In France, new laws and edicts are set to go into effect, and — get this — the media is actually informing the public about them. Shocking, right? I love that outlets like Brut are doing this and how they do it, covering everything from the price of baguettes increasing (or not!), to potential electric bill hikes, and even important tax information. It’s stuff everyone cares about, as it impacts daily life, some more profoundly than others. This kind of transparency is what we need more of. Public debate and disclosure.
So, here’s the deal: to that end I’m going to cover some key news, including globally, each month as a baseline. Things we should all know about — whether it’s for taking action locally, supporting those in need globally, or just staying informed about looming fuquery. The level of political fuquery is high, and so too must be our awareness and response.
This update will focus on the past month’s biggest stories, highlight ongoing struggles, and preview what’s coming next. Syria finally gaining freedom from Assad’s regime is some of the best news, though we have to be part of the rebuild so it can go better for the people than in other places. Don’t forget about about how South Koreans showed us how to stand up to government corruption, and the courageous women in Iran defying the regime. And ICYIMI, there’s the recent German network of 70,000 men sharing disturbing content about drugging and rping wives so yeah, Gisèle’s bravery showed us a world we don’t want but that clearly persists. #muchworktodo
As for the U.S., anything major coming up in the next month? Nah? Ok, cool, moving on lol.
Where The Eye News is Different: The Intersection with The Diamond is You
I saw in several places some important findings “Justice on an Empty Stomach.” If someone went in front of a judge after lunch they had a 60% of parole, four hours later it was down to 0%. Stanford Professor Robert Sapolsky gave a brilliant, important talk on this, noting that if you asked the judges why they did what they did they wouldn’t say my glucose levels. They are also not likely to admit it was a factor. We have to start talking about all the factors that make us do things, especially the one that dont fit into patriarchal approved boxes. We have to open up to biases, including physical, spiritual and metaphysical motivations behind our actions. Like the tides affect our bodies, so much goes into our actions, and its past time we look into it so we can get a more just society. Pretending it doesn’t is insanity.
Our actions affect others so seriously and we can no longer pretend these less easily quantifiable measures don’t matter. They do.
This post and series was actually inspired by a story I covered years ago that seems more relevant now than ever, the murder of a Bulgarian journalist. We can’t forget about those brave souls that were silenced as they sounded alarms. We have to listen to them still.
As of January 1, 2025: Key World Events
- Bulgaria and Romania Still Not in Schengen Area
As of January 1, 2025, Bulgaria and Romania is part of the Schengen Area in Europe. This means there are no border checks when traveling between these countries and the rest of Europe. While borders are arbitrary as we note around here, they have an effect. Being borderless with European nations can benefit travelers and businesses alike, but with so much power and money and influence at stake, it’s also a selection that deserves attention. In 2018, Viktoria Marinova, a Bulgarian TV host, was brutally raped murdered after exposing corruption in the Bulgarian government, and vowing to keep on doing it. I wrote about it here. Her vicious murder highlights the dangerous realities faced by those bravely fighting to expose the truth. After her shows first episode, with journalists highlighting corruption by Bulgarian leaders and systems, she vowed to be back next week. She was attacked as she went for a morning run days later. Strangely enough, her attacker was quickly found, although a country away, and with another sexual assault on his record. That’s quite amazing, right?! Authorities really did a quick job of that, wonder why? Sadly, her work was not continued after her death. Several years later this happened. Viktoria’s work is too important to let slip into obscurity, as are the people she was working to help, and we must continue supporting the fight for accountability and anti-corruption efforts by leaders in Bulgaria. It is of course good for the people to be more connected, but what else is going on? - Italy’s Smoking Ban in Milan
Milan, Italy has announced a total smoking ban on the streets — no smoking in public areas, terraces, or any outdoor spaces. This is a progressive step toward cleaner air and healthier public spaces. Milan is setting an example of how cities can create more comfortable and safe environments for all. As I studied abroad here lol, I am shocked and love it. Forza Italia! - Afghanistan: Women Constrained Even Further
In Afghanistan, women’s rights and freedoms are being systematically erased – at insane levels like this latest edict. Women in Afghanistan can no longer be seen in public, and their windows are being boarded up to prevent them from even looking outside or possibly being seen outside by men. This extreme confinement denies them basic rights to sunlight and a view — they already can’t walk in parks, go to school, talk in public, sing, or even work in essential fields like midwifery. The situation is increasingly dire, and the world cannot afford to look away.
General look at U.S. things as we start January 2025.
- U.S. Gun Laws Update
The U.S. gun laws that went into effect on January 1st, 2025, are now in action. USA Today has compiled an essential guide to these laws, breaking them down by state. Staying informed about gun regulations across the country is crucial, as the laws vary widely depending on where you live. - Abortion Rights in the U.S.
The Guttmacher Institute has updated its interactive map of abortion rights across the U.S., reflecting the current state of reproductive rights as of December 20, 2024. The map reveals an upsetting reality, but it’s crucial to see the disparity across states. Hopefully, this map will one day be a thing of the past. - Lots of shootings everywhere and no one is stopping it. Not law enforcement. Not government officials. Not religious leaders.
- Luigi watch: what is a terrorist? According to the US law its him. Not the murdered CEO.
Why State Laws and the Electoral College Are Long Overdue for Change
At some point, and I vote now, we’re going to have to start having the conversation about how state laws being different across the U.S. just doesn’t make sense – states origins were, after all, about appeasing slave states – and so unity and one set are needed. A unified country can’t have such stark legal divides and varieties of standards and practices. And don’t even get me started on the Electoral College — a system that allows undemocratic voting and gives disproportionate power to some states over others. It’s not democracy if each vote doesn’t count towards the end result. Period. We need a serious overhaul of our most base the systems.
We also have to talk about how white supremacy continues to dominate the political landscape and the klan continues terrorizing around the US, while Black groups like the Black Panthers were silenced long ago. It’s past time to address these injustices and create a more just world.
Pluto in Aquarius will require it so let’s get to it, shall we.
This year has been full of news that we cannot ignore. From global protests and political struggles to human rights violations, it’s clear that individuals — regular people — have the power to create change. But we must also stay informed, speak out, and act to support those who need it most.
Regular people do harm. Regular people do good. It’s about choosing which one we want to be. Again and again.
Lots of great work is being done. I’ll highlight it here, but please do share this and tag us on Instagram @the.eye.news.
Wants to know. Has some questions. Very Sag. Always up for pizza. Planning several trips. Big fan of joy. Wants to talk about it. All of them. Is sure we can figure out this whole living thing. Is rooting for you.
