🏈 On this date in 1869, John Heisman, gridiron pioneer and the namesake of the Heisman Memorial Trophy— was born in Ohio City.

☀️ Today's weather: Sunny, with a high of 63 and a low of 45.

Today’s newsletter is 1,063 words — a 4-minute read.

Former President Barack Obama visits Cleveland on Saturday to boost Ohio Democrats in two tight statewide races overshadowed by a controversial Republican attack ad.

Why it matters: Obama's appearance comes just 10 days before the Nov. 3 election, with Democrats hoping to capitalize on his popularity as they battle for Ohio's governorship and a pivotal U.S. Senate seat.

Driving the news: The visit comes amid a firestorm over a $4 million attack ad by Republican gubernatorial candidate Vivek Ramaswamy featuring Democratic opponent Amy Acton's estranged mother.

• The ad has drawn bipartisan criticism. Acton called it "horrible and hideous," while Republican Sen. Jon Husted said he wouldn't have run it.

The other side: Ramaswamy has defended the ad, while Vice President JD Vance called for fellow Republicans to "stop whining" about it while speaking Wednesday in Cincinnati.

By the numbers: A Bowling Green State University/YouGov poll conducted Sept. 29-Oct. 9 showed Acton leading Ramaswamy 50% to 44%.

• A new Marist poll shows former Democratic Sen. Sherrod Brown leading Husted 48% to 44%, while other recent surveys have ranged from a tie to a slight Husted advantage.

State of play: Obama won Ohio in both 2008 and 2012, when it was one of the nation's most important presidential battlegrounds.

• Ohio has shifted considerably since Obama's victories, with President Trump carrying the state by 11 percentage points in 2024.

If you go: Obama's rally is scheduled for 10:30am-3:30pm on Saturday, though the exact start time has not been confirmed.

• The venue will be announced 24 hours before the rally. Advance registration is required through the official RSVP page.

👋 Sam here. We updated yesterday's newsletter to make our coverage of the controversial Amy Acton ad clear that her stepfather pleaded not guilty to a rape charge but fled Ohio and never stood trial. He remained a fugitive until his death in 2004.

• Thanks to the multiple readers who asked for clarification.

Obama's visit brings even more national eyes on Ohio's race between Republican Sen. Jon Husted and former Democratic Sen. Sherrod Brown.

Why it matters: The race may determine control of the Senate, and a good showing from Brown could return Ohio to swing-state status in 2028.

State of play: Brown served three Senate terms before losing a 2024 reelection bid.

• Husted was appointed last year to a Senate seat left open by JD Vance's resignation to become vice president.
• November's winner will serve out the term's remaining two years. The seat will be up for election to a full six-year term in 2028.

Follow the money: No debates are planned, but Democratic and Republican advertisers had spent or reserved over $400 million toward ads as of Oct. 8.

• That put Ohio on pace to host the most expensive Senate race in the country for the second election cycle in a row.

Zoom in: Data center opposition has defined the race, with a private GOP memo from August sharing concern about the issue harming the party's chances.

• Brown's campaign has called Husted "the face of data centers in Ohio."
• Husted supported data center development as lieutenant governor, but introduced legislation this summer to require states to consider making data centers cover their power costs. Democrats blocked it, Cleveland.com reported.

Meanwhile, Brown has faced Republican attacks over transgender rights, as he did in 2024. His campaign has called this a distraction from economic issues.

Go deeper...

🍻 The owners of Forest City Brewery in Duck Island have put their $2.4 million property for sale, hoping to find a purchaser who will allow them to sign a long-term lease. (Crain's Cleveland Business 🔐)

⚾️ The ex-roommate of former Guardians closer Emmanuel Clasé acted as an intermediary in a pitch-rigging scheme, prosecutors say, and was extradited from the Dominican Republic this week. (Cleveland.com)

📚 Cleveland Public Library plans to demolish the current Memorial-Nottingham Branch and build a new one near Euclid Beach Pier. (Cleveland Documenters)

🎸 The owners of Lakewood's Mercury Music Lounge have permanently closed the independent venue due to persistent roof leaks. (Cleveland Scene)

Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inductees in secondary categories don't always get their due, but one will get his flowers ahead of this year's ceremony.

State of play: Late country-rock pioneer Gram Parsons will receive an all-star tribute Nov. 11 at Los Angeles' legendary Troubadour.

• Parsons will be inducted in the Musical Influence category Nov. 14 at L.A.'s Peacock Theater.

The intrigue: The concert, billed as "A Song for Gram," is co-produced by Parsons' daughter, Polly, alongside the Rock Hall and his estate, per Variety.

• Performers include Emmylou Harris, Elvis Costello, the Black Crowes and several others.

The big picture: Parsons will likely receive only a brief video tribute during the induction ceremony, making the Troubadour concert his true moment in the spotlight.

👋 Sam here. I took a stroll past the Heisman House on Bridge Avenue in Ohio City yesterday in honor of John Heisman's birthday.

Why it matters: Born Oct. 23, 1869, Heisman is the namesake of college football's most prestigious individual award.

Flashback: Heisman played football at Brown and Penn before embarking on a 36-year coaching career that included stints at Oberlin, Buchtel (now the University of Akron) and Georgia Tech.

• He's credited with helping popularize the forward pass — ever heard of it? — and introducing the center snap and snap count.

The intrigue: For years, the historical marker commemorating his birthplace stood outside the wrong house, farther east on Bridge, which I saw almost daily as I waited for the bus home in my St. Ignatius days.

• After research and advocacy by local residents, the marker was relocated to its rightful home in 2021.

The bottom line: Heisman mostly grew up in Western Pennsylvania, but we can still claim him as an Ohio City original.

• Happy 157th Birthday!

🇺🇸 Sam is headed to Washington D.C. Sunday and can't wait to hang out with the wizards and angels of Axios' product, design and tech department.

📺 Troy just started watching Amazon's new "Carrie" miniseries, based on Stephen King's iconic novel.

This newsletter was edited by Tyler Buchanan.