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

Eric Swalwell Is Out of the Governor’s Race and Resigning From Congress. What Happens Now?
Following sexual assault and misconduct allegations, the East Bay congressman has ended his bid for governor and will leave the House. Here’s how his departure reshapes the June primary.

Latest News

1
I-80 Closure: What to Know About Travel Through San Francisco This Weekend
2
What Actually Happens If a Person Doesn't Pay Their Federal Taxes?
3
If You Encounter a Rattlesnake in the Bay Area, What Should You Do?
4
Is Your Kid a Picky Eater? Here’s What to Know
5
What’s the Story Behind the Hunky Jesus and Foxy Mary Contests?
Travel and OutdoorsTravel and Outdoors
Plan the Perfect Day at Pinnacles: California’s Most Slept-On National Park
Plan the Perfect Day at Pinnacles: California’s Most Slept-On National Park
Feel Like Your Phone’s Weather App Often Gets It Wrong? Experts Say You Aren't Imagining It
Feel Like Your Phone’s Weather App Often Gets It Wrong? Experts Say You Aren't Imagining It
During This Heat Wave, What’s the Best Beach to Visit Near San Francisco?
During This Heat Wave, What’s the Best Beach to Visit Near San Francisco?
Things to Do in the BayThings to Do in the Bay
What’s the Story Behind the Hunky Jesus and Foxy Mary Contests?
What’s the Story Behind the Hunky Jesus and Foxy Mary Contests?
Where to Celebrate Eid al-Fitr 2026 in the Bay Area: Bazaars, Festivals, Night Markets and Parties to Know
Where to Celebrate Eid al-Fitr 2026 in the Bay Area: Bazaars, Festivals, Night Markets and Parties to Know
Oakland’s Alysa Liu Celebration: From Tickets to Parking, What to Know About Attending
Oakland’s Alysa Liu Celebration: From Tickets to Parking, What to Know About Attending
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
What Actually Happens If a Person Doesn't Pay Their Federal Taxes?
What Actually Happens If a Person Doesn't Pay Their Federal Taxes?
How Trump’s ‘One Big Beautiful Bill’ Could Change How You File Taxes This Year
How Trump’s ‘One Big Beautiful Bill’ Could Change How You File Taxes This Year
Una mujer con una amplia gabardina beige está sentada a una mesa escribiendo en un portapapeles.
How to Find Free 2026 Tax Help Near You — and Prepare Everything You Need for Your Appointment
How to Find Free 2026 Tax Help Near You — and Prepare Everything You Need for Your Appointment
Your HealthYour Health
Is Your Kid a Picky Eater? Here’s What to Know
Is Your Kid a Picky Eater? Here’s What to Know
Inspired by the Winter Olympics? You Can Learn to Ski in San Francisco
Inspired by the Winter Olympics? You Can Learn to Ski in San Francisco
Possible Measles Exposure in Burlingame Panda Express, Health Officials Warn
Possible Measles Exposure in Burlingame Panda Express, Health Officials Warn
Safety and DisastersSafety and Disasters
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?
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
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?
All Explainers and GuidesAll Explainers and Guides

Eric Swalwell Is Out of the Governor’s Race and Resigning From Congress. What Happens Now?

I-80 Closure: What to Know About Travel Through San Francisco This Weekend

What Actually Happens If a Person Doesn't Pay Their Federal Taxes?

If You Encounter a Rattlesnake in the Bay Area, What Should You Do?

Is Your Kid a Picky Eater? Here’s What to Know

What’s the Story Behind the Hunky Jesus and Foxy Mary Contests?

Plan the Perfect Day at Pinnacles: California’s Most Slept-On National Park

Thousands of Immigrants Will Lose Access to CalFresh This Week. Here’s What to Know

Birthright Citizenship at the Supreme Court: Who Could Be Affected by Trump’s Order?

¿Cuáles son sus derechos si ve a ICE en el aeropuerto?

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