K-State in the news
Recent news highlights
Read some of today's top stories mentioning Kansas State University. Download an Excel file (xlsx) with all of the day's news stories.
See more K-State faculty, staff and students in the news in the clip archives.
Monday, May 4, 2026
National/International
Bala Natarajan named Kansas State University Distinguished Professor
5/1/2026 The American BAZAAR
Kansas State University has awarded its highest faculty honor, the title of University Distinguished Professor, to Bala Natarajan for his significant contributions to electrical engineering and cyber-physical systems. Natarajan, a professor in the Mike Wiegers Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, joins a select group of faculty recognized for making a permanent impact on their field.
State/Regional
How local Master Gardeners are making a lasting impact in Johnson County
5/3/2026 The Kansas City Star
Across Johnson County, K-State Extension programs have more than 1,100 volunteers contributing their time and expertise. These volunteers support 4-H youth development, horticulture, Master Naturalist, Master Food Volunteers, Volunteer Income Tax Assistance, and the Master Gardener program. Their service is the backbone of much of what Extension accomplishes locally. Among these programs, the Master Gardener volunteers are especially visible throughout the community. They help maintain 10 Demonstration Gardens across Johnson County, where the goal goes beyond beautification. These gardens are living classrooms that showcase research-based gardening practices promoting environmental stewardship, sustainable landscapes, and practical home gardening techniques.
Kansas ranchers warned of incurable tick-borne cattle illness
5/1/2026 KSN
Kansas State University Extension is warning cattle producers about a dangerous tick-borne illness that has no treatment or vaccine. K-State Extension veterinary entomologist Cassandra Olds is urging farmers and ranchers to watch out for signs of bovine theileriosis. The disease first appeared on the East Coast, but now “we’re seeing it crop up and move westward over time, especially here in Kansas,” Olds said in a video on YouTube.
Local
1st Infantry Division and Kansas State University renew partnership
5/1/2026 JC Post
Fort Riley announced that there will be a proclamation signing between Kansas State University and the 1st Infantry Division on May 5 at 4 pm at Victory Park at Division Headquarters. The annual proclamation signing reaffirms the shared commitment between Fort Riley and Kansas State University to support soldiers, families, veterans, and the broader Flint Hills community. This long-standing partnership strengthens education, research, spouse employment, quality‑of‑life initiatives, and regional collaboration.
'Impressive' storm stretch in April brings cooler temperatures
5/1/2026 The Mercury
K-State meteorologist Chip Redmond said about 2 to 2.5 inches of rain fell locally at the end of April, capping an impressive stretch of storms. "We had 31 hours this month where we recorded in the Manhattan area a thunderstorm in the vicinity," he said. "That’s pretty impressive considering we only average around seven to 10 hours or so."