Crime solving: The state of Ohio will use about $10.5 million in coronavirus aid money to purchase nine new machines that analyze and compare bullets and other ballistic evidence to help solve crimes, reports Jeremy Pelzer. The new National Integrated Ballistic Information Network units will allow state and local law enforcement to analyze and report tiny markings on bullets, shell casings and other gun-related evidence and see if it matches evidence collected by other departments. Stimulus money: The second disbursement of Cleveland’s $512 million in funding from the American Rescue Plan Act is expected to arrive in mid-2022. At $11,377 per person, Cleveland has the most money available per capita out of the eight biggest pots of money. Zachary Smith compares Cleveland to the rest of Ohio. 1950 census: With the release of detailed 1950 census data Friday, we have a unique opportunity to see how today compares to life 72 years ago - the makeup of neighborhoods and households, and much more. Zachary Smith reports that in 1950, Cleveland was at its largest. The average home had 3.51 people, already a decrease from the previous census, and only 9% of households had single occupants. METRO City age: Indian Hill is Ohio’s oldest city, based on the median age of 52.4, more than 30 years older than Ohio’s youngest city, the college town of Oxford, reports Zachary Smith. Beachwood (30.9%), Huron (28.3%), and Lyndhurst (28.1%) also rank at the top. Oberlin lawsuit: A federal appeals court has rejected challenges to a Lorain County judge’s ruling that awarded more than $30 million to an Oberlin bakery that had accused Oberlin College of ruining its business with protests and accusations of racism following a shoplifting incident in 2017, Cliff Pinckard reports. Menlo Park: Teachers at a Cleveland charter school that focuses on educating gifted students in kindergarten through eighth grade voted to unionize Wednesday evening. Laura Hancock reports the vote was 46 to 3. Downtown mural: The biggest and most prominent blank wall in the city, overlooking Public Square and Old Stone Church in downtown Cleveland, will soon become a giant canvas for Julie Mehretu, one of the world’s most respected and sought-after contemporary artists, Steven Litt reports. Give back: Advance Ohio is hosting a “Give Back” program where readers can vote for nonprofits they believe do the most to help their community. Alexis Oatman reports the four nonprofits with the greatest number of votes will be named the winners, which will receive thousands of dollars in marketing services. COVID-19 & HEALTHCARE Omicron subvariant: BA.2, the milder but more transmissible COVID-19 omicron subvariant, is now dominant among new cases in the United States. Julie Washington reports the subvariant accounts for about half of all infections in Ohio, Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Minnesota and Wisconsin. COVID tests: You can get a second round of at-home COVID-19 tests from the federal government. Julie Washington reports that every home in the United States is eligible to order two sets of four free at-home tests. Weekly cases: The state of Ohio on Thursday reported 3,103 cases of COVID-19 in its weekly dashboard update, an average of 443 a day, reports Julie Washington. The average for the week ending March 24 was 524 new cases per day. BUSINESS Home sales: A house in Moreland Hills nabbed the most money of any home sold in Cuyahoga County in February. The colonial-style, 8,000-square-foot house at 150 Miles Road sold on Feb. 22 for a hair over $2 million. Eric Heisig has the top 10. Car wash: Citing difficulties finding employees, Pearl Brookpark Car Wash has closed after 57 years of business, reports Anne Nickoloff. The business was purchased by the owners of Rainforest Car Wash, which operates locations in Cleveland Heights, Brunswick, Medina, Avon and one set to open in Mentor. Airport parking: If you’re heading to Cleveland Hopkins International Airport, you might want to find a ride. Susan Glaser reports all four city-owned airport parking lots were full Thursday afternoon, as spring-break traffic surges for the first time in three years. Privately owned lots on Snow Road were nearly full as well, and were strongly advising travelers to make reservations for a parking spot ahead of time. Dave’s landlord: The owners of Dave’s Supermarkets gave city officials several reasons behind the decision to close their grocery store in Collinwood, including issues with their landlord and lease. But the landlord tells Courtney Astolfi he drove up the grocer’s rent costs over the last year only because Dave’s refused to commit to a long-term lease. CRIME Trevor Elkins: Newburgh Heights Mayor Trevor Elkins will plead guilty to three misdemeanor charges in connection with using campaign funds for his personal expenses while in office, allowing him to possibly avoid jail time but requiring him to resign from office, Cliff Pinckard reports. Jail guard: Prosecutors on Thursday sought to dismiss a federal charge against a former Cuyahoga County Jail guard accused of violating an inmate’s civil rights. The move in the case of John McCloud comes after U.S. District Judge John Adams ordered a psychological evaluation last fall, John Caniglia reports. ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT One-tank trips: Regional, drive-to destinations, popular during the pandemic, are expected to continue to thrive this year as inflation – affecting prices for gas, food and other vacation essentials – influences travel behavior. Susan Glaser lists some top hits for 2022, including a new state park lodge, Kings Island’s 50th anniversary and a gorgeous Lake Erie lighthouse that’s celebrating a big birthday. CIFF: Opening night of the Cleveland International Film Festival is typically a night to remember. Joey Morona reports the kickoff to the 46th edition of the festival was extra special, the first at Playhouse Square since the festival decided to move there from Tower City in 2019. Jade: After three-and-a-half years of planning and construction, Jade is set to open in the Flats East Bank, with three distinct levels with their own personality. Marc Bona has details. Things to do: The Cleveland International Film Festival is back, this time in-person and at a new venue. But if you enjoy theater, live music or tattoos, well, you’ve got options, too. Joey Morona has 20 things to do this weekend. | 