Day 569

CMS Final Rule Ends Federal Medicaid and CHIP Funding for Gender-Affirming Care for Transgender Minors

On August 11, 2026, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services released a final rule barring federal Medicaid and CHIP payment for puberty blockers, cross-sex hormones and surgical interventions for transgender minors (Medicaid beneficiaries under 18, CHIP enrollees under 19), while expressly preserving the same treatments when used for other purposes. The rule, effective October 13, 2026, applies in roughly 17 state Medicaid programs that cover the care. On September 2, 2026, attorneys general from 20 states and the District of Columbia, joined by Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro, sued in federal court in Massachusetts, arguing the rule exceeds CMS's authority under the Medicaid statute and violates the Administrative Procedure Act and the Spending Clause.

Pentagon admits 68 civilians killed in the Saada strike

The Defense Department's Section 1057 report on civilian casualties in 2025, published by CBS News, assesses that the April 28, 2025 strike near Saada 'more likely than not' caused civilian harm. Its summary table lists 68 civilians killed and 47 injured (the narrative paragraph reverses the two figures), and it states that ex gratia payment 'was determined to not be appropriate.'

From: US Airstrike Kills 61 to 68 African Migrants in Yemen Detention Center

Pentagon admits 80 civilians killed at Ras Isa

The Defense Department's Section 1057 report on civilian casualties in 2025, published by CBS News, assesses that the April 17, 2025 Ras Isa strike killed 80 civilians and injured 171, and states that ex gratia payment 'was determined to not be appropriate.' Airwars, which recorded at least 84 civilian deaths, said the admission 'should prompt major international outcry.'

From: US Strikes on Ras Issa Fuel Port Kill 84+ Civilians in Yemen

CMS finalizes Medicaid/CHIP funding ban for youth gender-affirming care

CMS releases a final rule barring federal Medicaid and CHIP payment for puberty blockers, cross-sex hormones and surgery for transgender minors, consistent with the administration's executive orders on gender-transition care for minors (CMS says the rule does not depend on them). Documented separately in this archive.

From: Executive Orders Targeting Transgender Rights and Gender Identity Recognition