Nobel Medicine: The 2026 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine went to Karl Deisseroth and German scientists Peter Hegemann and Georg Nagel for optogenetics—using light to control brain cells—opening new paths for treating neurological and sensory disorders. Behavioral Health Tech: A new push at a behavioral health conference focused less on flashy tools and more on using data and AI with “guardrails” to actually improve care. Health Funding Fight: California’s Medical Association and health plans sued Gov. Gavin Newsom over a healthcare tax tied to Medi-Cal funding, arguing it could raise premiums and violates voter rules. Medicare Advantage Shock: Sharp Health Plan says it will stop offering its Medicare Advantage plans in 2027, leaving thousands scrambling for coverage. Mental Health Access: New Jersey awarded contracts to expand integrated programs that combine primary care, mental health, and addiction treatment in one place. Public Health & Prevention: RSV season is here, with health officials urging handwashing, toy sterilizing, staying home when sick, and using vaccines/antibody protection for high-risk groups. Local Care Updates: North Las Vegas narrowed hospital campus finalists to two; Oroville Hospital will give 400 free diapers to every newborn; and Baguio, Philippines, reported 812 HIV cases while estimating about 500 more undiagnosed.