State Health Benefits Overhaul: Gov. Mikie Sherrill launched a State Health Benefits Program Reform Working Group to tackle New Jersey’s rising public employee and retiree health costs, with a first meeting set for Oct. 16 and recommendations planned for 2027. GLP-1 Safety Fight: In federal court in Philadelphia, attorneys in a semaglutide-related NAION “eye stroke” case argued the U.S. labels for Ozempic and Wegovy lack a warning that exists in Europe, potentially leaving clinicians and patients without a key risk signal. Maternal Health Costs: A new FAIR Health report says giving birth in NJ and NY is among the most expensive in the U.S., with median in-network vaginal delivery around $23,000 and C-sections about $27,000. Food Safety Recall: PepsiCo recalled 122,021 cases of Gatorade in 37 states, including New Jersey, after undeclared Yellow No. 5/Yellow No. 6 dyes were found on certain 28-ounce bottles. Rare Disease Deal: Shionogi will buy New Jersey-based IntraBio for $2 billion, adding the rare-disease drug Aqneursa to its portfolio. Public Health/Access: Aetna is bundling multiple cancer prior-authorization requests into one for eligible Medicaid members, including in New Jersey, starting Sept. 1. Local Health Workforce: Virtua Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital in Camden faces ER staffing departures after switching staffing providers, according to reporting from South Jersey.