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

How San Francisco and Contra Costa SNAP Users Can Find Prepaid Grocery Cards
With November’s SNAP payments delayed, San Francisco — and now Contra Costa County — will cover the missing funds for CalFresh users in the city. Here’s how to redeem your grocery card.
Save Article

Latest News

1
Updating Your Name and Gender on CA, Federal IDs: What to Know After SCOTUS’ Passport Ruling
Save Article
2
Flying Soon? What to Know About Shutdown Flight Cancellations
Save Article
3
Want to Electrify Your Home? Buy a Heat Pump? It’s Go Time
Save Article
A woman in a red shirt points to the metal heat pump that sits along the outside of her home.
4
More Bay Area Counties Join Push to Send Prepaid Grocery Cards Amid Federal SNAP Lapse
Save Article
5
‘Eating For Survival’: With November SNAP Delays, How Will Bay Area Families Cope?
Save Article
Shutdown GuidesShutdown Guides
How San Francisco and Contra Costa SNAP Users Can Find Prepaid Grocery Cards
How San Francisco and Contra Costa SNAP Users Can Find Prepaid Grocery Cards
Flying Soon? What to Know About Shutdown Flight Cancellations
Flying Soon? What to Know About Shutdown Flight Cancellations
‘Eating For Survival’: With November SNAP Delays, How Will Bay Area Families Cope?
‘Eating For Survival’: With November SNAP Delays, How Will Bay Area Families Cope?
Travel and OutdoorsTravel and Outdoors
Where to See Bay Area Fall Foliage Near You
Where to See Bay Area Fall Foliage Near You
4 Holiday Hikes to Explore the San Francisco Presidio, From Stunning Views to Historic Trails
4 Holiday Hikes to Explore the San Francisco Presidio, From Stunning Views to Historic Trails
San Francisco’s Fort Point Will Partially Reopen Amid National Parks Shutdown
San Francisco’s Fort Point Will Partially Reopen Amid National Parks Shutdown
Work and MoneyWork and Money
How San Francisco and Contra Costa SNAP Users Can Find Prepaid Grocery Cards
How San Francisco and Contra Costa SNAP Users Can Find Prepaid Grocery Cards
How Are Child Care Costs Affecting the Lives of Bay Area Families? You Told Us
How Are Child Care Costs Affecting the Lives of Bay Area Families? You Told Us
How to Find a Food Bank or Pantry Near You in the San Francisco Bay Area
How to Find a Food Bank or Pantry Near You in the San Francisco Bay Area
Your HealthYour Health
How to Find a Food Bank or Pantry Near You in the San Francisco Bay Area
How to Find a Food Bank or Pantry Near You in the San Francisco Bay Area
CalFresh Benefits Will Be 'Delayed' in November by Shutdown. Here's What to Know
CalFresh Benefits Will Be 'Delayed' in November by Shutdown. Here's What to Know
With SNAP in Shutdown Jeopardy, WIC Program for Families With Young Children Safe for Now
With SNAP in Shutdown Jeopardy, WIC Program for Families With Young Children Safe for Now
Safety and DisastersSafety and Disasters
Flying Soon? What to Know About Shutdown Flight Cancellations
Flying Soon? What to Know About Shutdown Flight Cancellations
A photo of the Yuba River taken from the water, showing a rocky outcrop of boulders at the water's edge.
Heading to the River This Summer? The Safety Advice to Know
Heading to the River This Summer? The Safety Advice to Know
Coyotes Are in Pupping Season in the Bay Area. Here’s How to Keep Yourself and Your Dog Safe
Coyotes Are in Pupping Season in the Bay Area. Here’s How to Keep Yourself and Your Dog Safe
Bay Area EventsBay Area Events
Monterey Bay Aquarium Revives 30-Year-Old Otter Tee Worn by Taylor Swift
Monterey Bay Aquarium Revives 30-Year-Old Otter Tee Worn by Taylor Swift
Download
Seeing Lorde at the Greek Theatre This Weekend? From Bag Policy to Parking, What to Know
Seeing Lorde at the Greek Theatre This Weekend? From Bag Policy to Parking, What to Know
Diwali 2025: Where to Celebrate in the Bay Area
Diwali 2025: Where to Celebrate in the Bay Area
Your RightsYour Rights
Looking for an Immigration Lawyer? Don’t Fall for These Scams
Looking for an Immigration Lawyer? Don’t Fall for These Scams
Searching for a Loved One in ICE Custody? Here’s What You Need to Know
Searching for a Loved One in ICE Custody? Here’s What You Need to Know
What Are My Legal Rights When Protesting — and What Could I Be Arrested For?
What Are My Legal Rights When Protesting — and What Could I Be Arrested For?
Community StoriesCommunity Stories
Got a Jury Duty Summons in California? Here's What to Know
Got a Jury Duty Summons in California? Here's What to Know
You've Found a Sick or Lost Animal in the Bay Area. What Should You Do?
You've Found a Sick or Lost Animal in the Bay Area. What Should You Do?
Download
Fun and Affordable Sports and Activities To Try in the Bay Area
Fun and Affordable Sports and Activities To Try in the Bay Area
WildfiresWildfires
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?
'Particularly Dangerous Situation' Red Flag Warning and Other Wildfire Terms Explained
'Particularly Dangerous Situation' Red Flag Warning and Other Wildfire Terms Explained
In SpanishIn Spanish
Cómo encontrar un banco de alimentos o despensa cerca de usted en el Área de la Bahía
Cómo encontrar un banco de alimentos o despensa cerca de usted en el Área de la Bahía
Celebraciones del Día de Muertos 2025 en el Área de la Bahía
Celebraciones del Día de Muertos 2025 en el Área de la Bahía
¿Busca un abogado de inmigración? Ojo con estas estafas
¿Busca un abogado de inmigración? Ojo con estas estafas
COVIDCOVID
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?
Download
A man squeezes the sample liquid on a test strip while carrying out a COVID-19 rapid self test at home.
COVID is Everywhere (Again) in the Bay Area. What to Know About the Latest XFG 'Stratus' Variant
COVID is Everywhere (Again) in the Bay Area. What to Know About the Latest XFG 'Stratus' Variant
All Explainers and GuidesAll Explainers and Guides

Updating Your Name and Gender on CA, Federal IDs: What to Know After SCOTUS’ Passport Ruling

Save Article

How San Francisco and Contra Costa SNAP Users Can Find Prepaid Grocery Cards

Save Article

Flying Soon? What to Know About Shutdown Flight Cancellations

Save Article
A woman in a red shirt points to the metal heat pump that sits along the outside of her home.

Want to Electrify Your Home? Buy a Heat Pump? It’s Go Time

Save Article

More Bay Area Counties Join Push to Send Prepaid Grocery Cards Amid Federal SNAP Lapse

Save Article

‘Eating For Survival’: With November SNAP Delays, How Will Bay Area Families Cope?

Save Article

Election 2025: Where Can I Drop Off My Ballot, Vote Early or Find My Polling Place on Election Day?

Save Article

Muir Woods to Remain Open Another 10 Days During Government Shutdown

Save Article

At Yosemite, You’d Barely Know a Shutdown Was Happening. Why Advocates Say That Matters

Save Article

Cómo encontrar un banco de alimentos o despensa cerca de usted en el Área de la Bahía

Save Article
Sponsored