🥨 Proteinmaxxing, Philly style | Morning Newsletter

Welcome to Wednesday. After yesterday’s round of severe weather throughout the region, there’s another chance of showers.

Dig into how Philadelphia’s iconic food brands are cooking up new recipes to draw calorie-conscious customers.

We’re also looking at what $1,500 can land you in rental space around Philadelphia compared with other cities.

Plus, the DA’s office probes undisclosed payments to an inmate, and more news of the day.

— Paola Pérez and Ellen Dunkel (morningnewsletter@inquirer.com)

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Competing for consumers

If you ever wished your soft pretzel packed a bit more of a protein punch, you’re in luck.

The Philly Pretzel Factory is developing a high-protein option for those concerned about weight loss and looking to maximize their intake. Meanwhile, Campbell’s just dropped a new lineup of soups.

As more U.S. adults turn to appetite-suppressing medications like GLP-1 drugs, more food companies in the Philadelphia area and beyond are finding ways to tweak their formulas and provide “functional food”-friendly options. It’s a move reminiscent of the low-fat and carb-phobic diets of decades past.

Meanwhile, Honeygrow’s approach involves giving diners the power of personalization. The fast-casual chain allows for detailed customization of meals, like choosing whole-wheat noodles for stir-fries.

Notable quote: “Even though you’re on a GLP-1, that doesn’t mean that you don’t want delicious food,” said Todd Miller, Honeygrow’s senior vice president of marketing.

Olivia Prusky has the story.

What $1,500 can rent in Philly

Apartment renters with $1,500 a month to spend would get very different-size homes in Pittsburgh, Philadelphia, and Manhattan.

That’s according to an analysis by RentCafe, a national apartment search website, based on average price per square foot for apartments in properties with 50 or more units.

💵 In Philadelphia, $1,500 would cover a studio.

💵 In Pittsburgh, that $1,500 would get tenants a one- or two-bedroom apartment.

💵 In Manhattan, $1,500 only pays for the equivalent of a dorm room.

Urbanism writer Michaelle Bond has more details in her new report.

What you should know today

• The Philadelphia Police Department and FBI will start excavating part of the Olney house at the center of a monthlong investigation into the disappearance of two women, law enforcement officials said Monday.
• The District Attorney’s Office is investigating ties between one of Larry Krasner’s top advisers and a man serving life in prison after prosecutors found that the official sent the man money years ago and didn’t disclose it.
• Two Philly prosecutors also accused Krasner of telling them to “protect the office” in a controversial appellate case.
• Penn and CHOP researchers lost millions in federal funding for healthcare research last week, forcing programs to close.
• A memorial honoring Barbara Friedes, a pediatric doctor who was struck and killed by a drunk driver, was moved hours after its installation on Spruce Street, sparking outcry from organizers. The city said its crews were not responsible.
• A Philly teacher died after a pole on Roxborough High’s field fell on her. Her family says the school district should have prevented it.
• A glitch allowed roughly 6,600 noncitizens to be improperly registered to vote ahead of the 2024 election in New Jersey, the governor said.
• South Street bar Tattooed Mom is unable to host events with music indefinitely, following an order from the Department of Licenses and Inspections.
• A roughly 100-year-old Strawberry Mansion church is being turned into affordable housing with 44 units.
• Former Philadelphia labor leader John Dougherty asked President Donald Trump to cut his prison term short. Trump denied the request.

Quote of the day

U.S. Sen. Andy Kim is introducing a plan called MediKids to provide free healthcare to every child in the country. The New Jersey Democrat hopes his idea is a jumping-off point for his party’s universal healthcare debates.

🧠 Trivia time

Middle Child’s BLT season frenzy starts today.

What is the value of local heirloom tomatoes on each prepared sandwich?

A) $5.00

B) $2.60

C) $3.00

D) $3.50

Think you know? Check your answer.

What we’re …

🍨 Craving: A sundae. Here are the best ones in Philadelphia right now.

📿 Not surprised by: People are selling the free World Cup bracelets they waited hours in line for.

📺 Watching: West Philly’s Colman Domingo to kick off his Jimmy Kimmel Live! takeover with a surprise makeover.

👀 Curious about: Rita’s new water ice flavors inspired by The Office and Friends.

♿ Considering: Why Pennsylvanians should celebrate disability pride.

🧩 Unscramble the anagram

Hint: Philly’s largest farm

ACME FAX FROSH

Email us if you know the answer. We’ll select a reader at random to shout out here.

Cheers to Chris Eaton, who solved Tuesday’s anagram: Cirque du Soleil. The contemporary circus group’s next performance, Twas the Night Before …, is coming to the Met Philadelphia for a limited theatrical run from Dec. 17-27.

Photo of the day

👋🏽 Thanks for reading. Take care.

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