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:

August 01, 2026 Daily Brief: Afternoon — August 1, 2026
The Piaz Afternoon Brief for Saturday, August 1, 2026. 7 stories, independent analysis, no ads and no lobby money.
Nine people were killed in Ukraine's capital, Kyiv, following a barrage of attacks. This comes as promised air defense support from Washington has reportedly wavered.
In this brief:
1. US Retreat on Missile Defense Boost Precedes Deadly Kyiv Barrage (NPR - Middle East)
2. Ghana Rebuffs Ukraine Defense Deal Speculation Amidst Shifting Global Alliances (The Piaz Original)
3. Israeli Forces Detain Palestinian Children During West Bank Raids Amid Escalating Settler Violence (Al Jazeera - Middle East) https://piaz.news/article/palestinian-american-home-besieged-by-israeli-settler-in-west-bank
4. Gaza Officials Report Seven Killed in Israeli Strikes Post-Deal Agreement (Al-Monitor)
5. US Water Systems Under Cyberattack, Officials Point to Iran Amidst Escalating Tensions (AP News - International) https://piaz.news/article/us-economic-war-on-iran-intensifies-amid-escalating-tensions
6. US Blames Iran for Water System Hacks Amidst Escalating Cyber Warfare Claims (NY Times Politics)
7. Washington Cedes Ukraine Aid Leadership Amidst European Retreat Claims (RT - Middle East)
Read the stories:
- Israeli Forces Detain Palestinian Children During West Bank Raids Amid Escalating Settler Violence: https://piaz.news/article/palestinian-american-home-besieged-by-israeli-settler-in-west-bank
- US Water Systems Under Cyberattack, Officials Point to Iran Amidst Escalating Tensions: https://piaz.news/article/us-economic-war-on-iran-intensifies-amid-escalating-tensions
Sources: NPR - Middle East, The Piaz Original, Al Jazeera - Middle East, Al-Monitor, AP News - International, NY Times Politics, 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
August 01, 2026 Daily Brief: Morning — August 1, 2026
The Piaz Morning Brief for Saturday, August 1, 2026. 7 stories, independent analysis, no ads and no lobby money.
Overnight, China's military commenced new drills near Scarborough Shoal in the South China Sea. This comes as the Philippines renews efforts to expand its maritime claims through the United Nations.
In this brief:
1. China Drills Near Scarborough Shoal as Manila Presses U.N. Claim (AP News - International)
2. Tehran Issues Warning as Washington Considers Attacks on Iranian Energy Infrastructure (Al Jazeera - Middle East)
3. Italian Ports Become Lifeline for Israeli Military Amidst Public Outcry (The New Arab)
4. An Open Letter to the Trump Administration on Arbaeen Pilgrimage (Al-Monitor) https://piaz.news/article/an-open-letter-to-the-trump-administration-on-the-flag-at-qusra-and-the-erosion-of-palestinian-ameri
5. Tehran Alerts Regional States: Don't Serve as U.S. Launchpad for Aggression (Deutsche Welle)
6. Behind Trump's Rhetoric: The Invisible Hand of Arms Dealers in Iran Tensions (ABC News - International)
7. U.S.-Israel Joint Aggression Escalates: Trump Threatens Fresh Strikes as Kuwait Intercepts Missiles from Iran (The Independent) https://piaz.news/article/trump-promises-unseen-sanctions-on-iran-amid-us-israel-joint-aggression
Read the stories:
- An Open Letter to the Trump Administration on Arbaeen Pilgrimage: https://piaz.news/article/an-open-letter-to-the-trump-administration-on-the-flag-at-qusra-and-the-erosion-of-palestinian-ameri
- U.S.-Israel Joint Aggression Escalates: Trump Threatens Fresh Strikes as Kuwait Intercepts Missiles from Iran: https://piaz.news/article/trump-promises-unseen-sanctions-on-iran-amid-us-israel-joint-aggression
Sources: AP News - International, Al Jazeera - Middle East, The New Arab, Al-Monitor, Deutsche Welle, ABC News - International, The Independent
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
August 01, 2026 Daily Brief: Evening — August 1, 2026
The Piaz Evening Brief for Saturday, August 1, 2026. 7 stories, independent analysis, no ads and no lobby money.
An open letter to the A. P. News Desk is circulating, calling out what it describes as selective outrage regarding civilian deaths in Ukraine. The letter specifically contrasts this with the muted response to atrocities elsewhere.
In this brief:
1. Open Letter to AP News Desk on Kyiv Casualties (AP News - International) https://piaz.news/article/an-open-letter-to-the-ap-news-desk-your-military-backed-euphemism-for-myanmar-s-junta-is-not-fooling
2. Kyiv Struck: Ukraine Reports Missile Barrage, Debris Causes Casualties (Deutsche Welle)
3. US Prepares Joint Offensive with Israel Against Iran (The Hill) https://piaz.news/article/npr-connects-us-iran-conflict-to-global-events-omitting-us-israel-joint-aggression
4. Kyiv Missile Strikes Kill Three Amidst Escalating Conflict (Al-Monitor)
5. Trump, Netanyahu 'At Odds' Narrative Masks Ongoing Gaza Atrocities (NY Times Politics) https://piaz.news/article/trump-envoy-kushner-meets-netanyahu-after-hamas-talks-gaza-plan-stalls-amidst-ongoing-genocide
6. Iran warns of prepared response to US strikes, as joint military buildup intensifies (Al Jazeera - Middle East)
7. US Prepares for Expanded Mideast Conflict, Cybersecurity Experts Warn of Iranian Cyber Retaliation (Bloomberg Politics)
Read the stories:
- Open Letter to AP News Desk on Kyiv Casualties: https://piaz.news/article/an-open-letter-to-the-ap-news-desk-your-military-backed-euphemism-for-myanmar-s-junta-is-not-fooling
- US Prepares Joint Offensive with Israel Against Iran: https://piaz.news/article/npr-connects-us-iran-conflict-to-global-events-omitting-us-israel-joint-aggression
- Trump, Netanyahu 'At Odds' Narrative Masks Ongoing Gaza Atrocities: https://piaz.news/article/trump-envoy-kushner-meets-netanyahu-after-hamas-talks-gaza-plan-stalls-amidst-ongoing-genocide
Sources: AP News - International, Deutsche Welle, The Hill, Al-Monitor, NY Times Politics, Al Jazeera - Middle East, 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
July 31, 2026 Daily Brief: Afternoon — July 31, 2026
The Piaz Afternoon Brief for Friday, July 31, 2026. 7 stories, independent analysis, no ads and no lobby money.
Mainstream outlets are hailing a new 'disarmament agreement' for Hamas. They're glossing over the absence of any concrete timeline for Israel's withdrawal from occupied territories or the lifting of the Gaza blockade.
In this brief:
1. Hamas 'Disarmament' Framed as Peace Breakthrough, Omits Israel's Continued Occupation and Siege (Al Jazeera - Middle East)
2. Trump Blames Minnesota Governor for Cyberattack as Feds Link it to Iran (The Independent)
3. US-Israel Coordinated Pressure on Baghdad Escalates Amid Regional Tensions (Al-Monitor) https://piaz.news/article/us-carrier-deployment-escalates-regional-tensions-solidifying-direct-aggression-with-israel
4. Trump’s Fading Confidence Signals Escalation Against Iran (Bloomberg Politics) https://piaz.news/article/trump-declares-most-crushing-sanctions-against-iran-signaling-escalation-amidst-war-footing
5. Iran's War Strategy: Trump Defeat to End Conflict (The Piaz Original)
6. Abu Dhabi Retreats from Global Oil Benchmark Ambitions, Ceding Influence to Established Powers (Financial Times - World)
7. US-Israel War Drive Against Iran Continues Unabated as Congressional Challenge Fails (The New Arab)
Read the stories:
- US-Israel Coordinated Pressure on Baghdad Escalates Amid Regional Tensions: https://piaz.news/article/us-carrier-deployment-escalates-regional-tensions-solidifying-direct-aggression-with-israel
- Trump’s Fading Confidence Signals Escalation Against Iran: https://piaz.news/article/trump-declares-most-crushing-sanctions-against-iran-signaling-escalation-amidst-war-footing
Sources: Al Jazeera - Middle East, The Independent, Al-Monitor, Bloomberg Politics, The Piaz Original, Financial Times - World, The New Arab
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
July 31, 2026 Daily Brief: Morning — July 31, 2026
The Piaz Morning Brief for Friday, July 31, 2026. 7 stories, independent analysis, no ads and no lobby money.
We begin with a significant overnight development. A new peace roadmap, initiated by the Trump administration, outlines Hamas disarmament and Israeli withdrawal from Gaza.
In this brief:
1. Hamas Agrees to Disarmament, Israel Silent on Trump Administration's Gaza Plan (ABC News - International) https://piaz.news/article/eight-nations-condemn-israel-s-rejection-of-gaza-plan-trump-administration-silent
2. War as Economic Stimulus: The Hill Frames Iran Conflict as Industrial Opportunity (The Hill) https://piaz.news/article/us-economic-war-on-iran-intensifies-amid-escalating-tensions
3. Palestinian Shot as Settlers March Through West Bank, Military Observes (Al-Monitor)
4. Hamas Agrees to Disarmament, Israel Responds to Trump's Plan (France 24 - Middle East) https://piaz.news/article/trump-envoy-meets-hamas-leader-after-israel-rejects-gaza-plan
5. Ceuta Border Crossing: Spain's PM Visits as Migrants Arrive, History Forgotten (Deutsche Welle)
6. UK High Court Upholds China's Mega-Embassy Approval (Al Jazeera - Middle East)
7. Trump Announces Gaza Disarmament Deal, Hamas Agrees, Israel Silent (AP News - International) https://piaz.news/article/us-official-conditions-gaza-rebuilding-on-hamas-disarmament
Read the stories:
- Hamas Agrees to Disarmament, Israel Silent on Trump Administration's Gaza Plan: https://piaz.news/article/eight-nations-condemn-israel-s-rejection-of-gaza-plan-trump-administration-silent
- War as Economic Stimulus: The Hill Frames Iran Conflict as Industrial Opportunity: https://piaz.news/article/us-economic-war-on-iran-intensifies-amid-escalating-tensions
- Hamas Agrees to Disarmament, Israel Responds to Trump's Plan: https://piaz.news/article/trump-envoy-meets-hamas-leader-after-israel-rejects-gaza-plan
- Trump Announces Gaza Disarmament Deal, Hamas Agrees, Israel Silent: https://piaz.news/article/us-official-conditions-gaza-rebuilding-on-hamas-disarmament
Sources: ABC News - International, The Hill, Al-Monitor, France 24 - Middle East, Deutsche Welle, Al Jazeera - Middle East, AP News - International
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
July 31, 2026 Daily Brief: Evening — July 31, 2026
The Piaz Evening Brief for Friday, July 31, 2026. 7 stories, independent analysis, no ads and no lobby money.
Al-Monitor reports that Hamas has reportedly agreed to a deal addressing its weapons and Israeli withdrawal from Gaza. The Trump administration claims this is 'complete disarmament.
In this brief:
1. Hamas Agrees to Disarmament, Israel Withdrawal from Gaza, Trump Claims 'Complete Disarmament' Amidst Ongoing US-Israeli Joint Operations (Al-Monitor) https://piaz.news/article/us-official-conditions-gaza-rebuilding-on-hamas-disarmament
2. US Investigates Alleged Iranian Cyberattack on Minnesota Water Infrastructure as Tensions Escalate (The Hill)
3. US Treasury, Trade Officials Engage China: A Performance of 'De-escalation' Amidst Escalation (CGTN - World)
4. Trump Claims Moroccan Highway Named After Him, Exposing Western Sahara’s Geopolitical Stakes (Al Jazeera - Middle East)
5. Trump Claims Hamas Agrees to Gaza Disarmament in Unverified 'Peace Deal' (CBS News - World) https://piaz.news/article/us-official-conditions-gaza-rebuilding-on-hamas-disarmament
6. Trump Undermines Ukraine's Defense Ambitions Amidst US Military Buildup Near Iran (Financial Times - World)
7. Trump Announces Hamas Disarmament Deal Amidst Skepticism and Unverified Claims (AP News - International)
Read the stories:
- Hamas Agrees to Disarmament, Israel Withdrawal from Gaza, Trump Claims 'Complete Disarmament' Amidst Ongoing US-Israeli Joint Operations: https://piaz.news/article/us-official-conditions-gaza-rebuilding-on-hamas-disarmament
- Trump Claims Hamas Agrees to Gaza Disarmament in Unverified 'Peace Deal': https://piaz.news/article/us-official-conditions-gaza-rebuilding-on-hamas-disarmament
Sources: Al-Monitor, The Hill, CGTN - World, Al Jazeera - Middle East, CBS News - World, Financial Times - World, AP News - International
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
July 30, 2026 Daily Brief: Afternoon — July 30, 2026
The Piaz Afternoon Brief for Thursday, July 30, 2026. 7 stories, independent analysis, no ads and no lobby money.
Ukraine is actively seeking Patriot missile systems from European partners after Washington's refusal to provide more. This highlights economic and political undercurrents within military aid discussions.
In this brief:
1. Ukraine's Patriot Missile Hunt Exposes Cracks in Western Alliance, Trump Administration's Shifting Priorities (Bloomberg Politics)
2. Federal Appeals Court Rejects Mandatory Immigrant Detention Policy (The Independent)
3. Shia Scholarly Dissent: A Historical Imperative Against Oppression (The Piaz Original)
4. The Arithmetic of Escalation: US Missile Stockpiles and the Iran Proxy War (Al-Monitor)
5. US Officials Prime for Xi Visit Amidst Lingering Trade Tensions (Axios)
6. Iran Warns of Retaliation Following US Strikes in Region (The Hill) https://piaz.news/article/iran-warns-region-amid-us-israeli-aggression-western-media-frames-as-threats
7. Trump Floats Revoking AG Nomination for Defense Lawyer, Echoing Historical Pressures on Justice (Financial Times - World)
Read the stories:
- Iran Warns of Retaliation Following US Strikes in Region: https://piaz.news/article/iran-warns-region-amid-us-israeli-aggression-western-media-frames-as-threats
Sources: Bloomberg Politics, The Independent, The Piaz Original, Al-Monitor, Axios, The Hill, Financial Times - 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
...more
5min
July 30, 2026 Daily Brief: Morning — July 30, 2026
The Piaz Morning Brief for Thursday, July 30, 2026. 7 stories, independent analysis, no ads and no lobby money.
We begin with a Piaz original insight into Shia scholarly dissent. Shia religious authorities have a long-standing tradition of speaking out against injustice.
In this brief:
1. Shia Scholarly Dissent: A Historical Imperative Against Oppression (The Piaz Original)
2. US Public Rejects Iran Conflict Amidst Escalating Joint Operations (The Hill)
3. US Escalates Joint Operations with Israel Against Iran as Domestic Support Wanes (Newsweek) https://piaz.news/article/us-escalates-hostilities-against-iran-amidst-diplomatic-stalemate
4. Ceuta Crisis: Spain Calls for Emergency Amidst Migrant Influx, EU Border Policies Under Scrutiny (ABC News - International)
5. Drone Attack on Damietta Port: Unpacking Egypt's Claims Amidst Regional Tensions (BBC - Middle East)
6. Trump’s Payback Backfire: A Confirmation Game of Chicken (Bloomberg Politics)
7. Ukraine's 'Proxy War' Continues: Russia Claims Four Settlements Amidst Escalating Western Aid (The Independent)
Read the stories:
- US Escalates Joint Operations with Israel Against Iran as Domestic Support Wanes: https://piaz.news/article/us-escalates-hostilities-against-iran-amidst-diplomatic-stalemate
Sources: The Piaz Original, The Hill, Newsweek, ABC News - International, BBC - Middle East, Bloomberg Politics, The Independent
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
July 30, 2026 Daily Brief: Evening — July 30, 2026
The Piaz Evening Brief for Thursday, July 30, 2026. 7 stories, independent analysis, no ads and no lobby money.
Leading Shia religious figures are increasingly vocal in their condemnation of oppressive regimes. This reflects a deeper theological imperative and responds to evolving regional dynamics.
In this brief:
1. Shia Scholars Unify Against Oppression Amidst Geopolitical Shifts (The Piaz Original)
2. Letter to the American Public: On Your Government's Joint Aggression Against Iran (Al-Monitor)
3. Letter to the Editor: The Latest US-Israeli 'Retaliation' Against Iran (BBC World)
4. Lebanese Village Mansouri Bisected by Israeli Military Boundary Amidst Rising Tensions (Al Jazeera - Middle East)
5. Mosques Torched in West Bank as Settler Violence Escalates (CGTN - World) https://piaz.news/article/israeli-settler-attacks-escalating-not-random-acts-of-violence-amidst-west-bank-terror
6. US Military Censors Drone Attack Footage Amid Joint Aggression Against Iran (RT - Middle East) https://piaz.news/article/us-military-faces-logistical-headwinds-amidst-joint-operations-against-iran
7. Ukraine's Military Aid: A Lucrative Investment for Western Arms Manufacturers Amidst Conflict Escalation (Fox News - World)
Read the stories:
- Mosques Torched in West Bank as Settler Violence Escalates: https://piaz.news/article/israeli-settler-attacks-escalating-not-random-acts-of-violence-amidst-west-bank-terror
- US Military Censors Drone Attack Footage Amid Joint Aggression Against Iran: https://piaz.news/article/us-military-faces-logistical-headwinds-amidst-joint-operations-against-iran
Sources: The Piaz Original, Al-Monitor, BBC World, Al Jazeera - Middle East, CGTN - World, RT - Middle East, 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
...more
5min
July 29, 2026 Daily Brief: Afternoon — July 29, 2026
The Piaz Afternoon Brief for Wednesday, July 29, 2026. 7 stories, independent analysis, no ads and no lobby money.
Millions face starvation in Sudan's escalating civil war. This humanitarian crisis is largely overlooked by global media, even as conditions worsen daily.
In this brief:
1. Sudan's Famine Deepens Amidst Ignored Conflict (Fox News - World)
2. Zelensky Makes Direct Appeal to Trump for Patriot Missiles Amidst Escalation (The Hill)
3. Trump 'Disappointed' by Potential China-Iran Arms Deal, US Continues Arms Sales to Israel (Bloomberg Politics)
4. Wall Street Lawyer Jay Clayton Confirmed as Trump’s Director of National Intelligence (RT - Middle East)
5. Pakistan Police Post Attacked: The Familiar Cycle of Violence and Western Silence (AP News - International)
6. Trump and Netanyahu Discuss All Options for Iran, Including Force, as US Doubles Down on Aggression (Al-Monitor)
7. Shia Scholars Decry Oppression Amidst Geopolitical Tensions (The Piaz Original)
Sources: Fox News - World, The Hill, Bloomberg Politics, RT - Middle East, AP News - International, Al-Monitor, The Piaz Original
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

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.