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

SFO Will Begin Nonstop Flights for Japan Skiing This Winter. What Could It Mean for Tahoe?
New direct flights from SFO to Sapporo could make skiing in Japan even more popular. What to know — and how it could impact Tahoe.
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Latest News

1
How to Find the Best Deals at Bay Area Thrift Stores
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Racks of T-shirts are lined up against a baby blue wall as vinyl LPs are stacked in the foreground
2
My Ballot Never Showed Up. How Can I Still Vote in the 2026 California Primary?
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3
Carnaval San Francisco 2026: From Parade Route to Parking, What to Know This Weekend
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Several women dressed in colorful clothing dance and walk down the street during a parade.
4
Don’t Fall for World Cup Ticket Scams in California
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5
On CalFresh? What to Know About New June 1 Work Requirements
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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
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
Seeing BTS at the Stanford Stadium This Weekend? From Bag Policy to Parking, What to Know
Seeing BTS at the Stanford Stadium This Weekend? From Bag Policy to Parking, What to Know
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
On CalFresh? What to Know About New June 1 Work Requirements
On CalFresh? What to Know About New June 1 Work Requirements
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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You Could Have Unclaimed Cash From the State — but Thursday Is Your Deadline
You Could Have Unclaimed Cash From the State — but Thursday Is Your Deadline
Your HealthYour Health
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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Small circular patterns float in a dense, thick brown substance.
San Francisco Reports Its First Clade I Mpox Case — What to Know and How to Find a Vaccine
San Francisco Reports Its First Clade I Mpox Case — What to Know and How to Find a Vaccine
Want to Save on Groceries? You Can Grow Your Own Garden
Want to Save on Groceries? You Can Grow Your Own Garden
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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

SFO Will Begin Nonstop Flights for Japan Skiing This Winter. What Could It Mean for Tahoe?

Save Article
Racks of T-shirts are lined up against a baby blue wall as vinyl LPs are stacked in the foreground

How to Find the Best Deals at Bay Area Thrift Stores

Save Article

My Ballot Never Showed Up. How Can I Still Vote in the 2026 California Primary?

Save Article
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

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Don’t Fall for World Cup Ticket Scams in California

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On CalFresh? What to Know About New June 1 Work Requirements

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Protesters hold signs saying, "We are here to stay!" "Black Lives Matter" and "Education, Not Deportation."

Amid Immigration Crackdown, Officials Worry About Decline in California Dream Act Applications

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Dispersed Camping 101: How to Find Free Campsites Near the Bay Area

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Why Are Some East Bay Voters Receiving 2 Election Ballots?

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Primary 2026: Monday Is Your Last Day to Register Online to Vote. What if You Miss It?

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