The Carolina Cabinet

Welcome back to the Carolina Cabinet, Cumberland County’s smartest hour of talk radio. In this episode, Peter Pappas sits down with school board candidate Bryan Moore for an in-depth discussion on the challenges and opportunities facing local education. From the urgent need for greater transparency and communication in school board operations to a push for trade programs and hands-on career pathways for students, Bryan Moore brings fresh ideas shaped by his experience as both a parent with children currently in school and a longtime athletic booster. The conversation tackles issues like underfunded athletics, the importance of community engagement, discipline in classrooms, bus driver shortages, and how strong schools are key to local economic growth. Whether you’re a parent, educator, or concerned citizen, this episode is packed with candid insights into the future of education in Cumberland County. Tune in as Peter Pappas and Bryan Moore explore what it takes to build better schools—and a stronger community.

Welcome to the Carolina Cabinet, Cumberland County's smartest hour of talk radio. Host Peter Pappas and co-host Laura Mussler are joined by Miles McKeller-Smith, Director of Public Relations for the Arts Council of Fayetteville|Cumberland County, and Tanner Port of the VFW Department of North Carolina.

Miles previews the 48th annual International Folk Festival — opening on a Friday for the first time, with El Centro Hispano performances on Hay Street Friday night, the Parade of Nations Saturday at 10 a.m., and a free afternoon in Festival Park.

Then the news: Cumberland County closes the Crown Arena and Crown Theatre after shelving the downtown event center, and Peter asks why the citizens' board that runs them wasn't consulted. A state appeals court rules on who controls North Carolina's elections board, Fayetteville credits its youth curfew for a drop in violent crime, Regional Acceptance cuts 253 jobs in Pitt County, and a new poll shows where the state Supreme Court race stands.

In the closing block, Tanner Port explains the bipartisan push to give the state 20 acres of Fort Bragg for a new home for 85 displaced veterans — now waiting on the U.S. Senate — and why a federal judge's ruling against Veterans Guardian matters to every veteran filing a VA claim. His advice: start with your county Veteran Service Officer or VA.gov. It's free.

Stick around for our interview with State Rep. Diane Wheatley, released as its own episode.

Welcome back to Carolina Cabinet, Cumberland County's smartest hour of talk radio. In this episode, host Peter Pappas and co-host Laura Mussler sit down with returning guest Commissioner Glenn Adams for an unflinching look at local leadership, big projects, and the future of the Cape Fear region. They dig into the challenges and controversies surrounding public projects like the Crown Event Center, school board responsibilities, economic development, and the promise (or pitfalls) of new infrastructure. With candid discussion on term limits, transparency in government, and running unopposed, Adams shares his drive for public service and what keeps him motivated to keep showing up—no matter the opposition. Whether you agree or disagree, this conversation is all about real talk and keeping the doors open for dialogue in Cumberland County.

Welcome to another lively edition of the Carolina Cabinet, recorded live and delivering Cumberland County's smartest hour of talk radio. Host Peter Pappas and co-host Laura Mussler are joined by Commissioner Glenn Adams for a wide-ranging discussion on the issues shaping Fayetteville, Fort Bragg, and beyond.

The conversation kicks off with a Greek Festival recap before diving into Cumberland County's $161.5 million PFAS settlement with Chemours and what it means for local residents. The panel tackles tough questions about delivering clean water, the challenges of infrastructure funding, and whether North Carolina's Golden Leaf tobacco-settlement model could make the money last.

The episode also examines a high-profile criminal case, the politics of a 16-candidate school board race, the new policy letting students leave school for religious instruction, economic development in Fayetteville, and the ongoing saga of downtown parking. Rapid-fire updates include 911 consolidation, this fall's judicial races, and efforts to secure a new state veterans home.

It's a packed show of candid commentary, news analysis, and behind-the-scenes insight—giving a voice to conservative perspectives in Cumberland County and bringing the latest headlines to your doorstep.

Welcome back to the Carolina Cabinet! In this episode, Peter Pappas sits down with Judge Toby Hampson, who is running for reelection to North Carolina’s Court of Appeals. Born in England and raised in Moore County, Toby Hampson shares his journey from public schools to Campbell Law, providing insights into his path to the appellate bench. The conversation navigates the ins and outs of the appellate court, highlighting how North Carolina’s judicial system works to ensure the law makes sense in the real world and delivers fair outcomes for everyday people. Peter Pappas and Toby Hampson discuss the challenges of partisan judicial elections, the impact of artificial intelligence on the courts, and the realities of running a statewide campaign. Whether you’re passionate about the legal system or simply interested in the stories behind the names on your ballot, this episode offers a candid look at justice, accountability, and the commitment to serving North Carolinians.

On this episode of Carolina Cabinet, host Peter Pappas and co-host Laura Mussler welcome special guest Lia Hasapis for an energetic and wide-ranging conversation spotlighting Fayetteville's 36th annual Greek Festival. Lia Hasapis gives us an inside look at organizing this beloved cultural event, sharing what to expect in food, music, and community when the festivities kick off this weekend.

But the Cabinet crew doesn't stop there—frank reflections on the 25th anniversary of 9/11 set a serious tone before the team dives into their signature rapid-fire local news round-up, discussing issues from local school progress and controversial election betting to the ongoing fight over mail-in ballots in North Carolina.

Tune in for laughter, sharp debate, and a heartfelt exploration of how traditions like the Greek Festival help weave the rich, diverse fabric of the Fayetteville community—plus details on where to find the best loukoumades in town.

FAYETTEVILLE GREEK FESTIVAL — 36th ANNUAL

Saturday, September 12: 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM

Sunday, September 13: 12:00 – 6:00 PM

614 Oakridge Avenue, Fayetteville (historic Haymount)

Cash, card, and euros accepted. Volunteer 4+ hours and get a free t-shirt.

CHAPTERS

00:00 Show open and introductions

04:50 Experiencing 9/11 in silence

08:20 Witnessing the second plane hit

12:17 Increased base security measures

13:36 Data center permitting delay

17:54 Postal Service rules and state disputes

22:08 Chuck Edwards censure discussion

25:08 Teaching accountability to children

28:01 Planning the Greek Festival

30:41 Nextdoor arguments and frustrations

34:20 Growing up in Fayetteville

37:25 Childhood misunderstanding in class

40:29 Introducing school board candidate

More at thecarolinacabinet.com

Welcome back to the Carolina Cabinet, where we give a voice to the conservatives of Fayetteville, Cumberland County, and beyond. In today’s special episode, Peter Pappas sits down with Doug Turpin, Charlotte parent, CEO of Coalition for Liberty, and the driving force behind a high-profile lawsuit against Charlotte Latin School.

After noticing significant curriculum shifts and alleged retaliation for raising concerns, Doug Turpin and his family became the face of a battle over parental rights, school transparency, and the future of private education in North Carolina. We'll dig into the story behind the lawsuit, the emotional impact on his children, the evolving state of private education, and the far-reaching implications of a recent North Carolina Supreme Court decision that could change how private schools are held accountable.

Stay tuned as Peter Pappas and Doug Turpin unpack the facts, controversy, and personal stakes at the heart of this landmark case.

The conversation focused on the vital but frequently underestimated work of the Cumberland County Soil and Water Board, featuring candidate Jeremy Stanley in discussion with host Peter Pappas. One concept discussed was how this low-profile, down-ballot office has a significant impact on everyday issues, from helping local farmers remain viable through grants, to addressing flooding and expanding access to safe public water. A key theme that emerged was the pressing need for public engagement and transparency, particularly in the face of development, environmental contamination, and aging drainage infrastructure.

The discussion explored Cumberland County’s unique challenges, differences with neighboring counties, and what effective land management can look like. Several points were raised, including the lack of awareness among voters, the importance of cleaning neglected ditches, and the direct connections between agriculture, flood mitigation, and secure access to reliable water. Jeremy Stanley shared his commitment to being available seven days a week, offering both expertise and accessibility as a candidate intent on making lasting improvements.

For more information about Jeremy Stanley, listeners can visit his Facebook page at Jeremy Stanley for Soil and Water, call him directly at 910-527-3113, or stop by Quick Fix Paint and Body in Cumberland County.

Welcome back to the Carolina Cabinet! In this episode, the conversation focused on the journey and campaign of Maad Abu Ghazala, a Libertarian candidate running for Congress in North Carolina's 7th district. The discussion explored Abu Ghazala’s unique upbringing in Saudi Arabia and the West Bank, his immigration to America at age 17, and the cultural perspectives that shaped his political views. A key theme that emerged was the role of government overreach, civil liberties, and anti-establishment sentiment—experiences informed by witnessing both authoritarian rule and military occupation during his youth.

Listeners will hear an in-depth look at challenges facing American democracy, including campaign finance, the influence of lobbyists, government spending, and concerns about surveillance and privacy in the era of data centers and AI. Several points were raised, including how cultural assimilation and American values foster individualism, the importance of balanced budgets, and perspectives on U.S. foreign policy in the Middle East. The conversation also highlighted local district issues and Maad’s vision for accountability, transparency, and a government that works for the people. Tune in for a spirited and wide-ranging discussion with a candidate who isn’t afraid to challenge the status quo.

Welcome back to the Carolina Cabinet! Host Peter Pappas and co-host Laura Mussler sit down with Paul Taylor, candidate for North Carolina Senate District 21. In this episode, Paul Taylor shares his journey from military service and government work to his campaign for public office. The conversation dives into issues like education funding, economic development, the impact of minimum wage increases, PFAS water contamination, and the responsibilities of government in supporting communities. Paul Taylor discusses his family legacy of public service, his commitment to representing all constituents, and the challenges facing both Moore and Cumberland counties. With candid discussion and plenty of humor, the team explores both the big policy questions and everyday challenges faced by North Carolinians. Stay tuned for real talk, real opinions, and a closer look at the people behind the politics.