Breaking With Brett Jensen

Tune in here to this Wednesday edition of Breaking With Brett Jensen! Breaking Brett Jensen opens the show talking about how the president called out Charlotte in The State of the Union. He wondered if Representative Alma Adams stood up when the president recognized Anna Zarutska, whose daughter Iryna—a 23-year-old Ukrainian refugee was stabbed to death on a CATS train in Charlotte. Brett also talked about the Russian invasion of Ukraine four years ago, and recalled how he was stuck there for several hours during his last visit. Listen here for all of this and more on Breaking With Brett Jensen. To be the first to hear about Breaking Brett Jensen's exclusives and more follow him on X @Brett_Jensen!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tune in here to this Tuesday edition of Breaking With Brett Jensen! Breaking Brett Jensen kicks off the show by talking about a detailed website that tracks voting activity in North Carolina almost in real time. The database provides demographic breakdowns, including party affiliation, gender, race and even specific age by individual year. Brett then turns to turnout statistics in Mecklenburg County. Out of approximately 875,000 to 900,000 registered voters, only about 30,000 people had voted in the first 12 days of early voting. That means only a small fraction of eligible voters had participated at that point. He finds this especially striking given the significance of certain races, particularly the sheriff’s primary. Listen here for all of this and more on Breaking With Brett Jensen. To be the first to hear about Breaking Brett Jensen's exclusives and more follow him on X @Brett_Jensen!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tune in here to this ​Friday edition of Breaking With Brett Jensen! Breaking Brett Jensen discusses his opinion regarding political reporters disclosing whom they vote for. He considers himself unusual in this regard, saying most reporters do not reveal their voting choices. He argues that transparency allows audiences to judge potential bias for themselves. Additionally, Jensen urges listeners to participate in primary elections, emphasizing that turnout is often low, even among people who closely follow politics. He explains that if preferred candidates lose in the primaries because of low turnout, they may not even appear on the general election ballot. Listen here for all of this and more on Breaking With Brett Jensen. To be the first to hear about Breaking Brett Jensen's exclusives and more follow him on X @Brett_Jensen!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tune in here to this ​Thursday edition of Breaking With Brett Jensen! Breaking Brett Jensen talks about a Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department press conference that announced an arrest in a homicide case that had remained unsolved for over 35 years. During the press conference, Deputy Chief Ryan Butler announced that the department’s Violent Criminal Apprehension Team had arrested Marion Gales. Police confirmed that the case involves the July 27, 1990 homicide of Kim Thomas Friedland. When asked about the relationship between Gales and the victim, Butler acknowledged that the nature of their association had been the subject of various investigations and media coverage over the years. Listen here for all of this and more on Breaking With Brett Jensen. To be the first to hear about Breaking Brett Jensen's exclusives and more follow him on X @Brett_Jensen!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tune in here to this ​Wednesday edition of Breaking With Brett Jensen! Breaking Brett Jensen kicks off the show by speaking with North Carolina Senate candidate Don Brown. Brown begins by describing his intense campaign schedule. He emphasizes that his campaign is active statewide and expresses strong confidence that he will win the primary. He explains that during brief encounters, he focuses on three core issues that strongly resonate with Republican voters. Jensen asks Brown about President Donald Trump’s recent visit to Fort Bragg in Fayetteville, where Trump endorsed Brown's opponent. Brown responds diplomatically but critically in the exclusive interview. Listen here for all of this and more on Breaking With Brett Jensen. To be the first to hear about Breaking Brett Jensen's exclusives and more follow him on X @Brett_Jensen!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tune in here to this ​Monday edition of Breaking With Brett Jensen! Breaking Brett Jensen discusses a major local issue that continues to generate debate: the closure of Jail North, Mecklenburg County’s former juvenile detention center in Huntersville. Jensen explains that the jail received notoriety for being the only facility in the state that allowed incarcerated high school students to continue working toward their GEDs or high school diplomas. In the past three years, North Carolina legislators have expressed interest in reopening Jail North. However, authority over the jail lies solely with Mecklenburg County Sheriff Garry McFadden, not the county manager. Listen here for all of this and more on Breaking With Brett Jensen. To be the first to hear about Breaking Brett Jensen's exclusives and more follow him on X @Brett_Jensen!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tune in here to this ​Friday edition of Breaking With Brett Jensen! Breaking Brett Jensen kicks off the show by discussing the structure of local elections in Mecklenburg County and the city of Charlotte. He explains that municipal races occur in odd-numbered years, and turnout in those elections tends to be low. He also outlines where primaries are taking place in surrounding counties, including sheriff’s races in Iredell, Gaston and Union counties, and a significant commissioners primary in Cabarrus County. Later, Jensen speaks with U.S. Rep. Tim Moore about his campaign experience and his approach to his re-election bid. Moore says this election cycle differs somewhat from his first congressional race two years ago, though many aspects remain the same. Unlike earlier campaigns, when he had to introduce himself to voters, Moore now focuses more on maintaining relationships and staying connected with constituents. Listen here for all of this and more on Breaking With Brett Jensen. To be the first to hear about Breaking Brett Jensen's exclusives and more follow him on X @Brett_Jensen!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tune in here to this Thursday edition of Breaking With Brett Jensen! Breaking Brett Jensen kicks off the show by talking with North Carolina state Rep. Allen Chesser, who represents part of Nash County. Chesser reflects on the now-viral moment during the House Oversight Committee hearing Monday, when he asked Mecklenburg County Sheriff Gary McFadden which branch of government he belongs to. He said he was genuinely surprised by the sheriff’s response and did not anticipate getting “caught up” on what he considered a basic civics question. Later, Jensen talks with Matt Smith, a lifelong Union County resident, who is running in for a seat in the NC Court of Appeals. He currently serves as a North Carolina Superior Court judge. In the interview, Smith explains the key differences between judicial elections and legislative or executive races. He said the role is strictly to apply the law, not to create policy or advocate legislative agendas. Listen here for all of this and more on Breaking With Brett Jensen. To be the first to hear about Breaking Brett Jensen's exclusives and more follow him on X @Brett_Jensen!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tune in here to this ​Wednesday edition of Breaking With Brett Jensen! Breaking Brett Jensen kicks off the show by outlining a situation involving Mecklenburg County Commissioner Yvette Townsend-Ingram. According to Jensen, an order for her arrest was issued Feb. 5, 2025, stemming from her failure to comply with court requirements related to a 2024 arrest in Gaston County for driving while impaired. Once Ingram pleaded guilty, she was given three months to complete 24 hours of community service. However, Jensen reports that she did not complete the required community service, which led to the order for her arrest. Jensen then speaks with Gaston County District Attorney Travis Page to clarify the legal situation. Page confirms that she was convicted of DWI in Gaston County and says his office treats DWI offenses seriously. He underscores that Ingram’s status as a county commissioner does not afford her special treatment. Listen here for all of this and more on Breaking With Brett Jensen. To be the first to hear about Breaking Brett Jensen's exclusives and more follow him on X @Brett_Jensen!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tune in here to this ​Monday's edition of Breaking With Brett Jensen! Breaking Brett Jensen kicks the show off by talking about city and county officials faced pointed questions from lawmakers. District Attorney Spencer Merriweather delivered measured, direct answers that addressed serious challenges with repeat offenders and witness cooperation, earning respect across the board. Later Jensen highlights the afternoon session of the House Oversight Committee, focusing on Charlotte Mayor Vi Lyles and new CMPD Chief Estella Patterson and Gary McFadden as they addressed issues of public safety, crime perception, and collaboration with federal agencies. Patterson emphasized the need to “relearn Charlotte” and work on both the reality and perception of crime, making safety a top priority while reinforcing partnerships with agencies like the FBI, ATF, and HSI to target violent criminals. Listen here for all of this and more on Breaking With Brett Jensen. To be the first to hear about Breaking Brett Jensen's exclusives and more follow him on X @ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tune in here to this Friday edition of Breaking With Brett Jensen! Breaking Brett Jensen kicks off the show by discussing the proposed toll lanes project on Interstate 77 South. He explains that a transit committee is considering plans to add toll lanes running from Uptown Charlotte near the John Belk Freeway to the South Carolina state line at Carowinds Boulevard. He notes that a town hall hosted the previous night by Charlotte City Councilman Malcolm Graham took an unexpected turn when community members voiced strong opposition to the project. Jensen then speaks with Charlotte City Councilman Ed Driggs, who attended the event and witnessed the chaos that erupted. Driggs says that both he and Graham were surprised by the intensity and anger of the crowd. He adds that while officials were aware of concerns, the emotional response went far beyond expectations. Listen here for all of this and more on Breaking With Brett Jensen. To be the first to hear about Breaking Brett Jensen's exclusives and more follow him on X @Brett_Jensen!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tune in here to this ​Thursday edition of Breaking With Brett Jensen! Breaking Brett Jensen kicks off the show by talking with Mecklenburg County Sheriff candidate Rodney Collins. Collins, a long-time veteran of the Mecklenburg County Sheriff’s Office, says he is running because of his deep knowledge having helped shape policies, growth and operations over three decades. He describes himself as a lifelong public servant, community volunteer and family man who is committed to the “nobility of public service.” Later, Jensen shares a report from Wilson, North Carolina, about a woman who rescued an abandoned dog and faced legal consequences for doing so. He says the woman, a veterinary technician, found the dog and refused repeated orders from authorities to turn it over, despite being threatened with charges. Jensen also strongly questions the logic of returning the dog to the same person who abandoned it in the middle of a snowstorm. Listen here for all of this and more on Breaking With Brett Jensen. To be the first to hear about Breaking Brett Jensen's exclusives and more follow him on X @Brett_Jensen!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tune in here to this ​Wednesday edition of Breaking With Brett Jensen! Breaking Brett Jensen interviews Mecklenburg County Sheriff candidate Ricky Robbins, who recently received the Charlotte Fraternal Order of Police’s endorsement. During the interview, Robbins discusses his lifelong ties to Charlotte, his law enforcement experience, and his mission to improve the Sheriff’s Office. He also highlights his transparency and his leadership style as foundational to his record. Jensen then details a report involving Charlotte light rail stabbing suspect DeCarlos Brown Jr., who was included on a list of 3,500 inmates slated for release in 2021. The agreement, signed by former Gov. Roy Cooper, aimed to reduce jail populations amid COVID-19 health concerns. Jensen notes that while Cooper did not directly let Brown out of jail, Brown was designated for release under Cooper’s administration. Listen here for all of this and more on Breaking With Brett Jensen. To be the first to hear about Breaking Brett Jensen's exclusives and more follow him on X @Brett_Jensen!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tune in here to this ​Tuesday edition of Breaking With Brett Jensen! Breaking Brett Jensen discusses a 48-page audit of the Charlotte Area Transit System released by the Federal Transit Administration. The audit follows the fatal stabbing of Iryna Zarutska on Charlotte's light rail in August. The federal report identifies 18 failures in safety protocols. Jensen also examines why Zarutska’s stabbing went unnoticed and details efforts by bystanders and a visiting nurse to administer aid, highlighting the emergency response. He then reviews the audit’s findings, which show crime rates per passenger and crimes against CATS employees exceed national averages. Listen here for all of this and more on Breaking With Brett Jensen. To be the first to hear about Breaking Brett Jensen's exclusives and more follow him on X @Brett_Jensen!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tune in here to this ​Friday edition of Breaking With Brett Jensen! Breaking Brett Jensen opens the show by discussing former Charlotte City Council member Tiawana Brown, who accepted a plea deal with the Department of Justice in a criminal case involving wire fraud tied to the misuse of PPP loans. Jensen notes the case began under the Biden administration and emphasizes that it is unrelated to President Trump or local U.S. attorneys. He also outlines Brown’s prior legal troubles, details the charges against her and summarizes public reaction to the case. Later, Jensen shares highlights from a press conference held by Mecklenburg County emergency officials ahead of a winter storm expected to hit Charlotte over the weekend. Wike Graham of the Charlotte Fire Department explains the differences between last week’s ice storm and the current snowstorm forecast. He says warming shelters are open and that communication among public safety agencies will remain active throughout the storm. Listen here for all of this and more on Breaking With Brett Jensen. To be the first to hear about Breaking Brett Jensen's exclusives and more follow him on X @Brett_Jensen!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tune in here to this ​Thursday edition of Breaking With Brett Jensen! Breaking Brett Jensen opens the show by discussing the Mecklenburg County sheriff’s debate held Wednesday night at the Dubois Center in uptown Charlotte. The debate, which featured four candidates for sheriff, began with tough questions about alleged wrongdoing by incumbent Sheriff Gary McFadden and quickly led to tense exchanges. The most pointed moments involved former Chief Deputy Rodney Collins, who accused McFadden of poor leadership and a lack of competence. Several back-and-forth exchanges highlighted personal tensions between McFadden and Collins, particularly over promotions and leadership credibility. Jensen notes that the moderators managed the escalating exchanges professionally, allowing candidates to fully respond. The debate also addressed concerns about staffing shortages and jail overcrowding, issues some candidates said have been exacerbated by current law. Listen here for all of this and more on Breaking With Brett Jensen. To be the first to hear about Breaking Brett Jensen's exclusives and more follow him on X @Brett_Jensen!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tune in here to this ​Wednesday edition of Breaking With Brett Jensen! Breaking Brett Jensen opens the show by discussing an illegal alien who was arrested Monday in Mint Hill on child sexual abuse charges. He recaps a portion of an interview from the previous night with U.S. Attorney for Western North Carolina Russ Ferguson, who said more than 1,300 people have been deported during the past two months from the Western District. He notes that a significant portion of those deported were accused or convicted of crimes involving children, including statutory rape and exploitation. Later, Jensen examines three contentious sheriff primary races in Union, Gaston and Mecklenburg counties. He outlines the four Democratic candidates seeking the Mecklenburg County sheriff’s office and emphasizes the importance of the Democratic primary as the de facto election because no Republican candidates are running. He also announces plans to interview each candidate on future shows. Listen here for all of this and more on Breaking With Brett Jensen. To be the first to hear about Breaking Brett Jensen's exclusives and more follow him on X @Brett_Jensen!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tune in here to this Tuesday edition of Breaking With Brett Jensen! Breaking Brett Jensen is joined in studio by U.S. Attorney for Western North Carolina Russ Ferguson. Ferguson begins the interview by discussing his role and several press conferences due to a series of recent high-profile cases involving Mecklenburg County. One of those cases involved FBI Director Kash Patel personally retrieving two top ten fugitives, one of which had ties to Charlotte. Ferguson highlights Patel’s energy and commitment, and the high level of federal leadership engagement. Later, Ferguson provides an update the on ongoing financial fraud case involving former Charlotte City Councilwoman Tiawana Brown, her two daughters, and their alleged misuse of PPP loans. He also details the cases involving multiple violent incidents on Charlotte’s light rail, including repeated offenses by banned individuals. He highlights that safety on public transit is a priority, with violent incidents highlighting vulnerabilities and the need for improved security and federal support. Listen here for all of this and more on Breaking With Brett Jensen. To be the first to hear about Breaking Brett Jensen's exclusives and more follow him on X @Brett_Jensen!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tune in here to this ​Monday edition of Breaking With Brett Jensen! Breaking Brett Jensen provides an overview of the primary elections in Mecklenburg County, with early voting staring Feb. 12. The election includes key races for sheriff and seats in the state legislature. Jensen explains the political dynamics at play, including the Democratic Party’s dominance in sheriff elections and the absence of Republican candidates in the race. He also details high-profile endorsements by the Black Political Caucus in several contests, including the group’s surprise backing of incumbent Mecklenburg County Sheriff Garry McFadden. One of the most significant Democratic primaries is in House District 106, where the outcome could affect efforts to override a veto by Gov. Josh Stein related to legislation requiring sheriffs to cooperate with ICE officials. Later, Jensen highlights a social media post by ICE that blamed Charlotte’s sanctuary policies and Mayor Vi Lyles for the release of an illegal alien who later killed a teenager. He challenges ICE’s claims, noting that bail decisions are made by magistrates and county officials, not the mayor, and that Charlotte is considered a sanctuary city. He also underscores the political sensitivities surrounding immigration enforcement and public safety at the local level. Listen here for all of this and more on Breaking With Brett Jensen. To be the first to hear about Breaking Brett Jensen's exclusives and more follow him on X @Brett_Jensen!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tune in here to this ​Friday edition of Breaking With Brett Jensen! Breaking Brett Jensen kicks off the show by setting the stage for the winter storm that is forecasted to impact the Charlotte area this weekend. He stresses the importance of staying home to avoid icy road accidents, noting that even confident drivers are at risk. Additionally, he shares audio from news conferences held by agencies across the city, including Charlotte Fire Department and Charlotte Department of Transportation. In the Charlotte Fire Department news conference, Battalion Chief John Lipsack announces the seriousness of the expected storm. He notes that it could be one of the most impactful in years. Several officials, including Division Chief White Graham and others, outline efforts to prepare Charlotte for the storm. Personnel increases in emergency services and plans to open warming shelters are announced. The Charlotte Department of Transportation news conference begins with comments from Street Superintendent Stephen Bolt. Bolt details their pre-treatment and ice-fighting operations including timing, priority streets, and collaboration with the North Carolina Department of Transportation. He stresses the danger of icy signals and downed power lines, advising citizens to stay home, observe stop rules at dark traffic signals, and report hazards by calling 911. Listen here for all of this and more on Breaking With Brett Jensen. To be the first to hear about Breaking Brett Jensen's exclusives and more follow him on X @Brett_Jensen!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tune in here to this ​Thursday's edition of Breaking With Brett Jensen! Breaking Brett Jensen kicks the show off by talking about the calm before a potentially dangerous winter storm and the growing concerns facing the Charlotte region as ice and freezing rain loom. Early forecasts calling for snow have shifted toward a more serious concern: sleet and freezing rain, with potentially up to three-quarters of an inch of ice accumulation. Later Jensen dives into the city’s detailed game plan for handling the approaching winter storm, sharing firsthand information from a Charlotte Department of Transportation press conference CDOT Deputy Street Superintendent Alfred Oyoyo, who explains how crews have already begun pre-treating roads, bridges, and culverts with salt brine ahead of the expected ice and sleet. Jensen breaks down how the city will move into a 24-hour, all-hands-on-deck operation once the weather hits, with crews working in rotating 12-hour shifts. Listen here for all of this and more on Breaking With Brett Jensen. To be the first to hear about Breaking Brett Jensen's exclusives and more follow him on X @Brett_Jensen! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tune in here to this ​Tuesday edition of Breaking With Brett Jensen! Breaking Brett Jensen kicks off the show by discussing the rise in measles cases across the Carolinas. Since December, nine cases have been confirmed in North Carolina, including two cases identified last week in children in Cabarrus County. Jensen attributes the resurgence to declining vaccination rates, particularly among children. Jensen also references a report, which provides additional details on the measles cases in North Carolina. The report highlights a map from the Division of Public Health showing vaccination rates by county and by school. The data indicates overall vaccination rates in Mecklenburg and Cabarrus counties range from about 90% to 95%. Listen here for all of this and more on Breaking With Brett Jensen. To be the first to hear about Breaking Brett Jensen's exclusives and more follow him on X @Brett_Jensen!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tune in here to this ​Monday edition of Breaking With Brett Jensen! Breaking Brett Jensen reports on an international case with local ties to Charlotte involving the arrest of a Ten Most Wanted fugitive after a decade-long manhunt. The Federal Bureau of Investigation apprehended Alejandro “Alex” Rosales Castillo, who is accused of killing Truc Quan “Sandy” Ly Le in 2016 while the two worked at a Showmars restaurant in Charlotte. Le’s car was later discovered at a bus station in Phoenix, Arizona, and her body was found in Cabarrus County. Castillo is currently being held in Mexico City and is expected to be extradited to North Carolina. Jensen highlights the extensive investigative work by the FBI that led to Castillo’s arrest in Mexico, emphasizing the agency’s reliance on traditional investigative methods rather than DNA evidence. He commends the FBI’s persistence in pursuing leads, which ultimately brought closure to Le’s family after 10 years. Listen here for all of this and more on Breaking With Brett Jensen. To be the first to hear about Breaking Brett Jensen's exclusives and more follow him on X @Brett_Jensen!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tune in here to this ​Friday's edition of Breaking With Brett Jensen! Breaking Brett Jensen kicks the show off by talking about unexpected traffic disruptions in Charlotte caused by a group of walking monks traveling through the area on a long peace march. He shares his personal experience navigating heavy congestion on I-77 and the Tyvola exit, explaining how he discovered the monks’ temporary stay at Marion Diehl Park and his surprise at not being aware of their location despite following local news closely. Later, Jensen is joined by Michael Watley, former head of the NCGOP and RNC, who is now running for U.S. Senate on the Republican side in North Carolina, to discuss pressing political and public safety issues facing the state. The conversation focuses heavily on immigration enforcement, with Whatley criticizing Democratic leadership, including former Governor Roy Cooper, for prioritizing the protection of criminal illegal aliens over the safety of citizens. Listen here for all of this and more on Breaking With Brett Jensen. To be the first to hear about Breaking Brett Jensen's exclusives and more follow him on X @Brett_Jensen! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tune in here to this ​Thursday edition of Breaking With Brett Jensen! Breaking Brett Jensen opens the show by discussing a press conference held today by the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department on 2025 crime statistics. The event was led by new CMPD Chief Estella Patterson, who reported an overall 21% drop in violent crime within city limits and a 13% decrease in homicides. Jensen questioned CMPD during the press conference, citing data he said shows a 27% increase in homicides over the past six months. He said the contrast highlights how CMPD crime reports can be misleading when viewed without additional context. Jensen is also joined in the studio by Charlotte resident Jeffrey Baldwin, who has been involved in a legal dispute with his homeowners association. The situation began in 2022, when Baldwin was fined by the HOA, leading to a three-year legal battle. Baldwin said he later learned the association had placed a lien on his home. He ultimately received an official hearing on Jan. 13, and discusses the details and outcome of the case in an exclusive interview. Those interested in supporting homeowners association reform in North Carolina can visit saferhoa.com. The show concludes with Jensen speaking with Brian Peter, Vice President of Mixed Beverages and Logistics for Mecklenburg County ABC. Peter previews a follow-up to November’s “Barrel-Palooza” event, scheduled for Saturday, Jan. 17, at Store No. 9 on Graham St. in Charlotte. The event begins at 9 a.m., and Peter said he expects attendance similar to the November event. Listen here for all of this and more on Breaking With Brett Jensen. To be the first to hear about Breaking Brett Jensen's exclusives and more follow him on X @Brett_Jensen!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tune in here to this ​Wednesday edition of Breaking With Brett Jensen! Breaking Brett Jensen opens the show by discussing a major development involving Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools eliminating its compliance department. He emphasizes that the only department remaining for teachers to share grievances is human resources, which he says primarily exists to protect the school district. Because the change is particularly concerning for teachers, Jensen speaks with former CMS Board of Education member Lisa Cline. Addressing the dissolution of the Office of Compliance, Cline says oversight of those matters now falls under the superintendent rather than the Board of Education. She notes that the compliance program, which allows teachers to report issues, is also now under the superintendent’s authority. Later in the show, Jensen speaks with Republican U.S. Senate candidate Don Brown. When asked about his decision to run, Brown says he was motivated after Sen. Thom Tillis opposed Pete Hegseth’s nomination for secretary of defense, which ultimately failed. Asked about the response to his campaign, Brown says it has been “overwhelming,” adding that he is the only candidate to challenge a sitting U.S. senator. Listen here for all of this and more on Breaking With Brett Jensen. To be the first to hear about Breaking Brett Jensen's exclusives and more follow him on X @Brett_Jensen!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tune in here to this ​Tuesday edition of Breaking With Brett Jensen! Breaking Brett Jensen concludes his “Freshman Congressman” series by speaking with U.S. Rep. Addison McDowell, who just surpassed one year representing the citizens of North Carolina’s 6th Congressional District. Similar to previous interviews, Jensen asks McDowell about his experiences during his first year in Congress. McDowell cites the voting on and passage of the Laken Riley Act, which occurred during his first month in office, as an early victory during his freshman term. When asked about the biggest moment of his first year, McDowell says being with President Donald Trump when the Fentanyl Act was signed into law was the highlight. On a local level, he discusses securing $3 million for a new health sciences center at Davidson-Davie Community College as another important achievement. Later, Jensen asks McDowell about his thoughts on the recent ICE-involved shooting in Minneapolis, Minnesota. McDowell says the shooting in Minnesota shows that Democrats are “villainizing” law enforcement officers who are trying to carry out their jobs, and emphasizes the need to support the officers who work every day to keep American citizens safe. Listen here for all of this and more on Breaking With Brett Jensen. To be the first to hear about Breaking Brett Jensen's exclusives and more follow him on X @Brett_Jensen!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tune in here to this ​Monday edition of Breaking With Brett Jensen! Breaking Brett Jensen continues his "Freshman Congressmen" series, speaking today with U.S. Rep Pat Harrigan, who marked one year representing the citizens of North Carolina's 10th Congressional District. When Jensen asks him to reflect on his first year in Congress, Harrigan says progress has been made in setting a trajectory for the country’s future. One area he cites is the Working Families Tax Cut Act, where Congress was able to limit the federal government’s reach into the pockets of American citizens. He also references other pieces of legislation, such as the National Defense Authorization Act, as successful accomplishments during his freshman term. Pertaining to current events, Jensen asks Harrigan for his thoughts about the capture of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro by U.S. forces. Harrigan, a West Point graduate and former Special Forces officer, emphasizes that it was a complex operation for the U.S. to carry out from both personnel and aircraft perspectives. He describes the operation as one that illustrates the unique and unmatched capability of the U.S. military and says it is a point of pride for Americans. Listen here for all of this and more on Breaking With Brett Jensen. To be the first to hear about Breaking Brett Jensen's exclusives and more follow him on X @Brett_Jensen!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tune in here to this ​Friday edition of Breaking With Brett Jensen! Breaking Brett Jensen kicks off the show by discussing an interview he conducted with Olivier Faye of Le Monde, France’s newspaper of record. Faye traveled to Charlotte from Paris to speak with Jensen about the stabbing of Iryna Zarutska on Charlotte’s light rail system in August of last year. During the interview, Jensen asks why Le Monde is interested in an American crime story involving Zarutska. Faye explains that news of the incident has spread rapidly on French social media in recent months. He says he made the lengthy trip to Charlotte to gather the facts firsthand so he could provide an accurate report to readers in France. Jensen then continues his “Freshman Congressmen” series, speaking with U.S. Rep. Tim Moore, who recently marked one year representing North Carolina’s 14th Congressional District. At the start of the interview, Jensen asks Moore to reflect on how the expectations of the job compared with the reality of his first term. Moore says serving in Congress has been “an honor,” particularly given “the times in which we live.” He adds that seeing the United States regain respect on the international stage is among the positive developments he has witnessed during his first year in office. Listen here for all of this and more on Breaking With Brett Jensen. To be the first to hear about Breaking Brett Jensen's exclusives and more follow him on X @Brett_Jensen!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tune in here to this ​Thursday edition of Breaking With Brett Jensen! Tonight, Breaking Brett Jensen is joined by several representatives from North Carolina state government. He opens the show with North Carolina Sen. Brad Overcash, who represents Gaston County, to discuss the state budget, which was not passed in 2025. During the interview, Jensen asks Overcash why the budget - which many government employees rely on for pay raises - was not passed last year. Overcash cites ongoing disagreements between the House and Senate as the reason for the delay, but emphasizes that the General Assembly has approved several measures in key areas, including staff increases. Next, Jensen speaks with North Carolina GOP Chair Jason Simmons about voter registration. For the first time, Republicans have surpassed Democrats in the total number of registered voters statewide. Jensen asks Simmons how that shift came to fruition. Simmons attributes the increase in Republican voters to growing support for conservative priorities and policies over the past decade, both statewide and nationally. Finally, Jensen talks with U.S. Rep. Mark Harris, who recently marked his one-year anniversary representing North Carolina’s 8th Congressional District. Harris calls his first year in Congress “incredible,” saying it has been “a privilege” to serve the people of the district. Jensen also asks Harris about his “welcome to Congress” moment, among other topics. Listen here for all of this and more on Breaking With Brett Jensen. To be the first to hear about Breaking Brett Jensen's exclusives and more follow him on X @Brett_Jensen!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tune in here to this Wednesday edition of Breaking With Brett Jensen! Breaking Brett Jensen opens the show by discussing Mecklenburg County Sheriff Garry McFadden. Jensen conducted a brief interview with McFadden following a town hall-style event at the Valerie Woodard Center. Jensen first asks the sheriff about his thoughts on an upcoming trip to Raleigh, where he is scheduled to testify before the Oversight Committee on Jan. 29. McFadden describes the trip as an educational opportunity to inform officials in Raleigh about what he says is a widespread misconception regarding the true role of his office. Jensen then asks McFadden about several topics that could arise during the meeting, including safety on the Charlotte Area Transit System. Jensen also asks McFadden about the petition filed by NC State Rep Carla Cunningham to have him removed from office. Later in the show, Jensen discusses a new book written by former Charlotte City Councilwoman Tiawana Brown, who, along with her two daughters, faces felony charges for receiving federal funds during COVID. The book is titled “Unbreakable: The Rise, the Fire, and the Fight, Part 1.” Jensen notes that including “Part 1” in the title suggests additional books by Brown may follow. Jensen also points out that the book’s synopsis contains grammatical errors. Listen here for all of this and more on Breaking With Brett Jensen. To be the first to hear about Breaking Brett Jensen's exclusives and more follow him on X @Brett_Jensen!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tune in here to this ​Tuesday edition of Breaking With Brett Jensen! Breaking Brett Jensen is joined in the studio by Mecklenburg County District Attorney Spencer Merriweather. Jensen asks Merriweather about state statute governing the removal of elected officials from office. Without discussing specific cases under review, Merriweather explains a provision that allows five qualified electors from a particular jurisdiction to file a petition for removal. The petition must then be approved by either a district attorney or a county attorney, before being sent to court, which ultimately determine what is required for approval. Later, Jensen asks Merriweather about the impact of the recently enforced Iryna’s Law on his office. Merriweather says the most significant change is the addition of 10 prosecutors and five victim-witness assistants made possible by the law. He adds that his office is actively recruiting to fill new prosecutor positions that are expected to become available over the next three months. Listen here for all of this and more on Breaking With Brett Jensen. To be the first to hear about Breaking Brett Jensen's exclusives and more follow him on X @Brett_Jensen!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tune in here to this ​Monday edition of Breaking With Brett Jensen! Breaking Brett Jensen is joined in the studio by former Charlotte City Council member Tariq Bokhari. Jensen begins the interview by asking Bokhari about his most recent role as deputy administrator of the Federal Transit Administration in Washington, D.C. Bokhari describes his time in the nation’s capital as “wild,” saying it went beyond anything he initially expected. Jensen then asks why Bokhari decided to leave the transit role after five months. Bokhari says the decision was heavily influenced by a desire to spend more time with his family, especially as his children are getting older. Later, Jensen asks Bokhari to describe what occurred in the fallout seven days after he left City Council in April 2025. During that time, former Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Chief Johnny Jennings received a secret payout from the City Council to prevent him from filing a lawsuit against the city. Bokhari discusses the details surrounding the payout in the exclusive interview. Listen here for all of this and more on Breaking With Brett Jensen. To be the first to hear about Breaking Brett Jensen's exclusives and more follow him on X @Brett_Jensen!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tune in here to this ​Thursday edition of Breaking With Brett Jensen! Breaking Brett Jensen reveals the top 10 stories he broke in 2025. In this episode, Breaking Brett looks back at the exclusive top 4 reports being revealed. Listen here for all of this and more on Breaking With Brett Jensen. To be the first to hear about Breaking Brett Jensen’s exclusives and more follow him on X @Brett_Jensen!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tune in here to this ​Wednesday edition of Breaking With Brett Jensen! Breaking Brett Jensen reveals the top 10 stories he broke in 2025. In this episode, Breaking Brett looks back at the exclusive reports 10-5, with the top 4 reports being revealed on New Year's Day. Listen here for all of this and more on Breaking With Brett Jensen. To be the first to hear about Breaking Brett Jensen's exclusives and more follow him on X @Brett_Jensen!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tune in here to this ​Monday edition of Breaking With Brett Jensen! Today, Tony Marino of Newsmax fills in for “Breaking Brett Jensen.” Marino opens the show by discussing several local and national stories. He focuses on one in particular: President Donald Trump’s recent meetings with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Marino explains that during his meeting with Netanyahu, Trump issued another warning to Hamas, urging the group to continue abiding by the Gaza peace plan. Later, Marino comments on the importance of time as the nation heads into the new year, citing the actions of President Trump and the Republican-controlled Congress during the first year of Trump’s second term. He then shares an interview he conducted with former North Carolina Republican Party chairman and current state Senate candidate Michael Whatley. In the interview, Whatley discusses President Trump’s recent rally in Rocky Mount and outlines his goals should he be elected to the state Senate, among other topics. Listen here for all of this and more on Breaking With Brett Jensen. To be the first to hear about Breaking Brett Jensen's exclusives and more follow him on X @Brett_Jensen!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tune in here to this ​Friday edition of Breaking With Brett Jensen! Today, guest host Scott Hamilton fills-in for Brett Jensen. Hamilton kicks off the show by discussing several local stories that have made headlines. The biggest involves a child custody exchange that turned into an officer-involved shooting in the nearby town of Mint Hill. Hamilton notes the incident occurred in a commercial area with several businesses nearby. He then turns to political news, interviewing CNN White House reporter Adam Cancryn about the release of files related to Jeffrey Epstein. Cancryn explains that the process, which has been ongoing for more than a year, resulted in additional files being released this week, with more expected in the coming weeks. Hamilton also speaks with aviation expert and author Max Trescott, who shares information about a tragic plane crash involving former NASCAR driver Greg Biffle and his family. Trescott discusses key clues related to the accident that have been released by the National Transportation Safety Board as part of its investigation. Listen here for all of this and more on Breaking With Brett Jensen. To be the first to hear about Breaking Brett Jensen's exclusives and more follow him on X @Brett_Jensen!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tune in here to this ​Tuesday edition of Breaking With Brett Jensen! Breaking Brett Jensen is joined in the studio by David Longo, chair of the Charlotte Regional Business Alliance and board member of Charlotte Center City Partners. Longo discusses his role on the newly formed Metropolitan Public Transit Authority. The goal of the transit authority is to ensure safety across all Charlotte Area Transit System services once the recently approved one-cent sales tax referendum goes into effect. Safety on Charlotte transit is a central theme throughout the interview. Longo emphasizes that safety and security are his top priorities and says implementing a system that supports those goals is critical. To accomplish this, Longo suggests leveraging technology to identify individuals who should not be allowed to ride the light rail or bus system. He also notes that expanded technology on the CATS system could help alert authorities to potential escalations before they become more serious issues. Listen here for all of this and more on Breaking With Brett Jensen. To be the first to hear about Breaking Brett Jensen's exclusives and more follow him on X @Brett_Jensen!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tune in here to this ​Monday edition of Breaking With Brett Jensen! Breaking Brett Jensen kicks off the show by discussing candidates running in the 2026 legislative races across Mecklenburg County. Last Friday at noon marked the deadline for candidates to file for office in North Carolina next year. Jensen then previews key state Senate and House contests in Mecklenburg County, which has historically leaned Democratic. Several state legislative races in the county stand out. One is Senate District 98, where Democrat Beth Helfrich is set to face Republican John Rhodes. Jensen notes the district is unusual, as the seat has alternated between Democratic and Republican control in each of the past four election cycles. Another notable race is Senate District 105, where Republican Tricia Cotham is expected to face Kelly VanHorn, a former Democrat and former teacher who is part of a group of educators changing party affiliation to challenge Republicans. County Commission races are also drawing attention, as no Republicans are running as at-large candidates. Jensen notes that Districts 5 and 6 were drawn in a way that makes it difficult for Republicans to win. He attributes the district boundaries to decisions made by the County Commission, which opted to draw its own maps. Listen here for all of this and more on Breaking With Brett Jensen. To be the first to hear about Breaking Brett Jensen's exclusives and more follow him on X @Brett_Jensen!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tune in here to this ​Thursday edition of Breaking With Brett Jensen! Breaking Brett Jensen opens the show with details from a press conference held today by U.S. Attorney for the Western District of North Carolina Russ Ferguson and the Charlotte FBI office. The briefing addressed the two most recent stabbings on the light rail, including the August attack that resulted in the death of Ukrainian immigrant Iryna Zarutska. Among the key updates was that Oscar Solarzano, the suspect in the most recent stabbing, has been charged federally with illegal reentry and committing an act of violence on a mass transportation system. Later, Jensen interviews several key local figures: former CMS board member Lisa Cline, North Carolina Rep. David Willis and U.S. Rep. Tim Moore. With Cline, he discusses the inner workings of the school board and the recent raise given to Superintendent Crystal Hill. Willis talks about the committees that continue to meet despite the General Assembly not being in session. Finally, with Moore, Jensen covers developments in Washington, D.C., as they relate to North Carolina, including a recent story involving the Lumbee Tribe in the eastern part of the state. Listen here for all of this and more on Breaking With Brett Jensen. To be the first to hear about Breaking Brett Jensen's exclusives and more follow him on X @Brett_Jensen!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tune in here to this ​Wednesday edition of Breaking With Brett Jensen! Breaking Brett Jensen opens the show by discussing what he calls a “major issue” surrounding the officials Charlotte residents elect to local office. Jensen says, in his opinion, that several people elected to city government over the past two years had no business being in office. He adds that these issues have persisted among individuals serving on roles ranging from the school board to the City Council. Later, Jensen highlights an internal email sent by Brent Cagle, the interim head of the Charlotte Area Transit System. The email was intended to brief the Charlotte City Council on security aboard the CATS light rail. According to a report referencing the email, Cagle told city leaders that security teams do not ride every train for the full duration of their shifts. He also noted that a dedicated transit police force is expected to launch once CATS transitions to an independent authority. The email also references a $3.4 million advertising campaign aimed at encouraging Charlotte residents to ride the light rail. In describing the campaign, Cagle says marketing and communications efforts continue to play a “vital” role in supporting CATS and the customers it serves. He also mentions security concerns related to Friday night’s stabbing incident, noting that no security personnel were on board at the time. Listen here for all of this and more on Breaking With Brett Jensen. To be the first to hear about Breaking Brett Jensen's exclusives and more follow him on X @Brett_Jensen!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tune in here to this Tuesday edition of Breaking With Brett Jensen! Breaking Brett Jensen kicks off the show by discussing the topics in Mark Garrison’s news report on WBT this morning. The report, which Jensen calls “the best he’s heard,” covered the major issues relevant to Charlotte. Jensen notes that one story stood out - a $3.4 million investment by the Charlotte City Council for an advertising campaign encouraging residents to ride the light rail. Council members chose to focus on this rather than adding more security on the rail system. Regarding the light-rail advertising campaign, Jensen says he believes the concept of “perception” is what motivated the City Council to invest in it. He says “perception,” rather than reality, has frequently guided council decisions. He also says the campaign is misleading to the public because it distracts from significant safety issues that continue to plague the light-rail system. Later, Jensen breaks down numbers released by the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department from the first weekend of Operation Safe Season. The figures detail traffic citations, arrests and guns seized. Listen here for all of this and more on Breaking With Brett Jensen. To be the first to hear about Breaking Brett Jensen's exclusives and more follow him on X @Brett_Jensen!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tune in here to this ​Monday edition of Breaking With Brett Jensen! Breaking Brett Jensen discusses the most recent stabbing on Charlotte’s light rail, which occurred last Friday. The suspect, Oscar Solarzano, is an illegal alien who had been deported from the United States twice. He had also been suspended from riding the light rail, and there are indications he did not have a ticket at the time of the stabbing. Later, Jensen speaks with North Carolina Rep. Mark Harris about the incident. Harris, who calls the attack “unbelievable,” says it highlights the need for elected officials who support law enforcement and Border Patrol. He also points to what he describes as a clear problem in Charlotte - a lack of public support for officers trying to do their jobs. According to Harris, this issue has been evident since “Operation Charlotte’s Web,” which took place last month. Jensen closes the show by discussing an important change coming to WBT later this week. The station will transition to the powerful 100,000-watt 107.9 FM frequency beginning Thursday morning. Listen here for all of this and more on Breaking With Brett Jensen. To be the first to hear about Breaking Brett Jensen's exclusives and more follow him on X @Brett_Jensen!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tune in here to this ​Thursday edition of Breaking With Brett Jensen! Breaking Brett Jensen kicks off the show by discussing a press conference announcing a new initiative in the city of Charlotte, dubbed "Operation Safe Season". Among those in attendance were newly appointed Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Chief Estella Patterson, U.S. Attorney for the Western District of North Carolina Russ Ferguson, Mecklenburg County District Attorney Spencer Merriweather, and several others. According to Patterson, the purpose of the operation is to lay the groundwork for “reducing violent crime and disorder” during her first week as chief and into the future. After the opening statements, Jensen notes that a question was raised about juveniles who may gather in the Uptown area and cause trouble during the holiday season. In response, Patterson said she understands that young people want to enjoy the community festivities, but emphasized they must be responsible and follow the law. Another topic addressed was the role the federal government will play in the operation. Ferguson said, in part, that the response will not be based on zone locations but on where crime is occurring. Jensen concludes the show by discussing two additional local topics. The first concerns Mecklenburg County Commissioner Vilma Leake, who represents District 2 and is once again running for a seat on the commission. The second focuses on the current state of the Carolina Panthers, who are on their bye week. Listen here for all of this and more on Breaking With Brett Jensen. To be the first to hear about Breaking Brett Jensen's exclusives and more follow him on X @Brett_Jensen!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tune in here to this ​Wednesday edition of Breaking With Brett Jensen! Breaking Brett Jensen kicks off the show talking with former North Carolina Republican Party Chairman Michael Whatley, who recently filed to run for the North Carolina Senate. Whatley describes his campaign as an effort to “discuss the issues that matter for North Carolina.” He says common sense is needed to address the state’s top concerns - particularly the economy, jobs and public safety. When asked whether Republicans will rebound in state government next year, Whatley says the decision will hinge on whether voters believe their future senator will support former President Donald Trump and the “America First” agenda. He says he is confident North Carolinians will side with Trump again and emphasizes that he wants to be Trump’s “conservative champion” in the Senate. Later, Jensen discusses two stories relevant to the Queen City - a rise in apartment construction and rent prices, and a lawsuit in NASCAR involving team owners Michael Jordan and Denny Hamlin. Listen here for all of this and more on Breaking With Brett Jensen. To be the first to hear about Breaking Brett Jensen's exclusives and more follow him on X @Brett_Jensen!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tune in here to this ​Tuesday edition of Breaking With Brett Jensen! Breaking Brett Jensen kicks off the show by interviewing North Carolina State Auditor Dave Boliek. Boliek and his team are actively investigating the City of Charlotte's $99,999 settlement given out to Lance Patterson, the husband of new Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Chief Estella Patterson. This payout was brought about to settle Patterson's seven-year lawsuit against the City. In the interview, Boliek mentions that he requested this investigation to bring transparency to the residents of Charlotte - as well as expose how the city government spends their taxpayer funds. He also notes that his office reached out to the City of Charlotte on November 14 to request the details of the payout. When asked his thoughts about City staff calling the investigation a "political ploy", Boliek emphasizes that he was very clear when he investigated the settlement to former Police Chief Johnny Jennings. During that investigation, he explained that the position of the State Auditor's office is that any expense of taxpayer money is the business of the taxpayers. This rhetoric is also being used in the newest investigation. In closing, Boliek gives an update on other projects that the State Auditor's office has been working. One such audit involved the North Carolina Office of Recovery and Resiliency, which looked at the Eastern part of the State's response to Hurricanes Matthew and Florence. Boliek notes that this particular audit is instructive and interesting as it pertains to how the State responded to those storms that affected the region. Listen here for all of this and more on Breaking With Brett Jensen. To be the first to hear about Breaking Brett Jensen's exclusives and more follow him on X @Brett_Jensen!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tune in here to this ​Monday edition of Breaking With Brett Jensen! Breaking Brett Jensen opens the show by discussing a story he broke on social media: The City of Charlotte has settled a seven-year lawsuit brought by Lance Patterson, the husband of newly appointed Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Chief Estella Patterson. Jensen notes that the $99,999 payout is significant because City Manager Marcus Jones does not need City Council approval for settlements under $100,000. Another notable detail is that the payout will be divided between two parties: Patterson will receive $40,000, and his legal team at James McIlroy & Diehl will receive the remaining amount of $59,000. Later, Jensen speaks with North Carolina Rep. David Willis, who represents Union County. Willis discusses “Iryna’s Law,” which took effect in North Carolina today. He was a key advocate for the measure, which honors slain Ukrainian immigrant Iryna Zarutska. Zarutska's death on Charlotte's light rail made national and international headlines back in August. Among the several components of the law, Willis says the main provisions address cashless bail and pretrial release for violent offenders. He adds that the law also revises the definition of violent offenses in an effort to reduce the burden on inexperienced magistrates. Willis concludes the interview by noting that the law aims to better address the mental health needs of violent offenders. Listen here for all of this and more on Breaking With Brett Jensen. To be the first to hear about Breaking Brett Jensen's exclusives and more follow him on X @Brett_Jensen!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tune in here to this ​Wednesday edition of Breaking With Brett Jensen! Breaking Brett Jensen opens the show by discussing a new historic law that will take effect in N.C. on Monday. The measure, dubbed “Iryna’s Law,” was developed after Ukrainian immigrant Iryna Zarutska was stabbed to death on Charlotte’s light rail in August. The law’s primary purpose is to crack down on pretrial release for repeat and/or violent offenders. Jensen emphasizes that Iryna’s Law affects every person in Mecklenburg County - and, in some cases, those in neighboring counties. He also notes that in addition to targeting repeat offenders, the law eliminates written promises to appear in court. This provision is particularly significant because Decarlos Brown Jr., the man charged with murdering Zarutska, had been granted such a promise to appear by a county magistrate. Iryna’s Law also abolishes cashless bail, among other changes. Later, Jensen shares a statement released by Mecklenburg County Sheriff Garry McFadden regarding Customs and Border Protection’s departure from Charlotte. In the statement, McFadden says the Border Patrol operation created “confusion, fear and mistrust throughout Mecklenburg County.” However, he goes on to say that “the Sheriff’s Office played no role in causing that confusion.” Jensen stresses that the people “living in fear” were the migrants living in the Queen City illegally. Listen here for all of this and more on Breaking With Brett Jensen. To be the first to hear about Breaking Brett Jensen's exclusives and more follow him on X @Brett_Jensen!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tune in here to this ​Monday edition of Breaking With Brett Jensen! Breaking Brett Jensen opens the show by discussing the shooting that took place Friday during Concord’s Christmas tree lighting. Jensen notes a recent trend in the growing populations of suburban cities surrounding Charlotte. As Charlotte’s growth continues to “spill over,” counties such as Iredell, Gaston, and Union are also expanding. He says this trend may help explain why towns around Charlotte are beginning to see crime incidents similar to those that have occurred in the Uptown area. Next, Jensen covers the breaking story of the night: a guilty verdict in the murder trial of Scott Brooks, the former co-owner of Brooks Sandwich House in Charlotte’s NoDa neighborhood. The two men convicted in Brooks’ killing - Steven Staples and Terry Connor Jr. - were each found guilty of first-degree murder and face life in prison without parole. Jensen notes that the North Carolina recently passed a measure allowing the death penalty, including firing squad and other methods, which could come into play should prosecutors seek capital punishment. He also reports that the two men have been implicated in other killings, totaling eight between them. Listen here for all of this and more on Breaking With Brett Jensen. To be the first to hear about Breaking Brett Jensen's exclusives and more follow him on X @Brett_Jensen!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tune in here to this ​Friday edition of Breaking With Brett Jensen! Breaking Brett Jensen kicks off the show discussing the payout the Charlotte city government has set aside for immigrants and businesses that lost money during Border Patrol’s “Operation Charlotte’s Web.” He speaks with WBT News Director Mark Garrison, who explains the headline-making story in greater detail. Garrison says the issue began at a Charlotte City Council meeting earlier in the week, when council members directed City Manager Marcus Jones to locate funding to assist migrants in the community affected by the raids. As of Friday afternoon, the city issued a press release stating it has identified $100,000 for those migrants - both those legally and illegally in the country - to apply for assistance funded by city taxpayers. Later in the show, Jensen shares an interview with BHAWK Bourbon Distillery owner and former Army veteran Brad Halling, who was involved in the real “Black Hawk Down” incident. Jensen spoke with Halling following his appearance at the Charlotte Bourbon Society’s “Bourbon Hearts Charity Dinner” last week. In the interview, Jensen learns more about Halling as both a military veteran and a bourbon distiller. Listen here for all of this and more on Breaking With Brett Jensen. To be the first to hear about Breaking Brett Jensen's exclusives and more follow him on X @Brett_Jensen!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tune in here to this ​Thursday edition of Breaking With Brett Jensen! Breaking Brett Jensen kicks off the show by discussing a terrifying story he broke on social media today involving Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools. The story involved a student at Palisades High School who was found carrying an AR-15 rifle with dozens of rounds of ammunition at a school bus stop. Once witnesses saw the gun, the student ran from responding officers and was ultimately found hiding at a residence and arrested. Nobody was injured in the situation. Jensen notes that had the witnesses not alerted authorities, the situation could have ended far worse once the student arrived at school. He adds that Charlotte could have potentially been thrust into the national news spotlight for the second time this week. Jensen also mentions that, according to North Carolina state law, the student can be charged as an adult. However, Mecklenburg County has a track record of not charging students involved in crimes as adults. Later, Jensen shares two statements released today - one from Charlotte Mayor Vi Lyles and another from the Department of Homeland Security. Both statements refer to the ongoing Border Patrol operation that has been underway since Saturday in the Queen City. In her statement, Lyles calls the operation an “intrusion” on the city, saying residents and businesses were “targeted” by agents who have been detaining people in the country illegally. Jensen further points out that this statement, similar to some of her recent ones, appears to have been composed by artificial intelligence based on its formatting. The statement from a Department of Homeland Security spokesperson says roughly 370 people in the country illegally have been detained and emphasizes that the operation in Charlotte “is not over.” This is significant to the ongoing status of the operation, especially because Lyles’ statement implied that Border Patrol had “ceased operations” in the city. Listen here for all of this and more on Breaking With Brett Jensen. To be the first to hear about Breaking Brett Jensen's exclusives and more follow him on X @Brett_Jensen!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.