DES MOINES – The U.S. Department of Justice is suing the State of Iowa over a law that would give the state the ability to arrest certain undocumented immigrants. The Associated Press reports the motion was filed Thursday just days after federal officials warned Governor Kim Reynolds and Attorney General Brenna Bird to not enforce the bill that was passed in the Iowa Legislature. The challenge is similar to one in Texas after that state legislature passed a similar bill. The Department of Justice argues all immigration matters are under federal jurisdiction.

WEST DES MOINES – A Michigan man was arrested in West Des Moines after he was found to have violated his sex offender registration by working at an indoor playground. KCCI-TV reports Jeff Gwion was found to be at Kids Empire as an employee. He’s been arrested in both West Des Moines and by the Dallas County Sheriff’s Office. Gwion reported to the Polk County Sheriff’s Office with an incorrect address. He is accused of lying to police multiple times throughout the investigation.

IOWA – Drought conditions have improved significantly statewide in the latest weekly report. The U.S. Drought Monitor shows a reduction from 70 to 60% in overall dry conditions, including the removal of extreme, or D3 drought, in Iowa. Approximately 19% of the state remains in severe drought, with 1.58 million Iowans impacted by drier than normal conditions. Several rounds of severe thunderstorms have damaged multiple communities but have brought beneficial rainfall in the process.