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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

Fourth of July Fireworks 2026: Shows, Parades and Events Around the Bay Area
Fourth of July this year will be a special one, as Americans across the country celebrate the country’s 250th birthday.
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Travel 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 Bay
Fourth of July Fireworks 2026: Shows, Parades and Events Around the Bay Area
Fourth of July Fireworks 2026: Shows, Parades and Events Around the Bay Area
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
Your 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 Money
A collage of images including three figures in suits with surveillance cameras for heads, overlaid on a double exposure image of a red fuel pump nozzle, a gas station, grocery store fruit and a dollar bill. The text "Close All Tabs" appears in the upper right corner.
Surveillance Pricing Is Making Life More Expensive. Here’s How It Works and What You Can Do
Surveillance Pricing Is Making Life More Expensive. Here’s How It Works and What You Can Do
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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Your 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 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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Wildfires
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 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
COVID
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 Guides

Fourth of July Fireworks 2026: Shows, Parades and Events Around the Bay Area

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

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

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A collage of images including three figures in suits with surveillance cameras for heads, overlaid on a double exposure image of a red fuel pump nozzle, a gas station, grocery store fruit and a dollar bill. The text "Close All Tabs" appears in the upper right corner.

Surveillance Pricing Is Making Life More Expensive. Here’s How It Works and What You Can Do

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California Now Offers Free Passes to State Historic Parks (Just Don’t Miss the Deadline)

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Court Orders National Parks Signage, Including at Muir Woods, to Be Restored

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‘A Moment Under the Sun’: Queer-Led Groups Are Getting Outside This Pride

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

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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

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

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

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