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Missouri is the third state to pursue the unusual task of mid-decade redistricting for partisan advantage. JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. — Missouri lawmakers are meeting in a special session to redraw the state's U.S. House districts as part of President Donald Trump's effort to bolster Republicans' chances of retaining control of Congress in next year's elections. The special session called by Republican Gov. Mike Kehoe is scheduled to begin at noon Wednesday and will run at least a week. Missouri is the third state to pursue the unusual task of mid-decade redistricting for partisan advantage. Republican-led Texas, prodded by Trump, was the first to take up redistricting with a new map aimed at helping Republicans pick up five more congressional seats. But before Texas even completed its work, Democratic-led California already had fought back with its own redistricting plan designed to give Democrats a chance at winning five more seats. California's plan still needs voter approval at a Nov. 4 election. Other states could follow with their own redistricting efforts. Nationally, Democrats need to gain three seats next year to take control of the House. Historically, the party of the president usually loses seats in the midterm congressional elections. What is redistricting? At the start of each decade, the Census Bureau collects population data that is used to allot the 435 U.S. House seats proportionally among states. States that grow relative to others may gain a House seat at the expense of states where populations stagnated or declined. Though some states may have their own restrictions, there is nothing nationally that prohibits states from redrawing districts in the middle of a decade. In many states, congressional redistricting is done by state lawmakers, subject to approval by the governor. Some states have special commissions responsible for redistricting. What is gerrymandering? Partisan gerrymandering occurs when a political party in charge of the redistricting process draws voting district boundaries to its advantage. One common method is for a majority party to draw a map that packs voters who support the opposing party into only a few districts, thus allowing the majority party to win a greater number of surrounding districts. Another common method is for the majority party to dilute the power of an opposing party’s voters by spreading them thinly among multiple districts. The U.S. Supreme Court ruled in 2019 that federal courts have no authority to decide whether partisan gerrymandering goes too far. But it said state courts still can decide such cases under their own laws. How could Missouri's districts change? Missouri currently is represented in the U.S. House by six Republicans and two Democrats. A revised map proposed by Kehoe would give Republicans a shot at winning seven seats in the 2026 elections. It targets a Kansas City district, currently held by Democratic Rep. Emanuel Cleaver, by stretching it eastward into Republican-leaning rural areas. Meanwhile, other parts of Cleaver's district would be split off and folded into heavily Republican districts currently represented by GOP Reps. Mark Alford and Sam Graves. Districts also would be realigned in the St. Louis area but with comparatively minor changes to the district held by Democratic Rep. Wesley Bell. Republican lawmakers had considered a potential 7-1 map when originally drawing districts after the 2020 census. But the GOP majority opted against it because of concerns it could face legal challenges and create more competitive districts that could backfire in a poor election year by allowing Democrats to win up to three seats. Could other states join the redistricting battle? Mid-decade redistricting must occur in Ohio, according to its constitution, because Republicans there adopted congressional maps without sufficient bipartisan support. That could create an opening for Republicans to try to expand their 10-5 seat majority over Democrats. A court in Utah has ordered the Republican-controlled Legislature to draw new congressional districts after ruling that lawmakers circumvented an independent redistricting commission established by voters to ensure districts don’t deliberately favor one party. A new map could help Democrats, because Republicans currently hold all four of the state's U.S. House seats. Other Republican-led states, such as Indiana and Florida, are considering redistricting at Trump's urging. Officials in Democratic-led states, such as Illinois, Maryland and New York, also have talked of trying to counter the Republican push with their own revised maps. What else is at stake in Missouri? A special session agenda set by Kehoe also includes proposed changes to Missouri's ballot measure process. One key change would make it harder for ballot initiatives to succeed. If approved by voters, Missouri's constitution would be amended so that all future ballot measures would need not only a majority of the statewide vote but also a majority of the votes in each congressional district in order to pass. If such a standard had been in place last year, an abortion-rights amendment to the state constitution would have failed. That measure narrowly passed statewide on the strength of “yes” votes in the Kansas City and St. Louis areas but failed in rural congressional districts. Copyright 2025 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.     

Experts say the decision marks the first time such techniques are allowed as evidence in a New York court — and one of just a handful of such instances nationwide. RIVERHEAD, N.Y. — A New York judge on Wednesday allowed DNA evidence obtained through advanced techniques into the forthcoming murder trial of Long Island’s suspected Gilgo Beach serial killer. New York State Supreme Court Justice Timothy Mazzei made the decision Wednesday but didn't explain the ruling at a brief hearing in Riverhead court in the case against Rex Heuermann. He set another court date of Sept. 23, noting the defense has notified the court that it intends to file another motion in the case, before adjourning. Suffolk County District Attorney Ray Tierney said simply “we won.” He was expected to address reporters later. The 61-year-old Manhattan architect has been charged in the deaths of seven women in a series of killings that prosecutors say stretched back at least to 1993. Most of the women were sex workers whose remains were discovered along an isolated parkway not far from Gilgo Beach and Heuermann’s home in Massapequa. Experts say the decision marks the first time such techniques are allowed as evidence in a New York court — and one of just a handful of such instances nationwide. Mazzei’s decision pertained to DNA analysis generated by Astrea Forensics, a California lab known for using new techniques to analyze old, highly degraded DNA samples. Prosecutors say Astrea’s whole genome sequencing analysis, combined with other evidence, overwhelmingly implicates Heuermann as the killer in the brutal deaths that have haunted the New York City suburb for years. But Heuermann’s lawyers argued the lab’s calculations exaggerate the likelihood that the hairs recovered from the burial sites match their client’s DNA. They complained the statistical analysis Astrea conducted was improperly based on the 1,000 Genomes Project, an open-source database containing the full DNA sequence of some 2,500 people worldwide. Prosecutors dismissed the critique as “misguided” and a “fundamental misunderstanding” of the lab’s methods. They also noted that a separate DNA analysis, completed by another crime lab using traditional methods long accepted in New York courts, also convincingly link hairs found on some victims to either Heuermann or members of his family. Heuermann was arrested more than two years ago but has yet to be given a trial date as he remains in custody in Riverhead. Whole genome sequencing allows scientists to map out the entire genetic sequence, or genome, of a person using the slimmest of DNA material. While it is relatively rare in criminal forensics, the technique has been used in a wide range of scientific and medical breakthroughs for years, including the mapping of the Neanderthal genome that earned a Nobel Prize in 2022. Prosecutors and experts say whole genome sequencing has the potential to allow researchers to generate a DNA profile of a suspect in instances where long accepted DNA techniques fall short, such as when a sample is very old or highly degraded, as is the case with the hair fragments found on the Gilgo Beach victims. Copyright 2025 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.     

Unlike other Democrat-run cities where Trump has suggested he may deploy troops to help fight crime, the governor of Louisiana is a Republican. NEW ORLEANS — After saying he was prepared to send the National Guard into Baltimore and Chicago to help fight crime, Trump is now saying he’s mulling doing similar in New Orleans. “So we’re making a determination now, do we go to Chicago?” Trump told reporters in the Oval Office. “Do we go to a place like New Orleans, where we have a great governor, Jeff Landry, who wants us to come in and straighten out a very nice section of this country that’s become quite, you know, quite tough, quite bad.” State and local officials, many of whom are top Democrats, have sharply opposed troop presence in Chicago and Baltimore. Landry, though, is a Republican. The president added “you have New Orleans, which has a crime problem. We’ll straighten that out in about two weeks.” Copyright 2025 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.     

The coffee giant says the protein drinks, which debuted in test markets, mark its latest push to modernize the menu and reignite customer excitement. WASHINGTON — Starbucks customers will soon be able to get in their protein fix along with coffee orders. The coffee chain has announced Protein Cold Foam and a new line of Protein Lattes made with protein-boosted milk will be added to menus nationwide and in Canada beginning Monday, Sept. 29. The additions deliver about 15 to 36 grams of protein per grande-sized (16-ounce) beverage, depending on the drink. Protein Cold Foam can be added to any iced beverage, bringing around 15 grams of protein in a grande drink. Flavors will include banana, vanilla, sugar-free vanilla, chocolate, matcha, salted caramel and brown sugar, as well as seasonal offerings like pumpkin and pecan, according to the company. Iced beverages with Protein Cold Foam will also join the permanent menu. The banana-flavored protein foam was initially released on a test run as part of the company’s new "Starting Five" innovation program, which allows select locations to test food and drink items before they launch nationally. That program is part of Starbucks' broader "Back to Starbucks" initiative to reignite sales as customer interest in specialty coffee drinks wanes and tariffs from the Trump administration cast an uncertain shadow over the U.S. economy. “As we continue to get back to Starbucks, we’re focused on modernizing our menu with innovative, relevant, and hype-worthy products that will resonate with our customers,” Tressie Lieberman, Starbucks’ global chief brand officer, said in a statement. “Our new protein beverages tap into the growing consumer demand for protein in an innovative, premium and delicious way that only Starbucks can deliver.” Protein Lattes, crafted with protein-boosted milk, are also being added to the menu, and will offer between 27 and 36 grams of protein per grande beverage. Starbucks says the new milk option, blended fresh daily with unflavored protein powder, can also be customized in other drinks such as lattes, shaken espressos and refreshers.

Prosecutors say new evidence, including cell phone video, will be key in the murder case of 11-year-old Julian Guzman. The suspect was in court on Wednesday morning. HOUSTON — The Army veteran accused of fatally shooting 11-year-old Julian Guzman while the child was playing “ding dong ditch” with his cousin appeared in court Wednesday morning for a bond hearing. The judge set bond at $1 million for 42-year-old Gonzalo Leon Jr., who is charged with murder. Prosecutors argued for the high bond, saying the allegations involve “someone intentionally killing an 11-year-old for knocking on their door.” Leon’s defense attorney pushed back, arguing the amount was excessive given Leon’s ties to the community, military service, and family responsibilities. The attorney also said Leon is not a flight risk and that his family is suffering as he faces the possibility of life in prison. New evidence revealed Prosecutors say they’ve gathered critical new evidence, including eyewitness testimony and a video recorded on Julian’s cell phone. The boy was filming the prank when shots rang out, capturing the moments from the door knock to when he collapsed while running away. “I unfortunately have had to watch countless recordings and surveillance of people in their last moments,” Harris County District Attorney Sean Teare said. “When you talk about an 11-year-old dying, where we hear it, that’s gonna be just some of the most horrific evidence that I can imagine.” Julian’s cousin, who was with him that night, described what the suspect was wearing and where he appeared in the backyard. The child told family, “I didn’t know what to do, but I wish I could have done more.” Assistant District Attorney John Brewer confirmed prosecutors shared all available information with the judge, even details that remain uncertain. He said out of “an abundance of caution,” both sides were upfront about the limits of some evidence. Brewer added that investigators know the boys were using social media before the prank, though he declined to comment further. Defense response Leon’s attorney disputed how prosecutors characterized the cell phone video, arguing it may not prove clear intent to kill. He suggested the case may fit a lesser charge and described the shooting as a “tragic accident,” not an execution-style act. The defense also noted Leon’s Army veteran status, framing him as someone who has served his country and stressing that his actions should be fully considered in context before a jury. Possibility of upgraded charges Brewer said the investigation is ongoing and that additional information could lead to upgraded charges. “There’s always an opportunity to upgrade a case if the evidence warrants it,” he said, adding that the most practical time to do so is before the case goes to a grand jury. There was also discussion in court about a possible Guadalupe County charge in Leon’s past. Brewer noted the information is disputed but was provided to the judge. The next court date is set for October 21. The suspect Leon was arrested on Tuesday morning by Houston police and charged with murder. Investigators say he initially refused to answer questions the night of the shooting and has not spoken since his arrest. Court documents allege Leon fired a warning shot into the ground before shooting Julian as he ran away down the sidewalk. What happened The shooting unfolded just before 11 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 30, on Racine Street near Mimbrough and Fidelity streets in east Houston. Police say a group of children had been knocking on doors when Leon opened fire. “A witness says someone ran out of that house and was shooting at the kids running down the street, and unfortunately, sadly enough, one of the boys, who was 11 years old, was shot in the back,” HPD Homicide Detective Sgt. Michael Cass said. Julian was rushed to the hospital with multiple gunshot wounds and pronounced dead the following day. In a new interview with CBS News, police said Julian and his cousin rang the doorbell two times before, but it was the third attempt that led to the shooting. Community and legal fallout The case has drawn national attention and sparked debate over self-defense laws in Texas. Prosecutors argue the shooting was unprovoked. “There is no way that little boy was posing a threat… and he was running away on a public street. This is not stand your ground, this is not manslaughter. This is murder,” Teare said Tuesday evening. RELATED: Deadly ding dong ditch case in Houston isn't the first time the childhood prank has led to charges During an interview on Wednesday following the hearing, Teare also framed the tragedy as one that has torn apart two families: “One lost a little boy before he even got to start his life, and another has a father and husband facing life in prison because of one angry act.” Teare used the case to highlight the importance of responsible gun ownership, saying it means keeping firearms away from children, only using them when legally justified, and properly securing them to prevent theft. “That responsibility does not include drawing down and shooting an 11-year-old in the back while he’s running away,” he said. Neighbors remain stunned. “What harm could they have done? Playing with a doorbell? That’s the part that really kind of hurts the heart,” one resident told KHOU 11 on Monday. Another neighbor added, “Kids are just being kids. I feel like we’ve all played these ding-dong ditch (games).” [embedded content] What’s next Leon is due back in court on October 21. Prosecutors say they will continue reviewing evidence, including Julian’s cell phone video, before the case heads to a grand jury. Meanwhile, a memorial for Julian continues to grow outside the home where the shooting happened. His mother left a simple message: “I love you Julian you will always be in my heart. Rest in peace baby. Mom.” A GoFundMe account has been created to help the Guzman family. Got a news tip? Text KHOU 11 at 713-526-1111.

The two dogs, of the breed Dogo Argentino, were taken into custody by Animal Control. Neighbors are hopeful those mauled by the dogs will recover. NEWPORT NEWS, Va. — Four people in Newport News were taken to the hospital after what neighbors are calling a gruesome dog attack.  A spokesperson for Newport News police says officers responded to Barbour Drive for reports of "two vicious canines" on Monday evening, around 8 p.m. Police say four people in total were bitten, and all were taken to the hospital. One woman who lives right near where the incident happened, with blood stains still on her porch, recounted the moments she watched the attack unfold. She said she was traumatized.  “It’s a terrible thing when you have to lay witness to that and there’s nothing you can do to help," she said. One of the victims posted images online of their wounds, which show inch-deep gashes.  The neighbor said she tried to step in and help the woman who was initially attacked. Now, that woman is fighting to keep her arm.  The neighbor said it was the worst thing she'd ever seen. She said the screams for help are still vivid in her mind. “I just screamed and covered my face, and ran to the other end of the house, and my husband and all the other neighbors cracked the door, and were all yelling, to try and get the dogs away from her. It was just horrible," she said. The two dogs, of the breed Dogo Argentino, were taken into custody after the attack by Animal Control, police said. But every single neighbor who spoke to 13News Now said they've had close calls with them while out in the neighborhood.  “I am mortified. They were circling the car where I couldn’t get out, after I came home from work. I did call 911 to ask them to come help me get out of the car, because I was scared," said Courtney Privette, who had lived in the community for decades. Privette's daughter, Lara, said she and other kids in the neighborhood have previously had to run in fear from the dogs. “When I saw them coming after me, I ran. I was scared, I was scared for my life. I was scared they were going to get me," said Lara Privette. A similar encounter was shared by neighbor Karen Daley.  “I told him, 'Run!' He didn’t even look, we ran. We closed the door. As soon as we closed it, it was like a movie. Bam, the dogs rammed into the door," said Daley. Neighbors said the alleged owner of the home where the dogs lived served time in prison for his involvement in the January 6 storming of the Capitol before being pardoned this year. Neighbors said the fear of the dogs has existed since he returned home.  “With his long, extensive rap sheet, I’ve asked my children to stay away. We just stay away," said Privette. “These are my neighbors. We go on walks, we always say hi and wave to each other. I love this neighborhood. But that right there is the black cloud that’s here," said Thomas Payne. Everyone said they were hopeful those mauled by the dogs will recover.  “How will they recover physically, emotionally, in every sense? I think it’s a very traumatic experience," said Daley.  While 13News Now was on the scene, barking could be heard from the backyard, from what neighbors said were additional puppies.  13News Now also saw the homeowner while there and attempted to make contact with him, but were unsuccessful. A spokesperson for Newport News police said they do not know if charges will arise at this time, but that Animal Control is leading the investigation.

Citing a lack of faith in the Robert F. Kennedy-run CDC, the three West Coast states will issue their own immunization recommendations. SEATTLE — Citing a lack of faith in Secretary of Health Robert F. Kennedy's Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Washington, Oregon and California are forming an alliance to issue their own vaccine recommendations.  The new group will be called the West Coast Health Alliance. The alliance will coordinate health guidelines and align its immunization recommendations with those of "respected national medical organizations," instead of those of the CDC, according to a Wednesday press release.  "This will allow residents to receive consistent, science-based recommendations they can rely on -- regardless of shifting federal actions," the release reads.  The governors of the three states called the "blatant politicization of the agency a direct assault on the health and safety of the American people."  "The CDC has become a political tool that increasingly peddles ideology instead of science, ideology that will lead to severe health consequences," Govs. Bob Ferguson, Tina Kotek and Gavin Newsom said in a joint statement, "ideology that will lead to severe health consequences. California, Oregon and Washington will not allow the people of our states to be put at risk."   Kennedy is an outspoken vaccine skeptic. This summer, he ousted every member of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices and replaced them with his own appointees.  The newly appointed committee just walked back who should get the COVID-19 vaccine, now limiting the recommendation to seniors who are most at risk for serious complications from the illness.  The move mimics actions taken by the three states during the pandemic, when California, Oregon and Washington worked together to coordinate their vaccine approvals and rollouts. 

The Powerball jackpot has continued to climb after 40 straight drawings without a jackpot winner and ticket sales are pushing the grand prize even higher. WASHINGTON — Wednesday could make somebody incredibly rich, if luck is on their side.  The Powerball jackpot for Wednesday's drawing has grown to an estimated $1.4 billion, making it the fourth-largest jackpot prize in the game's history.  It was initially estimated to be a $1.3 billion prize, but game leaders increased the jackpot estimate Wednesday morning after reviewing national ticket sales. Monday's drawing was the 40th straight pull without a grand prize winner.  As jackpots rise, so does the hype around them. And as more people see the life-changing number for a win, more people tend to buy tickets. This increase in buying causes a snowball effect until inevitably some player gets lucky and picks the winning numbers.  And they've often come close. Lottery officials noted 12 people in Monday's drawing got all five white ball numbers correct, but missed the Powerball number that would've won them the jackpot.  “Tonight could be the night this billion-dollar Powerball jackpot is won!” Matt Strawn, Powerball Product Group Chair and Iowa Lottery CEO, said in a statement. “Players are excited to take another shot at this growing jackpot, but we encourage everyone to play responsibly." If somebody does win on Wednesday, they'll walk away with either annual payments over 30 years, totaling the $1.4 billion before tax, or a lump sum of $634.3 million. The lump sum is what most people take.  What are the odds of winning the Powerball? The odds of winning the Powerball jackpot are one in 292.2 million. The odds of matching all five white balls and winning the $1 million prize are 1 in 11,688,053. The overall odds of winning a prize are 1 in 24.87. What time is the Powerball drawing? The Powerball drawing takes place live at 10:59 p.m. ET every Monday, Wednesday and Saturday. The drawing is broadcast live from the Florida Lottery draw studio in Tallahassee, Fla.  How much is a Powerball ticket?  Tickets, which cost $2 per play, are sold in 45 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. What are the largest Powerball jackpots?  The eye-popping $1.4 billion jackpot is quickly climbing the ladder of Powerball wins, approaching the highest payout in the game's history. Powerball lottery games have potentially huge jackpots because they are played in multiple states.  Here's where Wednesday's jackpot compares to the largest jackpot prizes in Powerball history: $2.04 Billion – Nov. 7, 2022 – CA$1.765 Billion – Oct. 11, 2023 - CA$1.586 Billion – Jan. 13, 2016 – CA, FL, TN$1.4 Billion (estimated) – Sept. 3, 2025$1.326 Billion – April 6, 2024 – OR$1.08 Billion – July 19, 2023 – CA$842.4 Million – January 1, 2024 – MI$768.4 Million – March 27, 2019 – WI$758.7 Million – Aug. 23, 2017 – MA$754.6 Million – Feb. 6, 2023 - WA

The NFL star got candid about calling Swift his fiancée for the first time and thanked everyone for their well-wishes after the couple’s Instagram announcement. WASHINGTON — Travis Kelce is opening up about his recent engagement to popstar Taylor Swift.  The Kansas City Chiefs star addressed the news for the first time on Wednesday’s episode of his "New Heights" podcast with his brother Jason Kelce. The couple announced news of their engagement on Instagram back in August with a series of photos of the proposal in a garden.  "Your English teacher and your gym teacher are getting married 🧨," Swift captioned the post. Travis broke his silence on the engagement on the New Heights episode, calling the past week “exciting” and “awesome.” “It’s been really fun telling everybody who I’m going to be spending the rest of my life with,” Kelce said, thanking fans and friends for their well-wishes after the couple announced the engagement in a joint Instagram post last week. [embedded content] Travis admitted he still “gets giddy” about calling Swift his fiancée and noted he used the term publicly for the first time while attending the University of Nebraska versus University of Cincinnati football game with Swift. “It was the first time introducing Taylor as my fiancée to a few of my teammates,” he recalled. “So yeah, it was pretty cool.” Jason had posted a short video last week congratulating the couple since that episode had been recorded before the brothers could discuss the proposal. “We felt it was necessary, as a team here at New Heights, to get together and send Travis and Taylor a giant congratulations for being engaged,” Jason said in the clip. On the latest episode, Jason asked his brother to share advice for proposing to someone.  “You gotta know your gal, and you can’t let how somebody else does it make you feel like you gotta do it that way,” Travis said. “You might be able to get some ideas from how other people did it, it might get the creative juices flowing. But know your partner, know who you’re doing it for. Everything else will be beautiful.”

Some students, teachers, and parents are entering the first school year with district-wide cell phone policies. BOTHELL, Wash. — Heading back to school Wednesday, students in the Northshore School District will pack their books, pens, and paper, but not their cell phones.  Its just one of many Washington state school districts that now have a district -wide policy for mobile devices.  District leaders say it’s a thought-out move put in place to decrease distractions and increase learning.  Washington Superintendent of Public Instruction Chris Reykdal called on local schools last year to ban or limit smartphone use in classrooms. At North Creek High School, students have been experimenting with a “no cell phone” rule for a few years. The 2025-26 school year is the official launch of the policy with different permissions depending on the grade level. At the high school level, mobile devices will be allowed during passing breaks, lunch time, and before and after school. They're prohibited during class instruction. Personal mobile devices include cell phones, smart watches, music players, laptops, and tablets. A full list of prohibited devices can be found here. For the district’s youngest learners, things are different.  These devices are not allowed on the school campus at any time. The only exceptions, Pre-K through 12, will be for approved medical needs relating to health monitoring devices or mobile apps. For high schoolers, each classroom has a shelf or "filing caddy" near the door where students will place their devices before class instruction begins. Two North Creek High School seniors told KING 5 they like the policy. "I think it helps us be more present in class and actually learn, which is what we're here for," said Aaliya Nagori, a North Creek High School senior and vice president of the associate student body. "Focusing on the stuff around you, like a lot of our group projects or working with our teacher, is so much more important than having your phone constantly dinging away in your pocket or right next to you." For Nagori's fellow senior, Abby Swallom, the soft launch of the policy has been life-changing. "I was very much addicted to my phone, especially going into the pandemic," said Swallom, president of the associate student body. "Being forced to put that away and spend time with each other and in class and learning without our phones...I would say it's actually helped me dramatically reduce my screen time outside of school." School and district leaders say support is split among parents, students, and staff, but most "understand" the reasoning for the policy. According to the district's Mobile Devices Survey results, 67% to 70% of responding parents said that if students were not allowed to bring mobile devices to school, they believe there would be improvements in the areas of emotional health, screen time, addiction, and engagement in learning. To see how respondents felt about a "bell-to-bell" ban or "full day without devices" - click here. During the North Creek High School soft launch years, administrators said they already noticed positive impacts. “The teens are really, really smart and know that not using it during classes for their own benefit," said Dr. Eric McDowell, Principal, North Creek High School. "All of the teachers reported much better engagement, and I think that eye contact piece is better." In addition to the medical and health exceptions, there are a few other reasons some high schoolers may be allowed to have their phones or other devices more accessible on certain days. "We know we have students who are communicating with employers, with potential colleges, perhaps with military recruiters," said Shelby Reynolds, assistant director for instructional technology and library services. "So, there are lots of different reasons that a student might need to have access to that personal device during the day for very productive reasons." What happens if students "violate" the policy? "It may vary slightly from school to school, but initially, schools will give verbal warnings and ask students to put their phones or devices in the phone caddies," Reynolds said. "Repeated violations may result in phones or devices being held in the office for a parent to collect later in the day." McDowell and Reynolds say a district-wide policy is the best move forward. Overall, high school senior Abby Swallom said it's important for students to experience school phone-free when possible. "'The whole world is not in your phone,' is my pep talk," Swallom said. "It may feel like it in the moment, but I promise you there's so much more to high school." Researching cell phone usage in schools The UW is one year into research on cell phone policies like Northshore’s. Studying responses from 5,000 Washington students along with parents and teachers, the team learned that 15% to 20% of students saw improvements in their attention, understanding lessons and getting work done.  Only about 10% have reported difficulties in regulating emotions, stress and loss of authenticity without their phones.  As research and data analysis continues - the lead on the study, Lucía Magis-Weinberg, a UW assistant professor of psychology, said these types of policies impact families, not just students. Magis Weinberg told KING 5 that parents will need time adjusting to school policies that either limit or prohibit mobile device usage. While it may be assumed that emergency situations at schools like a lockdown, have parents most concerned, early findings show that it's a shift in overall communication expectations between parents and students throughout any given day that will be the major adjustment. "Constant contact" is going to change or go back to how things were handled in years past, according to Magis-Weinberg. "When I was growing up in school, I didn't have contact with my parents at all, until or unless it was something very, very serious," Magis-Weinberg said. "Now, of course, this idea of being constantly connected has changed." If parents need to contact students where cell phones are fully prohibited, they can still call their respective schools and speak to the front office and arrange communication.