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The state is warning anglers not to eat fish from the Wissahickon Creek basin due to high levels of a so-called forever chemical.

The big picture: Harmful per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are a class of man-made chemicals used in nonstick and fire-resistant products. 

It's becoming nearly impossible to avoid those harmful and extremely durable chemicals, which have been linked to cancers, as well as immune and developmental damage in children.

State of play: Testing of fish tissue from the creek, which runs through Philly and Montco, found levels of the forever chemical PFOS above the allowable limit, per the state's website. 

The "do not eat" advisory extends to all species of fish in the creek. 

Plus: The Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission nixed a planned trout stocking scheduled for next week due to the advisory.

Between the lines: The Wissahickon Creek, which runs beside Forbidden Drive, is a popular destination for swimmers (in the warmer months) as well as fisherman. 

Zoom in: In the Philly region, PFAS have been detected in both groundwater and surface water that supply drinking water. 

Similar state advisories to not eat fish are currently in place in several other Pennsylvania waterways, like the Neshaminy Creek basin in Bucks County and Montco. 

Zoom out: A 2023 study from the U.S. Geological Survey found that at least 45% of U.S. tap water is estimated to be contaminated with forever chemicals.

What's they're saying: Stephanie Wein, the water and conservation advocate for PennEnvironment, tells Axios that PFAS will continue to pop up in water recreation areas because of how prevalent the chemicals are.

"Where you look for it, you will often find it," she said. 

What we're watching: PennEnvironment is expected to release a report next week about where PFAS has been detected in rivers and streams in the Philly region. 

2023 study from the U.S. Geological Survey

Forever chemicals in Philadelphia, Montco creek

It's becoming nearly impossible to avoid harmful and extremely durable chemicals.

Autumn riverside scene with a stone arch bridge, calm water, and vibrant fall foliage in yellows and oranges; a leafless branch stretches across the foreground as ducks swim in the river.

The Wissahickon Creek is the latest waterway where "forever chemicals" have been found. Photo:  Jumping Rocks/UCG/Universal Images Group via Getty


The state is warning anglers not to eat fish from the Wissahickon Creek basin due to high levels of a so-called <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="forever chemical" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2023/07/07/forever-chemicals-tap-water-pfas-study" data-vars-content-id="4016ccb9-ac79-4ebc-b822-682b00b3fa58" data-vars-headline="Forever chemicals in Philadelphia, Montco creek" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2023/07/07/forever-chemicals-tap-water-pfas-study" target="_self">forever chemical</a>.The big picture: Harmful per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="PFAS" data-vars-click-url="https://sustainability.yale.edu/explainers/yale-experts-explain-pfas-forever-chemicals" data-vars-content-id="4016ccb9-ac79-4ebc-b822-682b00b3fa58" data-vars-headline="Forever chemicals in Philadelphia, Montco creek" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://sustainability.yale.edu/explainers/yale-experts-explain-pfas-forever-chemicals" target="_blank">PFAS</a>) are a class of man-made chemicals used in nonstick and fire-resistant products.

News

Environment

Health

The era of unregulated skill games in Pennsylvania is over.

Why it matters: The effective ban is a double whammy, depriving both small businesses and the state of significant revenues from the money-making slot machines.

State of play: An estimated 70,000 skill games across Pennsylvania go offline as of today.

The state's divided government failed to come to terms on a new framework for the casino-style machines to keep them operating.

Context: Over the summer, the state Supreme Court ended a yearslong debate by ruling that skill games were gambling devices and were subjected to state gambling laws.

The justices gave lawmakers a runway of several months to legalize and regulate the devices — or allow a ban to go into effect.

Worth noting: Skill games are still legal in licensed casinos and truck stops.

Between the lines: The inaction of Pennsylvania lawmakers is a strong signal that issues around skill games were too much of a gamble ahead of November's election, which includes all members of the state House and the governor's race.

👍 Winners: Communities and lawmakers who loathe the devices, labeling them as nuisances that attract crime.

👎 Losers: Small businesses — think gas stations, social clubs, bars and corner stores — who can reap significant revenues from the slot machines in their stores.

Plus: Manufacturers of the gaming terminals, like Georgia-based Pace-O-Matic.

How it works: State police and local municipalities can begin enforcing the ban today, which includes:

Seizing and forfeiting machines, as well as any revenues associated with their operation

Filing criminal charges, which could carry fines of $1,500+ and jail time. 

Yes, but: Exactly how the ban will be enforced and whether residents can call in to report violations is unclear. 

📍 Zoom in: Some Philly neighborhoods are a hotbed for the devices, like Kensington, Logan and Feltonville, while more well-heeled areas of the city — including Chestnut Hill — have largely avoided them. 

What they're saying: Chris Caracino, a spokesperson for the state police, tells Axios that the agency has been keeping businesses updated about the coming deadline and "will be prepared to act" in the absence of skill game legislation. 

Mayor Cherelle Parker's office declined Axios' request for comment. 

The other side: A spokesperson for Pace-O-Matic, which manufactures many of the terminals found in the city, tells Axios that the company remains hopeful that lawmakers will pass legislation to regulate and tax skill games. 

What we're watching: Whether state lawmakers revisit skill game regulations in the future to legalize the devices. 

D-Day for skill games across Pennsylvania

An estimated 70,000 skill games across Pennsylvania go offline as of today.

Illustration of a jackpot slot machine with the "no" symbol instead of 7's.

The era of unregulated <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="skill games" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/philadelphia/2026/09/22/skill-games-pennsylvania-gambling-deadline-ban" data-vars-content-id="905bd269-b102-4aaf-904f-09278d14a6fc" data-vars-headline="D-Day for skill games across Pennsylvania" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/philadelphia/2026/09/22/skill-games-pennsylvania-gambling-deadline-ban" target="_self">skill games</a> in Pennsylvania is over.Why it matters: The effective ban is a double whammy, depriving both small businesses and the state of significant revenues from the money-making slot machines.

Latest news on Wall Street, Corporate America and financial regulation.

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Politics

Axios Philadelphia readers aren't sold on a pair of newly unveiled streetery designs for restaurants, bars and cafes.

By the numbers: A majority of the more than 75 readers who responded to our poll this week (57%) say they hate the looks of the prototypes.

Catch up quick: The Parker administration developed the two designs and put them on display at Love Park.

The two prototypes meet all city requirements and building codes, which should smooth the complex, time-consuming process of acquiring a streetery license.

Plus: The city will collect feedback on the prototypes through Nov. 23 and eventually make the final designs available for free download.

Yes, but: You'll have to visit the prototypes IRL to provide feedback. The only way to access the city's survey is to scan a QR code found on the tables themselves. 

Worth noting: The structures will be customizable with colors and wraps.

🗣️ What you're saying: Here are some of our favorite responses about the designs. 

"Both designs are sleek and sophisticated. It's a cool opportunity to tie multiple restaurants together with standard design."

"Anything to bring streeteries back, which add vibrancy to the city."

"They're more aesthetic than many of the current ransacked versions today."

"Too cookie cutter for a city as diverse as Philly."

"It looks like cheap decor stolen from a 1970s school cafeteria!"

"Let people innovate and let the neighborhood culture dictate the design."

"Not enough flexibility for restaurants to continue their indoor vibe."

What we're watching: Whether the designs can fuel a streetery renaissance in Philly. 

Outdoor cafe with bright red curved benches and gray tables along a city sidewalk; planters with greenery, pedestrians, and traffic, including a white bus on a busy street.

The cost-saving option for a Philadelphia streetery. Photo: Mike D'Onofrio/Axios

Poll: Axios Philly readers shrug at new streetery designs

It's unclear whether the modular designs will help revive the waning streetery scene in the city.

Outdoor cafe seating on a wooden deck with black metal tables and chairs, enclosed by a tall red slatted fence, lush plants along the edge, city street with parked SUVs and buildings in background.

The more expensive streetery design features the option to add greenery to brighten up the vibes. Photo: Mike D'Onofrio/Axios

Axios Philadelphia readers aren&#x27;t sold on a pair of newly unveiled streetery designs for restaurants, bars and cafes.By the numbers: A majority of the more than 75 readers who responded to our <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="poll" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/philadelphia/2026/10/07/outdoor-dining-philadelphia-streetery-designs-your-vote" data-vars-content-id="d95e189e-e18c-4c28-9c4b-079cb048b1ff" data-vars-headline="Poll: Axios Philly readers shrug at new streetery designs" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/philadelphia/2026/10/07/outdoor-dining-philadelphia-streetery-designs-your-vote" target="_self">poll</a> this week (57%) say they hate the looks of the prototypes.<ul><li>The other side: 43% said they love them.</li></ul>

Food and Drink

Culture

Pennsylvania's measles outbreak has seen cases surge past 1,130 as another death linked to the disease was announced this week. 

Why it matters: The death of a 39-year-old woman in Franklin County last Saturday would be the sixth measles death this year in the state. 

Zoom in: The woman had several underlying conditions, including a diagnosis of measles with treatment, per a news release from the Franklin County coroner's office. 

The coroner's office said it meets the definition of a measles-related death set by the state's health department. 

The coroner's office tells Axios the woman was unvaccinated. 

What else: Stephanie Nojiri, a spokesperson for the state's Department of Health, tells Axios that it's reviewing the death in Franklin County but has yet to confirm it's measles-related. 

Zoom out: Pennsylvania has seen at least 1,136 cases of measles this year as of Oct. 9, which is the worst outbreak in decades. 

The outbreak has largely centered on Lancaster County. 

The latest case figures are expected to be released later today on the state's online dashboard. 

What else: The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention now lists two U.S. measles deaths on its website as of Tuesday, but doesn't indicate they happened in Pennsylvania. 

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

Sixth suspected measles death announced in Pennsylvania

The coroner's office tells Axios the woman was unvaccinated.

Color-enhanced electron micrograph of a virus particle: a dark blue, rounded head with light-green tail fibers, set against a purple background with scattered circular spots.

A colorized transmission electron micrograph showing measles virus and SV40 particles. Photo: Erskine Palmer/CDC/Smith Collection/Gado/Getty


Pennsylvania&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="measles outbreak" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/philadelphia/2026/03/05/measles-philadelphia-pennsylvania-what-to-know" data-vars-content-id="f001b7c9-b5da-4632-873c-49c7229c938a" data-vars-headline="Sixth suspected measles death announced in Pennsylvania" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/philadelphia/2026/03/05/measles-philadelphia-pennsylvania-what-to-know" target="_self">measles outbreak</a> has seen cases surge past 1,130 as another death linked to the disease was announced this week. Why it matters: The death of a 39-year-old woman in Franklin County last Saturday would be the sixth measles death this year in the state.

The new streetery displays at Love Park offer a glimpse into the future of Philadelphia's outdoor dining scene. 

Why it matters: The prototypes are the city's latest attempt to revive a popular outdoor dining experience that has nearly gone extinct.

State of play: The Parker administration developed the two designs as potential options for restaurants, bars and eateries. 

The prototypes meet all of the many requirements and building codes for an outdoor dining structure. 

What we saw: The modular designs are bubbly, have customizable colors and wraps, and can be fit to any size space. 

Cheaper option: No frills, made of aluminum, and you step down onto the pavement to enter. 

Pricier option: Slatted fencing made of recycled milk cartons, space for plants along the top, and a raised platform floor. 

Context: Businesses have been complaining for years about the city's costly, complex and time-consuming process for setting up an outdoor dining structure.

Many of those concerns were backed up in a 2024 report from the City Controller's Office. 

The result: Philly's streetery scene is a small club these days.

Roughly 32 restaurants throughout Philly have active licenses, per city data.

Those with licenses include Marc Vetri's Fiorella in Bella Vista, the Bayou in Manayunk, the Good Dog Bar in Center City, and Loco Pez's West Philly outpost.

Flashback: During the pandemic, roughly 800 streeteries popped up across the city, but the scene cratered starting in 2023 once stricter city regulations came online. 

The intrigue: If adopted citywide, the designs could homogenize Philly's streetery scene, making each structure at every restaurant nearly identical. 

Yes, but: We'd lose one of the coolest aspects of streeteries: those unique, colorful and artistic structures — think igloos and greenhouses — that help make restaurants a destination and stand out in a competitive dining scene. 

What they're saying: Ben Fileccia, a spokesperson for the Pennsylvania Restaurant & Lodging Association, tells Axios he's hopeful the prototypes reduce red tape and wait times for restaurants looking to add outdoor dining as an option.

But he says the city must do more if it wants to revive al fresco dining, which prospered during the pandemic.

"This is one step in making outdoor dining more robust."

What's next: You can share feedback on the designs with the city through Nov. 23 by scanning a QR code located on the prototypes. 

Once it evaluates the public feedback, the city expects to make the designs available to download for free. 

If you go: You can sit and eat at the prototypes daily from 9am-5pm. 

Pennsylvania Restaurant & Lodging Association

New streetery designs could boost Philadelphia's outdoor dining scene

It's the city's latest attempt to revive a popular outdoor dining experience that has nearly gone extinct.

The new streetery displays at Love Park offer a glimpse into the future of Philadelphia&#x27;s outdoor dining scene. Why it matters: The prototypes are the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="city&#x27;s latest attempt" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/philadelphia/2025/12/03/philly-wants-to-make-outdoor-dining-easier-ahead-of-the-fifa-world-cup" data-vars-content-id="fcf88476-7f28-4d46-b0e9-af910e6c3163" data-vars-headline="New streetery designs could boost Philadelphia&#x27;s outdoor dining scene" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/philadelphia/2025/12/03/philly-wants-to-make-outdoor-dining-easier-ahead-of-the-fifa-world-cup" target="_self">city&#x27;s latest attempt</a> to revive a popular outdoor dining experience that has nearly gone extinct.

Mike D'Onofrio

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Forever chemicals in Philadelphia, Montco creek

Poll: Axios Philly readers shrug at new streetery designs