communication approach rather than reporting on a specific policy announcement or event.

What's In Your Control

• Whether you focus on politicians' communication styles or their actual policies
• How much time you spend reading political commentary versus policy details
• Your own communication choices in im...

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world

What we know about Spain's worst rail disaster in over a decade

Train Derailment in Spain Kills Multiple People. Here's What Happened and What It Means for You.

What Happened

A passenger train derailed in Spain, resulting in multiple fatalities and injuries in what authorities are calling the country's worst rail disaster in over a decade. Emergency services responded to the scene and investigations into the cause are underway.

What's In Your Control

• How you treat fellow travelers and transportation workers with kindness today
• Your own travel safety practices (wearing seatbelts, following safety instructions)
• Whether you check on friends ...

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sports

Man City sign Guehi from Palace - what will he bring?

Manchester City Signed a Defender. This Is What Soccer Teams Do.

What Happened

Manchester City completed the transfer of defender Marc Guehi from Crystal Palace. The BBC is analyzing what impact this signing might have on the team's performance.

What's In Your Control

• Whether you enjoy watching the games regardless of transfer drama
• How much mental energy you spend analyzing roster moves
• Whether you let sports outcomes affect your mood or day
• Your choice...

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world

Lawyers for Swiss bar owners condemn 'vindictiveness' after deadly fire

Fire at Swiss Bar Kills People. Legal Proceedings Follow. Here's What Actually Happened.

What Happened

A deadly fire occurred at a bar in Switzerland, resulting in fatalities. Legal proceedings are now underway, with lawyers for the bar owners criticizing what they characterize as vindictive prosecution. The exact number of casualties and specific circumstances of the fire are not detailed in this...

What's In Your Control

• How you ensure fire safety in your own home and workplace
• Whether you check for exit routes when entering public venues
• Supporting fire safety advocacy in your community
• Choosing to frequen...

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sports

Is a Panenka ever the right choice for a penalty?

A Soccer Player's Strategic Choice. Here's What It Teaches Us About Risk.

What Happened

BBC published an analysis piece examining the Panenka penalty technique in soccer - a risky shot where players chip the ball softly down the middle, betting the goalkeeper will dive to one side. The article explores when this high-risk, high-reward strategy might be tactically justified.

What's In Your Control

• How much you let sports outcomes affect your mood
• Whether you judge athletes harshly for tactical decisions that don't work out
• Your own approach to calculated risks in your daily life
• Whet...

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