Here is the latest Iowa news from The Associated Press

IOWA CITY, Iowa (AP) — Students at Iowa’s three public universities could see an unprecedented mid-year tuition hike, if the Iowa Board of Regents approves an increase for the upcoming spring semester. Late last year, the Iowa Board of Regents approved a freeze on tuition rates for the third consecutive year. But a regents spokesman tells Cedar Rapids television station KCRG a state funding shortfall could lead to the mid-year increase.

FORT DODGE, Iowa (AP) — A man on trial for first-degree murder in the 2013 stabbing death of his ex-girlfriend told a jury he was acting in self-defense. The Mason City Globe Gazette reports that 41-year-old Tyrone Washington Junior took the stand Friday and said Justina Smith pulled a knife on him on August 5th, 2013, in a park in Northwood.

CRYSTAL LAKE, Iowa (AP) — Biologists say a large algae bloom in north-central Iowa’s Crystal Lake has killed thousands of fish, which have washed up on the lake’s shores and created a putrid mess. The Mason City Globe Gazette reports that the fish were killed earlier this week.

DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — A lot north of downtown Des Moines that’s been vacant for years is expected to be the site of a new housing development. Des Moines television station KCCI reports that a $5 million project is planned for the lot at 6th Street and Forest Avenue. The designs for the three-story apartment building show layouts for 30-units of one- and two-bedroom housing.