New abortion laws for Philly?; Two buildings collapse on same day; Blind date at Fringe Fest | Morning roundup

? Want this daily digest emailed to you? Sign up for the free Billy Penn newsletter and it’ll land in your inbox every morning.

---

New abortion laws for Philly? A trio of lawmakers hope so

Three women councilmembers are introducing today a trio of local abortion laws focusing on privacy and antidiscrimination protections.

• The approach mirrors that of other cities looking to ensure continued abortion access. Pittsburgh just barred crisis pregnancy centers from falsely advertising, and Seattle instituted something similar.

Unlike some of these other cities, Philly cannot institute a “shield” law, reports Lizzy McLellan Ravitch, unless it comes straight from the mayor.

Recommended: ‘Blind date experience’ at the Fringe Festival

This year’s Philly Fringe Festival lineup includes a “blind date” option, where theatergoers are paired with a total stranger to watch a show.

• The dates are entirely blind — with no details shared beforehand — but not necessarily romantic. The experience’s creator told Billy Penn it’s equally exciting for audience members to leave with a new friend.

Contributor Sammy Caiola went on a Fringe Fest blind date — why not? — and recommends you delete the apps for the night and try the same.

RECAP: What else happened?

$ = paywalled

• A televised Oct. 25 debate between Pa.’s U.S. Senate candidates is now confirmed. Democrat Fetterman, still recovering from a stroke, asked for closed captioning. Republican Oz says that’s fine, if the event is extended from 60 to 90 minutes. [AP/Politico]
• Two Philadelphia buildings fell apart yesterday. A Fishtown rowhome containing Key Pizza was totaled, and dozens of residents were evacuated from a Logan apartment building. Part of the problem: An L&I staffing crisis means inspectors have huge workloads. [NBC10 x 2/Inquirer$]
• The open call for artists to create a permanent Harriet Tubman statue for Philly could result in a monument of a different African American hero, it turns out. [Billy Penn/Inquirer$]
• Local salsa legend Jesse Bermudez has died at 79. The cofounder of ALMA and Siempre Salsa Philly, he championed Latino musicians in the city. [Al Día/BP 2017]
• Just as they were about to be harvested, Philadelphia Brewing Co.’s hop garden was destroyed by CLIP workers because the city thought it was weeds. [CBS3/KYW]
• “If I could just say to you, Philadelphia — I’m a fan of Rocky.” NFL announcer Joe Buck swears he doesn’t hate Philly. [6ABC]

MAYOR WATCH

In advance of Mural Arts Month, Mayor Kenney makes a proclamation at the Independence Visitor Center (11:15 a.m.). Kenney then heads to Orleans Technical College in the Northeast for the Building & Construction Trades Hiring Fair (12 p.m.). Back at City Hall, the mayor joins election officials to highlight voter resources like the City Commissioners’ new website, vote.phila.gov (2 p.m.).

ON THE CALENDAR