The Carolina Cabinet

Welcome back to another edition of The Carolina Cabinet, Cumberland County’s smartest hour of talk radio, hosted by Peter Pappas alongside the ever-engaging Laura Mussler and joined tonight by guest Paul Taylor. In this live episode, your hosts dive into the Fayetteville Police Department’s newly released crime report, scrutinize the implications of rising local utility rates and downtown parking fees, and dissect the latest developments and controversies swirling around the Board of Elections. Plus, they touch on the local job market, economic development news, statewide voting changes, and even take a step onto the world stage with a discussion on Venezuela’s political upheaval. It’s a fast-paced, no-nonsense conversation that blends community concerns, candid opinions, and essential local news—right here on The Carolina Cabinet.

🎙️ NEW EPISODE: The Carolina Cabinet with Caitlin Marsh 🎙️

This week on The Carolina Cabinet, Peter Pappas welcomes back Caitlin Marsh for an unfiltered conversation about local politics, real-world advocacy, and the future of Johnston County.

🔍 From her headline-making primary run—where she took on the establishment as a single mom—to her current race for Soil and Water Supervisor, Caitlin Marsh reveals what it takes to create change in your own backyard. Hear her honest lessons on breaking barriers, fighting for water conservation, and overcoming personal adversity.

If you care about making a difference, protecting North Carolina’s resources, or just want to hear a raw, inspiring story of resilience, this episode is for you.

Welcome back to another edition of the Carolina Cabinet, Cumberland County's smartest hour of talk radio. I'm your host, Peter Pappas, joined in studio by the always insightful Laura Mussler. In this live segment, we're diving into the biggest headlines and controversies shaping our region—from the long-overdue connection of clean water to local schools in Gray's Creek, to Spring Lake's split votes and ongoing struggles with local governance.

We'll also break down the kerfuffle surrounding Mayor Mitch Colvin’s recent comments on WIDU, discuss parental rights and teacher identities in Wake County’s school debates, and tackle rapid-fire stories including FSU’s new education college, a lawsuit over a $1.7 million sound system contract, the stalling of the statewide hemp-kratom bill, and the $40 trillion national debt milestone. Plus, a heads-up on Hope Mills' land use plan and what it means for property owners.

Stick around for this episode’s Cabinet Crossfire, an interview with State House candidate Janine Ackles, and our signature blend of sharp debate, local insights, and more than a few laughs.

Welcome to another lively episode of the Carolina Cabinet, Cumberland County’s smartest hour of talk radio! This week, Peter Pappas and Laura Mussler welcome back Janene Ackles, candidate for House District 43, for her second appearance on the show. The conversation kicks off with lighthearted banter about home-cooked meals and local favorites, then pivots to tackle pressing issues facing the region. Janene Ackles draws on her experience as a grant writer and community advocate to offer insights on everything from the risks and rewards of data centers in rural communities, to the ongoing struggle for affordable housing, fair wages, and greater healthcare access in Cumberland County. The discussion gets spirited as the panel debates property rights, community involvement, budget priorities, and the importance of consistent leadership. Tune in for a candid and passionate conversation about local policy, grassroots advocacy, and what it truly means to fight for your neighbors.

Welcome back to the Carolina Cabinet, Cumberland County’s smartest hour of talk radio! In this episode, Peter Pappas and co-host Laura Mussler sit down with Tom Hatch, a veteran educator with 32 years of experience in Cumberland County Schools—and now a candidate for an at-large seat on the school board. Together, they dig into the pressing challenges facing local education: declining public school enrollment, the unique struggles of middle schoolers, and the evolving landscape of choice programs. Tom Hatch shares insights from his long career as a teacher, principal, and administrator, discusses the ongoing debate over school vouchers, and weighs in on school safety, funding, and the critical need for school board members to stay connected with their district’s classrooms. Plus, the team debates what’s going right in public education—and what it will take to move Cumberland County Schools forward.

Welcome to another lively edition of the Carolina Cabinet, Cumberland County's smartest hour of talk radio, where we dive headfirst into the pressing issues shaping our region. This week, hosts Peter Pappas and Laura Mussler are joined by guest Broxy Pone for a spirited discussion about local politics, community activism, and the controversies swirling around Fayetteville's proposed data centers.

You'll hear first-hand accounts from city council meetings marked by tension, passionate public comments, and a heavy police presence. As community leaders and residents debate the future of data centers—balancing economic opportunity, environmental concerns, and infrastructure needs—our guests break down what's truly at stake, and why so many locals are demanding more research and stronger safeguards.

Along the way, the Cabinet brings you up to speed on Governor Stein’s latest legislative actions, the struggles facing local government, and the ongoing challenges of civic engagement in increasingly divided times. Whether you care about public policy, neighborhood activism, or simply want to stay informed about what’s happening in your backyard, this episode has something for everyone. So settle in and get ready to hear the unfiltered voices shaping the future of the Carolinas.

Welcome back to another edition of The Carolina Cabinet, Cumberland County’s smartest hour of talk radio. In this episode, Peter Pappas and Laura Mussler sit down with Broxie Pone, a longtime educator, pastor, and real estate professional who’s now running for the Cumberland County Board of Education at-large seat. With over 30 years in the classroom and a commitment to putting students first, Broxie Pone shares her journey from teacher to school board candidate, her philosophy on respect and student achievement, and her vision for improving local schools. We dive into tough topics like teacher pay, administrative structure, fiscal transparency, and the need for transparent decision-making when it comes to school facilities. Join us for a candid, passionate discussion about what it takes to truly put every child first in Cumberland County’s public schools.

Welcome back to another lively edition of the Carolina Cabinet, Cumberland County’s smartest hour of talk radio! Hosted by Peter Pappas with co-host Laura Mussler, this episode dives headfirst into the major issues shaping Fayetteville and beyond. From the heated debate over new data centers and zoning laws, to the challenges of local economic development, and the evolving face of election laws in North Carolina, Peter Pappas and Laura Mussler unpack it all with wit and candor. Later, they’re joined by guest Jonathan Strange, candidate for Cumberland County District Court, for an in-depth discussion on justice, legal challenges, and building a diverse bench that truly represents the community. Whether you’re tuning in for candid conversation, local news, or politics with a conservative perspective, you’re in the right place—so grab a seat at the Cabinet!

🎙️ Ready to Break the Political Mold? 🎙️

Dive into challenging conversations and fresh perspectives on the latest Carolina Cabinet episode featuring U.S. Senate candidate Michael Dublin of the Green Party! 🌱

Join Peter Pappas and Laura Mussler as they ask the tough questions about third parties, living wages, education, and the future of North Carolina politics. Hear why Michael Dublin believes real change starts with principled service and what makes him show up—even when the stage is stacked against him.

🔗 Tune in, challenge your assumptions, and get inspired to make your voice count. Click below to listen and access exclusive content!

🚨 The 2026 midterm elections are heating up, and Carolina Cabinet is at the center of the action! Are you ready to get the inside scoop on the hottest issues shaping North Carolina—and the nation?

From rare presidential addresses and election security debates to local Board of Elections realities, our newest episode dives deep into:

• What’s really in the Save America Act?
• Should proof of citizenship be required to vote?
• Why are some networks refusing to broadcast critical national addresses?
• How safe is our voting system—especially for military families?
• The inside story on the Watley-Cooper Senate race and the high-stakes fight between President Trump & Senator Tillis
• PLUS: Quick hits on local news, government audits, and more

Whether you're a policy nerd, active voter, or just want to know how national headlines hit home, you don't want to miss this episode.

👉 Listen now. Join the conversation. Your vote—and your voice—matter.