May 2026
K-State in the news
Some of the top stories mentioning Kansas State University are posted below. Download an Excel file (xlsx) with all of this month's news stories.
Friday, May 29, 2026
State/Regional
A ‘Super El Niño’ could develop this summer. What that means for Kansas
5/27/26 The Wichita Eagle
“The strength of an El Niño is determined by how far above normal sea surface temperatures peak,” Matthew Sittel, assistant state climatologist at Kansas State University, told The Wichita Eagle.
Local
USDA undersecretary: Kansas farmers have important role in democracy
5/28/26 The Manhattan Mercury
USDA undersecretary Luke Lindberg visited K-State’s milling campus and the Wheat Innovation Center, a research facility and collaborative hub between K-State and private companies. Lindberg said countries around the world have “quality wheat coming in the door that’s coming from places like Kansas,” and that it increases their bottom line because of the quality that it is.
Thursday, May 28, 2026
State/Regional
Staying safe from ticks
5/27/26 KWCH
Matt McKernan with K-State extension says there are steps you can take when you're out in nature to minimize your chances of getting ambushed by ticks.
Local
Kansas lawmakers, USDA official talk agriculture at K-State
5/6/26 Salina Journal
“We know appreciate it, Sen. Moran and I inviting Secretary Lindberg to come here to Kansas,” Rep. Mann said. “We wanted to be at K-State because so much happens here for our grains, you know, grain trade. But in addition you have all the research, all the development, all the things that K-State’s doing.”
Wednesday, May 27, 2026
National/International
Beef demand holds strong as consumers pay premium prices
05/27/26 The Farmer
American consumers are proving their appetite for beef remains strong, even as grocery prices climb across the board. According to Kansas State University's April Meat Demand Monitor, shoppers are willing to pay premium prices for beef products, with ribeye steaks commanding nearly $18 per pound — up from just under $17 in March.
State/Regional
A ‘Super El Niño’ could develop this summer. What that means for Wichita, Kansas
05/27/26 Wichita Eagle
“The strength of an El Niño is determined by how far above normal sea surface temperatures peak,” Matthew Sittel, assistant state climatologist at Kansas State University, told The Wichita Eagle.
Tuesday, May 26, 2026
National/International
KSU Salina students create VR experience for Cosmosphere camps
05/23/26 AOL
A new virtual reality experience created by Kansas State University Salina students will become part of the Cosmosphere’s educational camp programming. Through a partnership between the Cosmosphere and KSU Salina, senior students developed the project under the guidance of professors Balaji Balasubramaniam, Annie Hoekman and Michael Oetken. The project, titled ISS Rupture Simulation, places participants aboard the International Space Station during an emergency scenario. Using virtual reality technology, campers will search a model of the ISS for ruptures, using an audio amplifier to listen for air leaks and repairing them with branded patches.
State/Regional
K-State project works to recover Kansas’ lost service members
05/26/26 KSNW-TV
K-State’s MIA Recovery and Identification Project is working to bring service members missing in action home. D.J. Schaefer is the founder and a veteran himself. He is searching the world for missing soldiers from the past century of U.S.-involved conflicts.
Local
K-State grad named honoree in the Going the Distance Brain Injury Run
05/22/26 Manhattan Mercury
As an undergraduate at Kansas State University, AmyRenee Sheldon survived a near-fatal car crash that resulted in a traumatic brain injury. Today, she is named the honoree at the Going the Distance for Brain Injury Run.
Friday, May 22, 2026
National/International
How a 4-H project turned into a career in entomology
5/15/26 Entomology Today
Hannah Quellhorst, a National Institute of Food and Agriculture postdoctoral researcher at Kansas State University, is doing research to improve the management of maize, postharvest, with a special focus on invasive storage insect pests such as the larger grain borer. "For me the most rewarding part of my job is to be able to offer advice and encouragement to younger researchers in my sphere of influence," Quellhorst said. "If I can help someone or encourage someone on their journey, I feel like I have succeeded myself."
State/Regional
Deepening drought, rising costs put Kansas wheat farmers between a rock and a hard place
5/20/26 KSN Wichita
Jennifer Ifft, an agricultural economist at Kansas State, said the changes have come without an adequate rise in crop prices to offset the impact. “Historically, when your input expenses go up, that’s painful, but it happens when your crop prices go up,” she said. “Now what we’ve seen over the past few years is more of a margin squeeze, where crop prices have gone down, not to historic lows, while expenses have stayed high.”
Farm for future innovation
5/21/26 AgriView
"When we can work with real-world conditions on a real farm, our research is that much better, but much more important have been the Flickners," said Dorivar Ruiz Diaz, interim head of Kansas State University's department of agronomy. "Beyond allowing us access to their farm, they've been critical members of our team, and their generosity with their time and insights has allowed us to shape our research in a way that helps farmers make the decisions they need to be successful."
Thursday, May 21, 2026
National/International
Rural America’s Shift From Five And Dimes To Modern Grocers
5/19/26 Forbes
A small, and growing, community of rural grocers are operating across America, and they collaborate to share their successes and best practices. This year the 2026 National Rural Grocery Summit, widely considered the premier gathering for independent grocers and rural food access partners, met this May in North Dakota, co-hosted by University of Minnesota Extension, Kansas State’s Rural Grocery Initiative and other partners.
State/Regional
High School Band Instruments Take a Beating. These Guys Fix Them.
5/20/26 Kansas Public Radio
Musicians have a special connection with the instruments they play. Some call them an extension of themselves, a confidant, a second voice. So, keeping those instruments in good repair is essential. That can be tough, especially for high school music programs. Instrument repairs are often costly. But a Kansas State University program is helping rural high schools keep their bands sounding good.
Cosmosphere and K-State Salina partner to develop immersive VR space simulation for camp programs
5/20/26 Salina Post
Through a continued partnership between the Cosmosphere and Kansas State University Salina, a team of senior students led by Dr. Balaji Balasubramaniam, Dr. Annie Hoekman, and Dr. Michael Oetken, have developed an immersive virtual reality experience that will soon become part of the Cosmosphere’s educational camp programming.
Golden oyster mushroom have begun to invade Missouri. It's not pretty
5/20/26 KCUR
Ari Jumpponen, a mycology professor and researcher at Kansas State University, said the golden oyster mushroom is far from the first invasive fungi to pose a threat to native wildlife. Jumpponen said the damage of invasive fungi is largely irreversible once introduced. "This is one of those examples where we have actually transported a foreign organism into our continent and it has taken off," he said.
Wednesday, May 20, 2026
National/International
Rural America's Shift From Five And Dimes To Modern Grocers
5/19/2026 Forbes
A small, and growing, community of rural grocers are operating across America, and they collaborate to share their successes and best practices. This year the 2026 National Rural Grocery Summit, widely considered the premier gathering for independent grocers and rural food access partners, met this May in North Dakota, with support from University of Minnesota Extension, Kansas State's Rural Grocery Initiative and other partners.
New research confirms surprising benefits of playing board games
5/19/2026 Independent
Tabletop gaming helps reduce stress, isolation, and anxiety, while also developing socio-emotional growth, strengthening relationships, and building community, as demonstrated by programmes like Kansas State University's 'Bonding thru Board Games.'
State/Regional
Cosmosphere campers will use VR program created at K-State Salina
5/19/2026 KSN
The Cosmosphere announced a new partnership with Kansas State University Salina on Tuesday. A team of senior students has developed a virtual reality program that will be used as part of the Cosmosphere's educational camp programs. The immersive virtual reality program ISS Rupture Simulation places participants onboard the International Space Station during a simulated emergency. Campers at the Hutchinson science museum will use the technology to search a VR model of the space station, searching for leaks using an audio amplifier and making repairs using branded patches.
Kansas food groups turn to community gardens for produce as federal aid falls and prices rise
5/19/2026 KCUR
Karen Couch, executive director of the Salina Emergency Aid Food Bank, said their community garden is one of their several programs to help reduce food insecurity. … Couch said giving people the opportunity to grow their own food helps them explore healthy eating. … In addition to healthier habits, Couch said gardens also promote education. They bring in experts from the Kansas State University Extension Office to help new gardeners.
Spring brings hidden health hazards for pets, K-State vet says
5/19/2026 KSN
Your pet may love the yard during these warm spring months, but there are hazards gardeners need to be aware of. A Kansas State University veterinarian said all parts of true lilies are toxic to cats, while using mulch made with cocoa can put your dog in danger.
Tuesday, May 19, 2026
National/International
The hobby that can decrease stress and help strengthen relationships
05/18/26 The Independent
Tabletop gaming helps reduce stress, isolation, and anxiety, while also developing socio-emotional growth, strengthening relationships, and building community, as demonstrated by programs like Kansas State University's 'Bonding through Board Games'. Programs like this one recognize the capacity for board games to improve social connections, a critical component to health and wellness. Research shows that meaningful and stable social bonds support emotional and mental well-being, impact cognitive abilities and influence our motivations and behavior.
El Niño could bring high-tide flooding to parts of US
05/19/26 The Hill
Forecasters are expecting a strong El Niño to emerge by July 2026, and it could bring high tide flooding to parts of the U.S. There is a possibility of a “super El Niño” circumstance, which occurs when temperatures rise at least 2 degrees Celsius above normal, according to Matthew Sittel, assistant state climatologist at Kansas State University.
State/Regional
Kansas food groups turn to community gardens for produce as federal aid falls and prices rise
05/19/26 KCUR-FM
Inflation and shrinking food assistance can have people turning to cheaper, more processed groceries. Groups across Kansas are using community gardens as a way to provide fresh vegetables. The Salina Emergency Aid Food Bank's community garden is one of several programs aimed at reducing food insecurity. In addition to healthier habits, gardens also promote education. They bring in experts from the Kansas State University Extension Office to help new gardeners.
Monday, May 18, 2026
National/International
Golden oyster mushroom begins to invade Boone County. It's not pretty.
5/17/026 Your Wyoming Link
Ari Jumpponen, a mycology professor and researcher at Kansas State University, said the golden oyster mushroom is far from the first invasive fungi to pose a threat to native wildlife. According to Jumpponen, the damage of invasive fungi is largely irreversible once introduced. "This is one of those examples where we have actually transported a foreign organism into our continent and it has taken off," he said.
The Value of Academia & Industry Collaboration
5/14/2026 Balchem
Strong partnerships between academia and industry are shaping the future of pet food research, innovation, and workforce development. In this episode, panelists from Kansas State University and leading pet food companies explore what successful collaboration really looks like. They discuss how both sides can build relationships that deliver long‑term value.
Extreme temperature swings, disease lead to troublesome Kansas wheat outlook
5/14/2026 Gulf Coast Media
The wheat crop in Kansas is three weeks ahead of a normal schedule, according to Romulo Lollato, a K-State Extension professor of agronomy. He specializes in wheat and forages production and oversees a training program for Ph.D. and master's degree students. He told the K-State Extension News Service that freezing or near-freezing temperatures in March and April affected the wheat crop during crucial growth stages, including stem elongation and flowering. Freezes and recent storm-related damage to fields could reduce grain yield, he said.
State/Regional
K-State Research Explores Effects of Tuttle Creek Reservoir Dredging
5/15/2026 Sunflower State Radio
As Trisha Moore wades through a knee-deep portion of the Kansas River in northeast Kansas, each squish-squish movement in her rubber boots gets her one step closer to answering a difficult water quality question. Moore, an associate professor in Kansas State University's Carl and Melinda Helwig Department of Biological and Agricultural Engineering, is using satellite-driven equipment to measure the buildup of sediment downstream from where the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is testing a water injection dredging system in the Tuttle Creek Reservoir, a vast 10,900-acre artificial lake built more than 60 years ago for flood control.
Protein Demand Reshaping Dairy Marketplace
5/15/2026 FeedLot
"There's been some major changes in market demand and some things that have changed within our consumer base that is really going to have a major impact on our markets going forward," said Mike Brouk, Kansas State University dairy expert. While dairy producers continue managing strong milk supplies and processing capacity challenges, some product categories are seeing increased value. "One of those key factors is actually the price of protein powders," Brouk said. Protein powders produced from whey have grown steadily in popularity over the last several years, but Brouk said recent changes in the health industry have accelerated demand even further.
Friday, May 15, 2026
State/Regional
Agricultural sector of tomorrow needs proactive leaders
5/14/26 Kansas Farmer
Kansas State University’s announcement that it received the go-ahead from the state of Kansas to begin a $45 million renovation of its dairy research unit is one example. It’s been a long slog to get here, but Kansas dairy farmers finally have a win. It’s about time, too. On the surface, people may just see the rising dairy industry in our state as benefiting a few families whose names grace the farm gates. But KLA estimates that every Kansas dairy cow returns $8,661 to the local economy — and that number could be higher, according to K-State experts.
K-State research could provide insight into rural veterinarian shortage
5/15/26 Kansas Public Radio
K-State student Caroline Wingert has been collecting in-person data from rural veterinarians to learn about the challenges. She says rural vets have longer on-call hours than their urban counterparts. “That kind of starts becoming a problem when you want to look at burnout and career satisfaction and longevity in the field,” she explains.
Meat demand monitor: Consumer beef demand stays steady despite higher prices
5/14/26 RFD-TV
K-State livestock economist Dr. Glynn Tonsor says retail demand for meat increased in six of the eight categories tracked in April, including ribeye steaks and ground beef. “...Grocery store demand for meat in April was up on six of the eight categories we track, specifically to beef, ribeye steak, and ground beef. The willingness to pay numbers were higher than they were in March, which is great. When we look over to food service, it’s actually the opposite. So we’ve had some pullback."
Local
Spring weather brings challenges to Kansas wheat
5/13/26 The Manhattan Mercury
K-State pathologist Kelsey Andersen Onofre said threats from stripe rust, leaf rust, barley yellow dwarf virus and wheat streak mosaic virus are popping up across the state. Stripe rust has been sighted in Sumner, Gray, Finney, Riley and Lane counties. Leaf rust has been sighted in Sumner, Edwards, Lane, Barton, Riley and Nemaha counties. “This is the time of year when we’re watching pretty carefully for some of our major wheat diseases as producers consider the need for fungicide applications,” Onofre said.
Thursday, May 14, 2026
National/International
Why Trump's call to pull 5,000 US troops from Germany will hurt America
5/13/26 Miami Herald, The Conversation and others
President Donald Trump announced on May 1, 2026, that the United States will withdraw 5,000 U.S. troops from Germany – personnel who had been deployed there as a response to Russia's invasion of Ukraine. K-State’s Michael E. Flynn is a co-author of this piece.
Schwab spills the tea on why your money stress persists
5/13/26 TheStreet
“Financial anxiety doesn’t have that external effect. It’s just this looming feeling. It’s an ambiguous fear that something is going to go wrong or you’re not doing well enough or you’re not going to have enough in the future,” said Megan McCoy, financial therapist and professor at Kansas State University.
State/Regional
Kansas State University scientists took a mild cattle virus, rendered it harmless and turned it into a vehicle for a bird flu vaccine
5/12/26 KCUR
Professor Waithaka Mwangi says bird flu protection would be a huge help to farmers. “It has a huge economic importance. Let's start there. We know what damage this virus can do.” It would also benefit food security, he said.
Wednesday, May 13, 2026
National/International
K-State research is testing ET-based irrigation decisions
05/11/26 Irrigation Today
At Kansas State University (K-State), researchers are testing different technologies to help producers make irrigation decisions as water availability becomes less predictable.
Northern Kansas Wheat Yield Seen Below Average, Crop Tour Shows
05/13/26 Successful Farming
Above-average precipitation in the fall when farmers planted winter wheat in Kansas caused an excess of biomass that diverted scarce springtime rains from the wheat plants, said Romulo Lollato, a professor of agronomy at Kansas State University attending the tour.
Tuesday, May 12, 2026
Local
K-State enrollment on the rise, fueled by strategy and athletic success
5/8/26 Wildcat 91.9
"There is no better place in America to have a student experience,” said K-State President Richard Linton. University leadership has focused on directly engaging students to improve their experience. "I’ll connect with students, I’ll connect with Student Senate and talk to students all the time. We’ll have 5,000 students at our house for lunch, and all the First Lady and I are doing is asking, how is your experience here, and what can we do to make it better?”
Monday, May 11, 2026
National/International
5 things mosquito experts do every summer to avoid getting bitten
5/5/26 Washington Post
Bird baths and abandoned pools are likely sources, but you might also discover standing water in old tires, leaf litter or the bases of potted plants. Most of a mosquito’s life cycle occurs in water, “so by removing any stagnant water, you remove potential breeding sites,” said Raymond Cloyd, a professor and extension specialist in horticultural entomology at Kansas State University.
Proposed rail merger puts focus on grain rates and service
5/8/26 Brownfield Ag News
Guy Allen with Kansas State University says the consolidation of Union Pacific and Norfolk Southern represents the market evolution of the rail sector. “The railroads are arguing increased efficiency and reduced internal costs for operations themselves. The question is how does that translate to rail rates to move grain from both the farm gate to domestic end users as well as important export markets?”
State/Regional
When the story lands in your backyard
5/8//26 Beacon
In partnership with Kansas State University’s Department of Agronomy, we hosted a soil-testing event where residents brought samples from their own yards. Using X-ray fluorescence (XRF) technology, graduate student researchers provided on-site testing and immediate results.
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.”
Thursday, May 7, 2026
National/International
Radon Test Kits Show 238% Error, Leaving Homeowners Gambling with False Safety Data
5/6/26 AInvest
First, if you're going the DIY route, the most reliable option is a certified passive detector from a reputable source. The gold standard is the National Radon Program Services at Kansas State University. They offer discounted kits that are designed to meet strict quality standards. This is the "get what you pay for" principle in action-investing a little more upfront in a certified kit from a trusted program gives you a much better chance of getting a true reading than buying the cheapest electronic monitor off a shelf.
State/Regional
How Cities Move the World: Transportation Planning Behind Mega Sporting Events
4/20//26 KPR’s Science Matters podcast
Kansas State graduate researcher Salma Aouam is researching this complex ballet and studying the best practices for transportation investment for today and the long term.
Local
Graduation schedules set for Salina-area schools
5/6/26 Salina Journal
Kansas State University Salina Aerospace and Technology Campus is hosting its spring graduation and hooding for master's candidates on May 9.
Wednesday, May 6, 2026
National/International
DOJ investigating beef packers
05/04/26 Heasrt stations
“Strong consumer demand for beef is the leading economic force for why we have higher prices,” said Glynn Tonsor.
State/Regional
Graduation schedules set for Salina-area schools
05/06/26 Salina Journal
Kansas State University Salina Aerospace and Technology Campus is hosting its spring graduation and hooding for master's candidates on May 9.
Tuesday, May 5, 2026
National/International
Is the Grass Ready? Rethinking Pasture Turnout Beyond the Calendar
05/04/26 Drovers
As soon as pastures green up, beef producers start thinking about turnout. They don’t want to keep feeding harvested feeds any longer than needed. Pasture turnout is an important time in a cow herd management calendar. It is critical to make sure both the forage and cattle are ready before opening the pasture gate. Kansas State University Extension veterinarian A.J. Tarpoff says it is important to scout pastures before opening the gate: “Be sure to check forage availability and make any stocking rate adjustments, if necessary.”
State/Regional
Down Time from Screen Time?
05/04/26 High Plains Journal
In the United States, screens are everywhere. Televisions, laptops, tablets, electronic bulletin boards and – of course – cell phones. “Yet, what we know about positive childhood development,” said K-State Research and Extension child development specialist Bradford Wiles, “is that screens are not very helpful. Often, they are simply a mindless activity that doesn’t grow children’s brains or their social-emotional or physical development.”
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."
Friday, May 1, 2026
National/International
The Surprising Reason Why Costco Baked Goods Are Never Piping Hot
4/30/26 Harvest Public Media
Generally speaking, refrigeration will cause bread to go stale faster. Instead, store it in a paper bag or in a bread box on a counter. Additionally, try to avoid storing it in any kitchen “hot spots” that might be warmer than others (like near the stove or oven). You can even freeze bread for anywhere from six to eight months, according to food safety experts at Kansas State University. They recommend making sure the bread is cooled completely, then wrapping it well before freezing for maximum preservation.
State/Regional
Fed up with sky-high beef prices? Some people are stocking their freezers with a whole cow
4/30/26 Harvest Public Media
Buying meat straight from the farm is not a new concept. But the industry gained steam in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. Grocery stores couldn’t keep their coolers stocked, and people wanted to know they’d have a stable meat supply, said Erin Beyer, assistant professor and extension meat science specialist at Kansas State University. “When it all boomed, we were getting lots of calls at the time of, ‘Do you know anywhere that has [bulk beef]?’” she said.
New documentary focuses on food insecurity in Garden City
4/30/26 High Plains Public Radio
The new documentary was produced through a joint effort by Tom Hallaq, an associate professor at the A.Q. Miller School of Media and Communication, and Valerie Padilla Carroll, a professor and interim department head of Social Transformation Studies, both at K-State. Three student interns — supported by funding from the Chapman Center for Rural Studies — played a vital role in research and production. "This project demonstrates what's possible when storytelling crosses disciplinary lines," Hallaq said. "Merging media craft with social insight, our students have documented the strength of the Garden City community while drawing attention to the urgent need for greater food access."
‘Extreme’ uncertainty over gas prices, experts say. How high could they go in Wichita?
5/1/26 Wichita Eagle
With Kansas’ average gas price sitting at $3.75, an average price over $5 in the next three months wouldn’t be out of the question, one expert says. “I wouldn’t expect it to go much over $4 in the next month, you know, barring some very extreme event,” said Lance Bachmeier, a professor of economics at Kansas State University. “But I think in terms of the next three months, you know, $5 (to) $5.50 wouldn’t be out of the question.”
IGP Institute serves thousands with courses, research, workshops
4/30/26 World Grain
The IGP Institute at Kansas State University reached more than 8,000 people from more than 50 countries in 2025 through its courses, workshops, research and presentations, according to its review report. KSU has initiated a plan to increase student learning by offering traditional courses through new credit and non-credit certificate programs, he said. “As a result, the IGP Institute and the department are working together to plan and develop multiple course that will be available both online and in person, while providing micro-credentials as enhanced benefits to the students,” said Joseph Iwika, IGP Institute director and head of the Department of Grain and Food Science.
Seeing red? Ladybug sightings surging in Kansas
4/30/26 KSNW
Ladybugs appear to be out in larger numbers this year, according to K-State Extension. “The excessive number of ladybird beetles is not an uncommon phenomenon,” Raymond Cloyd, a K-State Extension expert in horticulture entomology.
Local
K-State Alumni Association awards 17 students for excellence and leadership
4/29/26 The K-State Collegian
At the end of each academic year, the Kansas State Alumni Association gathers to honor students across campus for their excellence in leadership, service and outstanding accomplishments during the year. This year, 17 students were honored as graduating, international and graduate students. Brandon Moreno, associate director of engagement and belonging, extended his pride to the recipients for their acts of service during their four years as Wildcats. “It’s very special for me to be awarding these students because congratulating them for their leadership and service on campus and being able to recognize their value to the community during their four years here is very special,” Moreno said.