Franki Rudnesky

Franki Maria Rudnesky is a staff writer for PhillyVoice, with interests in entertainment, social media, pop culture, education and the arts. Franki has worked as a staff writer, copy editor, and social media manager for The Hammonton Gazette. Before that, she was a digital intern and production assistant for NBC10. She is a South Jersey native who received her master's degree from Villanova University and her bachelor's from Saint Joseph's University.

franki@phillyvoice.com

May 19, 2024

Protests

Pro-Palestinian encampment set up on Drexel University campus

by Franki Rudnesky

On Saturday evening, about 75 pro-Palestinian demonstrators set up tents on Drexel University's campus, establishing what the Drexel Palestine Coalition calls a 'Gaza Solidarity Encampment.' The group is calling on Drexel to divest from companies or partnerships negatively impacting Palestinians, redistribute financial profits to aid Palestine and to disclose investments. Police arrived to campus in riot gear and set up barricades around the encampment.

May 19, 2024

Family-Friendly

Museum of the American Revolution to commemorate Memorial Day weekend with crafts, performances

by Franki Rudnesky

From Saturday, May 25, through Monday, May 27, the Museum of the American Revolution will offer crafts and performances in honor of Memorial Day weekend. The institution will also offer free admission throughout the weekend for veterans, military and Blue Star Families.

May 19, 2024

Entertainment

Pa. native Sabrina Carpenter sings her hit songs, joins a sketch during 'SNL' debut

by Franki Rudnesky

Sabrina Carpenter, who was born in Bucks County and grew up in Montgomery County, sang her recent hit 'Espresso' and a medley of 'Feather' and 'Nonsense' during the Season 49 finale of 'Saturday Night Live.' During Carpenter's 'SNL' debut, she also joined a Scooby-Doo themed sketch.

May 15, 2024

On 'Love Undercover,' Sea Isle woman dates soccer players who hid their fame

by Franki Rudnesky

Jacklyn Romano, a 25-year-old gym and boutique owner from Sea Isle City, is a contestant on Peacock's new dating show 'Love Undercover.' The series follows five professional soccer players from other countries who hide their fame to date American women.

May 15, 2024

Entertainment

Timothée Chalamet spotted in Cape May filming Bob Dylan movie

by Franki Rudnesky

Timothée Chalamet was spotted in Cape May this week filming his new movie, 'A Complete Unknown,' in which he plays legendary singer-songwriter Bob Dylan. His co-stars, Edward Norton and Elle Fanning, were also spotted in the South Jersey shore town.

May 14, 2024

Festivals

What's happening during Wawa Welcome America? It's more than just fireworks and the concert with Ne-Yo and Kesha

by Franki Rudnesky

The 2024 Wawa Welcome America festival runs from June 19 through July 4. Kesha and Ne-Yo will headline the July 4 concert on the Benjamin Franklin Parkway, which will be followed by fireworks. Here's a guide to the many other events taking place during the festival.

May 13, 2024

Senior Health

For older adults, a broken hip is often more deadly than cancer, study shows

by Franki Rudnesky

The five-year survival rate for older adults who break their hips is worse than the overall rate for cancer, according to a new study from Canada. The research underscores the severity of falls among older adults. The CDC offers recommendations to prevent falls among older adults, including the addition of grab bars in the bathroom.

May 12, 2024

Broadway's 'Purlie Victorious,' starring Leslie Odom Jr., to air on PBS

by Franki Rudnesky

PBS will air a recording of the Broadway revival of 'Purlie Victorious: A Non-Confederate Romp Through the Cotton Patch' on Friday, May 24, at 9 p.m. as part of its 'Great Performances' series. The play stars Leslie Odom, Jr., who grew up in Philly's East Oak Lane neighborhood and earned a Tony nomination for his starring role in 'Purlie Victorious.'

May 12, 2024

Parties

Please Touch Museum to launch event series for adults with '90s-themed party

by Franki Rudnesky

Please Touch Museum is kicking off its new after-hours, 21-and-older Museum Nights event series on Thursday, June 13. The '90s Edition themed party will run from 7-10 p.m. and feature games, crafts, music and cocktails.

May 12, 2024

Health News

Combining high intensity exercise with time-restricted eating may boost weight loss, study finds

by Franki Rudnesky

A recent study found that combining time-restricted eating with high-intensity functional training in women with obesity can result in weight loss and improve markers of cardiometabolic health like cholesterol, blood glucose and lipid levels.