Iowa

Iowa bill looks to ‘sever’ state’s remaining ties to greyhound racing

Published

2 weeks ago

January 21, 2026

Iowa bill looks to ‘sever’ state’s remaining ties to greyhound racing

Iowa’s licensed casinos would be banned from allowing simulcast greyhound races under a bill moving forward in the Iowa Senate, potentially ending the state’s remaining ties to the almost-extinct industry.

The bill, Senate Study Bill 3002, would remove the Iowa Racing and Gaming Commission’s authority to issue licenses permitting facilities to allow simulcast dog races starting July 1, 2027. It advanced in a Senate subcommittee hearing on Tuesday, Jan. 20.

The state’s last surviving greyhound racing track, the Iowa Greyhound Park at Q Casino in Dubuque, closed in 2022. It was among the last remaining live racing tracks in the nation. West Virginia is now the only state that has any live tracks, and dog racing is illegal in 44 states.

The closure of Iowa Greyhound Park followed many others around the country, as animal-welfare activists have raised objections to the treatment of racing dogs. The number of Iowa breeders had dwindled and a few had been in legal trouble.

Florida voters moved to ban greyhound racing by 2021, though the state had the most live racing tracks in the country at the time — accelerating the industry’s decline.

Only Prairie Meadows Racetrack and Casino in Altoona, the Wild Rose Casino and Resort in Clinton and Horseshoe Council Bluffs operated by Caesars Entertainment offer simulcast dog racing. In 2024, the most recent data available, those facilities recorded $2.4 million combined bet on simulcast dog racing.

In 2014, former Gov. Terry Branstad signed a law that allowed two Iowa casinos to get out of greyhound racing as casinos had complained they were subsidizing a dying business. It shuttered the Bluffs Run track in Council Bluffs in 2015 and shifted management of the Greyhound Park in Dubuque from the casino to the Iowa Greyhound Association.

Sen. Ken Rozenboom, R-Pella, said he only recently learned that legislation didn’t entirely erase ties to dog racing at Iowa’s casinos.

“The dog racing industry has fallen in disfavor around the country,” Rozenboom told the Des Moines Register. “It’s clearly not a popular thing anymore. And in my view, it’s time to, at the state of Iowa, completely sever any relationship we have with greyhound racing.”

As written, lobbyists representing casino operators that simulcast dog racing believe the bill would only affect the Clinton casino, which is governed under a different code section than the other two facilities.

Rozenboom said he would look to tweak the bill’s language to reflect his intention to implement a ban of simulcast dog racing at all of Iowa’s licensed casinos.

Animal welfare advocates say industry is not ‘forward looking’

Animal welfare advocacy groups including Humane World for Animals, Animal Rescue League Iowa and GREY2K USA Worldwide supported the legislation.

Carey Thiel, executive director of GREY2K USA Worldwide, which advocates to end dog racing, said Iowa lawmakers should advance the proposal because of the dog racing industry’s animal welfare problems. He said greyhounds sustain injuries that are sometimes fatal, are confined in small cages and use live rabbits for training.

He said Iowa’s 2014 bill signaled this industry should not be supported and thought that allowing simulcast dog races was a “loophole” left in the law.

U.S. Rep. Zach Nunn, a Republican who represents south-central Iowa’s 3rd Congressional District including Des Moines, introduced a federal bill that looks to close such loopholes. It would implement a national ban on greyhound racing, prohibit gambling on live and simulcast greyhound races and outlaw the export of American greyhounds for racing abroad.

“This is not an industry that is a forward-looking industry,” Thiel said. “… This is an industry that’s going to go away.”

Some casino operators push to preserve simulcast dog racing revenue

Lobbyists for the Horsemen’s Benevolent and Protective Association, Iowa Thoroughbred Breeders and Owners Association, Wild Rose Entertainment and Caesars opposed the legislation. Prairie Meadows is registered as undecided because the way the bill is written doesn’t affect the facility.

Jon Moss, executive director of the Iowa Horsemen’s Benevolent & Protective Association, disputed that this allowance was a “loophole.”

He raised concerns about the thousands of dollars in revenue that would no longer flow to West Virginia’s remaining two live dog racing tracks or to the Horsemen of Iowa Simulcasting Association. The association, which is its own standalone entity launched in 2023 as simulcasting waned at brick-and-mortar-facilities, has an agreement only with the Clinton facility.

“It’s not just a little hit or slap on the wrist to the operations of West Virginia,” Moss said. “It’s a death knell to the simulcasting operation operating currently.”

Jeff Boeyink, a lobbyist representing Wild Rose, said the Clinton facility has received lots of traffic from Dubuque since its casino ended simulcast dog racing.

“Contrary to popular belief, not all casino businesses in Iowa are robust and have large margins, particularly in places like Clinton,” Boeyink said. “Margins tend to be relatively thin, and so every amenity that you have that brings patrons into the business is meaningful to you.”

Senator has ‘goal to get this over the finish line’

Rozenboom, who fundamentally opposes gambling and is chair of the Senate State Government Committee taking up this bill, said that revenue is money “out of Iowans’ pockets, some whom probably can’t afford it.”

“I will be sensitive to concerns expressed, but I certainly have a goal to get this over the finish line,” Rozenboom said.

Sen. Jason Schultz, R-Schleswig, wanted more information but supported advancing the measure out of subcommittee but said “that’s not a promise of support going forward.”

Sen. Catelin Drey, D-Sioux City, did not sign off on the measure because she wanted to better understand the proposal’s impact.

The legislation heads to the full Senate State Government Committee for further consideration.

Marissa Payne covers the Iowa Statehouse and politics for the Register. Reach her by email at mjpayne@registermedia.com. Follow her on X at @marissajpayne.

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Iowa

Naturalization ceremony at Iowa Capitol welcomes 40 new citizens

Published

10 hours ago

February 6, 2026

Press Room

Naturalization ceremony at Iowa Capitol welcomes 40 new citizens

Beneath the Iowa State Capitol rotunda, 40 people from 20 countries raised their right hands, pledged allegiance to the United States and became American citizens.

The ceremony, held Friday, Feb. 6, as part of Iowa’s America 250 celebration, brought families and state officials into the marble-lined hall as the oath was read aloud and new citizens stood facing the flag.

The candidates came from Bhutan, Bosnia, Brazil, Canada, China, Colombia, the Dominican Republic, El Salvador, Lithuania, Guatemala, Honduras, India, Ireland, Liberia, Mexico, the Philippines, Russia, Spain, Taiwan and Vietnam.

Gov. Kim Reynolds welcomed the group.

“Iowa has always been enriched by the hopes and hard work of immigrants, people who come here seeking a better life, who bring diverse experiences and a deep appreciation for the promise of freedom,” Reynolds said. “Each of you comes with your own story, your own journey and your own reasons for choosing America, and today, Iowa is proud to welcome you home.”

Secretary of State Paul Pate called on the new citizens to exercise their newly gained rights.

“In light of this, I have one request to make of you today,” he said. “Will you register to vote?”

He added: “Every vote counts, and so will yours.”

U.S. Magistrate Judge William P. Kelley, who presided over the oath, said that citizenship did not require abandoning personal identity.

“What you solemnly renounce in that oath is allegiance to the government of another land. You did not renounce, or need to ever renounce, the devotion you carry in your heart for your native land and its people,” Kelley said. “I hope you preserve your native language, heritage and culture. Doing so enriches not only the lives of those in your family, it also enriches America and the great state of Iowa.”

For many in the crowd, the ceremony marked the end of years or decades of waiting.

Augustine Cardenas, who came to the United States from Mexico at 19 and is now 53, said the setting made the moment feel even more significant.

“I feel great, it’s been too long, I’m so excited, I’ve waited for this day and am full of joy,” he said. Looking up at the rotunda ceiling, he said, “I just love Iowa, it’s so beautiful, the weather is crazy but I love it, you can live every season, and you can feel it too.”

Sonya Carminhato, originally from Brazil, said becoming a citizen was “a dream come true.”

“It’s a new step for my life,” she said. “Iowa is a great state, I love Iowa, and I love Fairfield.”

She has lived in Fairfield for more than a decade and now works as a human resources manager at Maharishi School, where her children studied. She now helps care for her three granddaughters.

Edwin Coplin, 44, said he moved from the Dominican Republic at 17 to play basketball at a Florida high school before attending Des Moines Area Community College and eventually settling in Iowa.

He said the day felt like relief after years of uncertainty.

“It’s been a long journey, but I’m finally here,” Coplin said. “It feels good, it feels great, it feels like taking something heavy off your shoulders … I love Iowa, the people are so nice, Iowa nice.”

Nick El Hajj is a reporter at the Register. He can be reached at nelhajj@gannett.com. Follow him on X at @nick_el_hajj.

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3 keys to the game for Iowa State women’s basketball vs Utah

Published

22 hours ago

February 6, 2026

Press Room

3 keys to the game for Iowa State women’s basketball vs Utah

AMES – When Iowa State women’s basketball’s long break in the Big 12 season arrived, the team had just gotten back on track.

The Cyclones picked up their fourth-straight win, had knocked off another ranked opponent and were getting some much-needed momentum.

But the way coach Bill Fennelly looks at it, the break couldn’t have come at a better time.

“Our team needed it,” Fennelly said.

The Cyclones (18-5, 6-5 Big 12) will find out if the extended break helped when they begin an important road trip that kicks off when they travel to Utah (16-7, 7-4) for a Feb. 7 game at the Jon M. Huntsman Center in Salt Lake City. The 6 p.m. CT contest will be the Cyclones’ first game since a Jan. 31 win over UCF.

“I think overall it came at a good time for us,” Fennelly said.

It’s easy to see why fans may not have wanted the break to come when it did. Iowa State just regrouped following a five-game losing streak that nearly derailed the season. The Cyclones picked up wins over Cincinnati and Arizona. They then knocked off No. 20 Texas Tech on Jan. 28.

But Fennelly believes his team needed a breather as the roster dealt with injuries. Point guard Jada Williams hadn’t been feeling well. Guard Reese Beaty had missed time with a foot injury. Fellow guard Arianna Jackson missed three games with a knee injury. Forward Addy Brown has been out indefinitely with a lower-body injury.

Those injuries took thier toll on the Cyclones, with Fennelly having to go deep into his bench as they tried to get back on track. With so many players dealing with so many things, simply practicing had gotten difficult. The time off allowed them to get some rest and regroup.

“We had some kids that were physically wobbling and the rest probably outweighed anything,” Fennelly said.

Players got the day after the win over UCF off. The team had light workouts over the next two days and then got another day off. Fennelly hopes that by keeping them off their feet for some time, the Cyclones will be able to sprint to the finish line of the regular season.

It could be a mad dash for Iowa State, which may still be trying to secure a spot in the NCAA Tournament. At the very least, the Cyclones will be trying to improve their seeding. There will be tons of shots to impress with seven regular season games remaining. The next few days will be huge with road games at Utah and then at BYU on Feb. 10.

“Definitely huge,” said Iowa State senior Sydney Harris.

Here are three things to keep an eye on during the Cyclones’ trip to Utah.

Don’t overlook Utah

Utah’s record doesn’t stand out, but the Utes’ resume certainly does. Utah took down now No. 12 TCU in overtime back on Jan. 3. The Utes also toppled West Virginia, currently ranked No. 20, on Jan. 27. They’re also coming off a 67-57 win at UCF. So, it won’t be an easy matchup for Iowa State.

Can the Cyclones survive the extended road trip?

This will be an important stretch for Iowa State, which won’t be home for a while. The Cyclones play at Utah on Feb. 7 and then travel to BYU on for a game on Feb. 10. Iowa State won’t make the trip back to Ames in between games. The next time the Cyclones play in Ames will be on Feb. 15 against Kansas State. Iowa State has had mixed results on the road, going 3-3 in true road games this season, though they are 2-0 in neutral-site games.

Will there be any rust to shake off for Iowa State women’s basketball?

The Cyclones are coming off one of their uglier wins of the season, a 65-62 victory over UCF on Jan. 31. Iowa State was in control for most of the game, but it still wasn’t pretty. It shot just 25% (9-of-36) from 3-point range and only 54.5% (6-of-11) from the free throw line.

So, with the ugly win and the long layoff, who knows what to expect from Iowa State early on?

Tommy Birch, the Register’s sports enterprise and features reporter, has been working at the newspaper since 2008. He’s the 2018, 2020, 2023 and 2025 Iowa Sportswriter of the Year. Reach him at tbirch@dmreg.com or 515-284-8468.

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Iowa

Minnesota women beat No. 10 Iowa for 5th straight victory

Published

1 day ago

February 5, 2026

Press Room

Minnesota women beat No. 10 Iowa for 5th straight victory

February 5, 2026 / 8:48 PM CST
/ AP

Grace Grocholski scored 21 points, Mara Braun added 16 and Minnesota beat No. 10 Iowa 91-85 on Thursday night for its fifth straight victory.

The Gophers (17-6, 8-4 Big Ten) have the program’s longest winning streak in Big Ten play since the 2018-19 season. The Hawkeyes (18-5, 9-3) lost their third consecutive game since they lost starting guard Taylor McCabe, the team’s leading 3-point shooter, to a season-ending knee injury.

Minnesota led for almost all of the final three quarters, shooting 51.6% for the game while going 10 of 14 in 3-pointers. The Gophers, whose biggest lead was 77-57 with 7:51 to play, had a 41-28 rebounding advantage.

It was Minnesota’s first road win over a top-10 team since 2005.

Tori McKinney added 15 points for Minnesota. Amaya Battle had 12 points and 14 rebounds, and Finau Tonga had 10 points.

Ava Heiden led Iowa with 24 points. Chazadi Wright had 20 points and a career-high 12 assists. Journey Houston had 15 points and Hannah Stuelke added 14.

The Hawkeyes were coming off a West Coast trip in which they went out in a tie for the Big Ten lead and then lost by a combined 35 points to USC and Big Ten leader UCLA. This game wasn’t much better.

Minnesota led 49-39 at halftime, taking advantage of a 13-3 run to open the second quarter. The Gophers shot 64.3% from the field in the quarter, making all four of their 3-point attempts while their defense shut down the Hawkeyes. Iowa made nine of its 12 shots in the first quarter, but made just 5 of 17 shots in the second quarter, getting outrebounded by the Gophers 13-6 in the quarter.

Iowa had its 11-game winning streak over the Gophers snapped.