CEDAR FALLS, Iowa (Iowa Capital Dispatch/KCRG) – The University of Northern Iowa is expanding its education in artificial intelligence with two new bachelor’s degree programs and additional certification. Two undergraduate majors in the Wilson College of Business and College of Humanities Arts and Sciences will offer training in AI tools and how they work — preparing students for a range of job fields. Students will learn how technologies like machine learning and predictive analytics combine with business systems “to create value,” the release stated, based in business analytics and information systems “discipline” and included with teaching on ethics, governance and accountability.
DES MOINES, Iowa (KCRG) – Iowa farmers are sounding the alarm on fertilizer and fuel prices amidst the war in Iran just weeks ahead of spring planting season. Typically, mid-March is when Iowa’s farmers begin applying fertilizer to their fields. Spring planting happens in early to mid-April. Between the cost of fertilizer and fuel, the process isn’t cheap. But the problem now lies in getting that fuel and fertilizer to the U.S. Currently, oil tankers and fertilizer transports aren’t able to safely pass through the Strait of Hormuz, a narrow waterway near Iran which handles a significant portion of global energy and fertilizer supplies. Some farmers might end up forgoing their fertilizer on some of their land, which could mean yields in future years are lower than they’d like. But the biggest problem is this price hike is happening after years of already-high input costs and low commodity prices.
CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa (KCRG) – A man has been charged with OWI and Reckless Driving after police say he caused a multi-vehicle crash in Cedar Rapids. I-380’s southbound lane was blocked for hours Saturday morning as crews worked to clean up the accident on Cedar Rapids’ S-curve. The accident happened at about 1:22 a.m., four vehicles were involved and the crash site took up all three lanes. 44-year-old Ronald Donelson was taken to the Linn County Correctional Center; police say he caused the accident after driving on the wrong side of the road. Photos from the Iowa Department of Transportation’s traffic cameras show several emergency vehicles on the scene. CRPD says one of the drivers involved went to the hospital but has since been released. According to the DOT’s website, the road was reopened around 5 a.m. Donelson is also charged with Driving on the Wrong Side of Two-Way Highway and Interference with Official Acts. Police say more charges are possible.
CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa (KCRG) – The two people working inside a Cedar Rapids auto shop are safe after a fire started in the building Saturday night. The department was called around 10:49 p.m. Saturday for a report about a car catching fire inside the building. In the fire department’s report, there was “significant heat, smoke, and fire conditions.” According to the fire apartment the building suffered significant fire damage. This was the old location for DJ’S Auto Service & Sales on 3815 16th Ave SW. The fire remains under investigation.
