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In today's newsletter:
Also on today's calendar: Premier Showcase at Pacific View Memorial Park & Mortuary and 9 more events.
Today's riddle: What did the wall say to the other wall. 🤔 (Answer below!)
1. Top Water Polo Athlete Embroiled In Abuse Scandal Says He Switched To Newport Harbor Due To Ban (patch.com) — Newport Beach readers are learning that star water polo player Lucca Van Der Woude testified he transferred to Newport Harbor High after being banned from Harvard‑Westlake, raising questions about his eligibility under CIF rules. His admission, tied to a broader abuse lawsuit, could trigger new scrutiny of how he was cleared to compete while leading Newport Harbor to a CIF title.
2. Newport Beach officer saves five dogs trapped in hot car (usatoday.com) — A Newport Beach animal control officer smashed a car window to rescue five dogs suffering in a dangerously hot parked vehicle, after a tow truck couldn't arrive quickly enough. Veterinarians later found the dogs' temperatures had reached potentially deadly levels, prompting a renewed warning from Newport Beach police. Residents are urged never to leave pets unattended in cars, even briefly.
3. Escapee Linked To Newport Beach Burglary Crew Behind Bars Again (patch.com) — Newport Beach residents may recall a 2021 break‑in on Antigua Way that helped crack a regional burglary ring; the man convicted in that spree is now back behind bars after escaping a Northern California prison camp in February. Authorities say he previously admitted to multiple burglaries across several counties, with victims describing lasting trauma and unrecovered valuables.
4. California Man Bought Palantir Stock at pre-IPO price. Got Greedy and Blew It Away. (joehoft.com) — A Newport Beach investment adviser has agreed to a nearly $3 million SEC settlement after regulators said he misused money from investors he largely met through local social clubs. The fund was supposed to buy pre‑IPO Palantir shares, but authorities say he instead diverted much of the profit to his own accounts.
5. Meet the Winners of the 2026 Ocean Home Awards (oceanhomemag.com) — A Newport Beach home's kitchen has been honored in the 2026 Ocean Home Awards for its cleverly concealed appliances and calm, living-room feel. The project, by Tim Barber Architects, hides most equipment behind full-height panels and adds marble details, furniture-like islands, and a tucked-away bar. It's one of several standout coastal designs recognized across the country.
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Ok Newport Beach! So now you're in the loop about what's happening today. Thanks for reading, and see you in your inbox next time! Oh -- and if you like what you're reading, invite a friend to Patch AM!
-- The Patch AM Team
P.S. The answer to today's riddle: Meet me at the corner. (Thank you Earlene M. for sending it in!)
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