GILBERT, Iowa [KCCI] – A central Iowa sixth-grade student has won the Girls Under 13 division in the Pan American Youth Chess Championship held earlier this month, in Paraguay. 11-year-old Irene Fei, of Gilbert, also earned the distinction of becoming the youngest Woman International Chess Federation Master in the Americas.

Irene’s parents introduced her to chess in kindergarten, and she developed her talent in an after-school chess club. At just 9 years old, she claimed a first-place world championship chess title in Panama City.

(Radio Iowa) – This year’s race in Iowa’s first congressional district is a rematch between Democrat Christina Bohannan, a University of Iowa law professor, and Congresswoman Mariannette Miller-Meeks, an eye doctor who’s seeking a third term.

Christina Bohannan has made abortion a central issue and has focused on the “Life at Conception Act” Mariannette Miller-Meeks co-sponsored in congress. “She has now tried to back track from that, saying she supports exceptions and things,” Bohannan said. “It’s election time, so she’s trying to moderate that position.” Last week, Miller-Meeks said she does not expect federal legislation on abortion any time soon. “How do we work in a bipartisan manner to pass something that is good for women and good for our nation instead of continuing to have this as a political football?”

Miller-Meeks asked. Miller-Meeks has focused on immigration. She says the border has been out of control because President Biden undid Trump-era policies. “My opponent didn’t mention the border until it because a liability for her and her party,” Miller-Meeks said. Bohannan criticizes Miller-Meek and other Republicans for failing to pass a bipartisan plan to boost border security. “When it comes down to it, they don’t want to do anything about it because they want to keep playing politics with this issue,” Bohannan said.

On October 1st, about 37 percent of registered voters in the first congressional district were Republicans and 32 percent were Democrats.

(Iowa News Service) – People can enroll in Medicare or make changes to their supplemental and prescription drug coverage between now and December 7.  In Iowa, experts are also reminding people to check their options when signing up for health coverage through the federal marketplace.

Iowans on Medicare will have a $2,000 out-of-pocket cap on prescription drug costs starting next year. Prescription drug prices on insurance plans can change from year to year. The Iowa Insurance Division’s Director for the Senior Health Insurance Information Program, Kristin Griffith, said it’s important for Medicare enrollees to pay close attention to their drug plans and their supplemental or Medicare Advantage plans.

“One of the startling stats we hear is that only about 30% of people actually check their drug plan or their M.A. plan during open enrollment, which is what we have right now,” said Griffith. “For 2025, we’re seeing a lot of changes in networks that plans cover.”

About 660,000 Iowans are currently enrolled in Medicare Advantage plans.  For other health insurance, the open enrollment period in the federal health-care marketplace runs from this Friday to January 15 of next year. Chief Medical Officer for UnitedHealthcare – Employer and Individual – Dr. Rhonda Randall said in addition to checking drug prices, co-pays and other costs, it’s important to see whether a plan’s overall benefits have changed.

“Are your current benefit plans still meeting your healthcare needs and your budget needs, and has anything changed with your plan?” said Randall. “For example, is your doctor still in the plan? Is the medication you take still covered by the plan?”

Randall and other providers reminded people to look for mental health coverage options in their insurance plan, too, and whether they meet the needs of an entire family.

(Red Oak, Iowa) – Jill Ozuna, Montgomery County Auditor and Commissioner of Elections Office, Sunday (Today) announced the successful completion of public testing for voting equipment ahead of the upcoming general election on November 05, 2024.

The testing event, held on October 24th and 25th at the Montgomery County Courthouse ensured that all voting systems function accurately and securely. Representatives from the public, media, and community organizations were invited to attend the event, observing firsthand how ballots are scanned, tabulated, and verified for accuracy. All equipment passed the testing process with no issues, confirming the readiness of our systems for election day.

“We take every measure to ensure the integrity of the election process,” said Jill Ozuna, Auditor and Commissioner of Elections, “The successful completion of public testing demonstrates our commitment to transparency, accuracy, and public trust in the voting process.”

Public testing is an essential part of election preparation, providing an opportunity for community members to witness how votes will be counted and verified. The process includes running sample ballots through the machines to confirm that all votes are recorded and reported correctly.

The Montgomery County Auditor and Commissioner of Elections Office encourages all eligible voters to participate in the upcoming general election. For more information about voting locations, hours, or absentee ballots, please visit www.montgomerycountyia.gov or contact the election office at 712-623-5127.

Key Election Dates:

• General Election: Tuesday, November 05, 2024

• Early Voting: October 16– November 4th

**Auditor’s office will be open Saturday November 2, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.**

• Absentee Ballot Request Deadline: Ended October 21st