Shows
Breaking With Brett Jensen2-16-26: Will Jail North Reopen?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 McFa...
2026-02-1733 minBreaking With Brett Jensen2-13-26: Early Voting StartsTune 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...
2026-02-1432 minBreaking With Brett Jensen2-12-26: Rep Chesser Went Viral W/ McFaddenTune 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 lifelo...
2026-02-1332 minBreaking With Brett Jensen2-11-26: Arrest Order For Meck CommishTune 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. Je...
2026-02-1232 minBreaking With Brett Jensen2-9-26 : Fireworks At Hearing 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, an...
2026-02-1035 min
The Brett Winterble ShowBreaking Brett Jensen On The Brett Winterble ShowTune in here to this Monday edition of the Brett Winterble Show! We're joined by Breaking Brett Jensen, reporting live from the North Carolina House Oversight Committee hearing in Raleigh. Jensen was on the scene and describes what he observed firsthand from key officials from Mecklenburg County and the City of Charlotte. Jensen said the hearing consisted of two separate sessions - one in the morning and one in the afternoon - each marked by distinctly different tones and outcomes. The morning session opened with testimony from Mecklenburg County District Attorney Spencer Merriweather. Merriweather's comments were followed...
2026-02-0909 minBreaking With Brett Jensen2-6-26: I-77 Toll Lanes ChaosTune 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...
2026-02-0734 minBreaking With Brett Jensen2-5-26: Sheriff Candidate Collins JoinsTune 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 abandone...
2026-02-0635 minBreaking With Brett Jensen2-4-26: Sheriff Candidate Robbins; Cooper & Brown SagaTune 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 202...
2026-02-0533 minBreaking With Brett Jensen2-3-26: FTA Gives CATS ReportTune 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 e...
2026-02-0434 minBreaking With Brett Jensen1-30-26: Tiawana Takes A PleaTune 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, Jens...
2026-01-3133 minBreaking With Brett Jensen1-29-26: Meck Sheriff's DebateTune 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 lead...
2026-01-3034 minBreaking With Brett Jensen1-28-26: Illegal Alien Accused Of Horrible ActsTune 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. La...
2026-01-2933 minBreaking With Brett Jensen1-27-26: US Atty Russ Ferguson In StudioTune 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...
2026-01-2838 minBreaking With Brett Jensen1-26-26: Primary Endorsements; ICE Takes Swing At CLTTune 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 s...
2026-01-2736 minBreaking With Brett Jensen1-23-26: The Ice Storm ComethTune 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 ex...
2026-01-2432 minBreaking With Brett Jensen1-22-26: CLT Prepares For Storm 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 info...
2026-01-2327 minBreaking With Brett Jensen1-20-26: Measle Cases EmergeTune 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 sc...
2026-01-2129 minBreaking With Brett Jensen1-19-26: FBI Gets Man After 10-Yr. HuntTune 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...
2026-01-2030 minBreaking With Brett Jensen1-16-26: Michael Whatley Joins 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 Mich...
2026-01-1734 minBreaking With Brett Jensen1-15-26: Crime Stats; HOA Loses; Meck ABC NewsTune 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....
2026-01-1632 minBreaking With Brett Jensen1-14-26: Worrying CMS News; Don Brown JoinsTune 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...
2026-01-1530 minBreaking With Brett Jensen1-13-26: Rep. McDowell JoinsTune 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...
2026-01-1431 minBreaking With Brett Jensen1-12-26: Rep. Harrigan JoinsTune 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 r...
2026-01-1335 minBreaking With Brett Jensen1-9-26: French Reporter Talks Iryna; Rep Moore JoinsTune 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 say...
2026-01-1033 minBreaking With Brett Jensen1-8-26: NC Senator Overcash & Rep Harris JoinTune 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 ap...
2026-01-0934 minBreaking With Brett Jensen1-7-26: McFadden Interview; Wordsmith Tiawana BrownTune 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...
2026-01-0833 minBreaking With Brett Jensen1-6-26: Meck DA Spencer Merriweather In StudioTune 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, Je...
2026-01-0740 minBreaking With Brett Jensen1-5-26: EXCLUSIVE: Tariq Bokhari Talks DC & Jennings PayoutTune 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 tim...
2026-01-0642 minBreaking With Brett Jensen1-1-26: Top 10 Stories Brett Broke In 2025 (4-1)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.
2026-01-0233 minBreaking With Brett Jensen12-31-25: Top 10 Stories Brett Broke In 2025 (10-5)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.
2026-01-0133 minBreaking With Brett Jensen12-29-25: Tony Marino Filling In For Brett JensenTune 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...
2025-12-3031 minBreaking With Brett Jensen12-26-25: Scott Hamilton Filling In For Brett JensenTune 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, wh...
2025-12-2730 minBreaking With Brett Jensen12-23-25: Transit Trustee David Longo In StudioTune 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 ar...
2025-12-2435 min