Thursday, March 2

Hello Thursday. James here.

We're 19 months out, but the 2018 governor's race to fill the position soon to be vacated by John Kasich has already begun. The Democratic party has their first official contender after Joe Schiavoni declared his candidacy yesterday. Schiavoni is the Ohio Senate minority leader, and hails from Boardman, by way of Columbus. Other rumored Democratic candidates include Ohio Supreme Court Justice Bill O’Neill, former Representative Connie Phillich, Mayor of Dayton Nan Whaley, former Ohio Attorney General and current Appeals court judge Jennifer Brunner, former Ohio Attorney General Richard Cordray, and Mayor of Youngstown Jay Williams. And of course, we can't forget Mayor Mike Coleman who always comes up in these conversations.The Republican roster isn't quite as long, and right now looks like Attorney General Mike DeWine, Secretary of State John Husted, and Lt. Governor Mary Taylor.Navigator full story: Joe Schiavoni Announces Bid For Governor

The Rundown:Weather: 41. Overcast. 20% chance of rainTo do: Politics and a pint is back at Seventh Son Brewing tonight, and includes a special taping of WOSU Public Media's news and public affairs show, Columbus On The Record. Mike Thompson, the show's host, and Ann Fisher, host of All Sides with Ann Fisher on 89.7 NPR News, will be joined by special guests Bob Clegg, republican strategist, and Sam Gresham of Common Cause Ohio. The event is from 5:30-7:30 and is free to attend.

Navigator Originals:Retro Radio: WNCI 97.9Are you a child of the 80's? You'll definitely want to check out yesterday's edition of Retro Radio: WNCI.A Guide To Columbus Fine And Fancy DiningWondering what the canon of Columbus restaurants is? Check out our guide to all the restaurants people think of when they think Columbus fancy.New BBQ Joint To Open In Franklinton NeighborhoodRed Door BBQ will be opening April 1.These College Kids Want To Buy A Dinosaur : Here’s How You Can HelpUnderrated gem Orton Hall is looking to buy a Cryolophosaurus ellioti.

The Thursday Conversation:Ohio issued a record number of concealed-carry permits in 2016. Will be interesting to see if gun owners relax now that Republicans control all branches of government. [Dispatch/Tenbarge]Columbus based Italian restaurant Bravo has had a tough time of late, losing $74.7 million in 2016.[Columbus Business First/Eaton]John Glenn International airport just completed its busiest January in 9 years. [Columbus Business First/Weese]

Longread for your lunch break:The Forgotten History of 'The Oregon Trail,' As Told By Its Creators: Vice Motherboard

Did that friend you've always admired for their intelligence and good looks forward this to you? Subscribe!Have a wonderful Thursday.