Philly-Afghan Info Hub Newsletter - Feb 13, 2026

U.S. News

1. Trump’s Repeals Endangerment Finding On Greenhouse Gases

• The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has rescinded a scientific finding which identified greenhouse gases, like carbon dioxide, as a danger to public health and welfare.
• The finding was established in 2009 under the Obama administration and has been the legal underpinning concerning climate regulation for industries that emit pollutants that are heating the planet.
• President Donald Trump falsely claimed that the Endangerment Finding was "One of the greatest scams in history,” but the scientific finding was based on overwhelming scientific evidence.
• The action repeals greenhouse emission standards for auto vehicles, but could also result in undoing regulations for power plants and oil and gas facilities.

Why it matters: Environmental rollbacks often disproportionately affect low-income and immigrant communities, who are more likely to live near highways, industrial zones, or power plants where pollution levels are higher. Increased air pollution can worsen asthma and other health conditions, particularly among children and elderly family members. For many immigrant families working in outdoor or labor-intensive jobs, climate-related heat and environmental risks also directly affect workplace safety and long-term health.

2. Epstein Documents Under Scrutiny in Congress

• In a congressional hearing on Wednesday, attorney general Pam Bondi was questioned by Democratic lawmakers over the Department of Justice’s handling of the documents relating to Epstein.
• The DOJ has been criticized in their handling of the Epstein files due to missing required deadlines, heavily redacting names and failing to redact names of the victims. When asked to address these criticisms, Bondi generally dodged the question, engaged in personal attacks and pointed the blame to previous administrations.
• Additionally, members of congress are able to access the unredacted files related to Epstein.

Why it matters: The controversy raises questions about transparency, accountability, and the protection of victims’ privacy. How the DOJ handles these files could impact public trust in federal law enforcement and fuel further political tensions in Congress.

3.   Department of Homeland Security Shutdown

• The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) will be shut down after lawmakers failed a senate vote to pass funding for the department.
• The disagreement over DHS primarily stems from how the department has been orchestrating through ICE and Customs and Border Protection. The democrats want more restrictions on the DHS, such body cameras for agents, prohibiting agents from wearing masks, a requirement for judicial warrants for arrest and an end to the DHS’s “roving patrols.”
• This shutdown will also affect the TSA, FEMA and the Coast Guard.

Why it matters: For immigrant communities, DHS policies directly shape daily life — from immigration enforcement to travel security and disaster response. A shutdown could create uncertainty around immigration case processing, enforcement practices, and access to services. At the same time, the debate over oversight measures such as body cameras and warrant requirements reflects broader concerns about accountability, civil rights, and due process — issues that many immigrant families closely follow. The outcome of this funding fight could influence how immigration enforcement is carried out and how protected communities feel in their interactions with federal authorities.

Philadelphia News

1. Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro Unveils Housing Action Plan

• Governor Josh Shapiro announced Pennsylvania’s first Housing Action Plan, which aims to make housing more affordable.
• The plan is backed by $1 billion and aims to support housing construction throughout Pennsylvania. 
• It also plans to reduce barriers for home ownership and strengthen tenant protections.

Why it matters: Affordable housing remains one of the biggest challenges for families in Philadelphia and across Pennsylvania. Immigrant communities, many of whom are renters or first-time homebuyers, are often disproportionately affected by rising rents, limited housing supply, and complex homeownership processes. Expanded construction and stronger tenant protections could provide greater stability for working families, help prevent displacement, and create clearer pathways to long-term homeownership.

2. Families Fight Back Against Philadelphia School Closures

• In response to the School District of Philadelphia wanting to close 20 schools in 2027, students and families have advocated against the closing of their schools. Those who are against the closing expressed concerns of safety and the deprivation of school resources in local communities.
• The school district remains steadfast in sticking with the plan, arguing that the plan aims to elevate the quality of schools across Philadelphia.
• Superintendent Tony Watlington will propose the plan to the board of education on Feb. 26. The board will decide which schools close.
• The plan aims to upgrade 160 schools across Philadelphia but would also force 5,000 students to relocate to different schools.

Why it matters: For many Philadelphia families — including immigrant households — neighborhood schools are more than just places of learning. They often serve as community hubs, offering language support programs, after-school care, and trusted relationships for parents navigating a new education system. School closures can disrupt stability for students, create transportation challenges, and make it harder for families to stay engaged. At the same time, improvements in school quality could benefit students long term if resources are distributed equitably. The final decision will shape educational access and community life for thousands of families.

Afghanistan/Diaspora News

1. U.N. Security Council Extends Monitoring of Sanctions on Taliban

• The United Nations Security Council on Thursday extended for one year the mandate of the team monitoring sanctions against the Taliban and other entities considered threats to peace and security in Afghanistan.
• The Taliban had previously called on the international community to lift the sanctions.
• However, continued activity by extremist groups in Afghanistan, discrimination against women, and the absence of an inclusive government were cited as key reasons for maintaining the sanctions regime.

Why it matters:  The extension signals that the international community continues to have serious concerns about security and human rights conditions in Afghanistan. For Afghans inside the country, sanctions can influence economic conditions and access to financial systems, even as humanitarian aid efforts continue. For Afghan immigrant and diaspora communities, the decision reflects the ongoing political and humanitarian crisis in their home country — an issue that shapes migration trends, family reunification efforts, and global engagement with Afghanistan.