Here is the latest Iowa news from The Associated Press at 3:40 a.m. CDT

AMES, Iowa (AP) — The president of the board that governs Iowa’s three public universities says he’s backing a tuition hike that’s been criticized by Gov. Terry Branstad. Board of Regents President Bruce Rastetter said Thursday that the $300 increase for undergraduate students is necessary to maintain quality.

CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa (AP) — A Cedar Rapids woman has pleaded guilty in a scheme to defraud an elderly Illinois couple out of thousands of dollars. Tea Ware pleaded guilty Thursday to two counts of mail fraud and one count of using a fictitious name. Ware admitted she would call and falsely tell an elderly woman that she had won a lottery or sweepstakes, but could only claim the winnings if she paid a fee.

DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — The city of Des Moines and the Animal Rescue League are re-evaluating their longstanding partnership after concerns about the agency’s euthanasia rates and transparency. The Des Moines Register reports that the city delayed a $2.2 million contract with the agency last month after animal supporters questioned the agency’s kill rate and cooperation with residents. But despite the city’s reservations, it’s expected to approve the agency’s three-year contract Monday night.

DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — Work has begun in Iowa on an oil pipeline despite repeated attempts by landowners and environmental groups to stop it. The Iowa Utilities Board signed a final order Wednesday allowing construction on the $3.8 billion, 1,150-mile pipeline. And Lisa Dillinger, a spokeswoman for Texas-based Dakota Access, which is building the pipeline, confirmed Thursday that work is underway.