Good morning, Ames.

The FBI arrested ex-coach Sean Gardener in West Des Moines on Tuesday for allegedly sexually abusing three girls at Chow's Gymnastics — he is also accused of recording inappropriate videos in a Mississippi dressing room.

Iowa health officials warned parents to update their children’s measles vaccinations as school starts since eight cases have been confirmed since May.

Dr. Joel Waddell explained that measles spreads quickly in classrooms and the 84% vaccination rate is far below the 95% needed—leaving many children at risk.

The Iowa State University Cyclone Marching Band left Ames on Wednesday for Dublin on a 7 p.m. commercial flight from Minneapolis+ they touched down early Thursday and will return late Sunday before classes resume on Monday.

Iowa State Cyclones fans and KCCI reporters have traveled to Dublin—Ireland where they are preparing for a season opener against Kansas State in the Aer Lingus Football Classic scheduled for Saturday.

The team, along with anchor Stacey Horst, sports director Scott Reister and photojournalist Dylan Coon, are exploring Dublin’s landmarks as they cover the event.

The NASCAR Cup Series will return to Iowa Speedway in 2026 with the Iowa Corn 350 Powered by Ethanol scheduled for Aug.

8 and 9 (select tickets are on sale now). The event follows a 2025 race that drew about 30,000 fans.

79th Annual Conservation Conference

8 AM - 1 PM — Gateway Hotel & Conference Center — Registration required — Engage with conservation professionals and learn about sustainable practices.

Iowa State WelcomeFest

5:30-8:30 p.m. — ISU Memorial Union — Free entry — Celebrate the start of the semester with free swag and a chance to win a luxury vehicle.

South Dakota Coyotes vs. Iowa State Cyclones Football

2:30-5:30 p.m. — Jack Trice Stadium — Ticket prices vary — Experience thrilling college football as the Coyotes face off against the Cyclones.

LINUX Shell Scripting Training Class

Sep 3-4 — Iowa State Online, Howe Hall, 2624 — Check event page for pricing — Enhance your software development skills with hands-on Linux shell scripting training.

Iowa Hawkeyes vs. Iowa State Cyclones Tailgate

12-4 p.m. — 1400 S 4th St, Ames, IA — BYOB encouraged — Celebrate Hawkeye football with tailgate games, music, and fun for all fans.

Dreaming Hildegard Exhibition Reception

5:30-7:30 p.m. — Octagon Center For the Arts — Free entry — Explore the solo exhibition by Christopher Hynes and enjoy complimentary refreshments.

Repair Café

10 AM – 2 PM — Ames Public Library — Free entry — Fix your beloved items with the help of dedicated volunteer repair coaches.

2025 Ames Silversmithing Classic

All day — Ames Golf & Country Club — $600 prize pool & $30 club rental — Enjoy a day of hickory golf at the 14th edition of this classic Iowa tournament.