Big Things Are Shifting on Philly Streets

Dog breeding ban, Magic Gardens, and SEPTA schedule shakeups: here's the Philly headlines you actually need.

City & Policy Moves

• Puppy mill crackdown: City Council just approved a three-year ban on unlicensed dog breeding and some puppy sales. Yes, this is also about shutting down those shady pop-up breeders you see sometimes on Craigslist or at markets. If you’re a rescue, you’re still good. The city says it’ll start enforcing this asap—so expect fewer questionable “designer” puppies on the block (more details).
• Renter protections— stalled (for now): A Philly City Councilmember wants to make retaliatory evictions harder, but landlords say the proposal is too broad. No deal yet, but it’s one to watch if you rent here (read why).

SEPTA Updates & Your Commute

• Schedules are changing next week. If you rely on SEPTA’s buses or Metro lines, brace for new schedules starting Monday. Some lines get extra frequency, a few see time shifts. Check your usual route so you don’t get burned Monday at 7 a.m. Plus, expect longer-term upgrades ahead of the 2026 World Cup crowds (yes, already).
• 2nd Street speed bumps falling apart: If you drive through Northern Liberties, neighbors are complaining that the busted speed cushions on 2nd are now making things less safe, not more (story).

Neighborhoods & Culture

• Magic Gardens founder Isaiah Zagar has died. The legendary mosaic artist and creator of Philly’s Magic Gardens passed away at 84, leaving behind a truly wild and beautiful city legacy.
• Slavery exhibit restored on Independence Mall: A federal judge told the feds to fix it—and the President’s House slavery panels are finally back on display after being removed for repairs for years. Worth stopping by if you’re in Old City.

Philly Food Fights

• Sheetz vs. Wawa: Sheetz dropped its first store in Montgomery County, and the local loyalty battle is officially on (see who’s winning hearts).
• Reese’s family feud? The grandson of the original Reese’s inventor is mad at Hershey for using cheaper chocolate. Settle this one over a king-size, maybe.

Quick Hits & Upcoming

• Team USA women just won Olympic hockey gold, and Delco’s own Taylor Anderson-Heide is still curling for a medal (Olympics recap).
• The Antique & Collector Fair comes to Oaks next month. Vintage heads take note.
• The weekend forecast: snow is possible, plus plenty to do inside and out—we’ve got recs.

That’s the big stuff. Forward this if your group project group chat needs a break from arguing about rent or sandwiches.