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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

Primary 2026: Where Can I Drop Off My Ballot — or Vote Early?
Where to find a ballot drop box near you in the Bay Area, how to use USPS to mail your primary ballot and where you can vote early.
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Latest News

1
These Yosemite Alternatives Are Just as Beautiful — and Much Less Crowded
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2
Primary 2026: Read This Before You Fill Out Your California Ballot (or Need to Correct a Mistake)
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3
Bay Area Beaches Are Chock-Full of Mysterious Blue Creatures Again. Here’s How to See Them
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4
You Could Have Unclaimed Cash From the State — but Thursday Is Your Deadline
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5
Bay Area Book Lovers: We Have Highly Literary Date (or Friend Hang) Ideas for Your Weekend
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Travel and OutdoorsTravel and Outdoors
How to Explore Muir Woods After Dark
How to Explore Muir Woods After Dark
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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
Things to Do in the BayThings to Do in the Bay
Bay Area Book Lovers: We Have Highly Literary Date (or Friend Hang) Ideas for Your Weekend
Bay Area Book Lovers: We Have Highly Literary Date (or Friend Hang) Ideas for Your Weekend
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What to Know When Attending a 2026 Valkyries Game at Chase Center
What to Know When Attending a 2026 Valkyries Game at Chase Center
A guy holding a 420 sign
Official San Francisco Hippie Hill Celebration Canceled for Third Time in a Row. Where to Observe 420 Around the Bay Area
Official San Francisco Hippie Hill Celebration Canceled for Third Time in a Row. Where to Observe 420 Around the Bay Area
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
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
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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What Actually Happens If a Person Doesn't Pay Their Federal Taxes?
What Actually Happens If a Person Doesn't Pay Their Federal Taxes?
Your HealthYour Health
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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Is Your Kid a Picky Eater? Here’s What to Know
Is Your Kid a Picky Eater? Here’s What to Know
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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

These Yosemite Alternatives Are Just as Beautiful — and Much Less Crowded

Save Article

Primary 2026: Where Can I Drop Off My Ballot — or Vote Early?

Save Article

Primary 2026: Read This Before You Fill Out Your California Ballot (or Need to Correct a Mistake)

Save Article

Bay Area Beaches Are Chock-Full of Mysterious Blue Creatures Again. Here’s How to See Them

Save Article

You Could Have Unclaimed Cash From the State — but Thursday Is Your Deadline

Save Article

Bay Area Book Lovers: We Have Highly Literary Date (or Friend Hang) Ideas for Your Weekend

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19th Avenue Closure: What to Know About Travel Through San Francisco This Weekend

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How to Explore Muir Woods After Dark

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Want to Spring Clean Your Bookshelf? Where to Sell or Donate Used Books in the Bay Area

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What to Know When Attending a 2026 Valkyries Game at Chase Center

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