Trib Lunch Box: Jagr bobbleheads, Pi Day, Bethel Park cop, Robert Morris Prom

Here are some noon headlines from TribLive, Thursday, March 14, 2024:

• Friends, neighbors remember victims of Crescent Township house explosion

Neighbors on the couple’s cul-de-sac on Riverview Road and friends throughout the area remained in shock at the sudden deaths of the Mitchells, who were killed Tuesday when their home exploded just before 9 a.m.

“I loved Dave Mitchell,” said John Riley, who served with him on the Moon Municipal Authority where Mitchell was the Crescent representative. “For me, Dave Mitchell was a father figure. Dave Mitchell exemplified the person I strive to be.”

Chaz Palla | TribLive

• Jaromir Jagr bobbleheads stolen, forcing Penguins to change giveaway plans

“We were shocked to be a victim of cargo theft, and we are working closely with local and federal authorities on the investigation,” Penguins President of Business Operations Kevin Acklin said in a statement.

“While this unfortunate incident adds to the legend of Jaromir Jagr, who will be in attendance as our guest at tonight’s game, we look forward to resolving this theft and delivering the prized Jagr bobbleheads to their rightful homes, with our fans.”

• What’s Pi Day all about? Math, science, pies and more

Math enthusiasts around the world, from college kids to rocket scientists, celebrate Pi Day on Thursday, which is March 14 or 3/14 — the first three digits of an infinite number with many practical uses.

Around the world many people will mark the day with a slice of pie — sweet, savory or even pizza.

• Ex-Bethel Park cop who illegally brought South American woman to U.S gets probation

Blake Babin befriended a Venezuelan woman who investigators said was likely younger than 18. He cultivated a romantic relationship and then helped bring her illegally into the U.S. two years ago.

Babin, who retired after charges were filed, was indicted by a federal grand jury in May after investigators said he gave money to the woman in the last quarter of 2022.

The money was to pay for her illegal entry into the U.S. from Mexico, the government said.

Brian Rittmeyer | TribLive

• Former Greensburg police Chief Shawn Denning expected to plead guilty to drug distribution charges

An order signed Thursday by a federal judge indicated that Denning would be waiving an indictment at that hearing.

The filing came the same day as a single charge of conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine was filed in federal court against former city officer Regina McAtee. She and Denning worked together at the department.

In an order signed Thursday, McAtee is expected to waive an indictment May 1 and plead guilty.

Metro Creative

• Robert Morris University to host prom for seniors who missed out during pandemic

“The class of 2024 is a unique group. They’ve really had some challenges, but they’ve also shown real resilience,” said John Locke, who, as RMU’s chief experience officer, is overseeing the event.

“We want to make their senior year as memorable as it can possibly be,” he said. “We’re trying to provide them with – maybe – the night that never was.”

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