Basel 2025 Day 5: Men’s singles predictions ft Reilly Opelka vs Ugo Humbert, Casper Ruud vs Alejandro Davidovich Fokina | Swiss Indoors

Players will fight for a spot in the semifinals on Day 5 (Friday, October 24) of the Swiss Indoors 2025 in Basel. Notably, Taylor Fritz and Ben Shelton, the top two seeds, failed to advance to the quarterfinals, both exiting in the second round.

Casper Ruud and Felix Auger-Aliassime, who recently claimed titles in Stockholm and Brussels respectively, remain in the draw. Based on their current form, they are the favorites to go all the way in the tournament.

With a series of exciting quarterfinal contests set to unfold, here are the predictions for all the singles matches scheduled for Day 5 of the Swiss Indoors 2025:

### 1. Casper Ruud vs Alejandro Davidovich Fokina

Ruud began his Swiss Indoors campaign strongly with a 6-1, 7-6(3) win over Quentin Halys. He then took on three-time Major champion Stan Wawrinka in the second round, securing a 6-4, 7-6(5) victory. This extended his unbeaten run to six matches, having won the Stockholm Open just before arriving in Basel.

Davidovich Fokina moved past Lorenzo Sonego in straight sets in his opener and rallied from a set down to beat Jenson Brooksby in the second round. This marked his 40th win of the season, the highest number of wins he has achieved in a single year.

Ruud and Davidovich Fokina share a competitive rivalry. Out of their previous five matches, all but one have gone the full distance. Ruud leads their head-to-head 3-2 and won their most recent meeting at the 2024 French Open in five sets.

Given Ruud’s current form, the Norwegian is favored to best his rival once again.

**Predicted winner:** Casper Ruud in three sets.

### 2. Reilly Opelka vs Ugo Humbert

Opelka battled through the qualifying rounds of the Swiss Indoors before easing past Sebastian Baez in the first round. He then earned a hard-fought three-set win over lucky loser Botic van de Zandschulp in the second round. Notably, he had already beaten van de Zandschulp in the qualifiers.

On the other hand, Humbert defeated Sebastian Korda 6-3, 6-4 in the opening round. He followed that with a stunning upset over top seed Taylor Fritz, winning 6-3, 6-4. The Frenchman thrives on indoor courts, having recently lost to Ruud in the Stockholm final and claimed the title earlier this season in Marseille.

Given his comfort on indoor surfaces and recent form, Humbert is favored to continue his impressive run and knock out another American from this tournament.

**Predicted winner:** Ugo Humbert in straight sets.

### 3. Felix Auger-Aliassime vs Jaume Munar

Felix Auger-Aliassime, fresh off his Brussels title, is expected to continue his strong form.

**Predicted winner:** Felix Auger-Aliassime in straight sets.

### 4. Denis Shapovalov vs Joao Fonseca

Denis Shapovalov will look to leverage his experience and skill to advance further in the tournament.

**Predicted winner:** Denis Shapovalov in three sets.

Stay tuned as the Swiss Indoors 2025 quarterfinals promise high-quality tennis and intense battles on Day 5.
https://www.sportskeeda.com/tennis/basel-2025-day-5-men-s-singles-predictions-ft-reilly-opelka-vs-ugo-humbert-casper-ruud-vs-alejandro-davidovich-fokina-swiss-indoors

Why twice-born men and women are needed in Holy Matrimony

Becoming a Christian—experiencing the new birth in Christ—transforms each individual who embraces it. In his letter to the Ephesian Christians, the Apostle Paul explains this supernatural experience of being born again from above by accepting Jesus Christ as one’s personal Lord and Savior.

In the second chapter of Ephesians, Paul makes it clear that while we “were by nature the children of wrath” (Eph. 2:3) and “dead in sins,” God “quickened us together with Christ” (Eph. 2:5). When we respond to the Holy Spirit’s convicting work, confess our sins, and accept Christ as our personal Savior, He regenerates us through the work of the Holy Spirit.

This miraculous process transforms believers—both Jew and Gentile—into “a new man” (Eph. 2:15). The Greek word Paul uses for “new” signifies a completely new and different kind of person.

After the coming of the Holy Spirit in a mighty way at Pentecost, these “new men” were indwelt with God’s Spirit in a never-before-experienced way. A supreme example of this transformation is the astonishing difference in the Apostle Peter. Before Pentecost, Peter was confused and uncertain; after Pentecost, he was commanding and confident, preaching powerfully to thousands.

It was as if Peter had stepped into a spiritual telephone booth and emerged wearing a spiritual Superman suit. The point is that after Pentecost, God created a new kind of man—one who did not exist before the Spirit personally indwelt twice-born believers.

Understanding this is critically important. Why? Because only such twice-born men and women can fulfill their biblical roles, especially in Holy Matrimony.

Only a twice-born man can consistently love his wife with agape love, just as Christ loved the church and gave Himself for it. Likewise, only a woman who has been born again from above can consistently submit herself under the spiritual leadership of her husband.

Being born again—a “new” kind of man or woman—should transform all our relationships if we are surrendered to the Holy Spirit’s work in our lives.

Another spiritually significant relationship transformed by the Holy Spirit is the pastor–church member relationship. There are close parallels between the New Testament model for pastors and church members and the husband–wife relationship.

God instructs pastors through Peter not to “lord over” God’s flock but to be good shepherds who lovingly serve the people (1 Pet. 5:1-5). Correspondingly, church members are admonished to “submit yourselves” (Heb. 13:17) to their spiritual leaders who have “spoken unto you the word of God” (Heb. 13:7).

The phrase “submit yourselves” uses the same Greek verb—and in the same unusual middle or reflexive tense—as the one used for wives submitting to their own husbands “as unto the Lord” (Eph. 5:22).

Becoming a born-again Christian should change every relationship in our lives. God never commands us to do something that we cannot accomplish with His help. Through the power of the Holy Spirit, we are enabled to live transformed lives that honor God in all our relationships.
https://www.christianpost.com/voices/why-twice-born-men-and-women-needed-in-holy-matrimony.html

NFL seeks dismissal of Jon Gruden’s lawsuit after Nevada Supreme Court sends it back to state court

The Nevada Supreme Court returned Jon Gruden’s case to the state’s District Court on Thursday, while the NFL filed two motions seeking the prompt dismissal of the claims against it.

Gruden resigned as coach of the Las Vegas Raiders in October 2021 after the publication of emails he sent years earlier that included racist, misogynistic, and homophobic language. A month later, he sued the NFL and Commissioner Roger Goodell, alleging a “malicious and orchestrated campaign” to destroy his career by leaking the emails.

In a motion filed Thursday and obtained by The Associated Press, NFL attorneys used aggressive language to counter Gruden’s allegations, stating:
“The Complaint—Jon Gruden’s attempt to wrongly blame the NFL and its Commissioner for the consequences of the racist, misogynistic, and homophobic emails Gruden authored and widely distributed—hinges solely on unsupported allegations that fail as a matter of law or fall far short of stating a claim, and should have been promptly dismissed when the NFL Parties first so moved.”

Previously, the Nevada Supreme Court denied the league’s earlier appeal of its August 11 ruling that Gruden could proceed with his lawsuit and was not required to go through the league’s arbitration process.

The NFL’s attorneys further argued in the motion:
“Gruden does not and cannot dispute that he wrote the emails that led to his resignation. He does not and cannot dispute that he freely sent those emails to multiple parties. He does not and cannot claim that the emails were misleadingly edited or altered in any way, let alone by the NFL Parties, or that the views espoused in them were not in fact expressed by him. Instead, Gruden has concocted a fictional story that attempts to paint himself as the victim of his own conduct.”

The motion to dismiss also invokes Nevada’s anti-SLAPP statute, which protects against lawsuits intended to silence those exercising their First Amendment rights. NFL attorneys emphasized:
“Gruden’s false claims are all premised on quintessential First Amendment activity: the NFL Parties’ alleged communication of unaltered emails authored by Gruden, a public figure, to the national media. And because those claims have no basis in law or fact, the complaint cannot survive under the anti-SLAPP statute.”

In 2022, the NFL appealed to Nevada’s high court after a judge in Las Vegas rejected league bids to dismiss Gruden’s claim outright or to order out-of-court talks through an arbitration process that could be overseen by Goodell. The high court, in a 5-2 ruling, stated that “the arbitration clause in the NFL Constitution is unconscionable and does not apply to Gruden as a former employee.”

Background on Jon Gruden: He was an on-air analyst for ESPN from 2011 to 2018, during the period when the controversial emails were sent. Gruden served as the Raiders’ coach when the team moved to Las Vegas from Oakland, California, in 2020.

He is seeking monetary damages, alleging that the selective disclosure and publication of the emails by The Wall Street Journal and The New York Times ruined his career and endorsement contracts.

Gruden’s coaching career includes two stints with the Raiders—first in Oakland from 1998 to 2001, and later in Las Vegas starting in 2018. He also led the Tampa Bay Buccaneers for seven years, winning a Super Bowl title in 2003. After his coaching and broadcasting roles, he consulted for the New Orleans Saints in 2023.

Currently, Jon Gruden is a part-owner and consultant for the Nashville Kats of the Arena Football One league.
http://lasvegassun.com//news/2025/oct/23/nfl-seeks-dismissal-of-jon-grudens-lawsuit-after-n/

2025 Marks the Year America Became Crypto-Friendly Again

After years of uncertainty and regulatory pressure, the United States has re-emerged as one of the most promising environments for digital assets. According to a16z’s *State of Crypto 2025* report, the world’s largest economy is entering a new era of clarity, confidence, and capital inflows, signaling that crypto’s center of gravity is once again shifting back to U.S. soil.

### From Hostility to Leadership

Just two years ago, the American crypto landscape was defined by enforcement actions, confusion, and hesitation. Many projects relocated offshore to escape unclear rules, and venture funding for U.S.-based blockchain startups plummeted. But 2025 has marked a dramatic reversal.

The bipartisan GENIUS Act, combined with the CLARITY Act, has transformed the tone of U.S. policy toward crypto. Together, these laws provide a structured framework for stablecoins, market oversight, and digital asset classification. This legislation has brought long-awaited predictability to how crypto companies operate — a critical factor for innovation and capital formation.

Complementing these legislative milestones, Executive Order 14178 reversed earlier restrictive measures, mandating federal agencies to coordinate on pro-innovation digital asset policies. A cross-agency task force was established to modernize how government systems interact with blockchain-based infrastructure, creating channels for collaboration rather than confrontation.

a16z notes that this environment has reignited builder optimism across the country.

### The U.S. Capital and Talent Return Home

With the legal fog lifting, capital is flowing back into U.S.-based blockchain ventures. Venture firms, hedge funds, and corporates have resumed large-scale investments in crypto startups and infrastructure providers.

According to the a16z report, several major financial players including JPMorgan, Fidelity, and Mastercard have expanded their blockchain divisions, hiring engineers and product managers to develop payment systems, custody solutions, and tokenized financial instruments.

Tech giants that once distanced themselves from crypto are also re-engaging. PayPal, Stripe, and Square have all deepened their integration with stablecoin payment systems and Web3 wallets. Meanwhile, public companies like Coinbase, Marathon, and Galaxy Digital continue to serve as examples of U.S.-regulated crypto enterprises operating at scale.

Perhaps most tellingly, the venture ecosystem is showing early signs of revival. a16z’s own investments, along with those from other major funds like Paradigm and Pantera Capital, have concentrated heavily on U.S.-based teams building tools for DeFi, AI-integrated protocols, and on-chain infrastructure.

### The Economic Engine of Tokenization

The report emphasizes that regulatory clarity has enabled a new wave of tokenized financial products to emerge. With clearer rules around asset-backed tokens, companies can now issue digital representations of equities, treasuries, and private credit instruments on-chain.

This is not merely a technical upgrade — it’s a structural transformation. The tokenization of real-world assets (RWAs) is already reshaping how capital markets function. Startups and institutions are experimenting with tokenized bond markets, yield-bearing stablecoins, and digitally native treasuries that settle in seconds rather than days.

Such innovation, a16z argues, is turning the U.S. into a testbed for the next generation of global finance.

Whereas the previous decade saw the rise of centralized crypto exchanges, the coming decade may be defined by tokenized capital markets operating with full regulatory oversight.

The implications are far-reaching: as more tokens generate real economic value through fees, staking, or smart contract revenue, the American crypto ecosystem could evolve into a self-sustaining digital economy with transparent cash flows and accountable governance.

### A Foundation for the Next Cycle

a16z’s analysis highlights that the new U.S. policy framework doesn’t just benefit startups and investors — it stabilizes the broader global crypto market. When the U.S. leads with clear standards, it sets the tone for other nations, creating a unified foundation for digital asset interoperability and regulation.

This leadership is especially important as the industry moves into its next phase: integrating blockchain with emerging technologies like artificial intelligence and decentralized infrastructure networks (DePIN). The U.S. regulatory environment, once perceived as a major obstacle, now stands to accelerate this convergence by encouraging both public and private sector collaboration.

The firm’s report characterizes this shift as “crypto’s comeback moment in America.” Builders who once left the country are returning, startups are registering locally instead of abroad, and major exchanges are expanding rather than retreating. Venture inflows are once again matching levels seen before the 2022 downturn.

### A Renewed American Role in Crypto’s Global Future

The United States’ re-engagement in crypto marks a turning point not just for domestic policy but for the global digital asset landscape. With the passage of progressive legislation and the re-establishment of a dialogue between regulators and innovators, America is regaining its status as a central hub for blockchain advancement.

If current trends hold, a16z predicts that the U.S. could become the largest market for regulated tokenized assets within five years. Stablecoins, DeFi products, and tokenized treasuries could drive billions in daily volume under a compliant framework that balances innovation and consumer protection.

In a sense, the U.S. has rediscovered its original role in the digital revolution: not as a gatekeeper, but as a catalyst. By replacing uncertainty with clarity, and hostility with collaboration, the country has positioned itself to lead the next wave of crypto innovation — and perhaps the next era of global finance itself.

**Disclaimer:** The information provided in this article is for educational purposes only and does not constitute financial, investment, or trading advice. Coindoo.com does not endorse or recommend any specific investment strategy or cryptocurrency. Always conduct your own research and consult with a licensed financial advisor before making any investment decisions.

**Author:**
*Alex*
Reporter at Coindoo

Alex is an experienced financial journalist and cryptocurrency enthusiast. With over 8 years of experience covering the crypto, blockchain, and fintech industries, he is well-versed in the complex and ever-evolving world of digital assets. His insightful and thought-provoking articles provide readers with a clear picture of the latest developments and trends in the market. His approach allows him to break down complex ideas into accessible and in-depth content. Follow his publications to stay up to date with the most important trends and topics.
https://coindoo.com/2025-marks-the-year-america-became-crypto-friendly-again/

Megan Thee Stallion shows off customized Klay Thompson Labubu doll

Megan Thee Stallion now has a mini Klay Thompson to carry around with her! The rapper recently showed off her boo in Labubu form, dressed in a Dallas Mavericks jersey, blue fur, a silver chain, matching blue high tops, and, of course, a bedazzled basketball. This moment has come full circle, as Megan was seen sitting on Thompson’s lap just a few months ago while unboxing her Labubu dolls.

### Megan Thee Stallion Teases New Song “Lover Girl”

Megan is embracing her “lover girl” era and is ready to promote a new song to celebrate it. The singer shared the official cover art for her upcoming track “Lover Girl,” set to drop at midnight. In the cover art, Megan is holding a bow and arrow, referencing Cupid, while dressed in a sexy lingerie combo featuring a purple lace bra, floral corset, and black fishnet tights.

Fans quickly reacted on Instagram, with one commenting, “Do I have a man? No. Will I be singing this at the top of my lungs? Absolutely.” Another urged, “It’s midnight somewhere on earth, Meg, drop it!”

It’s no surprise that love is in the air for Megan, who has been dating the Dallas Mavericks star Klay Thompson for several months now. The “WAP” rapper and NBA star confirmed their romance over the summer and have been publicly supporting each other at various events.

### Support at the Season Opener

Megan showed her support for Thompson at the Mavericks’ season opener against the San Antonio Spurs last night. Although it didn’t go as planned—the Mavs lost 92-125—Thompson scored 10 points in the game. Megan was spotted in a black capri jumpsuit, taking candid photos from a suite during the match. The couple was also photographed holding hands as they made their way through the parking lot.

If there were any doubts about who the song “Lover Girl” is about, Megan cleared them up by sharing both the title and the muse of the record in her caption. Fans can look forward to “Lover Girl” dropping at midnight.

### Looking Ahead

The Dallas Mavericks will face the Washington Wizards tomorrow night, October 24. With Megan’s new song launching and the season underway, it’s an exciting time for the couple both on and off the court.
https://clutchpoints.com/celebrity/megan-thee-stallion-customized-klay-thompson-labubu-doll

Ex-WWE star seemingly spoils AEW and Tony Khan’s grand plans

AEW head honcho Tony Khan supposedly has a huge initiative in mind pertaining to his company’s women’s division. Former WWE superstar and current ROH Women’s Champion Athena has shed some light on the plan in question during a recent interview. This past weekend, All Elite Wrestling hosted this year’s edition of the WrestleDream pay-per-view in St. Louis, MO. This Wednesday on AEW Dynamite, the promotion officially revealed the brackets for the tournament intended to crown the inaugural Women’s World Tag Team Champions, weeks after the belts were officially unveiled. Also last month, Jamie Hayter challenged The Triangle of Madness to face her and her allies in the first-ever Women’s Blood and Guts match. The aforementioned announcements and angles have injected a lot of excitement and momentum into AEW’s currently stacked women’s division. It appears that Tony Khan may have an even grander plan in the making for his female performers, in the form of an all-women’s show. During her recent interview with WFAA 8, ROH Women’s World Champion Athena revealed that the All Elite head honcho had “absolutely” considered running a women’s event, and that manifesting such a show was just a matter of timing. “Absolutely. I know TK has absolutely thought about that; it’s just about timing when it comes to those things. We have the best roster in the world. I know everybody says it, but we actually do have the best roster in the world. I do know that is on his brain, it’s been on his brain since I have been in AEW at least. It’s just about timing.” [H/T TJR Wrestling] It remains to be seen if All Elite Wrestling will organize an all-women’s event anytime soon. Athena found a tag partner on this week’s AEW Dynamite Mercedes Mone’s big celebration on the October 22 episode of Dynamite, following on her eleventh and twelfth title wins this past weekend, unfortunately ended in humiliation for the former WWE superstar, as she was embarrassed and eventually ambushed by Harley Cameron and Kris Statlander. Afterwards, The CEO was approached backstage by Athena, who offered to team up with Mercedes to bring home the Women’s World Tag Team Titles. It remains to be seen if the “Forever” ROH Women’s Champion will win her first All Elite title with “Ultimo” Mone, who is herself scheduled to challenge Statlander for her AEW Women’s Championship at Full Gear 2025.
https://www.sportskeeda.com/aew/news-ex-wwe-star-seemingly-spoils-aew-tony-khan-s-grand-plans

The cast of ‘Regretting You’ talks about first love and grief in romantic drama adaptation

You know the saying, no regerts oh, I mean, no regrets well the flick, “Regretting You” is full of it. But in this case, regrets are not for following your heart not misspelling a tattoo. Deco got to sit down and do a one-on-one with the cast to talk about the past, future and The Real Housewives? Mother-daughter relationships are complicated. Based on Colleen Hoover’s book “Regretting You,” this romantic drama touches on grief, betrayal and first love. Mckenna Grace and Mason Thames play the teens experimenting in love and kissing. Mckenna Grace: “MTV, best kiss award.” Mason Thames: “We’re right here.” Mckenna Grace: “We’re right here. We did a lot of kissing in this movie.” Mason Thames: “You know we earned it.” Mckenna Grace: “We put in hours.” Oh, don’t forget body lifts. Mason Thames: “Every video we’re in together, I just pick you up. It’s kind of how it works now.” Mckenna Grace: “I love it.” Mason Thames: “I love it too.” Mckenna Grace: “I’m having a great time.” Mason Thames: “Pretty great.” Mason Thames: “Most of the time we’re just walking around and I’m like, ‘Hop on my back.’” Mckenna Grace: “And I’m like, ‘No.’” Mason Thames: “Because she’s wearing these loafers. The most uncomfortable thing possible. So I’m like, ‘I know your feet hurt.’” Mckenna Grace: “No. Whoa, whoa. Leave my loafers out of this.” Mason Thames: “They look cool.” Mckenna Grace: “I need the height.” Hunky Scott Eastwood is dad to Mckenna’s character and has some advice for the youngins out there. Scott Eastwood: “Spend less time off your phone and get out there in the real world and have real conversations with people, you know, be present. This thing, we’re gonna start a whole generation of people bent over and stand up straight, you know.” Dave Franco and Allison Williams are high school friends in the movie but death forces them to regret a messy secret and makes them reminisce. Allison Williams: “In this movie, there was also a visual nostalgia to our wardrobes in the flashback scenes.” Dave Franco: “Oh, yeah.” Allison Williams: “To me, that was so intense. Like, hearing the flip flop sounds of you and Scott moving around.” Dave Franco: “Totally. Totally, cargo shorts. We got the bright blue, American Eagle polo.” But when life gets to lifin’ too hard, there’s nothing like reality TV. Allison Williams: “I love ‘Unscripted.’ And I’ve just began, I’m a baby Bravo person and I am on season four of the ‘Real Housewives of New York,’ and I am living for it. Not to name drop, but I did get this advice from Andy Cohen, next I’m gonna do Beverly Hills, then New Jersey, so I’m on a journey. I’m very excited. I’ll be hosting all the panels at Bravo Con next year.” The juicy plot of “Regretting You” hits theaters tomorrow. Copyright.
https://wsvn.com/entertainment/deco-drive/the-cast-of-regretting-you-talks-about-first-love-and-grief-in-romantic-drama-adaptation/

Santa Clarita Valley Community Thriving As 2026 Approaches

The city of Santa Clarita, along with the wider Santa Clarita Valley (SCV), is gearing up for an exciting 2026. Both economic and social health are on the rise, making the area one of California’s most business-friendly as well as family-friendly communities. SCV attracts newcomers from across the United States, while longtime residents enjoy a forward-leaning, ever-improving community.

### Preparing for 2026 and Beyond

Local businesses are already making moves in anticipation of the upcoming 2028 Olympic Games, offering creative financing solutions to help customers get ready for the opportunities the events will bring. This ongoing growth creates fresh prospects for families, entrepreneurs, and homeowners of diverse ages, backgrounds, and income levels.

As 2025 draws to a close, families eagerly await the reopening of Old Orchard Park and the return of beloved local Halloween traditions. Events such as haunted house tours, kid-friendly parties designed for safe trick-or-treating, and festive holiday celebrations are slated to return, adding to the vibrant community spirit.

The following highlights showcase why Santa Clarita continues to build on its reputation as a fantastic place to live, work, and play.

### Primed for Growth: How Businesses Are Using Customer Financing to Expand

Santa Clarita entrepreneurs, retail owners, professionals, and service providers are embracing customer financing options to support healthy, sustainable growth in today’s volatile economy. These solutions include various creative payment methods, budget-friendly plans, and added convenience for customers.

For businesses like med spas, dental clinics, veterinary offices, and chiropractic clinics, easy financing options can boost sales, improve customer satisfaction, and provide a competitive edge in a crowded marketplace. Offering customer financing not only drives revenue but also helps build long-term, positive relationships with loyal clients.

To assist business owners, a comprehensive guide is available that reviews different financing options, explains how each works, and outlines key considerations before implementing a plan. The goal is to use commonsense financing strategies that help weather economic ups and downs while supporting consumers and maintaining robust local economic growth.

### 2028 Olympics: How Local Businesses Are Preparing

Business owners across Santa Clarita are preparing for the 2028 Summer Olympics by ramping up inventory, increasing staff to manage larger crowds, and collaborating with local hotels for cross-promotions. Retailers are already offering Olympic-themed experiences, and service providers are arranging multilingual support and transportation services to welcome international visitors, fans, and athletes.

Beyond business efforts, the city is investing in infrastructure improvements and creating walkable streets to ensure safety for both residents and visitors on busy event days. The Chamber of Commerce projects a significant spike in tourism revenue, with retailers extending hours during key Olympic events.

Community organizations and schools are also engaging youth through programs connected to the Games, emphasizing STEM and sports education. Nearby hotels are expanding capacity and promoting Olympic pricing and discount packages that include free shuttles to sports venues. This joint effort highlights Santa Clarita as a fully accessible, family-friendly destination for sports enthusiasts, tourists, and athletes alike.

### Festive Circus is Serious Business

In late 2025, Circus Vargas will debut its newest production, *Hollywood Dreams*, in Santa Clarita. This family-friendly show features dazzling costumes, energetic acts, and a Hollywood glamour theme that appeals to all ages.

Santa Clarita has a long tradition of hosting high-quality entertainment that draws locals and thousands of visitors annually. Circus Vargas is one of many live entertainment options available for families seeking safe, enjoyable, affordable fun.

For showtimes and ticket information, contact the SC Chamber of Commerce or visit the Circus Vargas website. Discounted tickets should be purchased in advance for the best deals.

Additionally, local haunted house tours focusing on safe trick-or-treating and family fun have already begun. Over a dozen haunted homes across the valley will be advertising in the coming days, adding to the seasonal festivities.

### Job Numbers Up in Santa Clarita Valley

Recent employment statistics reveal a robust rebound in the local job market since the pandemic. Job availability now exceeds pre-2020 levels, fueled by a strong hiring spree across healthcare, education, retail, professional services, and light industry sectors.

This refreshed labor market is a core attraction for entrepreneurs considering relocation to Santa Clarita. A strong workforce supports solid consumer spending, keeps tax revenues stable, and encourages continued investments in infrastructure and services.

These positive trends, combined with SCV’s other competitive advantages, make it an economic magnet for investors nationwide. Unlike many other California cities, Santa Clarita has enjoyed steady, positive growth for several decades, contributing to its reputation as a business-friendly community.

### Old Orchard Park: A Green Gem for Locals

One of the city’s most significant recent milestones is the reopening of Old Orchard Park. While green spaces and family-friendly areas have long been a hallmark of Santa Clarita Valley, the park’s grand reopening was about more than recreation—it symbolizes a steadfast commitment to safe, accessible, natural spaces for all ages.

The newly improved park features enhanced landscaping, walkable lanes, and modern play areas designed to encourage socializing, picnicking, and outdoor play close to home. This project aligns perfectly with the city’s official strategy to boost quality of life and community well-being.

The reopening celebration stands as proof of Santa Clarita’s long-term dedication to investing in public amenities that make the city a welcoming place to live, work, and thrive.

Santa Clarita is clearly on the rise as it embraces new opportunities and builds on its strengths, making 2026—and beyond—a time of exciting growth and community vitality.
https://www.hometownstation.com/featured-stories/santa-clarita-valley-community-thriving-as-2026-approaches-569001

Thunder get massive praise from Charles Barkley, Kenny Smith

Charles Barkley and Kenny Smith had high praises for Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and the Oklahoma City Thunder as the 2025-26 NBA season kicked off. The Thunder are on a quest to repeat as NBA champions, having secured the title last season. Despite starting the campaign without Jalen Williams due to injury, the team held down the fort with a strong performance against the Houston Rockets in their season opener.

Barkley and Smith shared their thoughts on the Thunder ahead of the team’s matchup against the Indiana Pacers during a segment of *Inside the NBA* on Thursday. Barkley praised the squad for its impressive depth. “That’s why this team is a favorite. They’re the deepest team in the NBA. They’re two-deep, they’re pretty much three-deep in their positions. They got it all, so they are heavy favorites. But I’m telling you, man, they just plug and play, because as long as they got [Gilgeous-Alexander] and [Chet Holmgren], they got to be,” Barkley said.

Kenny Smith echoed this sentiment, highlighting the team’s balance even without its star players. “Let’s say Shai has to do something for a month, they’re still a playoff team. They would be a top eight team in the West without Shai Gilgeous-Alexander—that’s how strong this team is,” Smith replied.

### How Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and the Thunder Played in the First Half vs. Pacers

The praise from Charles Barkley and Kenny Smith speaks volumes about the championship-level talent on the Thunder roster. Currently, Oklahoma City leads Indiana 54-47 at halftime in their first rematch since Game 7 of the 2025 NBA Finals.

Indiana is missing star guard Tyrese Haliburton, who will miss the entire season while rehabbing a torn Achilles. This absence has presented a challenge for the Pacers’ offense, which showed as Oklahoma City outscored them 32-22 in the second quarter.

Only two players on the Thunder have scored in double figures so far. Gilgeous-Alexander is leading the charge with 21 points, three rebounds, two assists, two steals, and a block. He’s been efficient, shooting 5-of-8 from the field and a near-perfect 11-of-12 from the free-throw line. Ajay Mitchell is next with 10 points and two rebounds, while Chet Holmgren has contributed five points and two steals.

### What’s Next for the Thunder?

Following this matchup, the Thunder will continue their road trip. They are set to face the Atlanta Hawks on October 25 at 7:30 p.m. ET. With their depth and star talent, Oklahoma City looks poised to make another strong run this season.
https://clutchpoints.com/nba/oklahoma-city-thunder/thunder-news-okc-gets-massive-praise-charles-barkley-kenny-smith

“I was getting ston*d” – Celebrity star details his WWE debut alongside Randy Orton; reveals segment didn’t go as rehearsed

WWE has featured a number of celebrities in the squared circle over the past few years. From Bad Bunny to Travis Scott, the company has managed to include some of the biggest names in entertainment time and time again.

Back in November last year, on WWE RAW, music sensation Jelly Roll was featured as a guest on the show. He was involved in a backstage interaction as well as a segment inside the squared circle. Following his segments, Jelly Roll sat at ringside to witness the main event match between Randy Orton and Dominik Mysterio.

During the match, Mysterio—accompanied by JD McDonagh—was trying to leave the arena early when Jelly Roll unexpectedly took McDonagh down and pushed Mysterio towards Randy Orton, who delivered a thunderous RKO.

### What Really Happened Behind the Scenes?

While the segment made headlines worldwide, it wasn’t exactly what the stars had rehearsed. In a recent interview with Chris Van Vliet, Jelly Roll revealed that Randy Orton was originally set to smash Mysterio through an announce table when he pushed him toward “The Viper.”

Jelly Roll shared that the moment felt surreal and “like the coolest thing ever.” He added that he never anticipated this spontaneous action would lead to their match at SummerSlam.

> “I’m sure y’all know this about the Viper already, but none of that happened in rehearsal,” Jelly Roll said.
> “In rehearsal, I was supposed to push Dom into him, and he was supposed to table him, you know, the Randy table drop. So I was gonna push him back, Randy’s gonna be there, and I was gonna push him. Instead, it was like so when Randy does it, walks over to me. I was like, ‘Oh, this is the coolest thing ever, dude.’ And it was cool because obviously I was getting stoned in the back, so that’s what he’s alluding to.”

He further added:
> “I smelled like a big reefer, but he’s just so awesome. And then I was in the back that night doing my interview, I think maybe with Jackie, and he stopped and crashed my interview and put his arm around me and was like, ‘Man, I’m proud of you, man.’ A lot of the celebrities have come here, gave the big rub on camera right then too. And I would have never guessed that that was going to us being able to wrestle together.”

### When Will Jelly Roll Appear in WWE Again?

Since his massive WWE debut match alongside Randy Orton against Logan Paul and Drew McIntyre at SummerSlam, Jelly Roll has not been seen on WWE television. The music sensation has not been advertised for any upcoming WWE shows, and his return date to the company remains unknown.

Fans will have to wait and see what WWE has in store for Jelly Roll’s next appearance in the squared circle.

**About the author:**
Ishaan Rathi writes for the WWE vertical at Sportskeeda. While he is a finance student, Ishaan is an avid pro wrestling fan and has pursued a career in sports journalism. Before joining Sportskeeda, he worked for various renowned outlets such as GiveMeSport and Fansided, accumulating nearly three years of experience.

Ishaan relies on credible sources like Cagematch when reporting and cross-checks his work multiple times to ensure accuracy. His favorite pro wrestler is Seth Rollins, whose never-give-up attitude and work ethic he deeply admires. It was The Shield’s memorable WWE debut in 2012 that initially got him hooked on sports entertainment.

When not reporting on pro wrestling, Ishaan loves watching movies and occasionally playing cricket.

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https://www.sportskeeda.com/wwe/news-i-getting-ston-d-celebrity-star-details-wwe-debut-alongside-randy-orton-reveals-segment-go-rehearsed

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