Philly-Afghan Info Hub Weekly Newsletter - March 13, 2026

U.S. / National News

1. Updates on the U.S. and Israel strikes on Iran

• U.S. spending in the first six days: $11.3 billion.
• Casualties: 1,300 in Iran, 12 in Israel, 6 in the UAE, 687 in Lebanon, 13 in the U.S.
• Mojtaba Khamenei named Iran’s Supreme Leader on March 12; vowed to keep the Strait of Hormuz closed. His public visibility since the start of the war is unclear.
• About 20% of global oil passes through the Strait of Hormuz; Iran’s actions (mines, attacks on tankers) have reduced traffic.
• U.S. average gas price: $3.59 per gallon. The International Energy Agency will release 400 million barrels of oil reserves to help stabilize markets.

Why it matters: The war could disrupt global oil markets and impact U.S. energy prices. Political uncertainty in Iran also raises concerns about regional stability and U.S. foreign policy.

Philadelphia / Local News

1. Mayor Cherelle Parker unveils $6.97 billion budget proposal for FY 2027

• The proposed budget includes a 2% tax increase on hotel rentals in Philadelphia, which is expected to generate about $20 million annually. The city plans to use these funds to support public services and infrastructure improvements.
• The plan introduces a 25-cent tax on retail deliveries from companies like Amazon, applicable to non-essential items. Retailers, rather than customers, would be responsible for paying the tax, which is aimed at generating additional revenue for city programs.
• A 20-cent tax on ride-hailing services such as Uber and Lyft is also proposed, with the goal of raising funds for city services while encouraging sustainable transportation options.
• Online retailers would now be required to charge both the 2% city sales tax and the existing 6% state sales tax, ensuring the city collects additional revenue from e-commerce purchases.
• To prepare for potential federal funding cuts under the Trump administration, the budget sets aside $91 million in reserve funds, reflecting caution and forward planning by city officials.
• Key priorities in the budget include adding 1,000 shelter beds for unhoused residents, upgrading HVAC systems in public libraries, establishing a dedicated crew to repair potholes, allocating $25 million to continue funding SEPTA’s Zero Fare program, and providing $10 million for Key Advantage, which helps cover city employees’ rides to work.
• The proposed budget will now go to City Council for review, where council members will provide feedback and suggest changes. The council has until June 30 to approve the final budget.

Why it matters: This budget proposal demonstrates Mayor Parker’s focus on strengthening city services, supporting unhoused residents, and improving public transit and infrastructure. While the proposed taxes on hotel rentals, retail deliveries, and ride-hailing could impact residents and businesses, the revenue is intended to fund programs that benefit the broader community, including schools, libraries, and affordable transit initiatives.

2. SEPTA plans to cut 18 bus routes starting in August

• The cuts are intended to improve service quality on remaining routes, with a goal of buses picking up passengers every 15 minutes, seven days a week, for 15 hours a day. Currently, only 8 routes meet this standard, but if the plan succeeds, a total of 29 routes will reach this level of service.
• Two new routes will be added: Route 72 along Cheltenham Avenue, connecting Frankford Transit Center and Cedarbrook Plaza, and Route 76, which will run between North Philadelphia and South Philadelphia along Whitaker Avenue, G Street, Frankford Avenue, and Delaware Avenue.
• The cuts will directly impact Routes 17, 35, 44, 47M, 52, 62, 78, 80, 89, and 106, with reduced service on Routes 4, 32, 39, 54, and 73. Riders in these areas may experience longer wait times and reduced accessibility.

Why it matters: Reduced bus service could disproportionately affect immigrant and low-income communities who rely on public transit for work, school, and daily errands. While SEPTA aims to improve service reliability overall, residents in the affected neighborhoods may need to adjust their travel routines or find alternative transportation options.

Afghanistan / Diaspora News

1. UN reports civilian casualties after Pakistani airstrikes near Kabul

• The United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) said Pakistani airstrikes carried out overnight in eastern Kabul on March 12th, killed at least four civilians and injured 14 others.
• Since Feb. 26, UNAMA reports at least 75 civilians killed and 193 injured amid rising cross-border violence between Pakistani forces and the Taliban.
• The Taliban and Pakistan accuse each other of attacks along the border, while UN and humanitarian groups call for an immediate halt to protect civilians.

Why it matters: Rising tensions between Pakistan and the Taliban risk worsening Afghanistan’s already fragile humanitarian situation. For Afghan diaspora communities abroad, including many families in the United States, renewed conflict raises concerns about the safety of relatives back home and the possibility of further instability in the region.

2. Former Afghan Prime Minister Sultan Ali Kishtmand passes away

• Sultan Ali Kishtmand, a prominent leader of the People’s Democratic Party of Afghanistan, has died. His family confirmed his passing on March 12.
• Kishtmand was the first Hazara to serve as Afghanistan’s prime minister, holding office during the governments of Babrak Karmal and Dr. Najibullah.
• After the fall of Najibullah’s government, he moved to Russia and later sought asylum in the United Kingdom.

Why it matters: Kishtmand’s passing marks the loss of a significant figure in Afghanistan’s modern political history. For Afghan diaspora communities, his legacy is a reminder of the country’s complex political past and the role of Hazara leaders in shaping national politics.