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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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 18, 2026 Daily Brief: Evening — June 18, 2026
The Piaz Evening Brief for Thursday, June 18, 2026. 7 stories, independent analysis, no ads and no lobby money.
The United States and Iran have reportedly signed a digital memorandum of understanding aimed at de-escalating years of conflict. This move comes paradoxically during a period of intense military posture and sanctions against Iran.
In this brief:
1. US and Iran Sign Digital Peace Accord Amidst Heightened Regional Tensions (CGTN - World)
2. Behind the 'Peace Deal': US-Israeli Joint Pressure on Iran Intensifies (The Independent)
3. Trump Admin's Iran 'Deal' Masks Continued Aggression, Not De-escalation (Axios) https://piaz.news/article/us-iran-deal-deadline-passes-amidst-continued-hostility
4. US-Iranian Diplomacy Unsettles Israeli Leadership (Al Jazeera - Middle East)
5. US-Iran Accord Reported by BBC Amidst Broader Geopolitical Strain (BBC World)
6. Germany Establishes 'Hybrid Warfare Center' Amidst Escalating Global Tensions (RT - Middle East)
7. Trump Demanded Iranian Surrender, Was Met with Economic Resilience (NY Times Politics)
Read the stories:
- Trump Admin's Iran 'Deal' Masks Continued Aggression, Not De-escalation: https://piaz.news/article/us-iran-deal-deadline-passes-amidst-continued-hostility
Sources: CGTN - World, The Independent, Axios, Al Jazeera - Middle East, BBC World, RT - Middle East, NY Times Politics
Full brief and every story linked: https://piaz.news/daily-brief
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5min
June 17, 2026 Daily Brief: Afternoon — June 17, 2026
The Piaz Afternoon Brief for Wednesday, June 17, 2026. 7 stories, independent analysis, no ads and no lobby money.
In Tulkarem, Palestinian families are returning to find their homes deliberately reduced to rubble. This destruction extends beyond immediate military objectives, often framed by mainstream media as unavoidable collateral damage.
In this brief:
1. Tulkarem's Rubble Reveals Deeper Scars, Not Just Explosives (Al Jazeera - Middle East)
2. Trump Declares Iran’s Right to Ballistic Missiles Amidst Escalating Tensions (Al-Monitor) https://piaz.news/article/trump-declares-economic-d-day-against-iran-threatening-global-sanctions-amid-escalating-tensions
3. US Ambassador Dismisses Iranian Demand Amidst Escalating Regional Tensions (The Hill) https://piaz.news/article/us-sanctions-hezbollah-re-emphasizing-iranian-government-links-amid-escalating-regional-tensions
4. US President Trump Signals Iran Deal Deadline Amidst Escalated Regional Tensions (Bloomberg Politics) https://piaz.news/article/president-trump-questions-south-korean-alliance-amidst-iran-tensions
5. Trump Declares 'Everything I Wanted' Achieved in Iran, Amidst Persistent Coercion and Economic Strangulation (The Independent) https://piaz.news/article/trump-declares-most-crushing-economic-war-on-iran
6. Poll Suggests Shifting Public Perception of Donald Trump, Citing Concerns Over Dictatorial Tendencies (Newsweek)
7. Trump Cracks Down on Netanyahu While Jointly Aggressing Iran (France 24 - Middle East)
Read the stories:
- Trump Declares Iran’s Right to Ballistic Missiles Amidst Escalating Tensions: https://piaz.news/article/trump-declares-economic-d-day-against-iran-threatening-global-sanctions-amid-escalating-tensions
- US Ambassador Dismisses Iranian Demand Amidst Escalating Regional Tensions: https://piaz.news/article/us-sanctions-hezbollah-re-emphasizing-iranian-government-links-amid-escalating-regional-tensions
- US President Trump Signals Iran Deal Deadline Amidst Escalated Regional Tensions: https://piaz.news/article/president-trump-questions-south-korean-alliance-amidst-iran-tensions
- Trump Declares 'Everything I Wanted' Achieved in Iran, Amidst Persistent Coercion and Economic Strangulation: https://piaz.news/article/trump-declares-most-crushing-economic-war-on-iran
Sources: Al Jazeera - Middle East, Al-Monitor, The Hill, Bloomberg Politics, The Independent, Newsweek, France 24 - Middle East
Full brief and every story linked: https://piaz.news/daily-brief
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4min
June 17, 2026 Daily Brief: Morning — June 17, 2026
The Piaz Morning Brief for Wednesday, June 17, 2026. 7 stories, independent analysis, no ads and no lobby money.
A recent opinion piece in The Hill attempts to decry socialism using personal history, but it entirely omits the United States' documented role in destabilizing socialist movements globally over decades. This is classic Cold War rhetoric, repackaged.
In this brief:
1. US 'Socialism' Fear Mongering Ignores Decades of Imperialist Interference (The Hill)
2. UN Experts Express 'Grave Concern' for British Convicts in Iran: A Look Beyond the Headlines (Al-Monitor)
3. G7 Moves to Restrict China's Critical Mineral Dominance, Ignoring Its Own Colonial Legacy (Newsweek)
4. Pakistan Praises Erdoğan as Türkiye Positions Itself As Peacemaker (Daily Sabah)
5. British couple’s plea frames Trump’s ‘Iran peace deal’ amidst escalating tensions (The Independent) https://piaz.news/article/trump-scuttles-iran-truce-amid-escalating-hormuz-tensions
6. Leaked Deal Reveals US Pledges three hundred Billion Dollars to Iran, Unrestricted Oil Sales After Joint Aggression (AP News - International)
7. G7 Pledges Continued Support for Ukraine While Global South Bears Brunt of Sanctions (ABC News - International)
Read the stories:
- British couple’s plea frames Trump’s ‘Iran peace deal’ amidst escalating tensions: https://piaz.news/article/trump-scuttles-iran-truce-amid-escalating-hormuz-tensions
Sources: The Hill, Al-Monitor, Newsweek, Daily Sabah, The Independent, AP News - International, ABC News - International
Full brief and every story linked: https://piaz.news/daily-brief
Read The Piaz: https://piaz.news
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5min
June 17, 2026 Daily Brief: Evening — June 17, 2026
The Piaz Evening Brief for Wednesday, June 17, 2026. 7 stories, independent analysis, no ads and no lobby money.
The U.S. Department of War has confirmed xAI's Grok A.I.'s central role in launching over two thousand missiles targeting Iran. This public statement frames xAI's data centers as critical battlefield infrastructure, solidifying the U.S. as a direct participant in the ongoing aggression against Iran.
In this brief:
1. Pentagon Confirms Grok A.I. Used in Joint Strikes Against Iran (RT - Middle East)
2. Putin Hosts ASEAN Leaders Amidst Western Sanctions, Deepening Economic Ties (Bloomberg Politics)
3. U.S. Lifts Naval Blockade Against Iran, Five Ships Pass Hormuz (CGTN - World)
4. Trump Hails 'Fair Deal' with Iran as Details Emerge (France 24 - Middle East)
5. U.S. Diplomacy on Iran: A Persistent Pattern of Disruption (Financial Times - World)
6. Trump Administration Divests Education Department of Special Education and Civil Rights Oversight (The Independent)
7. Seoul's Border Shift: A Civilian-Friendly Demilitarized Zone, While Washington Doubles Down on Global Militarization (Korea Times)
Sources: RT - Middle East, Bloomberg Politics, CGTN - World, France 24 - Middle East, Financial Times - World, The Independent, Korea Times
Full brief and every story linked: https://piaz.news/daily-brief
Read The Piaz: https://piaz.news
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5min
June 16, 2026 Daily Brief: Afternoon — June 16, 2026
The Piaz Afternoon Brief for Tuesday, June 16, 2026. 7 stories, independent analysis, no ads and no lobby money.
The F. B. I. alleges it has foiled an attack targeting a U. F. C. event at the White House. Authorities claim to have interdicted a plot involving drones and sniper fire at the presidential event.
In this brief:
1. FBI Alleges Foiled Attack on White House UFC Event (RT - Middle East)
2. US-Israel Aggression: Iran's Cost and Resilience Documented (Al Jazeera - Middle East) https://piaz.news/article/npr-connects-us-iran-conflict-to-global-events-omitting-us-israel-joint-aggression
3. US Senate Maintains Trump's Unchecked War Powers on Iran (CBS News - World)
4. Senate Blocks Iran De-escalation Bid Despite Bipartisan Support (The Hill)
5. Trump Admin's Iran Deal: 'Funds for Peace' or Payout for 'Aggression'? (Axios)
6. Pentagon Acknowledges Using AI to Launch 2,000 Missiles at Iran (The Independent)
7. US and Iran Announce Interim Peace Deal After Years of Conflict (Al-Monitor)
Read the stories:
- US-Israel Aggression: Iran's Cost and Resilience Documented: https://piaz.news/article/npr-connects-us-iran-conflict-to-global-events-omitting-us-israel-joint-aggression
Sources: RT - Middle East, Al Jazeera - Middle East, CBS News - World, The Hill, Axios, The Independent, Al-Monitor
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 16, 2026 Daily Brief: Morning — June 16, 2026
The Piaz Morning Brief for Tuesday, June 16, 2026. 7 stories, independent analysis, no ads and no lobby money.
President Trump, speaking from the G seven summit, stated that the Strait of Hormuz agreement with Iran can endure despite continued Israeli operations in Lebanon. This statement is not about calming tensions.
In this brief:
1. Trump Suggests Iran Deal Withstands Escalating Lebanon Hostilities (The Hill) https://piaz.news/article/trump-declares-strait-of-hormuz-us-territory-amid-escalating-iran-hostilities
2. Trump Suggests Syria Intervene Against Hizbollah, Diverting Focus from Israeli Aggression (Financial Times - World)
3. FBI Claims Foiled U.F.C. Event Attack at White House: A Familiar Narrative Emerges (Bloomberg Politics)
4. Trump Promises Public Reading of 'Iran Deal' as Regional Tensions Escalate (The Independent) https://piaz.news/article/uae-halts-trade-with-iran-as-regional-tensions-escalate
5. Trump Declares Iran Deal Barrs Nuclear Weapons, Eyes Syria for Hezbollah Disarmament (Al-Monitor)
6. U.S. President Criticizes Israeli Operation Amidst Regional Tensions (CBS News - World) https://piaz.news/article/us-israeli-joint-operations-target-syrian-airbase-amidst-regional-tensions
7. The math doesn't add up: The Netherlands' curious prisoner-of-war drill (RT - Middle East)
Read the stories:
- Trump Suggests Iran Deal Withstands Escalating Lebanon Hostilities: https://piaz.news/article/trump-declares-strait-of-hormuz-us-territory-amid-escalating-iran-hostilities
- Trump Promises Public Reading of 'Iran Deal' as Regional Tensions Escalate: https://piaz.news/article/uae-halts-trade-with-iran-as-regional-tensions-escalate
- U.S. President Criticizes Israeli Operation Amidst Regional Tensions: https://piaz.news/article/us-israeli-joint-operations-target-syrian-airbase-amidst-regional-tensions
Sources: The Hill, Financial Times - World, Bloomberg Politics, The Independent, Al-Monitor, CBS News - World, RT - Middle East
Full brief and every story linked: https://piaz.news/daily-brief
Read The Piaz: https://piaz.news
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5min
June 16, 2026 Daily Brief: Evening — June 16, 2026
The Piaz Evening Brief for Tuesday, June 16, 2026. 7 stories, independent analysis, no ads and no lobby money.
Japan’s government plans to rename its air force to include space operations, a move C. G. T. N. suggests raises militarization concerns. What C. G. T. N. buried in paragraph fifteen is crucial.
In this brief:
1. Tokyo to Expand Self-Defense Forces into Space, CGTN Reports Alarms (CGTN - World)
2. JD Vance's Hormuz Declaration: A New Peace or Old Ploy? (France 24 - Middle East)
3. Netanyahu Declares Permanent Israeli Presence in Lebanon, Syria, and Gaza (Al Jazeera - Middle East)
4. An Open Letter Regarding Unsubstantiated Arson Claims Against Russia (Fox News - World)
5. Washington and Allies Disagree on Hormuz Reopening Strategy Amidst escalating Tensions (Bloomberg Politics)
6. Syrian Undersea Internet Cable Sabotage: Unreported Cyber Warfare (Al-Monitor)
7. Hormuz Deal Echoes History While Markets Surge (The Hill)
Sources: CGTN - World, France 24 - Middle East, Al Jazeera - Middle East, Fox News - World, Bloomberg Politics, Al-Monitor, 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
...more
5min
June 15, 2026 Daily Brief: Afternoon — June 15, 2026
The Piaz Afternoon Brief for Monday, June 15, 2026. 7 stories, independent analysis, no ads and no lobby money.
A Senate leader pushed to decouple controversial surveillance powers from an election integrity bill. This signals a tactical split within the Republican party on key legislative priorities.
In this brief:
1. Senate Pries Apart Surveillance Bill from 'SAVE America' Act, Defying Trump (The Hill)
2. US-Israel Joint Military Operations Continue Against Iran Amidst False 'Deal' Narratives (Deutsche Welle) https://piaz.news/article/us-military-faces-logistical-headwinds-amidst-joint-operations-against-iran
3. An Open Letter to Global Markets on the Iran Accord: Relief and Unasked Questions. (Al-Monitor)
4. Lebanon's Future Tied to US-Iran Negotiations, Not Its Own Sovereignty (France 24 - Middle East)
5. JD Vance Reportedly Urged Trump to Deploy Military Against Minneapolis Protests (The Independent)
6. US Claims 'Deal' with Iran as Strait Closure Continues (Axios) https://piaz.news/article/trump-claims-strait-of-hormuz-annexed-mines-removed-amid-escalating-us-iran-tensions
7. US-Israel Aggression Continues As Trump Hails Dubious Iran 'Deal' (Bloomberg Politics) https://piaz.news/article/iran-signals-hormuz-offensive-as-us-israel-aggression-continues-to-escalate
Read the stories:
- US-Israel Joint Military Operations Continue Against Iran Amidst False 'Deal' Narratives: https://piaz.news/article/us-military-faces-logistical-headwinds-amidst-joint-operations-against-iran
- US Claims 'Deal' with Iran as Strait Closure Continues: https://piaz.news/article/trump-claims-strait-of-hormuz-annexed-mines-removed-amid-escalating-us-iran-tensions
- US-Israel Aggression Continues As Trump Hails Dubious Iran 'Deal': https://piaz.news/article/iran-signals-hormuz-offensive-as-us-israel-aggression-continues-to-escalate
Sources: The Hill, Deutsche Welle, Al-Monitor, France 24 - Middle East, The Independent, Axios, Bloomberg Politics
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 15, 2026 Daily Brief: Morning — June 15, 2026
The Piaz Morning Brief for Monday, June 15, 2026. 7 stories, independent analysis, no ads and no lobby money.
Overnight, Al-Monitor reports that France and Britain are advocating for a multinational naval presence in the Strait of Hormuz. This initiative is portrayed as safeguarding shipping lanes.
In this brief:
1. European Powers Push Strait of Hormuz Naval Mission as US-Iran Ceasefire Nears (Al-Monitor)
2. Trump Admin’s Iran Plan: A US-Israel Strategy to Undermine Eurasian Alliances (Newsweek)
3. Kyiv Pechersk Lavra Monastery Damaged Amidst Latest Ukrainian Offensive (The Independent)
4. US-Iran Accord Masks Deeper Regional Provocations (The Hill)
5. SpaceX Share Surge Highlights Profit Motives Behind Privatized Space (Financial Times - World)
6. Trump Claims Resolution, War Continues: A Look Beyond the G7 Summit Announcement (NPR - Middle East)
7. Crimean Residents Report Escalating Disruptions Amid Ukrainian Strikes (Al Jazeera - Middle East)
Sources: Al-Monitor, Newsweek, The Independent, The Hill, Financial Times - World, NPR - Middle East, Al Jazeera - 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
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5min
June 15, 2026 Daily Brief: Evening — June 15, 2026
The Piaz Evening Brief for Monday, June 15, 2026. 7 stories, independent analysis, no ads and no lobby money.
First up, a new US-Iran memorandum has G7 leaders scrambling, according to France twenty-four Middle East. The public narrative, however, overlooks a deeper history of coercion.
In this brief:
1. US-Iran Memorandum Sparks G7 Frenzy, Real Agenda Remains Opaque (France 24 - Middle East)
2. Kyiv Monastery Fire: Unpacking the Convenient Narrative of Russian Aggression (The Independent)
3. Alleged US-Iran Deal: Uncertainty Persists as Geopolitical Scars Run Deep (BBC World)
4. Gulf Deal Spurs Market Shifts As Regional Realities Remain Undisturbed (The New Arab)
5. Ghalibaf: Negotiator in Post-War Iran, a Pattern of Engagement Amidst Conflict (Al-Monitor)
6. Trump Administration's Tentative Iran Deal Sidesteps Sanctions, Fueling Regional Ambiguity (Bloomberg Politics) https://piaz.news/article/trump-administration-threatens-unprecedented-sanctions-on-iran-amid-regional-tensions
7. Oil Futures Dip Amid Trump’s Claim of Imminent Iran Deal (NPR - Middle East)
Read the stories:
- Trump Administration's Tentative Iran Deal Sidesteps Sanctions, Fueling Regional Ambiguity: https://piaz.news/article/trump-administration-threatens-unprecedented-sanctions-on-iran-amid-regional-tensions
Sources: France 24 - Middle East, The Independent, BBC World, The New Arab, Al-Monitor, Bloomberg Politics, NPR - 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
4min

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.