Breaking With Brett Jensen

Tune in here to this ​Monday edition of Breaking With Brett Jensen! Breaking Brett Jensen kicks off the show by talking with US Senate candidate Michael Whatley, who begins the interview by describing his ongoing campaign activity across North Carolina. The conversation then shifts to crime across the Tar Heel State, particularly in Mecklenburg County. Whatley also discusses former Gov. Roy Cooper’s decision to release approximately 3,500. The interview concludes with Whatley discussing the economy and foreign policy, as well as his campaign strategy and message. Later, Jensen talks with NC Rep. David Willis, who discusses the upcoming session of the North Carolina General Assembly in Raleigh. 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 the Charlotte Hornets’ second play-in tournament game against the Orlando Magic. To provide insight into the game, he brings in Colin Hoggard from WFNZ. Hoggard addresses several storylines from the Hornets’ previous play-in matchup, a 127-126 overtime victory against the Miami Heat. Turning to the matchup with Orlando, Hoggard says it could be favorable for the Hornets if their 3-point shooting is effective. Additionally, Jensen and Hoggard discuss broader topics surrounding the play-in tournament, as well as predictions for the outcome of the game. 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 new legal development in the situation involving Mooresville Mayor Chris Carney. A judge in the case has ruled that surveillance footage of Carney from Mooresville Town Hall must be released by April 22. Jensen discusses the nature of the alleged content in the surveillance footage, suggesting it involves inappropriate behavior by the mayor. He also strongly criticizes the town’s leadership, suggesting suspicions of serious negligence. 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 discussing the Charlotte Hornets’ victory over the Miami Heat in the first round of the NBA play-in tournament. Jensen describes the game as wildly unpredictable and provides a breakdown of its notable plays to illustrate its erratic and chaotic nature. He also reflects on the atmosphere, calling it the loudest and most electric Hornets crowd he has experienced in more than two decades. Later, Jensen discusses a controversial moment during the game involving Hornets star LaMelo Ball and Heat star Bam Adebayo that has generated national attention. 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 demands from Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools to increase school funding. Jensen explains that data from CMS shows that total spending in the district has risen 44 percent over the last eight years. This has occurred despite student enrollment dropping approximately four percent over the same period. Jensen later discusses the current situation with CATS. 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 two incidents that occurred recently in the Charlotte area. The first involved the brutal beating of a woman on a CATS bus. The second involved a man waving a gun inside a restaurant at Birkdale Village in Huntersville. After detailing both incidents, Jensen turns his attention to Democrats, Republicans and unaffiliated voters, and says why none of them have the right to complain about crime. 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 Mecklenburg County’s legal requirement for pet licensing. Jensen shares a report explaining that all dogs, cats and even ferrets over four months old must be licensed annually. The licensing system is intended to encourage spaying and neutering, which helps control the pet population and reduces overcrowding in animal shelters. Jensen then provides an update to the story involving the two men who were arrested for riding horses through Uptown Charlotte. Later, Jensen highlights two additional animal-related stories. The first involves a woman in Gaston County accused of abandoning a box of newborn puppies. The second details overcrowding at Charlotte-Mecklenburg Animal Care & Control. 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 bizarre local story involving two men riding horses through Uptown Charlotte. Video of the incident shows one of the men appearing to attempt some kind of maneuver but failing, missing the saddle and falling off. The horse then runs loose, setting off a chain of events. Jensen presents the main point of confusion: why the horses were in Uptown Charlotte at all. He reflects on how strange it is that not just one, but two individuals agreed this was a good idea. 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 discussing Charlotte light rail stabbing suspect DeCarlos Brown, Jr., who has been deemed “incapable to proceed” on a murder charge. Jensen is joined by WBTV reporter David Hodges to discuss the case in more detail. Hodges explains that Brown’s attorney has filed a motion to delay the state case for at least 180 days. Jensen and Hodges then discuss the implications of a finding of incompetency, as well as the likelihood that a judge will formally rule Brown incompetent. Later, Jensen and Hodges discuss the ongoing controversies surrounding the town of Mooresville and Mayor Chris Carney. 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 Japan-based bank SMBC, which plans to establish its second-largest U.S. headquarters in Charlotte. Jensen shares comments from North Carolina Gov. Josh Stein about the project’s positive impact on the Queen City. Among other things, Stein says SMBC will bring 2,000 “good-paying jobs” to the area. 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 Charlotte City Council committee meetings held earlier in the day. A major topic raised during the meetings was traffic safety, particularly the potential return of traffic cameras at city intersections. Jensen detailed the early 2000s, when Charlotte last installed traffic cameras. However, that program was suspended in 2006. He said historical data from Charlotte’s seven-year program showed notable safety improvements, and cited national data from 2025 that supports those findings. Jensen also addresses the Charlotte Area Transit System and its security strategy. A key point of criticism was the repeated use of the term “perception” by city leaders and law enforcement when discussing safety concerns. 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 recapping the previous night’s in-studio interview with N.C. State Rep. Carla Cunningham. Jensen emphasizes the overwhelming listener response to Cunningham’s appearance. He reads several messages from listeners on the WBT Text Line, many of whom express surprise and admiration for her. Jensen reinforces this sentiment, agreeing that Cunningham comes across as sincere and principled. He then shares highlights from his conversation with Cunningham, including her disappointment over interference in her primary race, her future voting approach and more. 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 is joined in the studio by N.C. State Rep. Carla Cunningham. Jensen highlights her prominence leading up to the primary election, during which she became a highly visible and controversial figure in the Democratic Party. He begins the interview by asking Cunningham to reflect on the personal experience of facing opposition from her own party. Other topics discussed include Cunningham’s vote in favor of House Bill 318 to make sheriffs cooperate with ICE, and her philosophy of voting her conscience. Throughout the exclusive interview, Cunningham doesn’t hold back or bite her tongue. She speaks freely and openly, like rarely heard from a politician. Cunningham also addresses the investigation by the SBI into Mecklenburg County Sheriff Garry McFadden, which stem from allegations she and others filed against him. 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 talking about the Artemis II rocket launch. Jensen reflects on how significant this moment feels, comparing it to when he was in seventh grade and watched the first space shuttle launch. He discusses the timeline of human space exploration, noting that the last time humans landed on the moon was in December 1972. He also points out that in the more than 50 years since then, the majority of the global population has never witnessed a moon landing in their lifetime. The launch itself is covered live later in the show. 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 calls to remove a mural dedicated to Iryna Zarutska. The mural, located in Providence, Rhode Island, is set to be taken down after being described as “divisive and misguided.” Jensen argues that the backlash and planned removal reflect a lack of courage among city leaders. He emphasizes that its intent was to memorialize a victim of a brutal, widely publicized killing. 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 his experience attending Sunday night’s Charlotte Hornets game as a guest. Jensen reflects that, despite having been on basketball courts thousands of times throughout his career, the experience stood out because of the hospitality and upgraded amenities. He also highlights the presence of prominent business and community figures, along with high-end food offerings available in exclusive club areas. Later, Jensen discusses a violent incident that occurred March 18 at the Harris Teeter in Cotswold. A pregnant woman was randomly stabbed by another woman, identified as Marvina Marie Hardy. Jensen notes that Hardy appears to have a lengthy criminal history, citing multiple mugshots. 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 the political leanings of employees at major North Carolina universities, specifically Duke University and the University of North Carolina. At Duke & UNC, employees donated a hefty amount to Democratic aligned political candidates. Jensen also speaks with Mecklenburg County GOP Chairman Kyle Kirby. Kirby joins the show to discuss an upcoming Mecklenburg County Republican Party fundraiser featuring political consultant Roger Stone as the keynote speaker. Kirby says Stone is a fitting choice because of his extensive political background, including work with Ronald Reagan, George H.W. Bush and President Donald Trump. 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 U.S. Rep. Tim Moore. Jensen asks Moore to explain why approximately $2 billion in FEMA disaster relief funds have not reached residents of western North Carolina. Moore attributes much of the delay to bureaucratic hurdles, particularly a prior rule requiring personal approval from the secretary of the Department of Homeland Security for any expenditure over $100,000. Later, Jensen says he was alerted to a Facebook page allegedly belonging to Micah Johnson Griffith, an assistant principal at Alexander Graham Middle School in Charlotte. Referring to a post he made on X about the situation, Jensen highlights political content on the Facebook page, including statements about the President “raping children,” impeaching Donald Trump and opposing ICE. 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 talking with North Carolina Sen. Todd Johnson. Johnson has announced plans to run for Senate President Pro Tem leader following the unexpected electoral loss of longtime Senate leader Phil Berger. Jensen begins by asking Johnson about his reaction to Berger conceding his race to Sheriff Sam Page. Johnson expresses surprise at Berger’s defeat, noting that many supporters had hoped for his victory. Later, Jensen talks with former Charlotte-Mecklenburg school board member Lisa Cline. She is brought in to analyze the new CMS budget proposal for the 2026-27 school year. While she acknowledges that the district attempted to keep the budget relatively minimal, several elements raise concerns. 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 North Carolina Senate Majority Leader Phil Berger conceding his bid for re-election in the District 26 Senate race. At approximately 4:15 p.m., Berger officially conceded the race to Sam Page, losing by just 23 votes despite reportedly spending about $11 million and receiving an endorsement from President Donald Trump. Jensen reads part of Berger’s concession statement, in which he reflects on his role in reshaping North Carolina’s political and economic landscape over the past decade. Jensen adds that even critics give Berger credit for his influence and accomplishments. 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 press conference featuring the attorneys general of North Carolina and South Carolina, along with CMPD Chief Estella Patterson. The focus of the briefing is the fentanyl crisis, particularly the roles of money laundering, encrypted messaging apps, Chinese companies and cross-border drug trafficking. North Carolina Attorney General Jeff Jackson said a key driver of the fentanyl epidemic is large-scale money laundering, estimated at roughly $100 million per week. South Carolina Attorney General Alan Wilson expanded on Jackson’s points, framing the fentanyl crisis through three lenses: public safety, public health and national security. 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 talking about former North Carolina Lieutenant Governor Mark Robinson. Jensen briefly references past remarks by Robinson that sparked national backlash. Jensen then shares and summarizes a local report detailing Robinson’s recent public comments. Robinson admitted that “some truth” exists in the allegations and acknowledged a long-standing personal struggle with pornography. He explained that he initially lied to protect political allies, including President Donald Trump, and to avoid harming other Republican campaigns. 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 talking about the election process of NC Senate Majority Leader Phil Berger. While many respect his long tenure and leadership, others feel it may be time for new leadership. Jensen shares a report explaining that the North Carolina State Board of Elections declined Berger’s request for a hand-eye recount in the District 26 Senate race. At this point, Berger trails Rockingham County Sheriff Sam Page by 23 votes. Election officials emphasize that established protocols must be respected during the recount process. 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 speaking with WBTV reporter David Hodges about a controversial situation involving the town of Mooresville and Mayor Chris Carney. Hodges provides a chronological overview of the situation, which began in October 2024, when Carney entered Town Hall after midnight with a female companion. Jensen expresses disbelief that Mooresville’s legal team is fighting a request to release surveillance footage, given that the footage comes from a public building and involves public officials. Later, Jensen revisits the statewide shutdown in North Carolina due to the COVID-19 pandemic six years ago. He critiques the state government’s handling of the pandemic, calling the shutdown a pivotal moment and arguing that many missteps followed under Gov. Roy Cooper’s leadership. 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 describing his recent trip to Rochester, New York, for his uncle’s memorial service. Jensen explains the trip started with his flight being delayed by about three hours Thursday due to widespread inclement weather along the East Coast. He notes he was surprised by the intense cold and snowy conditions in the region. It snowed nearly every day during his visit, and persistent wind made the cold feel even more severe. Jensen emphasizes that the environment, as well as the culture in that region, are quite different from Charlotte. 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 discussing sports gambling on the two-year anniversary of its legalization in North Carolina. Jensen expresses strong approval of the change and argues that sports betting has long been normalized in many places, especially in Europe. Before legalization in many U.S. states, Americans often relied on alternatives such as trips to Las Vegas, offshore gambling websites or local bookmakers. Jensen then provides statistics about sports betting in the Tar Heel State during the first two years of legalization and explains how the $255 million in tax revenue has been allocated. 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 the changing significance of the ACC basketball tournament. Having covered the event extensively as a journalist, Jensen argues the tournament has changed dramatically over the years and no longer holds the prestige or excitement it once did. He explains how the ACC Tournament operated when the conference had only nine teams. During that era, getting a ticket to the event was nearly impossible because demand was so high. However, he says expansion altered the structure of the conference and began to dilute the tight-knit regional identity that defined the original ACC. Jensen predicts this year’s tournament will not even be half full for many of the early-round games, possibly only one-third full. 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 situation that occurred during the Los Angeles Marathon. Jensen said the temperature during the race reached about 82°F, which organizers described as hotter than expected. As a result, participants who completed 70% of the full marathon distance could still receive the same medal as those who finished the entire race. Jensen said the decision illustrates a broader cultural and political trend he believes could eventually affect Mecklenburg County. Later, Jensen highlights the ongoing dispute between Silfab Solar and the town of Fort Mill. He criticizes the company’s explanation that the hydrofluoric acid incident was “just a drip.” He argues that even a small amount of such chemicals would be unacceptable in someone’s yard or home, suggesting that minimizing the event does not address legitimate safety concerns. 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 talking with Rockingham Co. Sheriff Sam Page about his Republican primary race against Phil Berger for North Carolina Senate District 26. Page describes the emotional experience of waiting for hours while election officials counted provisional ballots in Guilford and Rockingham counties. Later, Jensen talks with state Rep. David Willis of Union County to discuss the potential implications of the District 26 situation for the state legislature and the upcoming legislative session. Willis stresses that it would be premature to declare the race decided. Additionally, he underscores the importance of transparency and trust in the election process so that voters across the state - particularly in Guilford and Rockingham counties - accept the results. 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! Rockingham Co. Sheriff Sam Page joins Jensen to discuss the extremely close Republican primary race for N.C. Senate District 26. At the time of the interview, provisional ballots had just been counted in Rockingham and Guilford counties, leaving Page with a narrow lead over Berger. After the provisional ballots were counted, Page gained votes in Rockingham Co., but lost ground in Guilford Co., resulting in the small but significant lead. Jensen notes that the vote-counting process had concluded just minutes before the interview began, making this an immediate reaction to a significant political story. 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 describes the outcome of a local judicial primary race. The result involves a jail abolitionist who is now a judge in Mecklenburg County. Jensen refers to an article stating that Habekah Cannon, who identifies herself as a jail and prison abolitionist, won the Democratic primary for District Court judge in District 26, which covers all of Mecklenburg County. He explains that Cannon previously worked as a public defender and now runs her own law firm. Additionally, he argues that her background as a public defender aligns with her stance against incarceration. 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 analyzes the results from the primary elections in several counties across North Carolina. The discussion begins with the defeat of NC Rep. Carla Cunningham by Rodney Sadler. Sadler had the endorsement of Gov. Josh Stein, which Jensen attributes to Cunningham’s decision to cross party lines on a key vote. Jensen then shifts to the Mecklenburg County sheriff’s race, which he characterizes as more interesting. Incumbent Sheriff Garry McFadden won the race with roughly 34% of the vote, defeating Ricky Robbins by approximately 2,600 to 2,800 votes. He then breaks down the Gaston County sheriff’s race, the Cabarrus County state senate race, as well as Mecklenburg commissioner Vilma Leake’s political fallout. 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 with Don Brown, candidate for U.S. Senate, who shares his perspectives on both national security and local political priorities. Brown emphasizes his military background, his experience as a criminal prosecutor, and his focus on issues like medical freedom, crime reduction, and economic growth. Later, Jensen is joined by Michael Waltley, Republican U.S. Senate candidate from North Carolina, to discuss the state’s primary elections and recent national security developments. Waltley emphasized concern and prayers for U.S. troops stationed domestically and abroad, noting North Carolina’s significant military presence, including Fort Bragg, Camp Lejeune, and Seymour Johnson Air Force Base. He praised President Trump’s “peace through strength” strategy, highlighting decisive action against threats from Iran and Venezuela while reinforcing America’s global influence. 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 o See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

TTune in here to this ​Friday's edition of Breaking With Brett Jensen! Jensen discusses early voting trends, noting that while Republicans recently surpassed Democrats in registered voters statewide, Democrats are currently leading in early primary turnout. He emphasizes the importance of voting early, sharing a personal story about his car overheating and landing in the shop—proof that unexpected life events can derail Election Day plans. 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 joined by Congressman Tim Moore, who describes the atmosphere in the room when President Trump recognized Iryna Zarutska mother in attendance during the State of the Union address. Moore recounts the powerful reaction from Republicans and addresses questions about whether Democrats stood during key moments, including discussions on crime, border security, and parental rights. The conversation expands into criticism of what Moore characterizes as soft-on-crime policies and the need for stronger enforcement at both the state and federal levels, including reference to North Carolina’s Iryna's Law. Later Jensen turns his attention to Cabarrus County politics, spotlighting controversy surrounding county commissioner candidate Ian Patrick and past remarks he made while serving on the Harrisburg Town Council. Brett replays audio from a 2023 council meeting in which Patrick opposed a proposed retirement community, arguing that seniors living there might not be “civically engaged” or active in the broader community. 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 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.