Best-read: Yosemite vandalism; Assemi land sells for $14M; famous BBQ comes to town, and more
These top-read stories are making headlines among subscribers to The Fresno Bee. From local legends opening new restaurants, to heartbreaking community losses and significant developments in Fresno’s economy, these articles reflect what you care about most.
Below are recaps of the most engaging stories among subscriber for last week, with links to the full stories.
Vandals deface boulder, more at Yosemite National Park. ‘Disgraceful’
Graffiti vandals struck Yosemite National Park, leaving “Yeti” tags on a boulder, door, and signs near Bridalveil Fall, angering visitors and social media users. While similar incidents have occurred before, no suspects had been identified as of January 26. Penalties for vandalism vary, depending on the type and extent of damage. Click here for full story.
Horn BBQ is open. Here’s a look inside the famous chef’s first Fresno restaurant
Fresno native Matt Horn’s award-winning Horn Barbecue has officially opened in Granite Park, sparking excitement and long wait times. Horn, known for his Texas-style brisket and southern sides, brings lauded expertise home after first finding success in the Bay Area. The restaurant aims to become a local staple. Click here for full story.
West Fresno farmland in Assemis’ defaulted loans case sold for estimated $14M
Roughly 330 acres of southwest Fresno farmland, once controlled by the Assemi family, has sold for an estimated $14 million following their financial difficulties. The land, part of larger defaults involving over $700 million in loans, was acquired through a court-appointed receiver and purchased by a Fresno-area jeweler. Click here for full story.
Former Miss Fresno County loses cancer battle at 35. She made impact in short time
Andrea Andrade, a former Miss Fresno County and cancer awareness advocate, died at 35 after a nine-year battle with cancer. Renowned for her positivity, Andrade co-founded charitable initiatives like “Not All Heroes Wear Capes,” supporting children with medical challenges. Her legacy of resilience and kindness continues to inspire the Fresno community. Click here for full story.
Four Fresno-area restaurants announced closures this month. What’s going on?
At least four Fresno and Clovis restaurants, including Benaddiction and Take3 x Grumpy Burger Lady’s, closed or announced closures in January. Owners cite economic uncertainty, rising costs, and lower customer spending as top reasons. The mounting challenges highlight the precariousness faced by local businesses and the importance of community support. Click here for full story.
What’s the construction at this Fresno corner? A chain coffee shop, more coming
A new building at Shields and Millbrook is nearly ready for tenants, with Starbucks confirmed as the first to open, featuring a full café and drive-thru. Additional restaurant and retail spaces remain available, and negotiations for further eateries are ongoing. The development promises more amenities for the busy intersection. Click here for full story.
These recaps were produced with the help of AI tools, which summarized previous stories reported and written by Fresno Bee journalists. This content was edited by journalists in the newsroom.
This story was originally published February 2, 2026 at 5:19 PM.
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