Centerstage Events – Week 1 July 2026

Centerstage events of week 1

Samsung discontinues its native Samsung Messages app ...

Samsung discontinues its native Samsung Messages app in the United States for Galaxy devices running Android 12 or newer, pushing users to Google Messages for SMS, MMS, group chats, and RCS. Affected users can no longer type or send messages through Samsung Messages, except for emergency contacts. Message history, media, and conversations transfer automatically after Google Messages is set as the default app. The shutdown also affects some device-continuity features and older smartwatches. Samsung warns users not to click fake migration links sent by scammers.

Monday, 6 July, 2026

Ceasefire ceases to exist between US and Iran...

The U.S. launches Operation Maritime Shield against Iranian state military assets, marking the largest direct conventional strike on Iran since the 1988 Tanker War. CENTCOM says the operation disables radar sites, missile batteries, drone depots, and IRGC Navy fast-attack craft threatening shipping lanes. Iran reports military casualties, while the U.S. reports none. The strikes trigger a sharp energy shock as Washington removes remaining Iranian oil waivers and insurers classify the Gulf as a war-risk zone. Brent crude jumps, tech stocks fall, and investors move into gold and U.S. Treasuries.

Tuesday, 7 July, 2026

FIFA World Cup investigation...

Seventy-two Members of the European Parliament demand an investigation into FIFA President Gianni Infantino after he allegedly intervenes to overturn Folarin Balogun’s red-card suspension during the World Cup. The lawmakers accuse FIFA of yielding to political pressure and violating its own autonomy rules. They seek communications between the White House, U.S. Soccer, and FIFA during the decision window. FIFA defends the move as a unique sporting exception, while UEFA figures and European federations raise concerns over host-country favoritism and political interference in football governance.

Wednesday, 8 July, 2026

Russia condemns the Ankara Summit Declaration...

Russia condemns the Ankara Summit Declaration, with Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova warning that the €70 billion Ukraine aid package accelerates Europe’s militarization and risks “catastrophic consequences.” The package marks a major shift as European allies and Canada take over Ukraine’s defense financing after the U.S. ends direct military cash support. Funds target ammunition, air defense, drones, long-range strike capacity, and AI-linked battlefield systems. NATO promises similar support through 2027, though internal divisions emerge as the Czech Republic refuses participation. Trump instead offers Ukraine technical help to manufacture Patriot systems.

Thursday, 9 July, 2026

Cuba’s national power grid suffers a total collapse...

Cuba’s national power grid suffers a total collapse, causing the island’s second nationwide blackout in five days and leaving nearly 10 million people without electricity. The crisis follows a severe energy deficit, failing Soviet-era thermoelectric plants, poor maintenance, and a worsening fuel shortage. Cuba blames U.S. sanctions and fuel restrictions for choking oil supplies from allies, while Washington points to corruption and infrastructure failure. The blackout disrupts hospitals, water pumping, schools, transport, and sanitation, deepening Cuba’s humanitarian crisis during peak summer heat.

Friday, 10 July, 2026