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.

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.