ICE and Border Patrol came to Charlotte, Durham and Raleigh this week in a widespread raid as part of an ongoing nationwide effort to roundup, detain and deport illegal immigrants.  We were told that the "Hannibal Lectors" of the world were coming across our border and these raids were going to get them off of our streets.  While most of us envisioned Buffalo Bill being captured and sent back, more and more it is the janitor working for the Buffalo Bills that seems to be caught up instead.  Both here illegally.  But both serve much different risks to society at large.  The Trump Administration came back to power on a wave of immigration reform, specifically at the border.  But are these raids how we handle those that are already here?  

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The Democrats won.  Bigly.  It wasn't just that they won big races in blue states/cities like New Jersey, Virginia, California and NYC.  It's by how much.  But more telling is what happened in local races - both here in North Carolina and across the country.  Republicans had a bit of a wake up call that redistricting may not fix.  Will they listen in time for 2026?  

Help nominate this podcast for Podcast of the Year in the WRAL Voters' Choice Awards 2025.  Click the link here and nominate under the Professional and Entertainment category.  

https://www.wral.com/news/local/wral-voters-choice-awards-2025/

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Politics and Faith - two topics families tend to avoid discussing around the holiday dinner table.  So let's delve into them here.  Election season is here in the midst of an ever-growing political divide.  Both parties claiming to be on the side of What Would Jesus Do?  Both sides claiming you can't be a Christian if you support the other.  Churches being attacked with political violence.  What does the Bible have to say about politics/government?  How does faith shape our political views?  And how should we treat those who disagree with our political beliefs?  My pastor, Owen Barrow, joins the podcast to discuss and provide insight on what can be difficult personal battle - especially during election season.  

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The North Carolina state legislature joins a handful of other states in the unprecedented mid-decade redistricting campaign to ensure Republicans maintain control of the US House of Representatives for the second half of the Trump Administration's second term.  The cost?  Making not a single vote count in North Carolina when it comes to voting for a US House Rep.  Not one.  14 wholly uncompetitive districts.  It's a sham.  It's a shame.  And it deserves to be called out.  

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Mike joins the pod to discuss his campaign for Mayor of Holly Springs.  14 years ago, he lost a state rep race in Virginia by 50 votes.  He's thrown his hat back into the political ring with lessons learned from his prior campaign.  Mike shares his vision on development, traffic, citizen engagement, and other issues facing the town.  Learn more about his campaign here:  https://www.mikeforhs.com/

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Annie is the second Council member running for re-election this cycle.  She joins the podcast to discuss lessons learned from her first campaign and her two-year stint in office, why she chose to run again, and what she hopes to accomplish in a second term.  You can learn more about her campaign here:

https://www.anniedrees4hollysprings.com/

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Tim is one of two current Council members who are running for re-election.  He joins the podcast to discuss his experience on the Council, why he chose to run again, and what he is hoping to accomplish with a second term.  Learn more about Tim's campaign here:  https://timforrest4hs.com/ 

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Sarah Larson joins the podcast to discuss her campaign for Holly Springs Town Council.  People, policy and progress are the pillars of her candidacy.  She is already involved in a variety of aspects within the town, and is hoping to translate those experiences into being a Council member.  Learn more about her campaign here:  https://larsonforgovernment.com/

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Dr. Kara Foster joins the podcast to discuss her campaign for Holly Springs Town Council.  The eye doctor has a vision for the town and sees potential for helping small businesses like her own grow and stay in the community.  Hear her talk about her prescription for smart, people-first growth along with expanding our greenways and transportation options.  

Learn more about Kara here:  https://karaforcouncil.com/

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Josh Prizer joins the podcast for a conversation about his campaign for Holly Springs Town Council.  We discuss his background in public safety back in New Jersey, why he chose to move to Holly Springs, his experience on the Holly Springs Planning Board, and his vision for the town.  

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