DES MOINES, IA (IRN) – Iowa’s unemployment rate fell to 3.5% in December. The rate was down from November’s 3.7% rate and reflected that 5,200 more people found jobs, according to Iowa Workforce Development. The percentage of Iowans in the labor force also increased slightly.vIowa’s rate is ranked 20th nationally.

BONDURANT, IA (IRN) – Polk County authorities are calling the death of a woman at an assisted living facility in Bondurant “suspicious.” On Friday, a woman staying at the Courtyard Estates at Hawthorne Crossing, an assisted living facility for people with dementia, was found outside. The low temperature that morning was -9 degrees. Assisted living programs for people with dementia are required to have an operating alarm system on each exit door.

SIOUX CITY, IA (IRN) – The FBI continues to make arrests and charge people in connection with last January 6th’s storming of the Capitol by supporters of President Trump, and that now includes a Sioux City man. Agents arrested Kenneth Rader last week on charges of illegally entering a restricted building, disrupting government business, disorderly conduct and picketing in the Capitol.

IOWA (IRN) – MidAmerican Energy has announced plans to build a $3.9 billion renewable energy project in Iowa. The project, known as “Wind PRIME,” would provide energy to more than 700,000 customers. It’s the next step of MidAmerican’s goal to reach net-zero greenhouse gas emissions. 88% of the energy supplied to customers now comes from renewable sources. The Wind PRIME project will move it to 100%.

DES MOINES, IA (IRN) – For the first time, the Redbull Soapbox Race will be heading to Des Moines. On June 18th, 2022 The Red Bull Soapbox Race will challenge “the most fearless, fun-loving and foolhardy teams to prototype and create the wackiest of rides.” The course will run along East Walnut Street just south of the Iowa Capitol Building.