🗣️ It’s Friday. 

Time for Only in Iowa, this week’s photo, Positively Iowa, and news you can use.

Pikes Peak State Park offers not only amazing river views, but the best of the best fall colors. (Hipcamp)

An Iowa road trip in the fall is peak living. The temperatures are (somewhat) turning crisp, the summer shades of green are turning red, orange, and gold, and a hot cup of coffee with a cozy playlist while cruising down a scenic bypass becomes a must. 

And while the Driftless Area gets plenty of attention, it’s far from the only place worth a fall drive.

Here are some spots and routes to put on your 2026 list.

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Screenshot of KCRG video.

A teacher from southeast Iowa has won this year’s Teacher of the Year.

Jessica Howard, who teaches business and computer science with the Lone Tree Community School District, was named the 2027 Teacher of the Year by the Iowa Department of Education.

She’s also put Lone Tree on the map in esports: The district is the smallest in Iowa to compete, but won the state championship in 2025.

“I see my students as capable, compassionate, dedicated members of our community,” Howard said. “And, in turn, they start to see it in themselves.”

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Thanks for reading. This newsletter was written by Amie Rivers. It was edited by Paula Solis.

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