WASHINGTON, D.C. (IRN) – U.S. Rep. Cindy Axne will serve on the House Agriculture Committee, making her the lone Iowa representative to do so this year. Democratic House Speaker Nancy Pelosi announced the committee appointments in a news release Wednesday night. Axne’s appointment comes after House Republicans removed Rep. Steve King from his House committees, including agriculture, on Monday over comments King made about white nationalism and white supremacy.

CEDAR RAPIDS, IA (IRN) – A girl was shot in Cedar Rapids Wednesday evening. KGAN-TV reports officers responded to a report of shots fired and found a juvenile female with a single gunshot wound to the abdomen in an alley. She was taken to the hospital and the extent of her injuries is unknown.

DES MOINES, IA (IRN) – A 40-year-old man constructed a potentially deadly device while dining at a downtown Des Moines sushi restaurant because he didn’t think bomb threats were being taken seriously. KCCI-TV reports Ivory Washington made a legitimate improvised explosive device that resembled a homemade hand grenade Tuesday evening at Akebono in Des Moines. When no one called police, he did. He’s in jail.

ALTOONA, IA (IRN) – Prairie Meadows Racetrack and Casino is betting on sports betting. It’s not legal yet, but Prairie Meadows announced a deal with U.K.-based William Hill to be its sports book operator. Construction is underway on a facility to accommodate it. Now it’s up to the Iowa Legislature.

LUBBOCK, TX (IRN) – After two disappointing losses, the Cyclones men’s basketball team rebounded with an impressive road win at #8 Texas Tech, 68-64. Marial Shayok led Iowa State with 20 points. Iowa State beat then #5 Kansas earlier this season.