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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.

How to stop problem gambling, according to experts

Manage idle time. Tell someone you trust.

Health

Understanding more about why people gamble is key to overcoming addiction, psychologists say.Why it matters: Gambling addictions can push people into debt and fuel mental health crises. Studies show people with such addictions are at higher <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="risk" data-vars-click-url="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S003335062400283X" data-vars-content-id="7f72f195-5044-409d-b02f-0dde726efdf8" data-vars-headline="How to stop problem gambling, according to experts" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S003335062400283X" target="_blank">risk</a> for depression and suicide.

How Pennsylvania's self-ban program fails many problem gamblers

The state's only real barrier is easily exploited.

While his friends lounged in a mountain lodge jacuzzi, Tom hid inside, streaming the Packers game on his phone. He lost $2,500 that night — and some self-respect.<ul><li>&quot;It seriously felt like I cheated on my girlfriend,&quot; the 30-year-old tells Axios. &quot;I felt so ashamed.&quot;</li></ul>Why it matters: Pennsylvanians like Tom are finding it harder to avoid the pull of gambling, especially with apps at their fingertips.<ul><li>And the state&#x27;s only real barrier — self-banning — is still easily exploited.</li></ul>

Getting a COVID vaccine in Philly could be more complicated this fall

New federal <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="limits" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2025/08/28/cdc-covid-vaccine-rules-recommendations-high-risk-fda" data-vars-content-id="92964740-9450-4239-ac4a-f8c50296f78a" data-vars-headline="Getting a COVID vaccine in Philly could be more complicated this fall" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2025/08/28/cdc-covid-vaccine-rules-recommendations-high-risk-fda" target="_self">limits</a> around <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="COVID-19 vaccine" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2025/08/27/covid-19-vaccine-policy-cases-rise" data-vars-content-id="92964740-9450-4239-ac4a-f8c50296f78a" data-vars-headline="Getting a COVID vaccine in Philly could be more complicated this fall" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2025/08/27/covid-19-vaccine-policy-cases-rise" target="_self">COVID-19 vaccine</a> eligibility are stirring confusion about whether people will be able to get shots this fall.Why it matters: Philadelphians who want the vaccine will need a doctor&#x27;s approval — often tied to underlying health conditions — and many could end up paying out of pocket.

Trump's war on gender-affirming care targets Children's Hospital of Philadelphia

It's a showdown between federal power and patient privacy laws.

Politics

The Children&#x27;s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP) is in the middle of a showdown between federal power and patient privacy laws over its gender-affirming care.The big picture: The Trump administration&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="crackdown" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2025/07/09/trump-transgender-youth-gender-affirming-care-cutback" data-vars-content-id="ed9c2997-4ac1-4695-af1a-94b803a5ca82" data-vars-headline="Trump&#x27;s war on gender-affirming care targets Children&#x27;s Hospital of Philadelphia" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2025/07/09/trump-transgender-youth-gender-affirming-care-cutback" target="_self">crackdown</a> on such care is expanding rapidly as officials investigate hospitals, cut off benefits for federal workers, and pick new fights with blue states.

The shroom boom hits Philly

Mushrooms are sprouting up in soda, protein bars and more.

Food and Drink

Philly is in on a cap-tivating new trend — mushrooms are sprouting up in soda, protein bars and more. Why it matters: <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Pennsylvania" data-vars-click-url="https://mushroomfestival.org/" data-vars-content-id="d2c5d5f5-f943-4632-9c55-40abc81bec51" data-vars-headline="The shroom boom hits Philly" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://mushroomfestival.org/" target="_blank">Pennsylvania</a> is the nation&#x27;s mushroom capital, growing <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="nearly 70%" data-vars-click-url="https://downloads.usda.library.cornell.edu/usda-esmis/files/r781wg03d/9593wm52z/9306vq05c/mush0824.pdf" data-vars-content-id="d2c5d5f5-f943-4632-9c55-40abc81bec51" data-vars-headline="The shroom boom hits Philly" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://downloads.usda.library.cornell.edu/usda-esmis/files/r781wg03d/9593wm52z/9306vq05c/mush0824.pdf" target="_blank">nearly 70%</a> of the country&#x27;s supply. And that&#x27;s mostly thanks to a borough roughly an hour outside of Philly.

This Philly therapist is helping Kingsessing heal from a mass shooting

Two years after a mass shooting, former NFL tight end Tim Massaquoi says "there's still work to do."

In the time it takes to snap a football, former NFL tight end <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Tim Massaquoi" data-vars-click-url="https://www.espn.com/nfl/player/stats/_/id/9830/tim-massaquoi" data-vars-content-id="61ab9db9-c968-4122-926b-8ab9a1570b21" data-vars-headline="This Philly therapist is helping Kingsessing heal from a mass shooting" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.espn.com/nfl/player/stats/_/id/9830/tim-massaquoi" target="_blank">Tim Massaquoi</a> shredded his knee — and his sense of identity.<ul><li>&quot;I really had to now figure out ... who Tim Massaquoi is to the world,&quot; he tells Axios. &quot;What can I offer? What values can I bring? And that took some time.&quot;</li></ul>Why it matters: Massaquoi is bringing the lessons he learned on his journey of self-rediscovery and healing to Kingsessing, a neighborhood still reeling from a deadly <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="2023 mass shooting." data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2023/07/05/philadelphia-mass-shooting-charges" data-vars-content-id="61ab9db9-c968-4122-926b-8ab9a1570b21" data-vars-headline="This Philly therapist is helping Kingsessing heal from a mass shooting" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2023/07/05/philadelphia-mass-shooting-charges" target="_self">2023 mass shooting.</a>

Philadelphia hospital ranked among best in U.S.

One Philadelphia-based health system was crowned best in the state.

<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Penn Medicine&#x27;s" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/philadelphia/2021/10/29/penn-medicine-pavilion-new-hospital" data-vars-content-id="7a3c96b5-7642-4b05-8ac5-8f2b30e1543a" data-vars-headline="Philadelphia hospital ranked among best in U.S." data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/philadelphia/2021/10/29/penn-medicine-pavilion-new-hospital" target="_self">Penn Medicine&#x27;s</a> hospitals took the crown for the best hospitals in the Philadelphia region and state in the latest U.S. News &amp; World Report rankings.The big picture: The West Philadelphia-based health system maintains the prestigious honor for <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="another year running" data-vars-click-url="https://health.usnews.com/best-hospitals/area/philadelphia-pa" data-vars-content-id="7a3c96b5-7642-4b05-8ac5-8f2b30e1543a" data-vars-headline="Philadelphia hospital ranked among best in U.S." data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://health.usnews.com/best-hospitals/area/philadelphia-pa" target="_blank">another year running</a> despite not participating in the rankings process.

Trump's "big, beautiful bill" puts SNAP at risk in Pennsylvania

Nearly 144,000 Pennsylvanians could lose SNAP benefits, per the governor's office.

President Trump&#x27;s massive tax and spending bill could have a dire impact on food benefits for low-income Pennsylvanians for years to come. The big picture: The &quot;<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="big, beautiful bill" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2025/07/01/trump-thune-johnson-big-beautiful-bill" data-vars-content-id="331c7300-c5c4-4be1-a6e6-c5e9d8258d49" data-vars-headline="Trump&#x27;s &quot;big, beautiful bill&quot; puts SNAP at risk in Pennsylvania" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2025/07/01/trump-thune-johnson-big-beautiful-bill" target="_self">big, beautiful bill</a>&quot; makes deep cuts to the social safety net — including the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2025/07/03/trump-big-beautiful-bill-snap" data-vars-content-id="331c7300-c5c4-4be1-a6e6-c5e9d8258d49" data-vars-headline="Trump&#x27;s &quot;big, beautiful bill&quot; puts SNAP at risk in Pennsylvania" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2025/07/03/trump-big-beautiful-bill-snap" target="_self">Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program</a> (SNAP, commonly known as food stamps) and health <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="benefits" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2025/07/03/trump-big-beautiful-bill-snap" data-vars-content-id="331c7300-c5c4-4be1-a6e6-c5e9d8258d49" data-vars-headline="Trump&#x27;s &quot;big, beautiful bill&quot; puts SNAP at risk in Pennsylvania" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2025/07/03/trump-big-beautiful-bill-snap" target="_self">benefits</a> for the poorest Americans.

Comedian Kyle Ayers finds humor in his painful journey

Ayers performs a set about his neurological condition this weekend at Philly's Plays and Players Theatre.

Things to Do

Laughter is the only medicine that works for <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Kyle Ayers" data-vars-click-url="https://kyleayers.com/" data-vars-content-id="8defc345-f243-4a1b-9990-cc2df6e7b9b4" data-vars-headline="Comedian Kyle Ayers finds humor in his painful journey" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://kyleayers.com/" target="_blank">Kyle Ayers</a>.Why it matters: After suffering through years of debilitating pain and undergoing failed brain surgery, the 37-year-old comedian created a standup routine about his neurological condition, trigeminal neuralgia, as a way to cope with his circumstances.

Summer nights are getting warmer in Philly

Average summer nighttime temperatures increased 4.1°F in Philly between 1970 and 2024.

Climate

Warm <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="summer" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/philadelphia/2025/06/23/philadelphia-triple-digit-heat-wave" data-vars-content-id="5355efff-4027-44ed-8040-5bae98ff38bb" data-vars-headline="Summer nights are getting warmer in Philly" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/philadelphia/2025/06/23/philadelphia-triple-digit-heat-wave" target="_self">summer</a> nights in Philly are starting to feel a little ... well, warmer. Why it matters: Higher overnight temperatures can have health consequences for vulnerable groups, as well as increase demand for <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="air conditioning" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2018/05/14/cooling-the-earth-without-cooking-it" data-vars-content-id="5355efff-4027-44ed-8040-5bae98ff38bb" data-vars-headline="Summer nights are getting warmer in Philly" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2018/05/14/cooling-the-earth-without-cooking-it" target="_self">air conditioning</a>.

Health 🩺

How to stop problem gambling, according to experts

How Pennsylvania's self-ban program fails many problem gamblers

Getting a COVID vaccine in Philly could be more complicated this fall

Trump's war on gender-affirming care targets Children's Hospital of Philadelphia

The shroom boom hits Philly