Explainers and GuidesExplainers and Guides

Clear, practical stories from KQED News to help you navigate life in the Bay Area. (Particularly when it’s expensive.)

Today’s Top Story

All the Free Nature Events at California State Parks Near You This Week
Head to your favorite state park — or check out a new one — for California State Parks Week.
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Latest News

1
Need to Apply for Benefits Like CalFresh? In SF, You Can Do It on This Truck
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2
Got World Cup Tickets? What to Know About Getting to a Match in Santa Clara
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3
Proposed Trump Rule Targets ‘Woke’ Federal Grants for Public Lands, Health, Science
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4
Worried About Yosemite Crowds? The Tips That Could Save Your Summer Trip
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5
Juneteenth in the Bay Area: Your Event Guide for 2026
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A group of Black women dance as a concrete building and trees stand in the background
Travel and OutdoorsTravel and Outdoors
SFO Will Begin Nonstop Flights for Japan Skiing This Winter. What Could It Mean for Tahoe?
SFO Will Begin Nonstop Flights for Japan Skiing This Winter. What Could It Mean for Tahoe?
Dispersed Camping 101: How to Find Free Campsites Near the Bay Area
Dispersed Camping 101: How to Find Free Campsites Near the Bay Area
How Cheaply Can You Camp in the Bay Area — Without Sacrificing Comfort?
How Cheaply Can You Camp in the Bay Area — Without Sacrificing Comfort?
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Things to Do in the BayThings to Do in the Bay
Seeing Ariana Grande at Oakland Arena? From Bag Policy to Parking, What to Know
Seeing Ariana Grande at Oakland Arena? From Bag Policy to Parking, What to Know
Several women dressed in colorful clothing dance and walk down the street during a parade.
Carnaval San Francisco 2026: From Parade Route to Parking, What to Know This Weekend
Carnaval San Francisco 2026: From Parade Route to Parking, What to Know This Weekend
What to Know About 2026 Valkyries Games at Chase Center: Transportation, Watch Parties and Tickets
What to Know About 2026 Valkyries Games at Chase Center: Transportation, Watch Parties and Tickets
Your RightsYour Rights
Birthright Citizenship at the Supreme Court: Who Could Be Affected by Trump’s Order?
Birthright Citizenship at the Supreme Court: Who Could Be Affected by Trump’s Order?
Yosemite Park Ranger Who Was Fired After Hanging Transgender Flag Files Lawsuit
Yosemite Park Ranger Who Was Fired After Hanging Transgender Flag Files Lawsuit
ICE at the Super Bowl: What We Know Right Now
ICE at the Super Bowl: What We Know Right Now
Work and MoneyWork and Money
Didn’t Save Enough for Retirement? Here’s How to Afford Aging in the Bay Area
Didn’t Save Enough for Retirement? Here’s How to Afford Aging in the Bay Area
On CalFresh? What to Know About New June 1 Work Requirements
On CalFresh? What to Know About New June 1 Work Requirements
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After the One Big Beautiful Bill, Free Clinics Are Stepping Up
After the One Big Beautiful Bill, Free Clinics Are Stepping Up
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Your HealthYour Health
Need to Apply for Benefits Like CalFresh? In SF, You Can Do It on This Truck
Need to Apply for Benefits Like CalFresh? In SF, You Can Do It on This Truck
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Proposed Trump Rule Targets ‘Woke’ Federal Grants for Public Lands, Health, Science
Proposed Trump Rule Targets ‘Woke’ Federal Grants for Public Lands, Health, Science
After the One Big Beautiful Bill, Free Clinics Are Stepping Up
After the One Big Beautiful Bill, Free Clinics Are Stepping Up
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Safety and DisastersSafety and Disasters
What Do I Do if My Car Breaks Down on the Bay Bridge?
What Do I Do if My Car Breaks Down on the Bay Bridge?
If You Encounter a Rattlesnake in the Bay Area, What Should You Do?
If You Encounter a Rattlesnake in the Bay Area, What Should You Do?
ICE in Airports: What Are Your Rights?
ICE in Airports: What Are Your Rights?
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WildfiresWildfires
KQED's recommendations for what to have in your emergency bag in the case of a natural disaster during the COVID-19 pandemic.
What to Pack in Your Emergency Bag to Prepare for a Wildfire
What to Pack in Your Emergency Bag to Prepare for a Wildfire
Tips for Recovering from Wildfires: Lessons from Survivors
Tips for Recovering from Wildfires: Lessons from Survivors
Travel Plans to LA — Should You Still Go?
Travel Plans to LA — Should You Still Go?
In SpanishIn Spanish
¿Cuáles son sus derechos si ve a ICE en el aeropuerto?
¿Cuáles son sus derechos si ve a ICE en el aeropuerto?
Una mujer con una amplia gabardina beige está sentada a una mesa escribiendo en un portapapeles.
Dónde encontrar ayuda gratuita para presentar sus impuestos de 2026 y cómo prepararse para su cita
Dónde encontrar ayuda gratuita para presentar sus impuestos de 2026 y cómo prepararse para su cita
¿El IRS sigue compartiendo datos con ICE? Si tiene ITIN, qué saber antes de presentar sus impuestos
¿El IRS sigue compartiendo datos con ICE? Si tiene ITIN, qué saber antes de presentar sus impuestos
COVIDCOVID
An illustration shows a pair of hands holding a plate with silverware over a table. Wind rushes in and out of two open windows, and bright pink COVID symbols waft in the wind.
How to Improve Indoor Airflow at Your Holiday Gathering
How to Improve Indoor Airflow at Your Holiday Gathering
Where Can I Find the New 2025–26 COVID Vaccine Near Me, Now California Has Expanded Access to Everyone?
Where Can I Find the New 2025–26 COVID Vaccine Near Me, Now California Has Expanded Access to Everyone?
The FDA Has Limited Approvals For COVID Vaccines This Year. With Pharmacy Appointments Already Available, Who Can Even Get a Shot?
The FDA Has Limited Approvals For COVID Vaccines This Year. With Pharmacy Appointments Already Available, Who Can Even Get a Shot?
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All Explainers and GuidesAll Explainers and Guides

All the Free Nature Events at California State Parks Near You This Week

Save Article

Need to Apply for Benefits Like CalFresh? In SF, You Can Do It on This Truck

Save Article

Got World Cup Tickets? What to Know About Getting to a Match in Santa Clara

Save Article

Proposed Trump Rule Targets ‘Woke’ Federal Grants for Public Lands, Health, Science

Save Article

Worried About Yosemite Crowds? The Tips That Could Save Your Summer Trip

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A group of Black women dance as a concrete building and trees stand in the background

Juneteenth in the Bay Area: Your Event Guide for 2026

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3 Under-the-Radar Bay Area Rose Gardens to Stroll for Free This Summer

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Primary 2026: Still Need to Vote on Election Day? Here’s Where to Do It (and Why You Shouldn’t Mail Your Ballot)

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What Can Prediction Markets Tell Us About the California Governor’s Race?

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Saws, Sewing Machines and Telescopes: The Surprising Things on Loan From Your Library

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