Questionable police conduct after hit-and-run

Renovations at North Philly’s Cecil B. Moore Library are moving forward after significant delays, but using only $2 million out of the $10 million raised for the project. It remains unclear what will happen to the remainder of the funds, when construction will begin, and why the city is proceeding with this scaled-down plan, drawing community pushback.

• What’s New? Renovations under Councilmember Jeffery Young Jr.’s plan include a new, ADA-compliant elevator and restroom, as well as crucial improvements to the library’s HVAC, plumbing, and fire-alarm systems.
• What Took So Long? Rebuild, the city program renovating libraries, parks, and recreation centers with funding from the Philadelphia Beverage Tax, began the design process back in 2022 and incorporated community feedback. Renovations were slated to begin in 2024 but were halted when Young took office for the Fifth Council District. Using a practice called councilmanic prerogative, he paused the renovations despite securing additional funding for the project.
• Same End-Goal, Different Methods. The councilmember and community advocates appear aligned in the desire for updated resources. But while Young previously pushed for a new mixed-use building with affordable housing that would replace the library, the Save the Cecil B. Moore Library Coalition has continued to support the original Rebuild plans for modernization and reject any proposals that may hinder community access. Young said the original plans “do not provide us with the things we need for the future.”
• Share Your Thoughts. The first public meeting on Phase I of the renovations will be on Sept. 15 at 5:30 p.m. at the Martin Luther King, Jr. Recreation Center and livestreamed on YouTube. Residents and library patrons can join the Cecil B. Moore Library Community Advisory Group to stay involved.

Footage of Killing Recovered in Olney Home Investigation

Philadelphia police believe the video shows now-deceased pornographer Raymond Horsch strangling a woman. Investigators are still combing through 50 hard drives to determine the authenticity of the evidence. Horsch is the previous owner of the Chew Avenue residence linked to at least five missing women, three of whom are now presumed dead. [🔒 The Inquirer]

• Related: What we know about the Olney home investigation. [🎧 City Cast Philly]

Officer Investigated for 'Embarrassing' Conduct Responding to Hit-and-Run

The 35th District officer failed to help a man before and after a fatal hit-and-run on the 5500 block of Rising Sun Avenue. The officer did not assist the victim when he fell in the street before the incident, and did not render first aid after returning to the scene. Police are also still searching for the driver who ran over the victim. [Metro Philadelphia]

Interest in Philly’s College Football Jumps

There’s debate on whether Philly’s the worst college football city, but don’t knock the collegiate teams just yet. Attendance at college football games is rising across the country, including in Philly, and there are opportunities to join fans at upcoming games locally. [Crossing Broad, Axios]

Discount Gasoline Too Good To Be True

The Freedom Fuel Network, which has been selling cheap gasoline in the region, allegedly never actually paid for it, according to a new lawsuit. A supplier claims the Trump-endorsed company owes them nearly $4 million for the fuel. [NBC10]