Jim Fruchterman started his Silicon Valley-based company Benetech because he wanted to merge two things: the ambition of the tech industry with the ongoing needs of the disenfranchised. And so far, it seems to be working. As part of our First Person Series, we talk with Fruchterman about how he turned his inner geek into outer good.

On Wednesday, Israel announced that it would build hundreds of new homes in Jewish West Bank settlements. U.S. officials condemned the move, saying it will undermine peace efforts. Israeli Ambassador to the U.S. Michael Oren joins us to talk about U.S.-Israel relations, and the latest developments in the region.

One in three adults in the U.S. is obese, and that doesn't account for the simply overweight. But many people still don't know what's actually making us fat. Is overeating to blame? Calorie counting gone awry? Too many carbohydrates? We talk with nutrition and food expert Marion Nestle about her new book, "Why Calories Count: From Science to Politics."

A little-known proposal from Governor Jerry Brown would eliminate the state's mandate that all high school students get two years of science education. Sacramento says it's in the name of fixing the budget. But many argue that subjects like science and math are only rising in importance, and nixing science is too high a price to pay.

Follow the twists and turns of America's highways and you'll find a vast array of scenic views and attractions. Bay Area travel writer Jamie Jensen's lifelong case of wanderlust has made him an expert on America's often overlooked back roads, and the local culture and cuisine found along the way.

The morning after the June primary election, we check in with a few of our favorite political junkies about the results, and ask how California fared using the new "top-two" primary system. We'll discuss the outcomes of key races and hot ballot measures like the cigarette tax, pensions in San Jose and funding for San Francisco's Coit Tower.

The U.S. Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals has denied a request by Proposition 8 supporters for a rehearing of the case. Having now lost three rounds in federal court, supporters of California's voter-approved ban on same-sex marriage are expected to ask the U.S. Supreme Court to hear the case.

Stanford University has played a key role in the success of Silicon Valley, helping to spawn companies like Google, Cisco and Hewlett-Packard. But that close relationship may not always jibe with the university's broader mission, according to New Yorker writer Ken Auletta. We talk to him about his recent article, "Get Rich U."

It seems like finding a job has never been harder, and that's especially true if you're a teenager. Heading into summer, we discuss teenagers' employment prospects and get some practical advice for looking for work and careers.

A new trial of an Alzheimer's drug will test whether it can prevent the onset of the disease in people who are genetically predisposed to get it. If the drug is successful, there is hope -- but no guarantee -- that it could prevent Alzheimer's among the general public. We discuss the trial and its possible implications.

One in every $3 donated to California state campaigns since 2000 came from 100 individual and group donors who gave over $1 billion, according to a new report from California Watch. We'll talk with the lead investigative journalist as well as campaign donation experts about money in politics and the influence that a few wealthy groups and individuals have on fundraising in state elections.