AMES, IA (IRN) – The Ames’ fire department is taking some heat for trying to increase diversity on its staff. WHO-TV reports the department announced plans to scale back its standard fitness test. The department is hoping the change brings in more recruits — specifically women and minorities. The Iowa Professional Fire Fighters Organization called the move into question. The group says it supports diversity, but is concerned about changing hiring standards.

WATERLOO, IA (IRN) – A man is accused of shooting another man in a Waterloo Kwik Star parking lot yesterday. KWWL-TV reports Daytrell Pendleton is accused of shooting the other man multiple times. An off-duty deputy saw Pendleton get out of his truck with a shotgun and fire at the victim, who was standing near, or sitting in, his truck. He was hit in the elbow, hand, hip and stomach. The off-duty deputy arrested Pendleton at the scene.

BUFFALO, IA – A body was pulled from the Mississippi River in the Scott County town of Buffalo this morning. WQAD-TV reports a caller reported the body, and the Buffalo Fire Department and Scott County Sheriff’s Deputies responded and pulled the body from the river. The investigation is continuing.

COUNCIL BLUFFS, IA (IRN) – A 22-year-old Council Bluffs man has been given 10 years in prison for trying to kidnap a girl near her elementary school. KMTV reports that Nathan Busse pled guilty Thursday to child stealing after prosecutors dropped a kidnapping charge. Busse grabbed the girl in January 2013 near Edison Elementary School and forced her to walk with him. She struggled and broke away.

WEST DES MOINES, IA (IRN) – An Ames man was arrested and charged Wednesday with carrying a handgun on school grounds, according to KCCI-TV. Paul Smiley-Oyen was driving a charter bus heading for Valley High School to pick up band students. He began tailgating a car, honking his horn and flashing his lights. He was tailgating an on-duty Des Moines police captain in a city vehicle. The officer followed him to the high school, approached the bus, and saw Smiley-Oyen was holding a handgun. He was arrested and faces felony charges.

DES MOINES, IA (IRN) – A Floyd County judge is under fire for banning a woman from getting pregnant, according to WHO-TV. Twenty-four-year-old Stephanie Fatland was charged with child endangerment last year. In court, she opted for a plea deal from Judge James Drew. The agreement stipulated Fatland not get pregnant. The Iowa Court of Appeals overturned the ban.

ALTOONA, IA (IRN) – Federal officials are revoking a central Iowa casino’s nonprofit status. The Des Moines Register reports the Internal Revenue Service announced Thursday that Prairie Meadows, in Altoona, should lose its tax-exempt status, following an 18-month audit. The casino plans to appeal the decision.

WATERLOO, IA (IRN) – Christians, Jews and atheists are working together to remove graffiti from the Sons of Jacob Synagogue in Waterloo, according to KCRG-TV. Police are reviewing surveillance footage to try to figure out who drew crosses and wrote the words “Jesus Saves” on the synagogue. Officials are calling the vandalism a “hate crime.” Volunteers say it’s important to stand together, as one community.