Jodi Long

Des Moines

Anchor and Reporter at KCCI-TV (Des Moines, IA)

@KCCINews Anchor / Reporter. Believer ✝️ Wife. Mommy of two. Award winning journalist and tv news anchor.

Featured in: Favicon

kcci.com

bizjournals.com Favicon

desmoinesregister.com Favicon

fox2now.com Favicon

wbaltv.com + 94 more

Articles

New We Love: Girl Scouts celebrate special bilingual troop

2 days ago | wcvb.com | Jodi Long

Girl Scouts of Greater Iowa is celebrating its first official bilingual troop.Troop 535 was recognized and celebrated at the organization's annual Inspiring Women of Iowa luncheon.Nearly 80% of the young girls in the group speak Spanish as their first language."In Des Moines alone, more than 25 percent of the school-aged students speak Spanish at home," said troop leader Marlu Abarca.
'It's just so special': Meet central Iowa's first bilingual Girl Scout troop

5 days ago | kcci.com | Jodi Long

Girl Scouts of Greater Iowa is celebrating its first official bilingual troop.Troop 353 was recognized and celebrated at the organization's annual Inspiring Women of Iowa luncheon on Friday. Nearly 80% of the young girls in the group speak Spanish as their first language."In Des Moines alone, more than 25 percent of the school-aged students speak Spanish at home," said troop leader Marlu Abarca.
Wellmark Foundation announces $5mil mental health grant for Iowa schools

1 week ago | kcci.com | Jodi Long

The Wellmark Foundation is announcing a $5 million grant with the purpose of helping rural school districts address mental and behavior health.According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, suicide is one of the leading causes of death for youth in Iowa. Data also reveals that nearly 23 percent of Iowa high school students reported seriously considering suicide in the previous 12 months.The grant will help roughly 380 schools and 80 counties in Iowa.
LadyLike empowerment summit celebrates diversity and professional development

2 weeks ago | kcci.com | Jodi Long

An annual event tailored for African-American professionals returns to Central Iowa this weekend. LadyLike was created out of necessity by four women in Des Moines to help connect and celebrate women from around the state. "I remember moving here now 17 years ago and thinking, 'Where is my network? Where is my community?'" recalls co-founder Lindsey Lovelace.
Olympic couple makes Des Moines debut this weekend

2 weeks ago | kcci.com | Jodi Long

Olympians are no strangers to the world-famous Drake Relays. At this year's event, more than a dozen Olympians will compete on the Blue Oval, including a husband-wife duo. Tara Davis-Woodhall and Hunter Woodhall are making their debut at Drake Relays on Saturday, their first competition of the track and field season since the Paris Olympics. "We'll just go out there, shake the dust off. It's been a minute since we raced," Hunter said, smiling.
This Is Iowa: 'Food rescue' volunteers hungry to serve

3 weeks ago | kcci.com | Jodi Long

Gas stations and convenience stores across Iowa are known for being fully stocked with a wide variety of food, and some of that food gets a second chance every week. Volunteer retirees from WayPoint Resources map out their route around Dallas County, finding food in need of rescuing from local businesses; food that is on the brink of expiring. "It's food that's still good," says Jen Beyers, WayPoint Resources food pantry manager.
United Way of Central Iowa report reveals community challenges

4 weeks ago | kcci.com | Jodi Long

DATE CHANGE. WELL, DOZENS OF CENTRAL IOWA NONPROFITS WERE RECOGNIZED TODAY. IT WAS ALL PART OF THE THE UNITED WAY OF CENTRAL IOWA’S LIVE UNITED LUNCHEON. I HAD THE PRIVILEGE OF EMCEEING THIS EVENT TODAY. THE UNITED WAY UNVEILED ITS 2025 COMMUNITY REPORT THERE. IT DETAILS THE CHALLENGES OUR COMMUNITY IS FACING IN THE AREAS OF ESSENTIAL NEEDS EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION, ECONOMIC OPPORTUNITY AND HEALTH, AND WELL-BEING. 35% OF CENTRAL IOWANS CANNOT AFFORD THE BASICS IN LIFE.
Special census reveals how fast Ankeny is growing

1 month ago | kcci.com | Jodi Long

Ankeny has grown to Iowa's fifth-largest city, and there are no signs of it slowing down.According to the results from the city's special census in 2024, Ankeny's population grew to 76,207 with 31,829 housing units. Since its last census record in 2020, 8,000 people moved to town.
Iowa female entrepreneurs seek community over competition

1 month ago | kcci.com | Jodi Long

Women-owned businesses are among the fastest-growing in the state. They make up 43% of businesses in Iowa, according to the Small Business Association, and continue to outpace the number of businesses started by men since the pandemic. Chantel Noel giggles as she explains the amount of time she spends at her artisan plant shop, Petals and Moss. "I'm here pretty much every day," Noel smiles.
Des Moines' Howe Elementary hosts stylist to braid students' hair

2 months ago | kcci.com | Jodi Long

This week, Howe Elementary School turned its school library into a hair salon. More than a dozen girls have a newfound confidence after getting their hair styled by a professional. Mae Jackson, the owner of Des Moines' Mae Slays Braids, volunteered her time and hair products to braid the students' hair. Jackson's love for styling hair is more than just a skill; it’s her way of spreading self-love and confidence. "Hair is literally the first impression someone gets of you," she said.