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Guides and ExplainersGuides and Explainers

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

Today’s Top Story

Midterms 2026: Where to Vote on Election Day (and Why You Shouldn’t Mail Your Ballot)
Where to vote on Tuesday — and how to make sure you submit your ballot in time to be counted.
Travel and Outdoors
Dreading the Earlier Dark Nights? 3 Adventurous Ideas for Getting Outside in the Morning Instead
Dreading the Earlier Dark Nights? 3 Adventurous Ideas for Getting Outside in the Morning Instead
Halloween Treat: See the Bay Area's Bats Up Close
Halloween Treat: See the Bay Area's Bats Up Close
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The First Snowfall of the Season Just Dusted the Sierra. Will It Stick Around?
The First Snowfall of the Season Just Dusted the Sierra. Will It Stick Around?
Things to Do in the Bay
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‘Keep This Culture Alive’: San Francisco Honors Community Heroes on Día de los Muertos
‘Keep This Culture Alive’: San Francisco Honors Community Heroes on Día de los Muertos
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Diwali 2026: Where to Celebrate in the Bay Area
Diwali 2026: Where to Celebrate in the Bay Area
Don’t Want to Deal With Trick-or-Treaters? Go See a Spooky Movie on Halloween Instead
Don’t Want to Deal With Trick-or-Treaters? Go See a Spooky Movie on Halloween Instead
Your Rights
Gift Card ‘Draining’: How to Apply for Compensation After San Francisco’s Lawsuit
Gift Card ‘Draining’: How to Apply for Compensation After San Francisco’s Lawsuit
Midterms 2026: My Ballot Never Showed Up. How Can I Still Vote?
Midterms 2026: My Ballot Never Showed Up. How Can I Still Vote?
An ICE Surge in California Ahead of the Midterms? Here’s What We Know
An ICE Surge in California Ahead of the Midterms? Here’s What We Know
Work and Money
On CalFresh? What to Know About SNAP Changes — and Where to Find Food Assistance
On CalFresh? What to Know About SNAP Changes — and Where to Find Food Assistance
Moving in With Your Partner in the Bay Area? Read This First
Moving in With Your Partner in the Bay Area? Read This First
As of Oct. 1, There Are New Rules for Buying a Car in California
As of Oct. 1, There Are New Rules for Buying a Car in California
Your Health
Illustration of supplies to prepare for the cold and flu season.
Make a 'Sick Day' Kit for Cold and Flu Season Before Your Household Gets Hit
Make a 'Sick Day' Kit for Cold and Flu Season Before Your Household Gets Hit
Flu Season Has Arrived in the Bay Area Early This Year — Time to Get Your Flu Shot
Flu Season Has Arrived in the Bay Area Early This Year — Time to Get Your Flu Shot
Yes, Bay Area Bats Have Rabies. How Real Are Your Risks?
Yes, Bay Area Bats Have Rabies. How Real Are Your Risks?
Safety and Disasters
Halloween Treat: See the Bay Area's Bats Up Close
Halloween Treat: See the Bay Area's Bats Up Close
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Don’t Get Caught: Highway 101 Through SF Is Closed (Yes, Again) This Weekend
Don’t Get Caught: Highway 101 Through SF Is Closed (Yes, Again) This Weekend
A Kelvin Wave on Top of El Niño? What Bay Area Hikers, Bikers, Swimmers and Campers Should Know This Winter
A Kelvin Wave on Top of El Niño? What Bay Area Hikers, Bikers, Swimmers and Campers Should Know This Winter
Wildfires
Yosemite’s Dome Fire Was Caused by An Abandoned Campfire. Here’s What to Know About Camping During Fire Season
Yosemite’s Dome Fire Was Caused by An Abandoned Campfire. Here’s What to Know About Camping During Fire Season
Highway 1 Closes Again as Big Sur Wildfires Grow, Tourists Urged to Stay Away
Highway 1 Closes Again as Big Sur Wildfires Grow, Tourists Urged to Stay Away
Visitors Urged to Stay Away From Big Sur as Timber Fire Grows
Visitors Urged to Stay Away From Big Sur as Timber Fire Grows
In 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
COVID
A New COVID Vaccine Is Here (Without Much Fanfare). When Should You Get It?
A New COVID Vaccine Is Here (Without Much Fanfare). When Should You Get It?
Yes, That ‘Summer Cold’ Really Might Be COVID (Again). What to Know About Bay Area Viral Levels
Yes, That ‘Summer Cold’ Really Might Be COVID (Again). What to Know About Bay Area Viral Levels
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
All Explainers and Guides

Midterms 2026: Where to Vote on Election Day (and Why You Shouldn’t Mail Your Ballot)

add descriptions of the photo

‘Keep This Culture Alive’: San Francisco Honors Community Heroes on Día de los Muertos

Where Is the Valkyries Official Championship Parade on Wednesday — and How Can You Be There?

Dreading the Earlier Dark Nights? 3 Adventurous Ideas for Getting Outside in the Morning Instead

Halloween Treat: See the Bay Area's Bats Up Close

Advocates Defend Noncitizen Voting in SF School Board Races, as Trump Targets Voter Rolls

Election 2026: Where Can I Drop Off My Midterm Ballot This Weekend— or Vote Early?

Midterms 2026: How to Correct a Mistake on Your Ballot (and Make Sure Your Vote’s Counted in Time)

 ‘One-of-a-Kind’: Alcatraz Closure Spirals Tourists’ Plans

Diwali 2026: Where to Celebrate in the Bay Area

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