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

A Christmas tree lies on the street next to a curb.
Christmas Tree Still Up? Time is Running Out to Recycle it for Free
From curbside compost and recycling collection to transfer station drop-off, read our city-by-city guide on how to easily dispose of your Christmas tree.
Save Article

Latest News

1
Tengo diabetes: ¿Cómo cambiará el precio de la insulina en 2026?
Save Article
2
How to Stay Safe at a Rally in the Bay Area: Know Your Rights
Save Article
A young woman with a bullhorn leads protesters on the street holding signs.
3
How to Find Free Museum Tickets in the Bay Area
Save Article
An image of the De Young museum from above during the afternoon.
4
Trying to Make a Camping Reservation, but Your ReserveCalifornia Login Won’t Work? Here’s the Fix
Save Article
Tents surrounded by redwood trees and a picnic bench nearby.
5
California’s First Measles Case of 2026 Is Unvaccinated Patient in Bay Area
Save Article
Travel and OutdoorsTravel and Outdoors
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
Are You Trans and Flying for the Holidays? What to Know About IDs at the Airport
Are You Trans and Flying for the Holidays? What to Know About IDs at the Airport
Work and MoneyWork and Money
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)
This Holiday Season, Where to Find Free Food, Clothing and Hot Meals in the Bay Area
This Holiday Season, Where to Find Free Food, Clothing and Hot Meals in the Bay Area
Things to Do in the BayThings to Do in the Bay
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
Ideas for Bay Area Nights Out That Don't Involve 'Grabbing a Drink'
Ideas for Bay Area Nights Out That Don't Involve 'Grabbing a Drink'
Hosting for the Holidays? Crowd-Pleasing Places to Take Visitors in the Bay Area
Hosting for the Holidays? Crowd-Pleasing Places to Take Visitors 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
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
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
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?
Download
All Explainers and GuidesAll Explainers and Guides

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

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

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

Save Article
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

Save Article
An image of the De Young museum from above during the afternoon.

How to Find Free Museum Tickets in the Bay Area

Save Article
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

Save Article

California’s First Measles Case of 2026 Is Unvaccinated Patient in Bay Area

Save Article
A woman looking out at the sunrise surrounded by mountains, with a tent behind her.

Want to Go Camping Near the Bay Area This Summer? Make Your Reservations Now (Seriously)

Save Article

Trump’s $100 National Park Fee for International Tourists is Now in Effect. What to Know

Save Article
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

Save Article

Ideas for Bay Area Nights Out That Don't Involve 'Grabbing a Drink'

Save Article
Sponsored

Player sponsored by