BOISE – In an effort to reduce classroom distractions, Idaho Governor Brad Little and Superintendent of Public Instruction Debbie Critchfield introduced Executive Order 2024-11, titled the “Phone Free Learning Act.” This new policy aims to encourage Idaho schools to implement restrictions on cell phone use by the end of the 2024-2025 academic year. Schools adopting this policy will receive a one-time award of $5,000.

Governor Little emphasized the growing concern over cell phones in the classroom, stating, “When kids are more concerned about what’s happening on their cell phones than what they are learning in class, we need to respond.” Superintendent Critchfield highlighted research indicating that cell phones affect students’ focus and brain development, expressing that such policies are a step toward improved academic success.

Addilyn Lewis, a senior from Owyhee High School, spoke in favor of the initiative, sharing her experience with a phone-free policy in her school. “My grades have gone up, and I feel more productive,” she said. Parents in the West Ada School District, where phone restrictions are already in place, also shared positive feedback, noting improved grades and focus among students.

The initiative signals potential future collaboration with the Idaho Legislature to establish a more permanent statewide policy on cell phone use in schools.

The Phone Free Learning Act can be found at this link: https://gov.idaho.gov/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/eo-2024-11.pdf

Senior Health Insurance Benefits Advisors, or SHIBA, will host a Medicare review workshop in north central Idaho next week.

SHIBA’s workshop is planned 2-3 p.m. Thursday at the Orofino Senior Center, located at 930 Michigan Ave., according to a news release.

To register for the workshop, call SHIBA at 1-800-247-4422.

Medicare is in open enrollment — when people can enroll in new plans or modify existing coverage for prescription drugs or Medicare Advantage plans — until Dec. 7.

“It is important to review your Medicare plan annually,” Idaho Department of Insurance Director Dean Cameron said in the news release. “Medicare Advantage and Prescription Drug plans can change each year, including premiums, provider networks, co-pays / co-insurance, pharmacy networks, covered drugs and extra benefits. The SHIBA Medicare Review Workshop is a free opportunity for consumers to ensure their plan is the best plan for their current health needs.”

An Idaho Department of Insurance service, SHIBA offers free information about Medicare benefits and help through personal counseling and events like workshops and group presentations, according SHIBA’s website. 

The body of a newborn baby has been found in a “safe haven” box at a hospital in Idaho, prompting an investigation.

Officers responded to Grove Creek Medical Center in Blackfoot in eastern Idaho, where a dead newborn baby girl was recovered from a state “safe haven” box on Oct. 13, local station KTVB7 reported. Safe haven boxes allow parents or caretakers the ability to safely surrender an infant and remain anonymous, but only when the baby is unharmed.

The infant was removed from the bassinet by Grove Creek medical staff very soon after being placed there, but they quickly realized the baby had “passed away long before being placed in the baby box,” according to a Wednesday social media post. 

“We’re incredibly grateful for our dedicated team, who responded within moments to the Safe Haven Baby Box alarm and gave their all in a heartbreaking situation,” Grove Creek wrote in the post. “Though this infant was already deceased when abandoned, our staff showed deep compassion and commitment to care. Their actions mean everything to us, and we’re so proud of the way they honor every life they touch.”

USA TODAY reached out to Twin Falls and Blackfoot police for further comment but didn’t immediately get a response on Wednesday.

Founder of ‘safe haven’ boxes ‘sick to my stomach’

Monica Kelsey, who founded Safe Haven Baby Boxes and was herself abandoned as an infant in 1973, said that her organization is fully cooperating with the investigation as authorities investigate how the baby died.

“We are heartbroken,” Kelsey said in a Facebook post, adding that the baby may have been dead for days. “I’m just sick to my stomach … This baby was in this box for literally one minute.”

She added that “it’s been devastating all around.”

In the statement she emphasized that the instance was “an illegal, deadly abandonment” as the infant was placed in the box while wrapped in a blanket with the placenta still attached.

The organization said it aims to end infant abandonment and protect women in crisis with the safe haven boxes. According to the group, at least 52 infants were “lovingly surrendered” at baby box locations since 2017. However, the organization promises to work with law enforcement to seek justice for violations of Safe Haven Law and any illegal abandonments.

“As the only organization that provides an anonymous surrender option, we are on the front lines of educating the public on how this program works,” Kelsey said in a statement. “We will continue to educate citizens on the stark differences between illegal abandonment and legal, safe surrender of an unharmed newborn.”