Teenagers in the Birmingham area can brush up on safe driving techniques starting today. Triple-A Alabama is holding a class for young motorists at its headquarters on Acton Road. The focus will be on defensive driving, which means watching out for what other motorists are doing. Another big topic is for young drivers to stop texting while they’re behind the wheel. Triple-A spokesman Clay Ingram says that’s often the most challenging lesson…
“It’s hard to get these teens to understand. Sometimes you’ll hear a teen say in response to that…‘oh no, I’m a great texter, I don’t have a problem with that.’ That’s another big red flag, since it’s not about the texting, it’s the driving.”
Ingram says AAA’s research shows boys and girls are equal offenders when it comes to texting while driving.
The University of Alabama - Birmingham is set to open a new mental health center next week. APR’s Alex AuBuchon reports, it’s meant to help an underserved community.
UAB’s new mental health center will serve the area’s LGBT community. Officials say the clinic is run by the university's department of psychiatry and will begin seeing patients Monday.
The department of psychiatry and behavioral neurobiology released a statement indicating studies that show increased risk of depression, anxiety, substance abuse and suicide among patients who are lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender.
Larry McMillan will treat adolescent and adult patients at the new clinic. He says many LGBT people avoid seeking professional help out of fear of being marginalized or stigmatized. McMillan says the clinic is a way to break down barriers and offer a welcoming environment.
The Poarch Band of Creek Indians has launched a new television ad urging the state to enter into a gambling compact with the tribe.
The commercial debuted this week after legislators began a special session on a projected budget shortfall.
The tribe has said it would like exclusive rights to run gambling in Alabama.
Governor Robert Bentley is trying to limit discussions on gambling in the special session. Senate President Pro Tem Del Marsh has filed a constitutional amendment to allow a lottery and multiple non-Indian casinos.