DESOTO, IA (IRN) – A man filled up with gas at the Desoto Minimart Tuesday night then drove off without paying. KETV reports the owner and her son followed the man and a female passenger. When confronted, the man fired shots and ran into their vehicle. A 100 mph pursuit by sheriff’s deputies crossed into Omaha, where police stopped it. The man escaped, but the female in the stolen vehicle was apprehended.

AMES, IA (IRN) – Officials in central Iowa have seized more than three dozen exotic pets and found another 60-plus dead in an Ames apartment. The Des Moines Register reports animal control staff say it’s one of the worst animal-hoarding cases they’ve seen. Among the animals found Tuesday were fish, various lizards, chinchillas, parakeets, cockatiels, small rodents, frogs and snakes. Workers found 41 live animals and more than 60 dead.

URBANDALE, IA (IRN) – U.S. Rep. Steve King is defending his call for a ban on all abortions by questioning whether “there would be any population of the world left” if not for births due to rape and incest. Speaking Wednesday before a conservative group in Urbandale, the Iowa congressman reviewed legislation he has sought that would outlaw abortions without exceptions for rape and incest. His remarks have drawn condemnation from both Democrats and Republicans.

CEDAR RAPIDS, IA (IRN) – Students taking classes in Cedar Rapids will now have a new way of getting around town as the city’s transit department teams up with area schools. KCRG-TV reports starting this school year, students in the Cedar Rapids School District, Coe College, and Kirkwood Community College will be able to ride city buses at no charge.

NEWTON, IA (IRN) – Construction of a new one of a kind softball complex will be starting this fall in Newton. WHO-TV reports the Project Fastpitch softball complex is going to cost $32 million and will be located right next to the Iowa Speedway. It will have 12 outdoor fields and four indoor fields.