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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.

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.

Philadelphia airport braces for disruptions as FAA cuts flights

Staffing shortages linked to the government shutdown are snarling travel at airports nationwide.

Philadelphia International Airport is bracing for a likely <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="10% cut" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2025/11/06/flights-canceled-airports-shutdown-thanksgiving" data-vars-content-id="b7a0639b-4a4a-4a4a-ae97-8752e64a305b" data-vars-headline="Philadelphia airport braces for disruptions as FAA cuts flights" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2025/11/06/flights-canceled-airports-shutdown-thanksgiving" target="_self">10% cut</a> in air traffic, as <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="staffing shortages" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2025/10/08/shutdown-air-traffic-controllers-delays-sick-outs" data-vars-content-id="b7a0639b-4a4a-4a4a-ae97-8752e64a305b" data-vars-headline="Philadelphia airport braces for disruptions as FAA cuts flights" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2025/10/08/shutdown-air-traffic-controllers-delays-sick-outs" target="_self">staffing shortages</a> linked to the government shutdown <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="snarl travel" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2025/11/02/flight-delays-staffing-shortages-government-shutdown" data-vars-content-id="b7a0639b-4a4a-4a4a-ae97-8752e64a305b" data-vars-headline="Philadelphia airport braces for disruptions as FAA cuts flights" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2025/11/02/flight-delays-staffing-shortages-government-shutdown" target="_self">snarl travel</a> at airports nationwide.Why it matters: The move is expected to bring delays and flight cancellations — and more cuts could follow as the busy Thanksgiving travel season nears.

Philly airport grounds Kristi Noem's government shutdown video

The Trump administration released the video for airing at TSA checkpoints, but some authorities have shelved the message out of concern it violates federal law.

Airports across the country — including Philly — are refusing to show a video of <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2025/10/09/trump-immigration-homeland-security-noem-cities" data-vars-content-id="35210c8d-b07d-4227-aa46-5a940e897037" data-vars-headline="Philly airport grounds Kristi Noem&#x27;s government shutdown video" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2025/10/09/trump-immigration-homeland-security-noem-cities" target="_self">Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem</a> blaming the ongoing <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="government shutdown" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2025/09/30/trump-housing-department-shutdown-alert" data-vars-content-id="35210c8d-b07d-4227-aa46-5a940e897037" data-vars-headline="Philly airport grounds Kristi Noem&#x27;s government shutdown video" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2025/09/30/trump-housing-department-shutdown-alert" target="_self">government shutdown</a> on congressional Democrats . Why it matters: The Trump administration released the video for airing at TSA checkpoints earlier this month, but some transportation authorities have shelved the message out of concern it <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="violates the Hatch Act" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2025/10/01/government-shutdown-republicans-trump-administration-hud" data-vars-content-id="35210c8d-b07d-4227-aa46-5a940e897037" data-vars-headline="Philly airport grounds Kristi Noem&#x27;s government shutdown video" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2025/10/01/government-shutdown-republicans-trump-administration-hud" target="_self">violates the Hatch Act</a>.

United Lounge at PHL shut down for health violations

Health inspectors cited "imminent hazards" during a reinspection Monday.

The United Club at <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Philadelphia International Airport" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/philadelphia/2025/08/13/philadelphia-airport-rocky-statue" data-vars-content-id="443b98eb-3eb4-49a1-8205-ea64880a6858" data-vars-headline="United Lounge at PHL shut down for health violations" 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/philadelphia-airport-rocky-statue" target="_self">Philadelphia International Airport</a> was shut down over several health code violations.Why it matters: The passenger lounge cannot reopen until the issues are addressed and a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="reinspection fee" data-vars-click-url="https://codelibrary.amlegal.com/codes/philadelphia/latest/philadelphia_pa/0-0-0-274595" data-vars-content-id="443b98eb-3eb4-49a1-8205-ea64880a6858" data-vars-headline="United Lounge at PHL shut down for health violations" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://codelibrary.amlegal.com/codes/philadelphia/latest/philadelphia_pa/0-0-0-274595" target="_blank">reinspection fee</a> is paid, per the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="city&#x27;s posted notice" data-vars-click-url="https://www.reddit.com/r/unitedairlines/comments/1nu7yv2/united_club_in_phl_closed_by_dept_of_health/#lightbox" data-vars-content-id="443b98eb-3eb4-49a1-8205-ea64880a6858" data-vars-headline="United Lounge at PHL shut down for health violations" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.reddit.com/r/unitedairlines/comments/1nu7yv2/united_club_in_phl_closed_by_dept_of_health/#lightbox" target="_blank">city&#x27;s posted notice</a>.

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>

The best times to travel from Philly for Memorial Day vacation

Over 525,000 people in the metro are expected to travel from Thursday through Monday.

<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Memorial Day travel" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2025/05/12/memorial-day-travel-forecast-record-aaa" data-vars-content-id="993c1f7a-740a-4feb-90b6-ab40a96832d3" data-vars-headline="The best times to travel from Philly for Memorial Day vacation" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2025/05/12/memorial-day-travel-forecast-record-aaa" target="_self">Memorial Day travel</a> is on course to be busier than ever.Why it matters: More than 525,000 people in the Philly metro are expected to travel from Thursday through Monday, per AAA.<ul><li>That&#x27;s up 3% over last year and would be a record high for the long weekend.</li></ul>

Billboards popping up across Philly slam national park cuts

The signs warn of the potential consequences of NPS layoffs, like longer waits, more trash and dirty bathrooms.

A pro-labor news outlet is putting up 11 billboards across Philadelphia this week to protest the Trump administration&#x27;s cuts to <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="national parks" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2025/03/05/national-park-federal-workers-layoffs-trump" data-vars-content-id="d2ed36ed-7e41-42ca-a8e6-b145ab1f6e26" data-vars-headline="Billboards popping up across Philly slam national park cuts" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2025/03/05/national-park-federal-workers-layoffs-trump" target="_self">national parks</a>.The big picture: <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="More Perfect Union" data-vars-click-url="https://perfectunion.us/about/" data-vars-content-id="d2ed36ed-7e41-42ca-a8e6-b145ab1f6e26" data-vars-headline="Billboards popping up across Philly slam national park cuts" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://perfectunion.us/about/" target="_blank">More Perfect Union</a> launched a multimillion-dollar national ad blitz in more than 40 cities decrying the gutting of &quot;one of our nation&#x27;s most treasured assets.&quot;

Philly travel industry braces for big drop in foreign visitors

Those visitors spend more and stay longer on average than their domestic counterparts.

<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="International travelers" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/philadelphia/2025/04/09/tourism-industry-philadelphia-region-challenges-canada" data-vars-content-id="0bb2faf9-aac1-473a-b59d-97029aac63b7" data-vars-headline="Philly travel industry braces for big drop in foreign visitors" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/philadelphia/2025/04/09/tourism-industry-philadelphia-region-challenges-canada" target="_self">International travelers</a> are forecast to shun Philadelphia this year in big numbers, especially <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Canadians" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2025/04/29/trump-canada-mark-carney-relationship" data-vars-content-id="0bb2faf9-aac1-473a-b59d-97029aac63b7" data-vars-headline="Philly travel industry braces for big drop in foreign visitors" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2025/04/29/trump-canada-mark-carney-relationship" target="_self">Canadians</a>.Why it matters: Those visitors spend more and stay longer on average than their domestic counterparts, which could put a big dent in the billion-dollar industry.

Philadelphia's tourism industry faces headwinds in this political climate

More than a million international tourists trekked to the Philadelphia region last year.

Philadelphia&#x27;s top international tourism agency is monitoring the volatile political climate while forging ahead with trying to lure foreign travelers to the region.Why it matters: Any decline in global tourism could bang up a billion-dollar money-maker for the Philly region.

Pennsylvania has a really low Real ID adoption rate

The REAL ID deadline is May 7. Without a valid passport or Real ID, you can't fly domestically after that date.

Pennsylvanians are flocking to get their <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Real ID" data-vars-click-url="https://www.pa.gov/agencies/dmv/driver-services/real-id.html" data-vars-content-id="b988eab6-0036-4f6c-b4c5-26d0a8cb8db7" data-vars-headline="Pennsylvania has a really low Real ID adoption rate" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.pa.gov/agencies/dmv/driver-services/real-id.html" target="_blank">Real ID</a> before it&#x27;s required for domestic flights and access to some federal facilities like courthouses and military bases.Why it matters: The Real ID is the key to the universe: You won&#x27;t be able to fly out of Philly International Airport without it, unless you have a valid passport.