Nursing Pay Watch: A new Medscape RN/LPN Compensation Report finds nurse pay growth stalled in 2026, with small drops for some groups after years of gains—raising concerns about whether wages match the value of care. Teen Opioid Update: Washington youth suspected opioid overdoses and ER visits are down sharply toward prepandemic lows, but clinicians warn the risk hasn’t gone away. Food Safety Recall: Gias Foods recalls bettergoods Authentic Italian Lemon Alfredo Fettuccine due to possible Listeria contamination; no illnesses reported, but people are urged to return affected frozen lots. Vaccines & Kids’ Health: Providence highlights why childhood vaccines prevent serious illness and protect babies and immunocompromised people through herd immunity. Local Health Policy: A campaign controversy in Southwest Washington centers on whether Rep. Marie Gluesenkamp Perez’s staffers have access to employer health coverage. Public Health & Air: Whatcom-area guidance reiterates that burning garbage is illegal in Washington and can harm air quality and health. Rare Disease Story: A Highland High School student’s recovery from a rare brain tumor shows the impact of timely diagnosis and ongoing specialty care.