Sign in

haajrah gilani

@haajrah.bsky.social
29 followers 20 following 39 posts

Politics reporter for the San Antonio Express-News ★ proud philly native

PostsRepliesMedia
haajrah gilani @haajrah.bsky.social · 02/09/2026
Breaking down what recent USPS efforts to restrict access to mail-in ballots means for Texas voters: www.expressnews.com/politics/art...
expressnews.com
What the US Postal Service's effort to reshape mail-in voting means for Texas
A whistleblower warns the Postal Service's new system for determining who receives mail-in ballot could derail the midterm election. Here's what Texas voters need to know.
000
haajrah gilani @haajrah.bsky.social · 31/08/2026
For more than 100 Texans who spoke to the SBOE today, the only issue that mattered was how students will learn about the world’s two largest religions. Almost no one spoke about anything else. www.houstonchronicle.com/politics/art...
houstonchronicle.com
Fight over Islam is key focus ahead of pivotal high school curriculum vote
Texas high school students could be expected to explain the Prophet Mohammed's “brutal military campaigns” under a curriculum rewrite set for a vote this week.
010
haajrah gilani @haajrah.bsky.social · 31/08/2026
President Trump continues his defense of data centers, says communities opposing them “want to end up being backwards and poor.”
000
haajrah gilani @haajrah.bsky.social · 28/08/2026
A Republican San Antonio state House candidate is apologizing for 'dark humor' in his past social media posts. www.expressnews.com/politics/art...
expressnews.com
GOP state House candidate apologizes for old 'dark humor' social media posts
Jorge Borrego, the GOP nominee locked in a competitive state House race in San Antonio, apologized for past social media posts that resurfaced this week.
000
haajrah gilani @haajrah.bsky.social · 27/08/2026
Asked House Speaker Mike Johnson if he’s concerned about Republicans maintaining their 2024 wins in South Texas. www.expressnews.com/politics/art...
expressnews.com
Speaker Mike Johnson campaigns in South Texas as Democrats try to retake House
Four South Texas congressional races could help decide which party takes control of the U.S. House.
000
Reposted by haajrah gilani
San Antonio Express-News @expressnews.com · 21/08/2026
Congressional candidate Brandon Herrera's campaign explained why financial disclosure doesn’t reflect stated millionaire status, and said he would refile soon.
bit.ly
Brandon Herrera says he's a millionaire. His filings still don't back that up.
Congressional candidate Brandon Herrera's campaign explained why financial disclosure doesn’t reflect stated millionaire status, and said he would refile soon.
021
haajrah gilani @haajrah.bsky.social · 19/08/2026
Texas Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick is escalating conservatives’ yearslong fight to remove books they deem inappropriate from schools, pledging to find ways to know school districts’ ratings if they offer “dirty” books. www.expressnews.com/politics/art...
expressnews.com
Dan Patrick threatens to lower ratings for school districts with flagged books
The Texas Senate leader was joined by a conservative activist who claims districts aren't complying with a new state law that bans "sexually explicit" content.
144
haajrah gilani @haajrah.bsky.social · 10/08/2026
Spoke to CD-23 Republican candidate Brandon Herrera about his hopes for nationwide permitless carry and how his longtime gun rights advocacy could translate into policy. www.expressnews.com/politics/art...
expressnews.com
Brandon Herrera promises to advocate for permitless carry. Here’s what to know.
Brandon Herrera, or as he's known online "The AK Guy," offered insight into how his longtime Second Amendment advocacy could translate into gun policy.
000
Reposted by haajrah gilani
San Antonio Express-News @expressnews.com · 29/07/2026
Gov. Greg Abbott’s new senior official advising on election integrity, Nate Schatzline, is among his highest paid employees, even as Schatzline’s duties remain a mystery. bit.ly/4bE0WF9
011
haajrah gilani @haajrah.bsky.social · 29/07/2026
Greg Abbott's new election adviser is among top-paid employees. His duties remain unclear. www.houstonchronicle.com/politics/art...
houstonchronicle.com
Greg Abbott's new election adviser is highly paid. His duties remain unclear.
Gov. Greg Abbott's senior adviser on election integrity, Nate Schatzline, is among the highest earners in the office. His job description doesn't spell out how he might shape election policy.
000
haajrah gilani @haajrah.bsky.social · 22/07/2026
AIPAC has been a reliable financier for Texas candidates. But it’s been silent on important races taking place this fall amid changing views of U.S.-Israel relations. www.houstonchronicle.com/politics/art...
houstonchronicle.com
AIPAC often spends on Texas races. Can the pro-Israel lobby keep its place?
AIPAC has been a reliable financier for Texas candidates. But it's been silent on important races taking place this fall amid changing views of U.S.-Israel relations.
000
haajrah gilani @haajrah.bsky.social · 17/07/2026
NEW: Gov. Greg Abbott is expected to appoint longtime adviser Robert Howden as secretary of state. www.houstonchronicle.com/politics/art...
houstonchronicle.com
Greg Abbott to appoint adviser Robert Howden as secretary of state, senator says
Howden, a close ally of the governor's, will take over for Jane Nelson just months ahead of this year’s high-stakes midterm election.
010
Reposted by haajrah gilani
San Antonio Express-News @expressnews.com · 13/07/2026
Jane Nelson, the longest serving secretary of state under Gov. Abbott, is stepping down from her position without providing a reason or a named successor ahead of the upcoming midterm elections.
bit.ly
Texas' top election official's departure ahead of midterm creates uncertainty
Jane Nelson, the longest serving secretary of state under Gov. Abbott, is stepping down from her position without providing a reason or a named successor ahead of the upcoming midterm elections.
003
haajrah gilani @haajrah.bsky.social · 13/07/2026
Trump repeats his frustration with Henry Cuellar, saying he anticipated the pardon would make him switch parties or not run again. He shared the letter Cuellar’s children wrote last year requesting a pardon.
000
haajrah gilani @haajrah.bsky.social · 13/07/2026
Jane Nelson, the longest serving secretary of state under Gov. Abbott, is stepping down from her position without providing a reason or a named successor ahead of the upcoming midterm elections. I spoke to officials on why it's causing confusion. www.houstonchronicle.com/politics/art...
houstonchronicle.com
Texas' top election official's departure ahead of midterm creates uncertainty
Jane Nelson, the longest serving secretary of state under Gov. Abbott, is stepping down from her position without providing a reason or a named successor ahead of the upcoming midterm elections.
021
haajrah gilani @haajrah.bsky.social · 07/07/2026
Greg Casar pulls support from Graham Platner after sexual assault allegation www.expressnews.com/politics/art...
expressnews.com
Greg Casar pulls support from Graham Platner after sexual assault allegation
The Austin Democrat had been Texas' only member of Congress to publicly back Platner in his bid to oust Maine U.S. Sen. Susan Collins.
000
haajrah gilani @haajrah.bsky.social · 26/06/2026
NEW: Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick is in Washington right now to meet with President Trump regarding the Religious Liberty Commission’s findings. www.houstonchronicle.com/news/houston...
houstonchronicle.com
The Religious Liberty Commission ends next week. Here's what it hopes to change.
The Religious Liberty Commission, chaired by Texas Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick, is meeting with President Trump in Washington to discuss its findings Friday.
000
haajrah gilani @haajrah.bsky.social · 23/06/2026
After a video of a woman saying Islam is a terrorist organization gained widespread traction, supporters raised more than $125,000 for her. www.houstonchronicle.com/news/houston...
houstonchronicle.com
Supporters raise more than $125,000 for woman who made anti-Islam remarks
After a video of a woman saying Islam is a terrorist organization gained widespread traction, supporters raised over $125K for her.
000
Reposted by haajrah gilani
Houston Chronicle @houstonchronicle.com · 22/06/2026
Texas could become the first state to require Bible readings in public schools, but religious scholars who reviewed the proposed list have questioned its academic merit. bit.ly/4oKAcbc bit.ly/4oKAcbc
bit.ly
Texas may mandate Bible readings in schools. Religious scholars are skeptical.
Texas could become the first state to require Bible readings in public schools, but religious scholars who reviewed the proposed list have questioned its academic merit.
232720
haajrah gilani @haajrah.bsky.social · 21/06/2026
‘The SBC is dead to me’: Survivors say Southern Baptists have lost their way on abuse reforms www.houstonchronicle.com/news/houston...
houstonchronicle.com
Why Southern Baptist abuse survivors say they aren't fighting the convention now
The Southern Baptist Convention elected a president who questioned its abuse crisis. Survivors say they saw it coming.
55129
haajrah gilani @haajrah.bsky.social · 15/03/2026
What does the Bible say about immigration? It depends who you ask. Story here: www.houstonchronicle.com/news/houston...
houstonchronicle.com
Trump’s deportation push has Christians split, with both sides citing the Bible
Some Christians support President Donald Trump's mass deportation agendas, while others stand against it. Both groups say they're justified by the Bible.
112
haajrah gilani @haajrah.bsky.social · 04/03/2026
“My kid felt seen. That’s all it was supposed to be — for every kid to feel seen,” said Kaf Alghazal, who is Muslim. “Bunker Hill wanted that. Spring Branch doesn’t want that.”   Story about a now-removed Ramadan display in an elementary school: www.houstonchronicle.com/news/houston...
houstonchronicle.com
Spring Branch ISD removes Ramadan display at Bunker Hill Elementary School
“My kid felt seen. That’s all it was supposed to be — for every kid to feel seen,” said Kaf Alghazal, who is Muslim. “Bunker Hill wanted that. Spring Branch doesn’t want that.”
000
haajrah gilani @haajrah.bsky.social · 09/02/2026
Donald Trump's Religious Liberty Commission led by Dan Patrick sued for 'unfair bias' in coalition represented by @americansunited.bsky.social and @democracyforward.org Read here: www.houstonchronicle.com/news/houston...
houstonchronicle.com
Donald Trump and Dan Patrick’s religion commission sued for ‘unfair bias’
Dan Patrick says religious liberty is a priority for him. Now, the Religious Liberty Commission he chairs is being sued by multifaith groups for "unfair bias."
000
haajrah gilani @haajrah.bsky.social · 03/02/2026
“Sharia" is a popular GOP talking point right now, and a question banning it will appear on the GOP primary ballot in March. Here's an explainer of what religious experts say Sharia is/isn't: www.houstonchronicle.com/news/houston...
houstonchronicle.com
Texas Republicans like Greg Abbott who condemn Sharia law struggle to define it
State conservative leaders say Sharia law threatens Texans, but often without defining what it is.
100
haajrah gilani @haajrah.bsky.social · 03/02/2026
Another Republican Rep., Andy Biggs of Arizona, says Sharia "rejects all of the liberal Western tradition.”
100
haajrah gilani @haajrah.bsky.social · 03/02/2026
Watching a news conference for the “Sharia-Free America Caucus,” launched by Texas Republican Reps. Keith Self and Chip Roy. Alabama Sen. Tommy Tuberville says he's unbothered being called an "Islamophobe." He added that he loves the U.S. "is a Christian nation and it’s gonna stay that way.”
100
Reposted by haajrah gilani
Alan Fossler @alanfossler.bsky.social · 31/01/2026
Montgomery County Judge Mark Keough seeks dismissal of sexual assault lawsuit, via @haajrah.bsky.social www.houstonchronicle.com/news/houston...
houstonchronicle.com
Legal fight escalates over sexual harassment allegations against Mark Keough
éMontgomery County Judge Mark Keough looks to dismiss his former church assistant’s sexual assault lawsuit against him, while also suing her in a separate court.
021
haajrah gilani @haajrah.bsky.social · 19/01/2026
A louder Christian right, but not a revival: What Trump’s second term is changing in religion www.houstonchronicle.com/news/houston...
houstonchronicle.com
A louder Christian right, not a revival: What Trump is changing in religion
Religion experts weigh in as The White House claims President Donald Trump is the most "pro-faith and pro-religious liberty President in American history."
000
Reposted by haajrah gilani
Houston Chronicle @houstonchronicle.com · 18/01/2026
The linebacker received a hefty fine by the NFL for writing “Stop the genocide” on his eye black strip during his team’s win over the Pittsburgh Steelers in the wild-card round Monday night. bit.ly/49ZYdFg
1188
haajrah gilani @haajrah.bsky.social · 17/01/2026
Planned Parenthood closed clinics in Houston. Can it survive Texas politics? Story here: www.houstonchronicle.com/health/artic...
houstonchronicle.com
Inside Planned Parenthood’s strategy to survive attacks from Texas Republicans
Planned Parenthood says it still has a future in Texas — and hopes to expand services in Houston.
000
haajrah gilani @haajrah.bsky.social · 08/01/2026
As the deadline for school boards to vote on Senate Bill 11 is approaching, over 160 Texas faith leaders encouraged them to oppose. Story: www.houstonchronicle.com/news/houston...
houstonchronicle.com
160 Texas faith leaders urge schools to reject prayer policy under new state law
A new state law requires school boards to vote on establishing a period of prayer and “reading of the Bible or other religious text" at public schools.
000
Reposted by haajrah gilani
Alan Fossler @alanfossler.bsky.social · 24/12/2025
How Houston nonprofits are meeting higher holiday demands amid economic concerns, via @haajrah.bsky.social www.houstonchronicle.com/news/houston...
houstonchronicle.com
Why Houston nonprofits are seeing a surge of aid requests this Christmas
Economic uncertainty is increasing needs on Christmas, and Houston's nonprofits are filling that gap.
011
haajrah gilani @haajrah.bsky.social · 24/11/2025
Texas conservative leaders say Sharia law threatens Texans, but often without defining what it is. x.com/houstonchron...
x.com
010
haajrah gilani @haajrah.bsky.social · 07/11/2025
Attorney General Ken Paxton is suing Galveston ISD after the school board voted last month against displaying the Ten Commandments in classrooms. www.houstonchronicle.com/news/houston...
houstonchronicle.com
Texas AG Ken Paxton sues Galveston ISD for refusing to display Ten Commandments
Attorney General Ken Paxton sued Galveston ISD after the school board voted last month against displaying the Ten Commandments in classrooms.
021
haajrah gilani @haajrah.bsky.social · 05/11/2025
A Texas priest is in ICE custody even though he can legally work in the U.S., diocese says. Read here: www.houstonchronicle.com/news/houston...
houstonchronicle.com
Texas priest being held in Conroe ICE facility despite work permit, diocese says
An Episcopal priest and immigrant who was legally employed by the Texas Department of Criminal Justice is in the custody of immigration authorities in Conroe.
010
Reposted by haajrah gilani
Alan Fossler @alanfossler.bsky.social · 27/09/2025
At Texas Faith Fest, lawmakers urge pastors to preach politics as Christian nationalism fuels debate, via @haajrah.bsky.social www.houstonchronicle.com/news/houston...
houstonchronicle.com
At Texas Faith Fest, lawmakers urge pastors to preach politics
Christian leaders ask pastors to preach politics as Texas Faith Fest panel discusses Christian nationalism and church-state separation.
021
Reposted by haajrah gilani
Las Vegas Sun @lasvegassun.bsky.social · 30/05/2025
Nevada’s higher education institutions appear well-positioned to meet the federal requirements.
lasvegassun.com
Trump's grip on student loan debt may soon reach universities
When Nina Fox graduated from UNLV in 2011, she carried $34,000 in student debt — a burden that would shadow her life for over a decade. Despite making consistent payments ...
011
haajrah gilani @haajrah.bsky.social · 29/04/2025
The bill, which was put forth by Sen. @tedcruz and cosponsored by @SenJackyRosen and @CortezMasto, passed in the House today with only two votes against it: Republicans @RepEricBurlison and @RepThomasMassie.
000
haajrah gilani @haajrah.bsky.social · 29/04/2025
All members of Nevada's congressional delegation supported the TAKE IT DOWN Act, which would require certain online platforms to quickly remove nonconsensual online publication of real or computer-generated "intimate visual depictions" of people.
100
haajrah gilani @haajrah.bsky.social · 21/04/2025
With President Trump utilizing the Alien Enemies Act for deportation — an action temporarily blocked by the Supreme Court — Japanese Americans who lived through WWII are drawing parallels of their own experiences. Story below: lasvegassun.com/news/2025/ap...
lasvegassun.com
Deportations stir echoes of Japanese American incarceration in WWII
At 80, Judy Ishibashi still spends her Saturdays wielding protest signs, her resolute spirit undimmed by age.
010
haajrah gilani @haajrah.bsky.social · 18/04/2025
As corporations are pulling out of Pride festivals due to DEI rollbacks, Southwest Airlines opted to sponsor Las Vegas Pride for the first time. Read here: lasvegassun.com/news/2025/ap...
lasvegassun.com
Las Vegas Pride pushes on as corporate support of DEI causes wanes nationally
Amid a national trend of major sponsors withdrawing from LGBTQ+ Pride celebrations due to diversity, equity and inclusion rollbacks, Las Vegas Pride is forging new relationships and expanding preexist...
000
haajrah gilani @haajrah.bsky.social · 02/04/2025
Today’s meeting will include: @repmarktakano.bsky.social, @repwilson.bsky.social, @gregcasar.bsky.social, @repescobar.bsky.social and @joaquincastrotx.bsky.social. (3/3).
000
haajrah gilani @haajrah.bsky.social · 02/04/2025
In February, 96 House Democrats signed a letter seeking a meeting with then-Acting Secretary Denise Carter. After that request was denied, members of the group went to the Department of Education headquarters and had the doors locked on them. (2/3).
100
haajrah gilani @haajrah.bsky.social · 02/04/2025
Democratic House representatives are meeting with Education Secretary Linda McMahon this morning to raise concerns about the Trump administration’s dismantling of the Education Department. (1/3).
100
Reposted by haajrah gilani
Las Vegas Sun @lasvegassun.bsky.social · 28/03/2025
President Donald Trump's plans to bar transgender people from serving in the military has been blocked by a federal judge in a case that includes two Nellis Air Force Base servicemembers
lasvegassun.com
Trump plan to bar trans people from military blocked by federal judge
A federal judge temporarily blocked President Donald Trump from barring of transgender people in the military Thursday evening as a separate court also evaluates the order, an effort brought by a…
022
haajrah gilani @haajrah.bsky.social · 25/03/2025
In a report released today, the Center for Effective Lawmaking identified #Nevada Sens. Jacky Rosen and Catherine Cortez Masto and Rep. Dina Titus as "highly effective" Democrats during the 118th session of #Congress. All three were ranked in the top ten for their respective chambers.
010
Reposted by haajrah gilani
Las Vegas Sun @lasvegassun.bsky.social · 25/03/2025
lasvegassun.com
Nevada lawmakers take another shot at helping voters overcome language barrier
Secretary of State Cisco Aguilar established language accessibility as a priority early in his tenure. His office provided dial-direct interpreter services for ...
001
Reposted by haajrah gilani
Las Vegas Sun @lasvegassun.bsky.social · 21/03/2025
Nevada lawmakers advocating for children of parents facing deportation
lasvegassun.com
Nevada lawmakers advocating for children of parents facing deportation
The Nevada Legislature is examining a system that would give undocumented parents more control over who cares for their children if they are deported during the ongoing mass deportation operations…
001
Reposted by haajrah gilani
Las Vegas Sun @lasvegassun.bsky.social · 20/03/2025
Nevada bill aims to protect candidates from incitement to violence
lasvegassun.com
Nevada bill aims to protect candidates from incitement to violence
Assemblymember Hanadi Nadeem, D-Las Vegas, encountered a surprise during her campaign for the Nevada Legislature last year when she came across a roadside sign using misconstrued facts to link her to…
001
haajrah gilani @haajrah.bsky.social · 19/03/2025
NSHE has long held provisions listing “unlawful discrimination based on race” as a prohibited activity and can constitute cause for disciplinary actions for faculty. (3/3)
000