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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.

SEPTA preps for big World Cup crowds this summer

SEPTA preps for big World Cup crowds this summer.

Transit

Septa is laying the groundwork for an influx of riders when Philadelphia hosts <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="World Cup matches" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/philadelphia/2026/01/28/world-cup-philly-intel" data-vars-content-id="52050b6c-7b5a-44f8-a7c9-4d8c9bb16e92" data-vars-headline="SEPTA preps for big World Cup crowds this summer" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/philadelphia/2026/01/28/world-cup-philly-intel" target="_self">World Cup matches</a> this summer.Why it matters: The mega event will test the transit system like never before.

Philadelphia sees big drop in international tourists in 2025

It's the first decline since 2020 during the first year of the pandemic.

Travel

Philadelphia saw a slump in <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="international tourism" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/philadelphia/2025/05/02/international-travlers-philadelphia-decline" data-vars-content-id="931dd8b7-2f53-443c-b7b1-671fd8224b91" data-vars-headline="Philadelphia sees big drop in international tourists in 2025" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/philadelphia/2025/05/02/international-travlers-philadelphia-decline" target="_self">international tourism</a> last year, especially from Canadians — mirroring a national trend.Why it matters: It&#x27;s the first decline since 2020, the first year of the pandemic.

Waymo eyes Philadelphia expansion

Waymo's planned expansion to Philly would bring the first fleet of self-driving taxis to city streets.

Culture

Robotaxis are coming to Philadelphia.Why it matters: <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Waymo&#x27;s" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/philadelphia/2025/07/10/waymo-robotaxi-philadelphia-self-driving-vehicles" data-vars-content-id="73c5c169-60a4-4bd6-b698-19f872a7e8f4" data-vars-headline="Waymo eyes Philadelphia expansion" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/philadelphia/2025/07/10/waymo-robotaxi-philadelphia-self-driving-vehicles" target="_self">Waymo&#x27;s</a> planned expansion to Philly would bring the first fleet of self-driving taxis to city streets.

Tips for avoiding Thanksgiving travel headaches around Philly

Planning ahead is your best shot at skipping (most of) the crowds on the roads and in airports.

The busy Thanksgiving travel season is underway.Why it matters: Planning ahead is your best shot at skipping (most of) the crowds on the roads and in airports.

Headaches persist as SEPTA fleet inspections wrap up

SEPTA is aiming to put at least 10 newly leased rail cars into service in the coming weeks to boost service.

<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="SEPTA" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/philadelphia/2025/11/04/septa-trump-administration-safety-mismanagement" data-vars-content-id="3e510dc2-e599-48bb-b15b-4f6212fc833c" data-vars-headline="Headaches persist as SEPTA fleet inspections wrap up" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/philadelphia/2025/11/04/septa-trump-administration-safety-mismanagement" target="_self">SEPTA</a> is on track to meet a federal deadline to inspect its aging Regional Rail fleet today, but repairs and updates will take weeks more to wrap up.Why it matters: Cancellations, delays and overcrowded cars on Regional Rail lines are sticking around, although relief is on the way.

The Philadelphia region's traffic is worse than ever

The average driver wasted 70 hours in traffic last year.

The hours drivers spend commuting in the Philadelphia region is heading in the wrong direction.Why it matters: Longer commutes means less time for leisure, hanging with friends and family, or — if your boss is reading this — work.

Trump administration calls for change at SEPTA

Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy is accusing the Philly-area transit agency of mismanagement.

U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy is raising the alarm on <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="SEPTA" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/philadelphia/2025/09/05/septa-service-cuts-shapiro-plan-restore" data-vars-content-id="458f3cf5-7ca3-41e3-a83e-5a88d45f9285" data-vars-headline="Trump administration calls for change at SEPTA" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/philadelphia/2025/09/05/septa-service-cuts-shapiro-plan-restore" target="_self">SEPTA</a>&#x27;s safety issues and accusing the Philly-area transit agency of mismanagement.Why it matters: The Trump administration is turning up the pressure as SEPTA scrambles to finish inspections of its aging infrastructure.

Speed cameras to go live on Philly's most dangerous roadway

The tech is coming to 15 locations along Broad Street.

Broad Street, Philadelphia&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="most dangerous roadway" data-vars-click-url="https://visionzerophl.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Automated-Speed-Enforcement-Expansion-Report-05-2024.pdf" data-vars-content-id="75f85534-4a99-433c-9c29-746b5c83e8c2" data-vars-headline="Speed cameras to go live on Philly&#x27;s most dangerous roadway" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://visionzerophl.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Automated-Speed-Enforcement-Expansion-Report-05-2024.pdf" target="_blank">most dangerous roadway</a>, is getting a new addition: Speed cameras.Why it matters: The tech has proven to significantly reduce speeding and deaths in other parts of the city, like along <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Roosevelt Boulevard" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/philadelphia/2022/08/17/philly-speed-camera-program-expiring" data-vars-content-id="75f85534-4a99-433c-9c29-746b5c83e8c2" data-vars-headline="Speed cameras to go live on Philly&#x27;s most dangerous roadway" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/philadelphia/2022/08/17/philly-speed-camera-program-expiring" target="_self">Roosevelt Boulevard</a>.

SEPTA unveils $400 million plan to restore service

It's the latest twist for the 800,000 daily riders facing a constant whipsaw of on-again, off-again service changes.

<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="SEPTA" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/philadelphia/2025/08/25/septa-service-cuts-begin-traffic-commute-carpool" data-vars-content-id="dc3cc2c6-5998-498d-bd5f-d807c6663c89" data-vars-headline="SEPTA unveils $400 million plan to restore service" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/philadelphia/2025/08/25/septa-service-cuts-begin-traffic-commute-carpool" target="_self">SEPTA</a> is angling to tap nearly $400 million from a special transit fund to restore all service and prevent cuts over the coming years, but the agency needs state approval.Why it matters: It&#x27;s the latest twist for SEPTA&#x27;s roughly 800,000 daily riders, who deal with a constant whipsaw of on-again, off-again service changes.

Philadelphia region's Labor Day travel predictions

Plus, hotel rates have dipped 11% nationally compared to last year.

Your Labor Day travel plans may be a little cheaper this year.The big picture: A gallon of regular gas costs $3.31 on average across Pennsylvania as of Turesday — 38 cents less than the same time a year ago, per <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="AAA" data-vars-click-url="https://gasprices.aaa.com/?state=PA" data-vars-content-id="1fcc8b0a-af09-4cef-8f8a-72f7fa87f054" data-vars-headline="Philadelphia region&#x27;s Labor Day travel predictions" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://gasprices.aaa.com/?state=PA" target="_blank">AAA</a>.<ul><li>Yes, but: In Philly proper, the average cost of a regular fill-up is $3.22 per gallon (down 19 cents over last year). </li></ul>

Transit 🚗

SEPTA preps for big World Cup crowds this summer

Philadelphia sees big drop in international tourists in 2025

Waymo eyes Philadelphia expansion

Tips for avoiding Thanksgiving travel headaches around Philly

Headaches persist as SEPTA fleet inspections wrap up