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Exclusive: Ex-QVC insiders see a comeback. Here's the playbook

The company's strategy must mix nostalgia and innovation.

News

<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="QVC" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/philadelphia/2026/02/12/financial-troubles-growing-for-philly-regions-qvc" data-vars-content-id="126b32b5-a542-4ebb-a2bb-2200f19aa060" data-vars-headline="Exclusive: Ex-QVC insiders see a comeback. Here&#x27;s the playbook" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/philadelphia/2026/02/12/financial-troubles-growing-for-philly-regions-qvc" target="_self">QVC</a> perfected live shopping before social media made it cool again — and now the storied retail giant is trying to win back relevance from platforms that copied its playbook.Why it matters: Former QVC employees and marketing experts tell Axios the West Chester-based company&#x27;s original formula — live, personality-driven and built on urgency — looks much like today&#x27;s creator economy.

Trump administration restores slavery exhibits at Independence Park

The reinstatement of the exhibits at one of America's foremost historic sites is a defining win for Philadelphia.

Politics & Policy

The National Park Service began restoring the slavery exhibits at Independence National Historical Park in Philadelphia nearly a month after they were taken down as part of President Trump&#x27;s effort to fight &quot;<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="improper ideology" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2025/03/28/smithsonian-trump-executive-order" data-vars-content-id="90de532e-eccf-46e6-b624-797d6b04e6d1" data-vars-headline="Trump administration restores slavery exhibits at Independence Park" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2025/03/28/smithsonian-trump-executive-order" target="_self">improper ideology</a>.&quot;Why it matters: The return of the panels at one of America&#x27;s foremost historic sites is a defining win for Philadelphia — and could strengthen a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="separate ongoing legal challenge" data-vars-click-url="https://www.npr.org/2026/02/18/nx-s1-5718006/trump-national-parks-lawsuit" data-vars-content-id="90de532e-eccf-46e6-b624-797d6b04e6d1" data-vars-headline="Trump administration restores slavery exhibits at Independence Park" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.npr.org/2026/02/18/nx-s1-5718006/trump-national-parks-lawsuit" target="_blank">separate ongoing legal challenge</a> to the Trump administration&#x27;s attempt to rewrite American history at other national parks.

UPenn leads Philly schools in foreign funding

See how much Philly universities have received from overseas sources over the past 40 years.

Education

<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Universities" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/philadelphia/2026/02/10/college-enrollment-racial-changes-students-university-of-pennsylvania-temple-drexel" data-vars-content-id="2d426e4b-8d56-41d9-a080-49722942b8a1" data-vars-headline="UPenn leads Philly schools in foreign funding" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/philadelphia/2026/02/10/college-enrollment-racial-changes-students-university-of-pennsylvania-temple-drexel" target="_self">Universities</a> in the Philadelphia region raked in billions of dollars from overseas contributors over the past four decades.Why it matters: The U.S. Education Department&#x27;s recent data breaks down the foreign contributions that are helping to financially support Philly&#x27;s biggest schools.

Scoop: Ex-detective and "Mare of Easttown" muse sues for sex discrimination

Former Chester County detective Christine Bleiler was a "go-to" consultant on the show, shaping Kate Winslet's titular character.

The detective who inspired HBO&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="&quot;Mare of Easttown&quot;" data-vars-click-url="https://www.hbomax.com/shows/mare-of-easttown/c1517b80-50ab-4733-8208-ae2c2765c0e7" data-vars-content-id="aa205491-d4ee-4c5e-9756-f1d9781e2aec" data-vars-headline="Scoop: Ex-detective and &quot;Mare of Easttown&quot; muse sues for sex discrimination" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.hbomax.com/shows/mare-of-easttown/c1517b80-50ab-4733-8208-ae2c2765c0e7" target="_blank">&quot;Mare of Easttown&quot;</a> says she quit because of sex-based discrimination within her department, per a federal lawsuit filed this month.State of play: Former Chester County detective Christine Bleiler was a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="&quot;go-to&quot; consultant" data-vars-click-url="https://www.vanityfair.com/hollywood/2021/04/kate-winslet-mare-of-easttown-accent?srsltid=AfmBOooDuR35Uml1FaBfuoJW5645xDRgcaRELPt-m_Jua6p0ezoUJC7t" data-vars-content-id="aa205491-d4ee-4c5e-9756-f1d9781e2aec" data-vars-headline="Scoop: Ex-detective and &quot;Mare of Easttown&quot; muse sues for sex discrimination" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.vanityfair.com/hollywood/2021/04/kate-winslet-mare-of-easttown-accent?srsltid=AfmBOooDuR35Uml1FaBfuoJW5645xDRgcaRELPt-m_Jua6p0ezoUJC7t" target="_blank">&quot;go-to&quot; consultant</a> on the show, shaping Kate Winslet&#x27;s titular character, Marianne &quot;Mare&quot; Sheehan, and helping her capture the realities of small-town policing.

School closure plan collides with Philadelphia legislators

Growing opposition among City Council will likely bring changes or delays to the district's $2.8 billion blueprint.

The Philly school district&#x27;s controversial <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="plan to close and modernize its buildings" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/philadelphia/2026/01/23/close-schools-facility-plan-buildings" data-vars-content-id="a8909b87-f652-4e45-b7cd-9d8ebf4f3999" data-vars-headline="School closure plan collides with Philadelphia legislators" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/philadelphia/2026/01/23/close-schools-facility-plan-buildings" target="_self">plan to close and modernize its buildings</a> is up against its biggest obstacle yet: city politics.Why it matters: Growing opposition among City Council could bring delays and changes to the district&#x27;s $2.8 billion blueprint.

How college enrollment is changing at Philly's top universities

The University of Pennsylvania has seen a drop in Black and Hispanic enrollment in 2024.

Admissions to colleges and universities in the Philly region are undergoing a big racial shift following the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="U.S. Supreme Court&#x27;s decision to strike down race-based admissions" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2023/06/29/scotus-decisions-affirmative-action-colleges" data-vars-content-id="e0bb76f1-31c0-41b5-b5f9-b729af279cf4" data-vars-headline="How college enrollment is changing at Philly&#x27;s top universities" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2023/06/29/scotus-decisions-affirmative-action-colleges" target="_self">U.S. Supreme Court&#x27;s decision to strike down race-based admissions</a> in 2023, per a new analysis.Why it matters: The recent <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="report" data-vars-click-url="https://www.joinclassaction.us/post/a-first-look-at-college-enrollment-outcomes-after-the-end-of-affirmative-action" data-vars-content-id="e0bb76f1-31c0-41b5-b5f9-b729af279cf4" data-vars-headline="How college enrollment is changing at Philly&#x27;s top universities" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.joinclassaction.us/post/a-first-look-at-college-enrollment-outcomes-after-the-end-of-affirmative-action" target="_blank">report</a> from the nonprofit <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Class Action" data-vars-click-url="https://www.joinclassaction.us/" data-vars-content-id="e0bb76f1-31c0-41b5-b5f9-b729af279cf4" data-vars-headline="How college enrollment is changing at Philly&#x27;s top universities" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.joinclassaction.us/" target="_blank">Class Action</a> gives the first nationwide glimpse of how enrollment at public and private institutions has shifted post-ruling.

Proposal calls for closing 20 Philly schools and upgrading others

The much-anticipated proposal would reshape the district, bringing sweeping changes to its 307 buildings.

The Philly school district has laid out a $2.8 billion plan that would close 20 schools and modernize roughly 160 across the city. Why it matters: The <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="much-anticipated proposal" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/philadelphia/2026/01/12/district-school-closings-facilities-plan-survey" data-vars-content-id="dcfc7ba4-b699-475d-9842-12abc569dbaa" data-vars-headline="Proposal calls for closing 20 Philly schools and upgrading others" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/philadelphia/2026/01/12/district-school-closings-facilities-plan-survey" target="_self">much-anticipated proposal</a> would reshape the district, bringing sweeping changes to more than half of its buildings.

Philly sounds off on forthcoming school facilities plan

The survey was among the final chances to give feedback on the district's recommendations for the future of its buildings.

Thousands weighed in on the school district&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="facilities plan" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/philadelphia/2025/08/13/philly-teacher-strike-septa-cuts-school-closures" data-vars-content-id="e68a5759-9919-4592-b750-de760dcb949c" data-vars-headline="Philly sounds off on forthcoming school facilities plan" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/philadelphia/2025/08/13/philly-teacher-strike-septa-cuts-school-closures" target="_self">facilities plan</a> ahead of its much-anticipated release in the coming months.Why it matters: The survey was among the final chances the community has to give feedback on the district&#x27;s recommendations for the future of its more than 300 school buildings.

Fewer students are choosing Philadelphia district schools

Meanwhile, Philly's charter school student population is going in the other direction.

Philadelphia families continue to flee the city&#x27;s public schools, new data shows.Why it matters: The declining student population will likely influence a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="long-awaited district plan" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/philadelphia/2025/08/13/philly-teacher-strike-septa-cuts-school-closures" data-vars-content-id="489ca1e8-ed2d-4821-bb55-655863556f15" data-vars-headline="Fewer students are choosing Philadelphia district schools" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/philadelphia/2025/08/13/philly-teacher-strike-septa-cuts-school-closures" target="_self">long-awaited district plan</a> to close some schools and <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="merge and repurpose" data-vars-click-url="https://www.philasd.org/schoolboard/2024/09/20/board-of-education-directs-superintendent-dr-watlington-to-develop-and-present-recommendations-on-a-facilities-utilization-plan-which-shall-include-community-outreach/" data-vars-content-id="489ca1e8-ed2d-4821-bb55-655863556f15" data-vars-headline="Fewer students are choosing Philadelphia district schools" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.philasd.org/schoolboard/2024/09/20/board-of-education-directs-superintendent-dr-watlington-to-develop-and-present-recommendations-on-a-facilities-utilization-plan-which-shall-include-community-outreach/" target="_blank">merge and repurpose</a> others.

Philly's student housing is getting pricier

Students' rents are up 14.5% from 2020, new data shows.

Real Estate

Students&#x27; rents are getting more expensive across the Philly metro, up 14.5% on average this year from 2020, per Moody&#x27;s data obtained by Axios. Why it matters: Pricey student housing adds to the already-high <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="cost of college" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2024/04/17/college-cost-survey" data-vars-content-id="08c279a0-0c3c-49b2-aa52-ff522e3216dc" data-vars-headline="Philly&#x27;s student housing is getting pricier" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2024/04/17/college-cost-survey" target="_self">cost of college</a>.

Philadelphia high school takes crown for best in Pennsylvania, per Niche

The Spring Garden school jumped more than a dozen spots on Niche's national school ranking compared to last year.

A Philadelphia district can claim bragging rights for the best public high school in Pennsylvania, per education research firm <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Niche" data-vars-click-url="https://www.niche.com/k12/rankings/" data-vars-content-id="b41336a2-1dbd-4358-bda2-5080c39df606" data-vars-headline="Philadelphia high school takes crown for best in Pennsylvania, per Niche" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.niche.com/k12/rankings/" target="_blank">Niche</a>.Why it matters: <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Julia R. Masterman Laboratory and Demonstration School" data-vars-click-url="https://www.niche.com/k12/julia-r-masterman-laboratory-and-demonstration-school-philadelphia-pa/" data-vars-content-id="b41336a2-1dbd-4358-bda2-5080c39df606" data-vars-headline="Philadelphia high school takes crown for best in Pennsylvania, per Niche" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.niche.com/k12/julia-r-masterman-laboratory-and-demonstration-school-philadelphia-pa/" target="_blank">Julia R. Masterman Laboratory and Demonstration School</a> jumped more than a dozen spots on the national school ranking compared to last year.

Pennsylvania pales in AI use compared to its neighbors

We're embracing AI use more slowly than half of the country, per new data from Anthropic.

Pennsylvanians are embracing <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="AI" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2025/09/15/anthropic-economic-index-2025" data-vars-content-id="79f96f4e-c309-4084-a073-69fac154c756" data-vars-headline="Pennsylvania pales in AI use compared to its neighbors" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2025/09/15/anthropic-economic-index-2025" target="_self">AI</a> use more slowly than half of the country, well behind tech-centric states like California as well as neighbors like New Jersey and New York, per a new report from <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Anthropic" data-vars-click-url="https://www.anthropic.com/research/economic-index-geography" data-vars-content-id="79f96f4e-c309-4084-a073-69fac154c756" data-vars-headline="Pennsylvania pales in AI use compared to its neighbors" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.anthropic.com/research/economic-index-geography" target="_blank">Anthropic</a>.Why it matters: Uneven adoption around the U.S. <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="means" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2025/09/15/anthropic-economic-index-2025" data-vars-content-id="79f96f4e-c309-4084-a073-69fac154c756" data-vars-headline="Pennsylvania pales in AI use compared to its neighbors" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2025/09/15/anthropic-economic-index-2025" target="_self">means</a> certain states are more likely than others to benefit, and it threatens to worsen existing inequalities.

Why interdisciplinary research matters now more than ever

Local testbeds turn CMU research into real-world solutions across Pennsylvania.

Partners

Carnegie Mellon University (CMU) is home to some of the world&#x27;s top researchers, academics and artists, all working in lockstep to drive real-world change and solve society&#x27;s most complex issues.Why it&#x27;s important: Artificial intelligence and new innovations are reshaping everything from health care to national security. Research like this helps ensure technology serves people — not the other way around.

Education 📚

UPenn leads Philly schools in foreign funding

School closure plan collides with Philadelphia legislators

How college enrollment is changing at Philly's top universities

Proposal calls for closing 20 Philly schools and upgrading others

Philly sounds off on forthcoming school facilities plan