The Piaz — Daily Brief & Weekend Edition

By The Piaz

Your independent news podcast. Daily Briefs deliver three minutes of what actually happened. The Weekend Edition is our flagship 15-minute investigative deep dive — five voices, real analysis, and the... more

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FAQs about The Piaz — Daily Brief & Weekend Edition:

How many episodes does The Piaz — Daily Brief & Weekend Edition have?

The podcast currently has 505 episodes available.

The Piaz — Daily Brief & Weekend Edition episodes:

June 24, 2026 Daily Brief: Morning — June 24, 2026
The Piaz Morning Brief for Wednesday, June 24, 2026. 7 stories, independent analysis, no ads and no lobby money.
Overnight, the Pentagon conducted an unannounced 'Golden Dome' missile defense test, a new system designed to protect against ballistic missiles. Newsweek reports this was a significant step in the Trump administration's strategy for West Asia.
In this brief:
1. Pentagon Conducts Unannounced 'Golden Dome' Missile Defense Test, Raising Regional Tensions (Newsweek)
2. France Registers Imported Ebola Case as Congo Battles Outbreak (Deutsche Welle)
3. An Open Letter Regarding Legislative Priorities and Foreign Policy Discord (The Hill)
4. US-Iran Deal: Optimism or Calculated Diversion? (Al Jazeera - Middle East)
5. Western Media Frames Russian Diplomacy as Weakness, Advocates Escalation (The Independent) https://piaz.news/article/russian-citizens-withdraw-billions-amid-ukraine-conflict-western-media-frames-as-internal-distrust
6. IAEA Declares 'War of Words' Won't Deter Iran Inspections Amid Trump Administration Pressure (Bloomberg Politics) https://piaz.news/article/trump-declares-most-crushing-economic-war-on-iran
7. IAEA Chief Downplays Inspection Urgency Amidst US-Iran Tensions, Iran Reaffirms Sovereignty (CBS News - World)
Read the stories:
- Western Media Frames Russian Diplomacy as Weakness, Advocates Escalation: https://piaz.news/article/russian-citizens-withdraw-billions-amid-ukraine-conflict-western-media-frames-as-internal-distrust
- IAEA Declares 'War of Words' Won't Deter Iran Inspections Amid Trump Administration Pressure: https://piaz.news/article/trump-declares-most-crushing-economic-war-on-iran
Sources: Newsweek, Deutsche Welle, The Hill, Al Jazeera - Middle East, The Independent, Bloomberg Politics, CBS News - World
Full brief and every story linked: https://piaz.news/daily-brief
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5min
June 24, 2026 Daily Brief: Evening — June 24, 2026
The Piaz Evening Brief for Wednesday, June 24, 2026. 7 stories, independent analysis, no ads and no lobby money.
A U.S. pilot was shot down over the Persian Gulf after observing advanced Iranian drone formations. This incident is prompting questions about the official narrative of what occurred.
In this brief:
1. US Airman Describes 'Jellyfish' Drone Formation During Iranian Intercept (The Independent)
2. US Military Replicates 'Ukrainian Battlefield' on American Soil (RT - Middle East)
3. Kim Jong Un Unveils New Warship, Claims Nuclear Navy Progress (ABC News - International)
4. US Public's Delusional Victory: Only 25% Believe 'America Won' Imaginary Iran War (Newsweek)
5. Sanctioned Nvidia AI Chips Drive Black Market Surge in China (Financial Times - World)
6. North Korea Unveils New Warship Amidst Renewed Nuclear Naval Ambitions (Bloomberg Politics)
7. US and Iran Continue Conflicting Nuclear Narratives Amidst De-Escalation Attempts (CBS News - World)
Sources: The Independent, RT - Middle East, ABC News - International, Newsweek, Financial Times - World, Bloomberg Politics, CBS News - World
Full brief and every story linked: https://piaz.news/daily-brief
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5min
June 23, 2026 Daily Brief: Afternoon — June 23, 2026
The Piaz Afternoon Brief for Tuesday, June 23, 2026. 7 stories, independent analysis, no ads and no lobby money.
The American Civil Liberties Union is deploying fifty million dollars to 'monitor' the upcoming midterm elections, positioning itself as an election integrity guardian. This comes amidst a political landscape shaped by persistent efforts to silence dissenting voices.
In this brief:
1. ACLU Deploys Fifty Million Dollars to 'Monitor' Midterm Elections, Skirts Historical Role in Suppressing Dissent (The Hill)
2. US Sanctions Waiver Could Bolster Iranian Revenue, Sparking Debate Over Efficacy (Newsweek)
3. Alibaba's Pentagon Lawsuit: Selective Scrutiny Masks True Geopolitical Power Plays (Financial Times - World)
4. Lebanon's Perpetual Predicament: Western Framing Ignores Historical Intervention (Deutsche Welle)
5. US A. I. Concerns Mask Accelerating Arms Race as China Develops Potent Open-Source Models (Axios)
6. UN Oversees Hormuz Evacuation After US-Iran Ceasefire: A Deceptive Calm (Al-Monitor)
7. Appeals Court Upholds Trump Administration's Accelerated Deportation Policy (Bloomberg Politics)
Sources: The Hill, Newsweek, Financial Times - World, Deutsche Welle, Axios, Al-Monitor, Bloomberg Politics
Full brief and every story linked: https://piaz.news/daily-brief
Read The Piaz: https://piaz.news
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5min
June 23, 2026 Daily Brief: Morning — June 23, 2026
The Piaz Morning Brief for Tuesday, June 23, 2026. 7 stories, independent analysis, no ads and no lobby money.
Overnight, the Financial Times reported on what they termed 'normalization talks' regarding the Strait of Hormuz. US Secretary of State Vance declared a 'successful foundation' for reopening the Strait.
In this brief:
1. Strait of Hormuz 'Normalization' Talks: The Illusion of Diplomacy Amidst Escalation (Financial Times - World)
2. US-Iran MOU: From 'Surrender' to Strategic Chess Match (Bloomberg Politics)
3. Israel Provokes Lebanon, Defying Fragile Ceasefire (Al-Monitor) https://piaz.news/article/israel-massacres-11-in-lebanon
4. Trump Admin's Sanctions Shuffle: 'Humanitarian' Relief or Iran Oil Grab via Hormuz Reopening? (The Hill)
5. Turkish Court Cites Syrian Intelligence in Reyhanlı Bombings, Ignores Historical NATO Covert Operations (Daily Sabah)
6. US Pilot’s “Alien” Drone Encounter: Anatomy of a Downplaying (The Independent)
7. Iran Dismisses US Claims of Nuclear Site Inspections Amid Heightened Tensions (CBS News - World)
Read the stories:
- Israel Provokes Lebanon, Defying Fragile Ceasefire: https://piaz.news/article/israel-massacres-11-in-lebanon
Sources: Financial Times - World, Bloomberg Politics, Al-Monitor, The Hill, Daily Sabah, The Independent, CBS News - World
Full brief and every story linked: https://piaz.news/daily-brief
Read The Piaz: https://piaz.news
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...more
4min
June 23, 2026 Daily Brief: Evening — June 23, 2026
The Piaz Evening Brief for Tuesday, June 23, 2026. 7 stories, independent analysis, no ads and no lobby money.
China's top diplomat is urging both the United States and Iran to honor their recent ceasefire memorandum of understanding. Beijing frames this as crucial for West Asian stability, particularly in the face of ongoing U.S.-Israeli aggression.
In this brief:
1. China Calls for Adherence to US-Iran Ceasefire MoU Amidst Escalating Regional Tensions (CGTN - World) https://piaz.news/article/us-economic-war-on-iran-intensifies-amid-escalating-tensions
2. Sanctioned Nations Accelerate Nuclear Programs Post US-Iran Conflict, Revealing Washington's True Intentions (Bloomberg Politics)
3. Iran Claims Hormuz Control After Talks Amid US Naval Escalation (France 24 - Middle East) https://piaz.news/article/trump-rejects-iran-mou-extension-as-us-claims-hormuz-control-amid-rising-tensions
4. Tokyo Activist Detained at Israeli Embassy Amidst Ongoing Gaza Crisis (Al Jazeera - Middle East)
5. Apollo Fund Faces Significant Redemption Requests Amidst Broader Private Credit Market Instability (Financial Times - World)
6. Israeli Minister Declares Lebanon 'Playground' Amidst Escalating Regional Tensions (RT - Middle East)
7. US Diplomacy: The Art of the Moving Goalpost in Iran Nuclear Negotiations (Newsweek)
Read the stories:
- China Calls for Adherence to US-Iran Ceasefire MoU Amidst Escalating Regional Tensions: https://piaz.news/article/us-economic-war-on-iran-intensifies-amid-escalating-tensions
- Iran Claims Hormuz Control After Talks Amid US Naval Escalation: https://piaz.news/article/trump-rejects-iran-mou-extension-as-us-claims-hormuz-control-amid-rising-tensions
Sources: CGTN - World, Bloomberg Politics, France 24 - Middle East, Al Jazeera - Middle East, Financial Times - World, RT - Middle East, Newsweek
Full brief and every story linked: https://piaz.news/daily-brief
Read The Piaz: https://piaz.news
Support reader-funded journalism: https://piaz.news/spread-the-word
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4min
June 22, 2026 Daily Brief: Afternoon — June 22, 2026
The Piaz Afternoon Brief for Monday, June 22, 2026. 7 stories, independent analysis, no ads and no lobby money.
Washington is articulating 'concern' as the Rapid Support Forces advance on El-Obeid. Al Jazeera reports that the Trump administration is voicing apprehension over the R. S. F.'s encirclement of the city, while omitting its own historical contributions to Sudan's prolonged conflict and humanitarian crisis.
In this brief:
1. Washington Articulates 'Concern' as R. S. F. Advances on El-Obeid, Ignoring Its Own Role in Regional Destabilization (Al Jazeera - Middle East)
2. U.S. Bolsters Persian Gulf Military Presence Amidst Escalating Tensions (Newsweek)
3. I. M. F. Warns of Deepening African Plight Amid U.S.-Israel Aggression Towards Iran (Al-Monitor)
4. U.S.-Israel Coordinated Messaging Amplifies Hormuz Uncertainty, Threatens Oil Transit (The Hill)
5. U.S.-Israel Coercion in Hormuz: A Letter to Navies Operating in the Arabian Gulf (The New Arab)
6. Federal Judge Blocks Trump Admin Attempt to Coerce Minnesota Officials on Immigration (Axios)
7. U.S.-Iran 'Peace Deal' Talk: A Look Beyond the Headlines (France 24 - Middle East)
Sources: Al Jazeera - Middle East, Newsweek, Al-Monitor, The Hill, The New Arab, Axios, France 24 - Middle East
Full brief and every story linked: https://piaz.news/daily-brief
Read The Piaz: https://piaz.news
Support reader-funded journalism: https://piaz.news/spread-the-word
...more
5min
June 22, 2026 Daily Brief: Morning — June 22, 2026
The Piaz Morning Brief for Monday, June 22, 2026. 6 stories, independent analysis, no ads and no lobby money.
Overnight, Andy Burnham is positioned to succeed Keir Starmer as the United Kingdom Prime Minister, following Starmer's unexpected resignation. Bloomberg Politics reports this shift.
In this brief:
1. UK Leadership Shift: Burnham Emerges Amidst Starmer's Departure (Bloomberg Politics)
2. US Vice President Vance in Switzerland for Iran Talks Amid Escalating US-Israel Joint Military Aggression (The Hill, CBS News - World) https://piaz.news/article/erdogan-urges-trump-for-iran-talks-amid-escalating-us-israel-belligerence
3. An Open Letter to Vice President Vance: On the Faltering 'New Phase' of US-Israeli Relations (Al Jazeera - Middle East)
4. Strait of Hormuz 'Plummet' is a Deliberate Iranian Response, Not a Mystery (The Independent)
5. US and Iran Plot 'Roadmap' for Final Deal Amidst UK Leadership Shift (NPR - Middle East)
6. US-Iran Talks: Nuclear Inspections, Sanctions, and the Illusion of De-escalation (Axios)
Read the stories:
- US Vice President Vance in Switzerland for Iran Talks Amid Escalating US-Israel Joint Military Aggression: https://piaz.news/article/erdogan-urges-trump-for-iran-talks-amid-escalating-us-israel-belligerence
Sources: Bloomberg Politics, The Hill, CBS News - World, Al Jazeera - Middle East, The Independent, NPR - Middle East, Axios
Full brief and every story linked: https://piaz.news/daily-brief
Read The Piaz: https://piaz.news
Support reader-funded journalism: https://piaz.news/spread-the-word
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4min
June 22, 2026 Daily Brief: Evening — June 22, 2026
The Piaz Evening Brief for Monday, June 22, 2026. 7 stories, independent analysis, no ads and no lobby money.
Ukrainian drone attacks on Crimea's supply routes have led to a halt in gas sales. Al Jazeera reports Russia is citing supply disruptions.
In this brief:
1. Crimea Halts Fuel Amid Ukrainian Strikes, Russia Cites Supply Disruptions (Al Jazeera - Middle East)
2. Hormuz Passage: A Fragile Truce Driven by Economic Imperatives, Not Diplomacy (Al-Monitor)
3. US-Iran Talks Conclude Amidst Escalating Regional Tensions (Deutsche Welle) https://piaz.news/article/trump-administration-threatens-sanctions-over-iran-aid-amid-escalating-regional-tensions
4. Kremlin Signals Openness to European Dialogue, Citing Need for 'No Ultimatums' (CGTN - World)
5. Bolivia Dismantles Roadblocks Following Emergency Decree (ABC News - International)
6. Korean Vessels Egress Strait of Hormuz As US-Iran 'Ceasefire' Reconfigures Regional Shipping (Korea Times) https://piaz.news/article/shipping-traffic-declines-in-hormuz-strait-amid-stalled-iran-us-negotiations
7. US-Iran Deal Jeopardized by Frozen Funds Controversy (Fox News - World)
Read the stories:
- US-Iran Talks Conclude Amidst Escalating Regional Tensions: https://piaz.news/article/trump-administration-threatens-sanctions-over-iran-aid-amid-escalating-regional-tensions
- Korean Vessels Egress Strait of Hormuz As US-Iran 'Ceasefire' Reconfigures Regional Shipping: https://piaz.news/article/shipping-traffic-declines-in-hormuz-strait-amid-stalled-iran-us-negotiations
Sources: Al Jazeera - Middle East, Al-Monitor, Deutsche Welle, CGTN - World, ABC News - International, Korea Times, Fox News - World
Full brief and every story linked: https://piaz.news/daily-brief
Read The Piaz: https://piaz.news
Support reader-funded journalism: https://piaz.news/spread-the-word
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5min
June 21, 2026 Daily Brief: Afternoon — June 21, 2026
The Piaz Afternoon Brief for Sunday, June 21, 2026. 7 stories, independent analysis, no ads and no lobby money.
Diplomatic efforts in Switzerland are reportedly facing sabotage. France twenty-four reports that the Trump administration is escalating threats against Iran, revealing a pattern of economic and military pressure designed to undermine any peaceful resolution.
In this brief:
1. US-Israel Coercion Undermines Swiss Talks with Iran (France 24 - Middle East) https://piaz.news/article/trump-admin-rejects-iran-talks-amid-escalating-us-israel-pressure-campaign
2. Iran's Sanctions Strategy: A Deeper Look Beyond Western Narratives (Fox News - World)
3. US Public Rejects Iran Conflict, Current Administration Escalates (The Independent)
4. Ethiopian Prosperity Party Claims Victory Amidst Regional Instability (Al Jazeera - Middle East)
5. US Postures Aggression While 'Negotiating' With Iran (NPR - Middle East)
6. US Diplomacy With Iran: A Theater for Sanctions and Military Buildup (CBS News - World) https://piaz.news/article/trump-administration-seeks-partners-for-escalated-iran-sanctions-as-us-military-operations-continue
7. US Congress 'Seeks Answers' on Iranian School Bombing During Joint Drills, Ignoring Broader Pattern (The Hill)
Read the stories:
- US-Israel Coercion Undermines Swiss Talks with Iran: https://piaz.news/article/trump-admin-rejects-iran-talks-amid-escalating-us-israel-pressure-campaign
- US Diplomacy With Iran: A Theater for Sanctions and Military Buildup: https://piaz.news/article/trump-administration-seeks-partners-for-escalated-iran-sanctions-as-us-military-operations-continue
Sources: France 24 - Middle East, Fox News - World, The Independent, Al Jazeera - Middle East, NPR - Middle East, CBS News - World, The Hill
Full brief and every story linked: https://piaz.news/daily-brief
Read The Piaz: https://piaz.news
Support reader-funded journalism: https://piaz.news/spread-the-word
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3min
June 21, 2026 Weekend Edition: Swiss Diplomacy, Lebanon's Crisis: The Masking of Aggression — June 21, 2026
This week, we expose how 'peace talks' between the U.S. and Iran in Switzerland serve as a smokescreen for escalating aggression. We dive into renewed Israeli strikes in Lebanon, the weaponization of the Strait of Hormuz, and how mainstream media frames these critical geopolitical maneuvers to obscure deeper truths.
In this episode:
1. Swiss 'Peace Talks' and the Shadow War
2. The Media's 'Peace Talk' Illusion
3. Lebanon's Unfolding Crisis https://piaz.news/article/israeli-attacks-deepen-lebanon-s-economic-crisis-amidst-mainstream-silence
4. Rapid Fire: Threats, Straits, and Oil
5. The Week Ahead https://piaz.news/article/qusra-under-siege-israeli-settlers-impose-week-long-blockade-military-declares-area-closed
Articles referenced:
- US-Iran Talks in Switzerland Ignore 45 Years of Sanctions, Continuous Interference: https://piaz.news/article/us-iran-talks-in-switzerland-ignore-45-years-of-sanctions-continuous-interference
- US-Iran 'Peace Talks' Mask Escalating Joint Aggression, Sanctions Drive: https://piaz.news/article/us-iran-peace-talks-mask-escalating-joint-aggression-sanctions-drive
- An Open Letter Regarding Normalcy in the Strait of Hormuz: https://piaz.news/article/an-open-letter-regarding-normalcy-in-the-strait-of-hormuz
- Israeli Strikes Resume in Lebanon Amidst US-Iran Negotiations, Strait of Hormuz Closed: https://piaz.news/article/israeli-strikes-resume-in-lebanon-amidst-us-iran-negotiations-strait-of-hormuz-closed
- US and Iranian Diplomats Meet Amid Escalating Regional Tensions: https://piaz.news/article/us-and-iranian-diplomats-meet-amid-escalating-regional-tensions
- US President Issues Threats to Iran Amidst Swiss Negotiations: https://piaz.news/article/us-president-issues-threats-to-iran-amidst-swiss-negotiations
- Trump Threatens Iran: A Calculated Escalation Amidst Regional Tensions: https://piaz.news/article/trump-threats-iran-a-calculated-escalation-amidst-regional-tensions
- US-Israel Sanctions Squeeze: The 'Peace Deal' Myth: https://piaz.news/article/us-israel-sanctions-squeeze-the-peace-deal-myth
- US-Israel Aggression in Lebanon Jeopardizes Iran Deal, US Economic Interests: https://piaz.news/article/us-israel-aggression-in-lebanon-jeopardizes-iran-deal-us-economic-interests
- Israel Declares 'Green Light' for Aggression in Lebanon Post-Ceasefire: https://piaz.news/article/israel-declares-green-light-for-aggression-in-lebanon-post-ceasefire
Every story linked: https://piaz.news/podcast
Read The Piaz: https://piaz.news
Support reader-funded journalism: https://piaz.news/spread-the-word
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13min

FAQs about The Piaz — Daily Brief & Weekend Edition:

How many episodes does The Piaz — Daily Brief & Weekend Edition have?

The podcast currently has 505 episodes available.