As the federal government considers restricting LGBT people from adopting children based on religious grounds, we look at the L.A. Department of Children and Family Services policy of increasing adoptions to LGBT parents to reduce the number of children in foster care. Plus, in light of this past weekend's bee attack in Lake Forest, we speak with an entomologist about the SoCal bee population. And we get tips on how to stay safe while hiking this summer.
California Congressman's Kremlin connection
(Starts at 1:08)
A suspected Russian agent, the FBI, and a California Congressman. Several news outlets this morning are reporting that OC lawmaker Dana Rohrabacher met with a woman who is now accused of acting as an unregistered Kremlin agent attempting to influence US politics. The alleged meeting happened in 2015, during a Congressional delegation trip to Moscow. The woman charged with being an agent - 29-year-old Maria Butina— is now in U.S. custody. The news likely comes at an unwelcome time for Rohrabacher. He's up for re-election this year. Recent polls show he's in a dead heat with Democratic challenger Harley Rouda.
Guest:
Carla Marinucci, senior editor for Politico's California Playbook
https://twitter.com/cmarinucci/status/1019579097247150080
LA has reduced the number of foster children through adoptions to LGBT parents
(Starts at 10:21)
The federal government may allow adoption agencies to deny LGBT people the right to adopt children. We'll find out how in L.A., the LGBT community has helped reduce the number of kids in foster care.
Guest:
- Rich Valenza, founder and CEO of Raise a Child
Capturing and conserving stormwater
(Starts at 16:15)
For years, Los Angeles considered stormwater disposable -- something to be gotten rid of as quickly as possible. But that attitude has changed because of potential water shortages in SoCal. The goal now is capturing and conserving stormwater. So, yesterday, the L.A. County Board of Supervisors approved a measure to help fund those efforts. And this November, voters will decide whether private property owners will pay for it with a new tax.
Guest:
- Sheila Kuehl, LA County Supervisor
Be nice to bees
(Starts at 23:23)
A woman in Lake Forest was attacked by a nest of bees on Monday and was hospitalized in critical condition after receiving hundreds of stings. Nightmarish attacks like this are rare but tend to spur a bee backlash. But experts say bees are super important to our ecosystem and that many bees are pretty docile.
Guest:
- Hollis Woodard, professor of entomology at UC-Riverside
Is Manny Machado coming to the Dodgers?
In last night's Major League Baseball All Star Game, the American League beat the National League 8-6 in extra innings. The first place Dodgers had three of their own there with one guy in particular in the middle of a career resurrection. A Martinez discusses this and more with Take Two contributors Andy and Brian Kamenetzky.
How to stay safe while hiking
(Starts at 43:41)
Earlier this week, authorities found a body while searching for a missing hiker in Topanga State Park. Meanwhile, in Joshua Tree, a hiker has been missing since last Friday in the park. Crews continue to look for him. As more people go outdoors for the summer, it's important to stay ready and prepared for the worst—like getting lost, injured or overheated in the sun. We remind you how to keep safe.
Guest:
- Mike Leum, search and rescue group leader for the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department
