East High School in Des Moines has been awarded the Recognized ASCA Model Program (RAMP) designation by the American School Counselor Association for its counseling program aligned with the ASCA National Model. The RAMP designation follows a rigorous, year-long evaluation process by a national review panel and honors schools demonstrating exemplary educational environments and commitment…

Capital Crossroads released its 2025 annual report last week, detailing progress on workforce housing, education and other long-term regional priorities. Launched in 2011 and now in its third iteration, Capital Crossroads: A Roadmap to Opportunity and Prosperity for All, guides collaborative efforts across Central Iowa through 2040. The regional vision plan focuses on six critical…

The median sales price of a home sold in the Des Moines area in January was $295,000, up 4.2% from December’s median sales price and 3.5% higher than a year ago, Des Moines Area Association of Realtors data shows. “Inventory remains higher than a year ago, prices are trending up, all encouraging signals of buyer…

Avidly Group, a global CRM, revenue operations and growth transformation firm, announced the acquisition of Denver-based SalesLeap, a B2B sales consultant. The transaction was made through Avidly’s North American business unit, Blue Frog, which is based in Waukee and was acquired by Avidly in 2024. Through the acquisition, Blue Frog will lead the development and…

Gov. Kim Reynolds and the Iowa Departments of Education and Health and Human Services announced the launch of the Health Care Professional Incentive Program, a new state initiative aimed at recruiting and retaining medical professionals in high-need counties across Iowa. Backed by an $8 million state investment, the program offers income bonuses or federal student…

Scoops by Beth, a new small-batch ice cream shop founded by Beth Mensing, will open on Saturday, Feb. 21, at 523 Euclid Ave. in Des Moines’ Highland Park Business District. The shop marks Mensing’s expansion from her successful home-based venture, Pints by Beth, which began in 2014. She received support from Invest DSM, the Neighborhood…