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

April 24, 2024

Food & Drink

Center City Sips is ready to start 20th year of discounted drinks, appetizers on Wednesdays in Philly

by Franki Rudnesky

Center City Sips takes place on Wednesdays from June 5 through Aug. 28 at nearly 80 bars, restaurants and beer gardens in Philadelphia. The happy hour promotion offers $7 cocktails, $6 glasses of wine, $5 beers and half-price appetizers. After 7 p.m., select restaurants also offer 15% discounts on dinner.

April 24, 2024

Food & Drink

Philly canned cocktail brand Surfside expands in U.S., introduces new flavors

by Franki Rudnesky

Surfside, a canned cocktail brand based in Philadelphia, is launching five new flavors of its vodka iced tea and lemonade beverages. The beverage line has also announced its nationwide expansion to 48 states.

April 23, 2024

Shopping

Herr's collaborates with Philly artists from South Fellini, Dirty Hands Studio on chip-themed merchandise

by Franki Rudnesky

Herr's is collaborating with Philadelphia artists from South Fellini and Dirty Hands Studio on the 'Fits by Philly' merchandise line. Shirts, hats, tote bags, stickers and socks featuring snack-inspired designs are available while supplies last online and at South Fellini's East Passyunk Avenue store.

April 23, 2024

Music

Learn more about Taylor Swift's 'The Tortured Poets Department' album by talking to your Amazon Alexa

by Franki Rudnesky

Amazon has launched an album experience for Taylor Swift's new album 'The Tortured Poets Department' featuring commentary by the singer on the inspiration behind some of the tracks. The feature can be accessed through the Amazon Music app, or by saying to an Alexa device, 'Alexa, I'm a member of the Tortured Poets Department.'

April 22, 2024

Senior Health

When does old age begin? Perceptions on aging have shifted

by Franki Rudnesky

Today's adults believe people reach old age about three years later than previous generations did, according to a study published by the American Psychological Association. The research also found perceptions on aging different by gender and the state of people's health. Also, as people grew older, their perception of old age generally grew later.

April 22, 2024

Investigations

16-year-old driver crashes SUV on Roosevelt Boulevard, killing teen passenger

by Franki Rudnesky

An SUV driven by a 16-year-old lost crashed into a tree along Roosevelt Boulevard at 12:30 p.m. Sunday, killing a 16-year-old passenger, police said say. The driver and another 16-year-old passenger were taken to a hospital, and listed in stable condition. The driver was taken in for questioning as part of the investigation.

April 21, 2024

Music

Taylor Swift mentions Bucks County band the Starting Line in new song

by Franki Rudnesky

In the song 'The Black Dog' off Taylor Swift's new album 'The Tortured Poets Department,' the Berks County-native singer gives a shoutout to Bucks County band the Starting Line. The song is speculated to be about Swift's relationship with the 1975 singer Matty Healy, who previously covered the Starting Line's 'Best of Me.' The Starting Line thanked Swift on Instagram for the shoutout and for the positive attention it's brought to the band since.

April 21, 2024

Performances

Leslie Odom Jr. to perform in Philadelphia next month

by Franki Rudnesky

Leslie Odom, Jr., the 'Hamilton' star who grew up in Philadelphia, will perform at the Miller Theater on Wednesday, May 1. Tickets, which start at $49, can be purchased now online.

April 21, 2024

Investigations

Domestic dispute leads to officers shooting allegedly armed man in East Mount Airy, police say

by Franki Rudnesky

A 23-year-old man believed to be armed was shot by police officers early Saturday morning in East Mount Airy, authorities say. The incident stemmed from a domestic argument in the Cliveden Apartments between the suspect and a 23-year-old woman. A 26-year-old man showed up to the apartment and the suspect emerged to confront him with a hammer. Police officers at the scene believed the object to be a firearm and shot at him, authorities say. The suspect received a gunshot wound to one arm and a graze wound to the other arm, and is listed in stable condition.

April 18, 2024

Entertainment

South Jersey's Dominic Sessa joins 'Now You See Me 3' cast

by Franki Rudnesky

'The Holdovers' star Dominic Sessa, who was born in Cherry Hill and grew up in Egg Harbor Township and Ocean City, is joining the cast of 'Now You See Me 3.' The third installment in the magician-heist saga will also reportedly feature Jesse Eisenberg, Woody Harrelson, Isla Fisher, Dave Franco and Morgan Freeman.