Olivianna Calmes
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Olivianna Calmes is thrilled to be in Birmingham working at WBRC as a multimedia journalist with a special interest in breaking news. She hails from all over, having grown up in both Michigan and Taiwan where her parents work as overseas missionaries. She attended Oklahoma Baptist University, earning a degree in Broadcast Journalism and a minor in Marketing. While in college, Olivianna interned in Los Angeles at Fox News Channel and in Taipei, Taiwan at Arrow Cinematic Films.
Before landing in sweet home Alabama, Olivianna worked as a reporter and weekend anchor in Decatur, Illinois. There she reported on essential stories in the thick of the pandemic, covered elections, created a series about women working in male-dominated fields, was first on scene at breaking news, and more. She enjoyed anchoring Weekend Wake Up alongside a great co-anchor. Now, she is excited to be away from the blizzards and into the sunshine here in Birmingham.
Besides working to get the lead story, you can find Olivianna hunting for thrifted treasures, exploring local coffee or bubble tea shops, doing portrait photography, or getting lots of social time in.
She is excited to share the stories that impact you most. If you have a story idea, please don’t hesitate to reach out! You can send her an email at olivianna.calmes@wbrc.com.
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It happened in the 4000 block of Jefferson Avenue Southwest.
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Three people have been arrested after a child went missing in Parrish in July 2023.
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You can grow microgreens yourself, and they are a great way to get those fresh veggies into your diet.
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Tuesday, candidates for the District 55 House seat spoke at a forum about their platforms.
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Birmingham police are still looking for suspects after they say two women were shot and killed early Monday morning outside a Birmingham nightclub. Officers believe these two mothers, Markiezia Atkins and Chaveda Willis, were innocent bystanders.
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Teens are a particularly vulnerable group as they can be less skeptical about “too-good-to-be-true” opportunities.
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A new fisherman himself—he hopes to inspire his own kids and others to appreciate nature and what it has in store.
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The cities of Anniston and Gadsden are offering the community a place to shelter from the hot temperatures and high humidity expected later this week.
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Birmingham is smaller than some cities Naveed was considering for school, but she said it has shown to be a great fit for her.
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A series of medical studies explain how this unseasonable heat can also bring mental health challenges like anxiety, depression, and even suicidal thoughts.
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There is going to be an election September 12 for the people living in the Indian Ford Fire District.
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Dr. Kimberlin anticipates the vaccine will provide some relief during the upcoming RSV season this fall, with the most substantial impact expected in the year 2024.
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Birmingham Police say 19-year-old Taniyah Lowery was arrested for second-degree assault in connection with a 4-year-old girl being shot.
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Lawmakers are continuing to react to the decision to keep the U.S. Space Command headquarters in Colorado.
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A statement from Russell’s lawyer confirms that she did not see a baby and was not kidnapped on the night of July 13.
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The new Barbie movie has everyone dressing up in pink and heading to the theaters, but the movie can be more than just a fun flick - it can bring up a conversation.
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Lieutenant Catina Williams says she always thought of fire stations as a sacred place, but now that’s proved to be wrong. Station 9 where it happened is closed right now for changes to the building, but security all around the city is about to change.
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Bolin is a former Alabama Supreme Court Justice and earned nearly 60 percent of the vote Tuesday, July 19, defeating David Silverstein for the seat.
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With over 75 million users and counting, many are curious about what sets it apart from other platforms.
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Carrington Hodge, a young woman from Shelby County, Alabama, has been honored with the prestigious title of National Distinguished Young Woman of America for 2023. This recognition highlights her outstanding accomplishments and sets her apart from her peers.
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However, the day before she was scheduled to pick up Gunner at the conclusion of the program, Boyce received a devastating phone call.
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A Birmingham homeowner is growing increasingly frustrated about a PODS moving box in front of her property.
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Quarterback Alex McGough said he is thankful for this refreshing event.
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The Civic Center Authority Board also gave the go-ahead by approving an agreement that paves the way for assembling the necessary funds.
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Southside residents gathered in large numbers at the City Council meeting to address the recent resignation of Police Chief Blake Ragsdale.
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On Monday, June 12, the Alabama Medical Cannabis Commission (AMCC) announced the first round of businesses getting medical marijuana licenses.
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An FBI plane is en route to Lima, Peru Wednesday morning to pick up Joran van der Sloot and bring him to the U.S.
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Zoleta Southerland, a friend of Jermiera Fowler, has babysat Fowler’s two children, aged 11 and 4. She shared about the devastating impact of the loss on the young ones who are now left without a mother.
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The City of Pelham has secured a substantial grant of over $41 million from the federal government to address issues at two train crossings.
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A total of 120 guns were collected during the event
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Officials with the Birmingham Police Department say that a homicide investigation is ongoing at 800 44th Place North.
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The Infinity Puzzle Project is dedicated to empowering families of autistic children by bringing the salon experience home, reducing sensory overload, and fostering inclusivity.
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Central Alabama Pride commenced its 45th annual pride celebration with a special awards ceremony, recognizing outstanding LGBTQ+ leaders.
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Jefferson County Sheriff Mark Pettway introduced a unique initiative on Monday to tackle gun violence. The plan centers around a basketball tournament series called the Hoopfest Community Tour, targeting individuals aged 18 to 30.
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Courtney and Trent Brown, owners of Grace Ministries Farms in Odenville, have turned their vision into a thriving farm that not only provides fresh produce but also fosters meaningful connections within the community.
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Gold Star families and people from across Alabama gathered Memorial Day to witness the unveiling of this significant memorial.
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As the weather gets warmer, it is crucial to remember the necessary steps to protect our children from the heat.
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Disturbing allegations of animal abuse have emerged against a Talladega man who owns a dog training facility, leading to his recent arrest.
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Birmingham residents have long struggled with parking enforcement, but the Birmingham Parking Authority (BPA) hopes to improve the situation by rethinking parking downtown.
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As graduation season approaches, it’s important to celebrate responsibly by being mindful of the products we use to commemorate the occasion, and how they impact the environment.
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The company will use AI, robotic process automation, machine learning, and other tech to create a more concierge consultant-like experience for their clients.
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Birmingham resident, Sabrina Chatman, had a scary experience after being stranded in Opelika when her return bus through Greyhound failed to show up.
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The bill has passed an initial vote and is currently under discussion in committee before heading to the House floor.
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Friends and family gathered Thursday to pay their respects to Shaunkivia “Keke” Smith, one of the four victims killed in a deadly shooting in Dadeville nearly two weeks ago.
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Diane Smalley and her 15-year-old daughter are excited to attend the Taylor Swift concert this weekend, thanks to winning a raffle that benefits Kitty Kat Haven and Rescue in Hoover.
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The funding will specifically go towards renovating the dormitory areas, providing a huge financial boost for the center.
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Hundreds attended his funeral, with people sharing their memories of the young athlete.
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Several new businesses are opening up in the City of Gardendale.
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Josh Evans, an engineering and chemistry teacher at Thompson High School, tells us this was his first time participating in the Boston Marathon, and while it was rainy, he was honored to be a part of the special day.
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Alabama, like the rest of the country, is experiencing a teacher shortage. In Birmingham, there is an urgent need for ESL teachers and special education instructors.
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