By Christina Lords | Editor-in-Chief
“It’s simple: if the federal government wants to access state and local systems’ data on citizens, they need to get a warrant.” - U.S. Rep. Russ Fulcher, R-Idaho
A Flock Automated License Plate Reader near the Lowe’s on Overland Road in Boise, as captured on Aug. 5, 2026. (Photo by Valentin Termite/Idaho Capital Sun)
GOVERNMENT + POLITICS
Fulcher signs on to bill limiting federal agents’ access to Flock, other surveillance data
By Laura Guido
The legislation would, in most cases, require federal law enforcement to obtain a warrant from a federal judge before accessing surveillance data from state and local systems, including cameras that capture images of vehicle occupants, long-range microphones, electronic fingerprint detection technology, and “substantially similar technology” as determined by the U.S. attorney general.
Idahoans gather in the rotunda of the Idaho Capitol on Jan. 12, 2026, to protest budget cuts to the state’s Medicaid program. (Photo by Christina Lords/Idaho Capital Sun)
GOVERNMENT + POLITICS
Idaho’s Medicaid work requirements start in January. Here’s how they will work.
By Kyle Pfannenstiel
The new rules — made largely by the federal government — require people to prove they are working, going to school, or volunteering at least 80 hours a month to maintain health insurance coverage through Medicaid expansion.
A replica of the Liberty Bell sits outside of the Idaho Statehouse, as seen on Jan. 14, 2026, in Boise. (Photo by Pat Sutphin for the Idaho Capital Sun)
GOVERNMENT + POLITICS
‘It’s a powerful symbol:’ Idaho’s Liberty Bell is back on tour and coming to your county
By Kyle Pfannenstiel
This will be one of the few instances — outside of its recent restoration — when Idaho’s Liberty Bell has left its home at the Capitol.
MORE REGIONAL AND NATIONAL NEWS FROM US
A summer of recalls exposes holes in the nation’s food safety net | Anna Claire Vollers
Federal judge pauses case on mifepristone access until after midterm elections | Kelcie Moseley-Morris
ICYMI
Shining a light on other Idaho politics reporting
Note: Some links may lead to stories behind a news organization's paywall
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