El Niño & Water Security: Samoa is bracing for another three months of below-normal rainfall as El Niño strengthens, with an 80–90% chance of dry conditions. Farmers say drought is already hitting crops and pushing up prices, while dry grass raises wildfire risk after recent blazes at Vaitele and Faleata. Cost of Living & Food Budgets: With prices and transport costs squeezing households, a “100 tala” grocery run can cover basics like rice, bread and eggs—but shoppers say it often runs out fast once other needs (school, fuel, family expenses) come in. Local Retail Pressure: Village shops in Leusoali’i, Falevao and Tafagamanu Lefaga face tougher competition as people batch purchases in town and larger retailers expand, while rising wholesale and transport costs make it harder to match prices. Youth Football (Samoa hit): Papua New Guinea beat Samoa 2-0 to reach the OFC U-16 Women’s semi-finals, ending Samoa’s hopes of a third straight U-17 World Cup spot. Health Advisory: Samoa’s Ministry of Health warns El Niño could worsen mosquito-borne illness, water/food-borne sickness and heat stress, and urges households to prevent mosquito breeding. Sports & Culture: Samoa’s Shantael Ligaliga is adjusting for Tahiti’s drier golf conditions ahead of the Pacific Cup, and a new French-learning push is bringing language and culture classes to children and adults in Samoa.