Monday brought a mix of business, education and legal news across the central San Joaquin Valley. From a new indoor entertainment venue moving into a long-vacant Fresno storefront to a pivotal moment for Clovis teachers weighing unionization and a fresh federal challenge to a Madera casino.
Construction on the North Fork Mono Casino and Resort, which sits right off Highway 99 between the Avenue 17 and Avenue 18-1/2 exits, nears completion on Tuesday, April 14, 2026. CRAIG KOHLRUSS ckohlruss@fresnobee.com Here are the top stories of the dayFresno’s empty Bed Bath & Beyond gets new tenant. You’ll want to tell your kids — Slick City Action Park will fill the 36,725-square-foot former Bed Bath & Beyond at Blackstone and El Paso avenues in Fresno, a building that has sat empty since 2023. The indoor slide park features multi-story slides where riders lay on mats and land on padded surfaces or airbags. Slick City has 44 locations open nationwide with another 45 under construction, though a worker confirmed the Fresno space is still in the demolition phase.Clovis teachers call union petition ‘suspicious.’ What’s next for unionization efforts? — The Association of Clovis Educators has filed an intervention petition with the state’s Public Employment Relations Board, challenging a rival group’s push to unionize Clovis Unified educators. Independent Clovis Unified Educators filed for recognition in July after gathering more than 1,000 teacher signatures, reaching the 50% plus one threshold. ACE questioned the petition because it was filed by a Sacramento law firm partner and excludes part-time and non-certificated staff. PERB may first need to rule on the appropriateness of the bargaining unit before any election can occur.‘Last-ditch’ lawsuit hopes to stop Madera mega-casino planned to open in October — The Picayune Rancheria of the Chukchansi Indians has filed a third federal lawsuit seeking to block the North Fork Mono Casino & Resort, arguing it lacks the state concurrence required under the Indian Gaming Control Act. The $725 million project is set to open in October off Highway 99 in Madera County, less than 40 miles from Chukchansi Gold. The North Fork tribe, which prevailed in Picayune’s two previous federal challenges, says the new suit recycles previously rejected arguments.
Original stories by Bethany Clough, Leqi Zhong and Erik Galicia
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