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

You can see it from all over the Bay Area, but how many people who live here have actually been inside Coit Tower?
More Free Things to Do in the Bay Area (If You’re Feeling the January Strain)
Wallet still hurting after the holidays? We have free things to do around the San Francisco Bay Area — beyond the usual suspects.
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Latest News

1
How to Protect Your Information Online in 2026
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A stylized image showing digital privacy security settings cut out in the shape of a hand, set against a dark background filled with binary numbers.
2
With Highway 1 Reopening, the Iconic Big Sur Spots You Can Visit From the Bay Area Again
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3
Winter Night Out Idea: See Classic Sci-Fi Films in a Planetarium
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4
Your Guide to MLK Day Events Around the Bay Area
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5
No REAL ID? TSA Will Charge You $45 at the Airport Starting Feb. 1
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Travel and OutdoorsTravel and Outdoors
No REAL ID? TSA Will Charge You $45 at the Airport Starting Feb. 1
No REAL ID? TSA Will Charge You $45 at the Airport Starting Feb. 1
Tents surrounded by redwood trees and a picnic bench nearby.
Trying to Make a Camping Reservation, but Your ReserveCalifornia Login Won’t Work? Here’s the Fix
Trying to Make a Camping Reservation, but Your ReserveCalifornia Login Won’t Work? Here’s the Fix
Trump’s $100 National Park Fee for International Tourists is Now in Effect. What to Know
Trump’s $100 National Park Fee for International Tourists is Now in Effect. What to Know
Work and MoneyWork and Money
A stylized image showing digital privacy security settings cut out in the shape of a hand, set against a dark background filled with binary numbers.
How to Protect Your Information Online in 2026
How to Protect Your Information Online in 2026
Adjustable-Rate Mortgages Caused Trouble in 2008. They’re Worrying Experts Again
Adjustable-Rate Mortgages Caused Trouble in 2008. They’re Worrying Experts Again
Expert Advice on Pulling Off a Small, Intimate City Hall Wedding (That Won’t Break the Bank)
Expert Advice on Pulling Off a Small, Intimate City Hall Wedding (That Won’t Break the Bank)
Things to Do in the BayThings to Do in the Bay
You can see it from all over the Bay Area, but how many people who live here have actually been inside Coit Tower?
More Free Things to Do in the Bay Area (If You’re Feeling the January Strain)
More Free Things to Do in the Bay Area (If You’re Feeling the January Strain)
Your Guide to MLK Day Events Around the Bay Area
Your Guide to MLK Day Events Around the Bay Area
An image of the De Young museum from above during the afternoon.
How to Find Free Museum Tickets in the Bay Area
How to Find Free Museum Tickets in the Bay Area
Your RightsYour Rights
A young woman with a bullhorn leads protesters on the street holding signs.
How to Stay Safe at a Rally in the Bay Area: Know Your Rights
How to Stay Safe at a Rally in the Bay Area: Know Your Rights
Should US Citizens Carry Their Passports?
Should US Citizens Carry Their Passports?
A person stands against a wall in shadow, their face obscured.
From Mental Health to Compensation Funds, Where Can Gun Violence Survivors Find Support in the Bay Area?
From Mental Health to Compensation Funds, Where Can Gun Violence Survivors Find Support in the Bay Area?
Your HealthYour Health
Need Extra ‘Dry January’ Motivation Right About Now? Expert Advice on How to Keep Going
Need Extra ‘Dry January’ Motivation Right About Now? Expert Advice on How to Keep Going
Someone holds an insulin kit.
I’m Diabetic. What Should I Know About Insulin Price Changes in 2026?
I’m Diabetic. What Should I Know About Insulin Price Changes in 2026?
After Alice Wong’s Death, Her Friends Vow to Keep Fighting for Disability Justice
After Alice Wong’s Death, Her Friends Vow to Keep Fighting for Disability Justice
Safety and DisastersSafety and Disasters
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
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
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
Tengo diabetes: ¿Cómo cambiará el precio de la insulina en 2026?
Tengo diabetes: ¿Cómo cambiará el precio de la insulina en 2026?
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
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
You can see it from all over the Bay Area, but how many people who live here have actually been inside Coit Tower?

More Free Things to Do in the Bay Area (If You’re Feeling the January Strain)

Save Article
A stylized image showing digital privacy security settings cut out in the shape of a hand, set against a dark background filled with binary numbers.

How to Protect Your Information Online in 2026

Save Article

With Highway 1 Reopening, the Iconic Big Sur Spots You Can Visit From the Bay Area Again

Save Article

Winter Night Out Idea: See Classic Sci-Fi Films in a Planetarium

Save Article

Your Guide to MLK Day Events Around the Bay Area

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No REAL ID? TSA Will Charge You $45 at the Airport Starting Feb. 1

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Need Extra ‘Dry January’ Motivation Right About Now? Expert Advice on How to Keep Going

Save Article
A purple-toned, dark illustration depicting panels of human faces overlaid with a bright green Wi-Fi symbol with a pink question mark in the middle.

Sick of Scam Calls and Texts? You Can Now Request to Remove Your Details From Data Brokers

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Tengo diabetes: ¿Cómo cambiará el precio de la insulina en 2026?

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A Christmas tree lies on the street next to a curb.

Christmas Tree Still Up? Time is Running Out to Recycle it for Free

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