Welcome to Wednesday. After yesterday’s round of severe weather throughout the region, there’s another chance of showers.
Read more Collingswood’s first cat cafe | Inquirer South Jersey
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 ([email protected])
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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.
đź’µ In Philadelphia, $1,500 would cover a studio.
đź’µ In Pittsburgh, that $1,500 would get tenants a one- or two-bedroom apartment.
đź’µ 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
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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.
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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.
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Two Philly prosecutors also accused Krasner of telling them to “protect the office” in a controversial appellate case.
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Penn and CHOP researchers lost millions in federal funding for healthcare research last week, forcing programs to close.
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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.
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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.
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A glitch allowed roughly 6,600 noncitizens to be improperly registered to vote ahead of the 2024 election in New Jersey, the governor said.
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South Street bar Tattooed Mom is unable to host events with music indefinitely, following an order from the Department of Licenses and Inspections.
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A roughly 100-year-old Strawberry Mansion church is being turned into affordable housing with 44 units.
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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.
đź“ż 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! takeoverwith 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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