Advertise on podcast: Breaking With Brett Jensen

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.