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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.

Dems sweep Pennsylvania Supreme Court and big Philly races

Democrats held onto their majority on the state's highest court. Plus, other race results.

Election

In a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="high-stakes race" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/philadelphia/2025/10/28/pennsylvania-supreme-court-retention-elections" data-vars-content-id="cdf37dec-7816-40d2-ae04-d3e191de1d9a" data-vars-headline="Dems sweep Pennsylvania Supreme Court and big Philly races" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/philadelphia/2025/10/28/pennsylvania-supreme-court-retention-elections" target="_self">high-stakes race</a>, Democrats have retained control of Pennsylvania&#x27;s Supreme Court, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="the AP reports" data-vars-click-url="https://apnews.com/article/pennsylvania-supreme-court-election-55e2fff26ab17e6f02f9e4808497587c" data-vars-content-id="cdf37dec-7816-40d2-ae04-d3e191de1d9a" data-vars-headline="Dems sweep Pennsylvania Supreme Court and big Philly races" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://apnews.com/article/pennsylvania-supreme-court-election-55e2fff26ab17e6f02f9e4808497587c" target="_blank">the AP reports</a>.Why it matters: The high court often decides divisive issues such as mail-in voting and <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="gerrymandering" data-vars-click-url="https://pubintlaw.org/cases-and-projects/pennsylvania-redistricting-lawsuit/" data-vars-content-id="cdf37dec-7816-40d2-ae04-d3e191de1d9a" data-vars-headline="Dems sweep Pennsylvania Supreme Court and big Philly races" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://pubintlaw.org/cases-and-projects/pennsylvania-redistricting-lawsuit/" target="_blank">gerrymandering</a> — and its rulings could shape election laws ahead of the 2026 midterms.

How Larry Krasner won third term as Philadelphia's progressive prosecutor

Voters have bucked a national trend of cities removing or voting out their reform-minded prosecutors in recent years.

Philadelphia&#x27;s District Attorney <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Larry Krasner" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/philadelphia/2025/11/05/philadelphia-election-results-larry-krasner-wins-district-attorney" data-vars-content-id="22d27213-fe5f-46e2-ac78-2125a2caaed0" data-vars-headline="How Larry Krasner won third term as Philadelphia&#x27;s progressive prosecutor" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/philadelphia/2025/11/05/philadelphia-election-results-larry-krasner-wins-district-attorney" target="_self">Larry Krasner</a> is set to become only the second DA elected to more than two terms in nearly 100 years.Why it matters: The three-peat signals that Krasner&#x27;s progressive policies and shakeup of the office have set a new standard for the job.

Larry Krasner wins Philadelphia district attorney race

Krasner is only the second person elected to more than two terms over the past century.

Philadelphia&#x27;s district attorney, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Larry Krasner" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/philadelphia/2025/02/18/larry-krasner-district-attorney-reelection" data-vars-content-id="e2b36879-0e5a-495f-ac03-0ee1fd470ffc" data-vars-headline="Larry Krasner wins Philadelphia district attorney race" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/philadelphia/2025/02/18/larry-krasner-district-attorney-reelection" target="_self">Larry Krasner</a>, has won reelection for a historic third term, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="per AP" data-vars-click-url="https://whyy.org/articles/philadelphia-2025-election-results/#District" data-vars-content-id="e2b36879-0e5a-495f-ac03-0ee1fd470ffc" data-vars-headline="Larry Krasner wins Philadelphia district attorney race" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://whyy.org/articles/philadelphia-2025-election-results/#District" target="_blank">per AP</a>.Why it matters: Krasner&#x27;s progressive policies will set the direction of Philly&#x27;s criminal justice system for the next four years.

Everything to know about Philadelphia's 2025 election

High-profile races are flipping the script for a typically low-key off-year election.

It&#x27;s time to vote. Why it matters: High-profile races — like a contest that could reshape <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Pennsylvania&#x27;s Supreme Court" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/philadelphia/2025/10/28/pennsylvania-supreme-court-retention-elections" data-vars-content-id="e3d9b96d-5786-4f72-969b-00a74c43d3b5" data-vars-headline="Everything to know about Philadelphia&#x27;s 2025 election" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/philadelphia/2025/10/28/pennsylvania-supreme-court-retention-elections" target="_self">Pennsylvania&#x27;s Supreme Court</a> — are flipping the script for a typically low-key off-year election, drawing the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="national spotlight and big-time political spending" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2025/11/03/democrats-ad-spending-2025-elections" data-vars-content-id="e3d9b96d-5786-4f72-969b-00a74c43d3b5" data-vars-headline="Everything to know about Philadelphia&#x27;s 2025 election" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2025/11/03/democrats-ad-spending-2025-elections" target="_self">national spotlight and big-time political spending</a>.

Your 1-minute guide to Philadelphia's City Controller race

The under-the-radar office audits city spending to uncover fraud and waste.

Philadelphia&#x27;s fiscal watchdog is up for grabs on Tuesday&#x27;s ballot.Why it matters: The city controller is an independent, under-the-radar office that audits city and school district spending to uncover fraud and waste.

Your election guide to Philly's district attorney race

Here's everything you need to know about the city's most consequential contest.

All eyes are on Tuesday&#x27;s election for top Philadelphia prosecutor — the city&#x27;s most consequential contest.Why it matters: The district attorney shapes how Philly prosecutes crime and oversees a nearly $60 million budget and <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="hundreds of lawyers" data-vars-click-url="https://phillyda.org/about/" data-vars-content-id="5bdc7f19-a0a4-41f5-bd34-26d83acaefcd" data-vars-headline="Your election guide to Philly&#x27;s district attorney race" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://phillyda.org/about/" target="_blank">hundreds of lawyers</a>.

The stakes are high in the Pennsylvania Supreme Court elections

The typically low-profile elections are getting national attention and a massive funding boost.

Three Pennsylvania Supreme Court justices up for retention next week have brought national attention and a massive funding boost to typically low-profile elections. Why it matters: The nonpartisan elections could reshape the state&#x27;s highest court — which has been a battleground for divisive issues such as mail-in voting, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="gerrymandering" data-vars-click-url="https://pubintlaw.org/cases-and-projects/pennsylvania-redistricting-lawsuit/" data-vars-content-id="3623b56d-46e6-40ad-9522-272666050020" data-vars-headline="The stakes are high in the Pennsylvania Supreme Court elections" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://pubintlaw.org/cases-and-projects/pennsylvania-redistricting-lawsuit/" target="_blank">gerrymandering</a> and <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Philly&#x27;s soda tax" data-vars-click-url="https://www.inquirer.com/philly/news/soda-tax-philadelphia-supreme-court-pennsylvania-20180718.html" data-vars-content-id="3623b56d-46e6-40ad-9522-272666050020" data-vars-headline="The stakes are high in the Pennsylvania Supreme Court elections" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.inquirer.com/philly/news/soda-tax-philadelphia-supreme-court-pennsylvania-20180718.html" target="_blank">Philly&#x27;s soda tax</a>.

Pennsylvania Dems' voter registration edge dwindles

The GOP has made big gains growing its voter base in recent years.

Pennsylvania&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="voter registration" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/philadelphia/2024/08/27/pennsylvania-voter-registration-republican-democrats" data-vars-content-id="cad04d96-af88-45a7-a588-77b2134db3c6" data-vars-headline="Pennsylvania Dems&#x27; voter registration edge dwindles" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/philadelphia/2024/08/27/pennsylvania-voter-registration-republican-democrats" target="_self">voter registration</a> gap between <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Democrats" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/philadelphia/2025/08/28/pennsylvania-democratic-party-leadship-shakeup" data-vars-content-id="cad04d96-af88-45a7-a588-77b2134db3c6" data-vars-headline="Pennsylvania Dems&#x27; voter registration edge dwindles" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/philadelphia/2025/08/28/pennsylvania-democratic-party-leadship-shakeup" target="_self">Democrats</a> and <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Republicans" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/philadelphia/2024/11/06/trump-wins-pennsylvania-philadelphia-white-house-election" data-vars-content-id="cad04d96-af88-45a7-a588-77b2134db3c6" data-vars-headline="Pennsylvania Dems&#x27; voter registration edge dwindles" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/philadelphia/2024/11/06/trump-wins-pennsylvania-philadelphia-white-house-election" target="_self">Republicans</a> has narrowed dramatically ahead of next week&#x27;s election. The big picture: Democrats have an edge of roughly 59,000 active registered voters, per the Pennsylvania State Department&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="latest data" data-vars-click-url="https://www.pa.gov/agencies/dos/resources/voting-and-elections-resources/voting-and-election-statistics#accordion-6cb6ca8a99-item-df8c67bfea" data-vars-content-id="cad04d96-af88-45a7-a588-77b2134db3c6" data-vars-headline="Pennsylvania Dems&#x27; voter registration edge dwindles" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.pa.gov/agencies/dos/resources/voting-and-elections-resources/voting-and-election-statistics#accordion-6cb6ca8a99-item-df8c67bfea" target="_blank">latest data</a>. That&#x27;s far tighter than the approximately 517,000 margin in 2020.

Philly district attorney race could see a rematch in November

Pat Dugan likely received enough Republican write-in votes in the May 20 GOP primary to be on the party's ticket in November.

Politics

A Democrat is on track to win Philadelphia&#x27;s Republican nomination for district attorney.Why it matters: <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Pat Dugan" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/philadelphia/2025/05/19/pat-dugan-philly-district-attorney-candidate" data-vars-content-id="1f37d2f3-b155-4f73-a1c0-2e6a4395f495" data-vars-headline="Philly district attorney race could see a rematch in November" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/philadelphia/2025/05/19/pat-dugan-philly-district-attorney-candidate" target="_self">Pat Dugan</a> lost last week&#x27;s Democratic primary to <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Larry Krasner" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/philadelphia/2025/05/19/larry-krasner-philly-district-attorney-election" data-vars-content-id="1f37d2f3-b155-4f73-a1c0-2e6a4395f495" data-vars-headline="Philly district attorney race could see a rematch in November" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/philadelphia/2025/05/19/larry-krasner-philly-district-attorney-election" target="_self">Larry Krasner</a>, but <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="a loophole" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/philadelphia/2025/05/14/pat-dugan-write-in-district-attorney-election" data-vars-content-id="1f37d2f3-b155-4f73-a1c0-2e6a4395f495" data-vars-headline="Philly district attorney race could see a rematch in November" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/philadelphia/2025/05/14/pat-dugan-write-in-district-attorney-election" target="_self">a loophole</a> in Pennsylvania election law could lead to a repeat matchup later this year.

Axios Philly's cheat sheet for 2025 Primary Day

It&#x27;s time to vote.Why it matters: The winners of <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Tuesday&#x27;s primaries" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/philadelphia/2025/03/12/primary-election-district-attorney-city-controller" data-vars-content-id="e908307a-0a58-4c7d-b2d5-cdf387d474d4" data-vars-headline="Axios Philly&#x27;s cheat sheet for 2025 Primary Day" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/philadelphia/2025/03/12/primary-election-district-attorney-city-controller" target="_self">Tuesday&#x27;s primaries</a> move on to the November election.

Election 🗳️

Dems sweep Pennsylvania Supreme Court and big Philly races

How Larry Krasner won third term as Philadelphia's progressive prosecutor

Larry Krasner wins Philadelphia district attorney race

Everything to know about Philadelphia's 2025 election

Your 1-minute guide to Philadelphia's City Controller race