K-State in the news

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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.

Friday, May 8, 2026

National/International

‘The worst time for wheat’: US farmers face losses to extreme heat and drought
5/8/26 The Guardian
Farmers in north-central and north-west Kansas were hit hard this season, and Romulo Lollato, the wheat and forages production professor at Kansas State University, expects affected producers in this area may follow Nielsen’s decision not to harvest.

Service dog supports student's journey toward medical school
5/7/26 The Blue Ridge (Virginia) Leader
Raised by Kansas State University veterinary student Kylie Bitcon of Manhattan, Kansas, Cork has been intentionally bred, socialized, and professionally trained to assist individuals with physical conditions like Madlin’s. His role is grounded in trust, precision, and quiet support, helping Madlin conserve energy, navigate environments safely, and move through her day with greater confidence. Cork is also expertly trained for the rhythms of academic life. Having already attended classes alongside his puppy raiser at Kansas State University, he is accustomed to settling quietly for extended periods, often unnoticed, but always working.

State/Regional

K-State dairy unit gets green light for major upgrade
5/7/26 Kansas Farmer
After more than a decade of lobbying and educational efforts, the Kansas State University dairy research unit finally has funding earmarked in the state’s budget. It’s one step closer to a complete $45 million overhaul of the university’s teaching and research facility on the Manhattan, Kan., campus. “Agriculture is the primary component of the Kansas economy, and the Kansas dairy industry is probably the fastest-growing component of agriculture in Kansas,” said Dan Moser, K-State’s Eldon Gideon Dean of the College of Agriculture.

Local

Student-designed patio to be installed outside of Hale Library
5/7/26 The K-State Collegian
The project is phase one of a master plan to redesign Coffman Commons, with construction set to begin shortly after the school year concludes and finish in late August or early September. Katie Chandler, graduate student in architecture, designed the patio with a design team from Manhattan engineering firm Schwab Eaton.

K-State, Fort Riley sign partnership proclamation
5/6/26 The Manhattan Mercury/KMAN
“Today’s proclamation reaffirms a partnership built on service, education, and community strength that has grown stronger year after year since 2008," said Maj. Gen. Monté L. Rone, commanding general of the 1st Infantry Division and Fort Riley. "Together, we commit to serving as a national model for military-university collaboration and partnership. For Fort Riley, this partnership means opening our doors wider, creating opportunities for K-State students, faculty, professionals, and the Flint Hills community to learn from and engage with America’s army. This proclamation is not the end of our work. It is the beginning of a new chapter, one defined by cooperation, innovation, and a shared commitment to the people we serve.”

Cats for a Cure members assemble handmade care packages for cancer patients
5/6/26 The K-State Collegian
For Alynna Mattox, senior in life science and integrative health studies and president of Cats for a Cure, the growth reflects years of rebuilding the organization from the ground up. “Cats for a Cure is a student organization that partners with the Johnson Cancer Research Center here on campus,” Mattox said. “And we do whatever we can to help promote research. We also do a service project, which is making care packages for cancer patients.”

The science of spring burning
5/6/26 Salina Journal
“This is a safe and natural process,” said Logan Thompson, director of Rannells Ranch and assistant professor of animal science. “Grasslands and fire go hand in hand.”