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

Why Is California Still Counting Votes? And Other Questions About How Our Elections Actually Work
Election security expert David Becker breaks down why California’s ballot count takes so long, and why claims of fraud don’t hold up.
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Latest News

1
Going to San Francisco Pride 2026? Parade Times, Maps, Street Closures and Safety Advice
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A person wearing a band outfit plays a saxophone with a sign that says Pride.
2
Bars, Pubs and Dives: Where to Watch World Cup Matches in the Bay Area
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A group of customers sits around a table while TV screens and bright flags hang from the ceiling
3
How to Explore Muir Woods After Dark (If You Can Get a Ticket)
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4
As CalFresh Guidelines Expand, Where Can Students Who Rely on School Meals Go?
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5
Which Bay Area Beach Is Best to Beat This Week’s Heat?
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Travel and OutdoorsTravel and Outdoors
How to Explore Muir Woods After Dark (If You Can Get a Ticket)
How to Explore Muir Woods After Dark (If You Can Get a Ticket)
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Which Bay Area Beach Is Best to Beat This Week’s Heat?
Which Bay Area Beach Is Best to Beat This Week’s Heat?
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?
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

Why Is California Still Counting Votes? And Other Questions About How Our Elections Actually Work

Save Article
A person wearing a band outfit plays a saxophone with a sign that says Pride.

Going to San Francisco Pride 2026? Parade Times, Maps, Street Closures and Safety Advice

Save Article
A group of customers sits around a table while TV screens and bright flags hang from the ceiling

Bars, Pubs and Dives: Where to Watch World Cup Matches in the Bay Area

Save Article

How to Explore Muir Woods After Dark (If You Can Get a Ticket)

Save Article

As CalFresh Guidelines Expand, Where Can Students Who Rely on School Meals Go?

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Which Bay Area Beach Is Best to Beat This Week’s Heat?

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Paying for Parking in San Francisco? Make Sure You’re Using the Right Apps

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

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

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

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