Top stories: BBQ on Shaw, tuberculosis in Fresno school, Karbassi lapping field on donations
The Fresno Bee covered a range of top stories on April 29, 2026, with developments spanning local business, politics, public health and school safety.
A new barbecue restaurant is taking over a notable corner spot, while the race for Fresno County’s District 1 supervisor seat shows one candidate dominating in fundraising. Meanwhile, a confirmed tuberculosis case emerged at a local high school, and multiple area schools faced false threats on the same day.
We assemble this list each evening, so you can get caught up on the top Fresno Bee stories of the day
• New BBQ restaurant headed for busy Fig Garden corner: Papa Joe’s Spokesbelly BBQ, run by Joe Avila, has signed a lease to take over the building at 420 W. Shaw Ave. at the corner of Maroa Avenue. The location previously housed Tacos El Cabezon, which received a cease-and-desist letter in February for operating without proper permits. Avila plans to open by July 1 and will serve chicken, tri-tip, ribs, brisket and pulled pork. Click here for full story.
• District 1 supervisor candidate outpaces rivals four-to-one in cash: Fresno City Councilmember Mike Karbassi reported $188,000 in contributions for the Fresno County District 1 supervisor race, four times more than the next-highest fundraiser. The seat is open because Supervisor Brian Pacheco is running for a state Assembly seat. Six candidates are competing, with Omar Hernandez reporting nearly $48,000 and Kerman Mayor Maria Pacheco reporting more than $42,000. Click here for full story.
• Tuberculosis case confirmed at Justin Garza High School: The Fresno County Department of Public Health confirmed one active tuberculosis case at Justin Garza High School, which led to 169 identified exposures and 22 positive tests for infection. Officials say there is minimal risk to the broader community, and the department is working with school staff on contact tracing, testing and treatment. It’s unclear whether the active case involves an adult or juvenile. Click here for full story.
• Fresno, Clovis and Reedley schools targeted by false threats: At least four high schools in the Fresno area received unsubstantiated threats on the same day, prompting shelter-in-place orders and police responses. Bullard and Fresno high schools faced bomb threats, while Clovis High and Reedley High were swatted with phony calls. All campuses were cleared, and Fresno Unified said mental health resources would be available for affected students. Click here for full story.
Original stories by Bethany Clough, Nick Fenley and Thaddeus Miller.
This report was produced with the assistance of a proprietary tool powered by artificial intelligence based on our own originally reported, written and published content. Before publishing, journalists reviewed this content in compliance with McClatchy Media’s AI policy.
This story was originally published April 29, 2026 at 8:36 PM.
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