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

August 13, 2024

Parties

Philly's Dîner en Blanc returns Thursday, with 5,000 guests expected to attend the secret 'chic picnic'

by Franki Rudnesky

Philadelphia's 12th annual Le Dîner en Blanc will be held Thursday, Aug. 15. The picnic requires attendees to dress in white and bring their own food, drinks, utensils, tables and chairs. More than 5,000 people are expected to attend, and the secret location won't be announced until just before the event begins. This year's event will pay homage to the 50th anniversary of the song 'Come and Get Your Love,' a Redbone song written in Philadelphia.

August 12, 2024

John Kruk's 'delightfully bizarre musings' during Phillies broadcasts get laughs on 'Last Week Tonight'

by Franki Rudnesky

John Oliver included clips of Phillies broadcaster John Kruk's off-topic stories on 'Last Week Tonight.' The comedian featured some the former MLB first baseman's anecdotes during the episode on Sunday, Aug. 11, like Kruk's musings about prison baseball, giraffes at Walt Disney World and men's chest hair.

August 11, 2024

Investigations

Man arrested, charged for 'dumping' dogs at Humane Society of Atlantic County

by Franki Rudnesky

Jahlil McNeal, 23, of Atlantic City, has been arrested and charged after video captured him tossing a dog over the fence after hours at the Humane Society of Atlantic County in July. Investigators also accused him of dumping three other dogs there in April.

August 11, 2024

Investigations

Arrests made after police vehicle struck at car meetup in Frankford, authorities say

by Franki Rudnesky

Dozens of cars were driving out of control Saturday night during an unsanctioned car meetup near the intersection of Adams and Torresdale avenues in Frankford, police say. A driver involved in the meetup allegedly struck a police officer's vehicle while attempting to flee the scene. Multiple arrests were made, authorities say.

August 11, 2024

Entertainment

Colman Domingo to voice the villain in Marvel's new animated 'Spider-Man' series

by Franki Rudnesky

West Philadelphia native actor Colman Domingo will voice the villainous character Norman Osborn, also known as the Green Goblin, in Marvel's upcoming animated series, 'Your Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man.' It is scheduled to premiere on Disney+ on Nov. 2.

August 9, 2024

Shopping

Auntie Anne's has created a perfume that smells like its pretzels

by Franki Rudnesky

Auntie Anne's has created a pretzel-inspired fragrance called Knead: Eau De Pretzel. The buttery, salty and sweet perfume will be available to purchase online starting Wednesday, Aug. 14. A 1-ounce bottle costs $25 and a 3.4-ounce bottle runs $45.

August 8, 2024

Children's Health

Teen mental health is improving, but there is still progress to be made, CDC report shows

by Franki Rudnesky

U.S. high school students were less likely to report feeling persistently sad in 2023 than they were in 2021, when the COVID-19 pandemic had worsened the youth mental health crisis, a new CDC report shows. But CDC officials said more progress can be made: Teen girls and LGBTQ+ people are more likely to attempt suicide and report being in poor mental health.

August 8, 2024

Entertainment

Chester County's Nick Mead to be Team USA flag bearer at Olympic closing ceremony

by Franki Rudnesky

Chester County native Nick Mead was chosen to lead Team USA as a flag bearer at the Olympics closing ceremony on Sunday, becoming the first rower to hold the honor for the U.S. team. Last week the U.S. won its first rowing gold in the men’s four class since 1960.

August 7, 2024

Nature

Hundreds of shooting stars to be visible as Perseid meteor shower peaks this weekend

by Franki Rudnesky

The Perseid meteor shower should peak in the overnight hours of Sunday, Aug. 11, into early Monday, Aug. 12. About 50 to 100 meteors, caused by debris from the Swift-Tuttle comet, can be seen per hour at its peak.

August 6, 2024

Food & Drink

Gopuff, Yards Brewing Co. collaborate on all-natural hard seltzer

by Franki Rudnesky

Philly-based Gopuff and Yards Brewing Company have collaborated on the Gopunch Blue Raspberry Hard Elixir, a hard seltzer made with all-natural ingredients. The beverage can now be purchased in Philadelphia using the Gopuff app or website, or in the Yards taproom at 500 Spring Garden St.