A man who purchased one of two jackpot-winning Mega Millions tickets is suing the California Lottery in hopes of securing the full payout, claiming he actually purchased both tickets but lost one.

Faramarz Lahijani filed the suit last week in hopes of being awarded the full $395 million jackpot. He came forward in June to claim the $197 million winnings from one of the tickets, but the outstanding ticket remained unclaimed all the way up to its expiration date.

The tickets were purchased in December 2023 at the same gas station in Encino. Lahijani says he bought both.

A Chevron station located at 18081 Ventura Blvd. in Encino where two jackpot-winning Mega Millions tickets were sold is shown on Dec. 9, 2023. (KTLA)

His attorneys filed a breach of contract suit on his behalf, alleging that there was sufficient evidence to deduce that he was the rightful owner of the missing ticket and that his claim was submitted in time to receive the payout.

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On Wednesday, criminal defense attorney and KTLA legal analyst Alison Triessl weighed in on Lahijani’s suit and whether or not he has a case.

“This is a head scratcher to me, because part of the story makes a lot of sense,” Triessl said on KTLA Off the Clock. “Another part doesn’t make sense.”

For one, the odds of winning one Mega Millions jackpot, let alone two, are astronomical.

“The chances of winning a Mega Millions jackpot, just so we’re clear, is one in 300 million people,” Triessl said. “We’re talking fractions of fractions.”

But the fact that the winning tickets were sold at the same store, something lottery officials said has never happened before, might actually support his claim. But the California Lottery isn’t going to agree to hand over nearly $200 million on the basis of what may have happened.

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“The probability that somebody buys the exact same ticket, uses the same numbers at the same store in December of 2023 you know, was it probably him? But that’s not enough. You need evidence,” Triessl said.

Lahijani did submit the paperwork to claim the winnings, sans ticket, three days prior to the deadline, but it appears that wasn’t enough for the California Lottery.

A Mega Millions lottery ticket is displayed in Los Angeles on August 4, 2023. (Getty Images)

It’s unclear why he waited until the zero hour to submit his claim for the second ticket, whether he was still searching for the missing ticket or if it’s simply a gambit to get both halves of the jackpot.

But Triessl said he probably would’ve been better off coming forward much sooner.

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“If you don’t have the ticket, what about video that day? Why did you submit one ticket in June and then wait until three days before the other expired to file the claim?”

Triessel said she isn’t discounting Lahijani, especially if, as he says, he always uses the same numbers for each drawing. But he will simply need to present some form of evidence to back up his claim if he wants to prevail in the suit.

“He needs more than just saying, ‘Oh, by the way, I also had the other ticket,’” Triessl said.

2 Californians nearly hit $760 million Mega Millions jackpot

If future lottery winners find themselves in similar situations, like the winner of a 2018 Super Lotto jackpot who missed out on $63 million, Triessl suggests taking photos to document the win to add some weight behind their claims.

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“If you’ve lost the ticket … take a picture of the front and the back with your signature. Claim that you’ve lost the ticket and then they go through this entire process,” Triessl said.

Jackpot winners can claim their prize by either visiting one of the California Lottery’s nine district offices or mailing a completed claim form to its headquarters in Sacramento postmarked before the expiration date. If choosing to go the mail route, lottery officials recommend using certified mail.

If Lahijani is denied the second half of the December 2023 Mega Millions jackpot, and if no one else mailed in their claim prior to the deadline, the prize money will be allocated to public education in California, in accordance with state lottery regulations.

In the 2023-24 fiscal year, proceeds from California Lottery games contributed over $2 billion to public education in the state.

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A California Lottery spokesperson told KTLA last week that it would “not be appropriate” to comment on the active lawsuit.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KTLA.

Showcase of Newfoundland’s ‘Big Feelings’ During Tough Week Is Too Cute to Resist originally appeared on Parade Pets.

Not every day is a walk in the park. Just ask Lou, the Newfoundland, who’s realized that life isn’t all belly rubs and treats.

“Lou has big feelings,” his pet mamma notes in an adorable clip uploaded to TikTok. “He wanted to share four things that hurt his feelings last week.” Awe.

The first sign of trouble was when Lou couldn’t show off a newly acquired flip-flop to his friends. With no one from his doggy crew around to also enjoy it, Lou just sat with the stolen yellow footwear and pouted in the corner.

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“Poor Lou,” his pet mamma said. “The week started off on the wrong foot, and it went downhill from there.”

Woof. We certainly understand how much fun it is to share things with friends and family. No wonder Lou is so down. But wait… there’s more!

🐶SIGN UP to get “pawsitivity” delivered right to your inbox with inspiring & entertaining stories about our furry & feathered friends🐾🐾

Another summer bummer for Lou has been dealing with a heatwave in his home state of Ohio and having to spend most of the day indoors, dreaming of crisp winds that send ripples through his magnificent coat.

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“Lou needs a pool and a fake snow machine,” one empathetic viewer wrote. “Poor Lou. Sending him cold thoughts,” added another.

Related: Giant Brown Newfoundland Trots Through Meadow Looking Like a Bear in Disguise

The next thing that crushed his furry big heart was that his toad friend Todd still hasn’t made an appearance yet.

Nothing to pout about, Lou. Frogs and toads tend to be more active at night because of cooler weather and higher humidity levels, which help them avoid dehydration and predators. And while it’s no fun being a Newfoundland in a heatwave, it’s also not easy being green. Just ask Kermit the Frog!

Related: Shelter Dogs Playing Fetch in the Leaves Is a Perfect Fall Feeling

“He’s the sweetest boy ever,” said a fan on TikTok. “He should have one trillion followers. I hope his little toad friend comes back.”

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The next soul-crushing thing to upset Lou? Being harassed by bees!

“Lou is a friend to all and tries to befriend anyone he can except for bees,” his pet parent noted. “The bees left him dazed and confused for quite a few hours.”

We’re with you on the bees, big fella! Getting stung can easily ruin a good time. Glad he avoided a run-in.

Hang in there, Lou! You’ll be frolicking in the cold weather and snow before you know it! Just gotta make it through the next few months!

Showcase of Newfoundland’s ‘Big Feelings’ During Tough Week Is Too Cute to Resist first appeared on Parade Pets on Jun 24, 2025

This story was originally reported by Parade Pets on Jun 24, 2025, where it first appeared.

SOUTH BEND — The South Bend Animal Resource Center is making a fervent plea for the public’s help after it took on 53 cats and dogs in just two days: Sunday and Monday, June 29-30.

It’s a city-run shelter that, on average, has about 40 dogs and 20 cats, Director Brittni Gendron said. And until it can find homes for the recent influx, it cannot take in any more animals.

A “combination of different things” led to the influx of animals, both surrendered by their owners and found abandoned, she said. But the Fourth of July holiday and the onset of fireworks makes this the busiest time of year for any animal rescue.

This stray dog was found near Pinhook Park in South Bend, and the South Bend Animal Control Center is trying to find its owner.

The animals are terrified by the fireworks. Gates open up at family parties. The people aren’t watching closely enough. The animals get out. They go missing.

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“It’s really scary for animals,” Gendron said.

The American Kennel Club backs this up, advising owners that they should microchip their pets and, for fireworks and parties, they can even keep pets in a room with their favorite toys and soothing music.

Meanwhile, Gendron emphasized, “We’ve got a lot of wonderful, adoptable animals.”

Lover, a 2-year-old Siberian husky, is up for adoption at the South Bend Animal Resource Center.

There’s even a rabbit that’s available.

If you cannot adopt, you can also temporarily foster an animal.

Some of the animals that arrived this week had health issues, though Gendron said they are being tended to by a veterinarian.

The center has checked the microchips on the animals (if they had them) and reached out to their owners. If an animal was found abandoned, staff check on lost-and-found lists to try to track down their owners.

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Currently, staff have secured places for a handful of the animals at partnering rescue organizations, she said.

Sometimes animals come in perfect health, Gendron said. One owner was in tears recently, giving up a pet because she discovered that she was allergic.

Before animals at the shelter are adopted, they are spayed or neutered, planted with a microchip and tested to see how they behave with other animals.

Sylas, age 7, is up for adoption at the South Bend Animal Resource Center.

On Facebook, the center recently posted that, from June 22 to 28 (which was before this week’s influx), it took in 88 animals, adopted out three, returned six to their owners and sent 44 of them to rescues.

How to help

∎ Set up a time to meet and greet animals.

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∎ Adopt.

∎ Foster. There’s an application. And staff will talk you through the process of fostering.

∎ Reclaim your animal if it’s there.

∎ Reach out if your rescue organization doesn’t have a relationship with the shelter. It works with groups in St. Joseph County and neighboring counties.

∎ The South Bend Animal Resource Center is at 521 Eclipse Place, South Bend. Contact the center at 574-235-9303 or sbarc@southbendin.gov. Learn more at https://southbendin.gov/department/animal-resource-center.

South Bend Tribune reporter Joseph Dits can be reached at 574-235-6158 or jdits@gannett.com.

This article originally appeared on South Bend Tribune: dogs and cats swamp South Bend Animal Resource Center shelter adopt

Entertainment Concerts in The Park is expanding in downtown Sacramento this summer. See who’s playing

Concerts in the Park is returning to Cesar Chavez Plaza in downtown Sacramento this summer with a new lineup and an expanded footprint.

In addition to live music, the 2024 festival will feature a vintage market presented by World’s Worst Expo, Silent Disco by the Hall of Fame, a community art project, a beauty bar hosted by a local salon and surprise vendors, the Downtown Sacramento Partnership said in a news release.

The popular free music festival runs May 3 through July 26.

Now in its 31st year, Concerts in the Park is the largest and longest-running free outdoor music festival in Northern California, the release said.

“Sacramento has a rich history of being home to up-and-coming musicians and cultivating a rich music scene, and we’re proud to be a part of that,” Michael Ault, executive director of Downtown Sacramento Partnership, said in the release.

Latin Grammy-nominated singer Kat Dahlia headlined the Concert in the Park series that began on Friday night, Cinco de Mayo on May 5, 2023, at Cesar Chavez Plaza. Lezlie Sterling lsterling@sacbee.com

When is free Sacramento music festival?

Concerts in the Park runs every Friday from May 3 to July 26 — except July 5.

The free concerts take place 5 to 9 p.m.

Concerts in the Park’s weekly lineup for 2024. The free outdoor music festival runs every Friday from May 3 to July 26. Courtesy of Downtown Sacramento Partnership and Concerts in the Park

Who’s performing at Concerts in the Park in 2024?

Nearly 60 artists and DJs performing in a variety of genres will play Cesar Chavez Park this summer, organizers announced Tuesday.

This includes pop-punk band Destroy Boys, folk-rock singer Michael Marcagi and hip hop artist Kool John.

Reggae band Arden Park Roots and R&B singer Christian Kuria will also take the stage.

Andrea Gil and Sophia Garcia, in center, enjoy the music at the Concert in the Park which kicked off it’s first event on Cinco de Mayo on Friday, May 5, 2023, at Cesar Chavez Plaza. Lezlie Sterling lsterling@sacbee.com

Other artists on the lineup include:

Felix Cartal

Royel Otis

Yelly

Claire Wright

Nate Curry

Zephyr

Shaun Slaughter

Bear Whiskey

Rainbow City Park

Bugbee

DJ Lady Char

DJ Oasis

The Brodys

Igwe Aka

J Kent

Uni

Lillian Frances

Pilot Waves

Cesar Chavez Plaza is packed with concert goers of all ages for the opening night of the Concert in the Park series that kicked off on Cinco de Mayo on Friday, May 5, 2023. Lezlie Sterling lsterling@sacbee.com

What do you want to know about life in Sacramento? Ask our service journalism team your top-of-mind questions in the module below or email servicejournalists@sacbee.com. Loading…

This story was originally published April 10, 2024 at 9:59 AM.

Entertainment Needtobreathe thrives after founders work through growing pains

Needtobreathe performs in January at the Harris Center. Eric Ryan Anderson

Success, obviously, has its perks. But it also brings a few challenges.

Needtobreathe discovered that firsthand in touring its 2014 album, “Rivers In the Wasteland.” As the venues got bigger, the group’s show and performing style had to change with it.

“As the venues got bigger, you’re playing to 7,000, 8,000 people, sometimes you didn’t feel like you had that same intimacy with the people in the back as the front,” singer/guitarist Bear Rinehart explained in a recent phone interview.

The group has been playing mostly outdoor amphitheaters and other large venues on previous turning runs behind its latest album, “Hardlove.” But this fall, Needtobreathe is downsizing to theaters and large clubs and may not need to employ the same video and visual production used in the large venues.

But the group members will still apply some of the performance lessons they have learned to help make sure what they’re expressing on stage reaches each audience member even if the venue is a bit smaller.

“I think one thing is you have to be a little more deliberate,” Rinehart said, comparing playing arenas to smaller venues. “I think sometimes I feel like I’m putting a lot of passion and energy into my vocal performance. Maybe you can see the veins in my neck popping out, that kind of thing. In a theater that really comes across. In a big amphitheater you’ve got to do some bigger arm motions to get that across. It’s got to be larger than life.”

What’s also getting more difficult, as Needtobreathe continues making albums, is deciding what songs to play in a concert.

“I would say this is the hardest set list we’ve ever had to make,” Rinehart said. “When you’ve got this many records, six albums now, it’s like how many songs can you fit in in that period of time?”

Needtobreathe is taking some steps to keep as many songs as possible – particularly from the back catalog – in each show.

“We’re trying to do a few medleys and maybe shorter versions of songs,” Rinehart said. “Let’s give people a chance to sing along to the choruses they know.”

The group is also trying to make room for songs from “Hardlove.”

“The record’s vibe is a pretty fun record,” Rinehart said. “It’s probably the most (sort of) dance record we’re ever going to make, and so that’s really easy to translate live.”

Don’t get the idea, though, that Rinehart is complaining about the side effects of Needtobreathe’s continued success. He’s seen much bigger problems than writing a set list or figuring out how to connect with fans in the nosebleed seats.

Go back five years or so and Rinehart didn’t know if Needtobreathe was even going to remain a band.

Formed in 2000 in Seneca, S.C., when Rinehart, his brother Bo Rinehart (guitar), Seth Bolt (bass) and Joe Stillwell (drums) were still in college, the group made a quick impact in Christian music with its first two CDs, “Daylight” (2006) and “Heat” (2007). With the 2009 album, “The Outsiders,” that popularity began to expand to the mainstream market, as that album reached No. 20 on “Billboard” magazine’s Top 200 album chart.

Then, the 2011 follow-up, “The Reckoning,” hit No. 6 on the “Billboard” album chart and topped the magazine’s Christian music and rock album charts.

But within the band, tensions between the Rinehart brothers were building to a boiling point. The two split songwriting duties, and rather than pushing them to write better songs, the competitive approach they took to songwriting was corroding the brothers’ relationship and the dynamic within Needtobreathe as a whole. Stillwell, in fact, left the group in 2012. (Keyboardist Josh Lovelace completes the current lineup.)

“We were in different dressing rooms. We wouldn’t talk much on show days. We were doing a lot more fighting than creating,” Rinehart said, describing the place he and his brother had reached. “I think probably a lot things contributed to (this), but I think the biggest thing is when you start seeing music as a means to an end, you start valuing the success of things or how many tickets you sold, whatever it is, over relationships or the reason that you do it. Then things are going to go bad.”

Fortunately, Bear and Bo Rinehart realized what was happening, and came to each other to say their relationship as brothers was more important than Needtobreathe. They would either find better ways to work together or they would move on to separate musical projects.

“It’s a strange thing when you’re in a business with your brother because there’s pressure,” Rinehart said. “You both have families and it’s kind of like you feel this thing like I can’t quit because he depends on me. I think both of us at that time gave each other permission, and said, ‘Hey, if you don’t think this is right or we can’t make this work, let’s move on.’ It’s OK if you want to do that. I think even just that, taking that pressure off, changed a lot (of things).”

What emerged was a far more supportive songwriting dynamic between the two brothers for “Rivers In the Wasteland.” And the brothers’ relationship only improved further in making “Hardlove” – even though they evolved the band’s sound notably on the album.

The melodic and punchy rock-pop sound of earlier albums remains, but where the earlier music was guitar based, “Hardlove” brings more synthesizers and a far bigger synthetic sound into the mix. Songs like “Money & Fame” (with its faux horns and slick groove) and the title track, with a soulful vocal that fits with the big programmed beats and cascading synths in the tune, are prime examples of the new Needtobreathe sound.

Rinehart traced the decision to explore the synthier/more synthetic direction back to a remix of the hit single song “Brother” (from “Rivers In the Wasteland”) that was done by Dave Tozer.

“He had done a lot more real kind of R&B/soul stuff,” Rinehart said. “And he kind of put a clap track in our drums and we were like ‘Huh?’ At first, we were like ‘I don’t know.’ But that really grew on us and we really liked it. I think that sort of maybe opened up that can, if you will, for us.”

But while the sounds and tones on “Hardlove” are different, Rinehart said the songwriting approach and fundamentals stayed pretty much the same.

“What’s really refreshing about this record is that we can still play all of the songs acoustic and the songs are still there,” he said. “At the base of it is just hopefully good songs.”

Needtobreathe, Kids Helping Kids benefit show When: 7:30 p.m., Jan. 10 Where: Harris Center for the Arts, 10 College Parkway, Folsom Tickets: $26-$69, premium: $99 Info: 916-608-6888; https://www.harriscenter.net/

This story was originally published December 10, 2017 at 2:54 PM.