Tune in here to this ​Thursday's edition of Breaking With Brett Jensen!

 

Breaking Brett talks with FOP President  Daniel Redford about why they asked for National Guard help, and shares a portion of today's CATS press conference. Charlotte City Councilman Malcolm Graham talks about crime in Charlotte. Edward Peacock, Charlotte City Councilman discusses CATS safety.

 

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Tune in here to this ​Thursday's edition of Breaking With Brett Jensen!

Breaking Brett Jensen kicks the show off by talking about the ongoing CATS security controversy and the upcoming city press conference addressing safety concerns on Charlotte’s public transit. Joined by WBT News Director Mark Garrison, Brett dives into the shocking lack of training required for unarmed security guards hired to protect light rail and bus riders. With only a two-day Zoom class under their belts and no training in using non-lethal tools like pepper spray, these guards are being tasked with frontline safety — and taxpayers are footing the $18 million bill.

Brett and Mark question why armed guards aren’t deployed on each train, especially when the budget clearly allows for it. They also criticize the city’s bizarre decision to separate ticket enforcement from security, potentially putting undertrained staff in dangerous situations.

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Tune in here to this ​Wednesday's edition of Breaking With Brett Jensen!

Breaking Brett Jensen kicks the show off by talking about the explosive findings from the North Carolina State Auditor’s report on CATS security and the growing legal trouble for the City of Charlotte. He highlights concerns over a costly security contract that now provides fewer armed guards, sparking backlash and a delayed city press conference. Brett also breaks exclusive news about a federal lawsuit filed by CMPD officer and FOP President Daniel Redford, who claims his constitutional rights were violated after speaking out on social media.

Jensen is joined by North Carolina State Fire Marshal Brian Taylor for an exclusive one-on-one interview to discuss the devastating impact of Hurricane Helene on Western North Carolina and the emergency response efforts that followed. Taylor recounts the unprecedented challenges faced during the storm, including widespread landslides, failed communications, and the tragic loss of a firefighter. He details how emergency crews pre-deployed resources, but were caught off guard by the intensity of the disaster. Taylor shares how he coordinated with private partners, including Operation Hilo and Elon Musk’s Starlink, to restore communication and deliver vital supplies to remote communities.

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Tune in here to this ​Tuesday's edition of Breaking With Brett Jensen!

Breaking Brett Jensen kicks the show off by talking about NFL great Muhsin Muhammad and his impressive transition from football to business. On this special edition of Breaking with Brett Jensen, the longtime WBT host sits down for an exclusive interview with Muhammad in his SouthPark office, overlooking Charlotte. Once one of the Carolina Panthers’ all-time greatest receivers, Muhammad is now a successful entrepreneur and investor.

He shares how his passion for business began during his playing days, influenced by NFL legends like Ronnie Lott and Joe Montana. From real estate ventures to private equity, and eventually owning a beloved restaurant chain—Wild Wing Café—Muhammad explains how his curiosity and hands-on approach helped shape his post-NFL success. Brett also reflects on his own memories of the restaurant, particularly praising its iconic ranch wings. The conversation highlights Muhammad's deep ties to Charlotte and his evolving legacy beyond the gridiron.

 

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Tune in here to this ​Monday's edition of Breaking With Brett Jensen!

Breaking Brett Jensen kicks the show off by talking about the packed House Judiciary Committee hearing at the federal courthouse and the emotional atmosphere surrounding it. He shares audio from the powerful testimony of Steve Federico, the father of Logan Federico, who was brutally murdered while visiting friends. Federico’s heartbreaking account highlights the repeated failures of the justice system, as the accused had been arrested 39 times with 25 felonies, yet remained free. Jensen underscores the raw emotion in the room, noting that some audience members reacted throughout the hearing, including protestors who had made their way inside

Also, Mia Alderman, grandmother of Mary Collins, delivered a powerful and emotional statement during the post-hearing media session. She recounted the horrific details of her granddaughter’s murder—stabbed over 130 times, left to bleed out in a bathtub, and hidden in a mattress. Alderman made it clear she was not there for political reasons, but to fight for justice and ensure Mary’s story is not forgotten. Despite suspects being charged, the case has yet to go to trial, and at least one of the accused remains out on bond. Her message was firm and heartfelt: “Mary matters.”

Later, Jensen is joined by Congressman Pat Harrigan for an exclusive one-on-one interview to discuss the devastating rise in violent crime and the justice system failures that have allowed repeat offenders to remain on the streets. Harrigan reflects on the brutal murder of Iryna Zarutska in Charlotte, sharing how deeply it affected him as a father of two young daughters. He draws a direct connection between failed policies—particularly cashless bail—and preventable tragedies like the murders of Zarutska and Logan Federico. Harrigan criticizes a system that prioritizes criminals over victims and outlines how the federal government can respond, including using the power of the purse to pressure states into reform. He also responds to emotional testimony from victims’ families and highlights the need for real accountability.

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Tune in here to this ​Friday's edition of Breaking With Brett Jensen!

Breaking Brett Jensen kicks the show off by talking about the shocking state of Lake Lure, North Carolina, and the extensive recovery efforts still underway nearly a year after Hurricane Helene. Broadcasting live from Black Mountain, NC, Brett describes how the lake has been intentionally drained 28 feet — the lowest in its history — to remove over a million tons of debris.

Jensen interviews Lake Lure Town Manager Olivia Stewman, who shares that while the water is testing normal, the lake was rendered unusable without the cleanup. She estimates full restoration by May 2026. Brett then travels through Chimney Rock and Bat Cave, noting the ongoing devastation and slow rebuilding efforts.

Jensen is joined by longtime Broad River resident Bo Reising to discuss the ongoing struggles facing the community nearly a year after Hurricane HelenJensen sits down with Reising on his front porch to reflect on the slow recovery process. Reising speaks candidly about the emotional and financial toll the storm has taken -- from losing hay fields and reliable roads to watching neighbors, including his niece, struggle to rebuild their lives. He also details the fading presence of state and federal aid and the overwhelming burden placed on local residents. Despite it all, Reising remains committed to helping his community

Jensen is also joined by Richard, a 15-year veteran of the Broad River Volunteer Fire Department, to discuss the lasting impact of Hurricane Helene on first responders and their community one year later.Richard reflects on how the storm strengthened community bonds, with neighbors stepping up to help one another in true mountain fashion.

He also highlights the critical equipment donations they’ve received, including a brush truck from the Charlotte Fire Department and a fire engine from upstate New York, which helped replace vehicles lost in the flood. As they prepare to reopen a rebuilt community center on the anniversary of the storm, Richard urges people outside the region not to forget the mountains—they still need help.

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TTune in here to this ​Thursday's edition of Breaking With Brett Jensen!

Breaking Brett Jensen kicks the show off by talking about the upcoming one-year anniversary of Hurricane Helene and the powerful stories that came out of last year’s devastating storm. He shares his firsthand experience covering the aftermath from the ground, including exclusive access to restricted areas like Lake Lure, Bat Cave, and Broad River. 

Brett recounts the community resilience he witnessed, from volunteer fire departments to makeshift supply centers set up by locals. He previews his plans to retrace those steps, visit the same locations, and reconnect with the people he met during that time—offering updates on recovery, lingering damage, and unfulfilled state promises.

Jensen also dives into the political fallout surrounding the newly passed “Iryna Zarutska Crime Bill,” focusing on the controversial response from a state senator representing District 42. Despite campaigning on public safety and distancing herself from “crazy Democrats,” she refused to vote on the bill after a death penalty amendment was added - mirroring a pattern of dodging other high-profile votes on issues like ICE cooperation, transgender inmate care, and defining biological sex.

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Tune in here to this ​Wednesday's edition of Breaking With Brett Jensen!

Breaking Brett Jensen begins the show with a solemn reflection on the upcoming one-year anniversary of Hurricane Halene and the lasting devastation it brought to communities in the North Carolina mountains. He shares a powerful report detailing the loss experienced by families who were directly impacted by the storm, highlighting the emotional weight that still lingers nearly a year later. The story serves as a sobering reminder of how quickly lives can change—and how long recovery truly takes.

Later, Jensen turned his attention to Vice President J.D. Vance’s visit to Concord earlier in the day, where Vance delivered a forceful and impassioned speech on crime and public safety. Speaking to a crowd of political leaders and local residents, the Vice President criticized what he called a national failure of political leadership in addressing rising crime. Vance called for stronger support of law enforcement, harsher penalties for violent offenders, and an end to what he described as leniency driven by political correctness. He highlighted tragic cases, including a recent murder in Charlotte, to underscore the human cost of weak criminal justice policies

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Tune in here to this ​Tuesday's edition of Breaking With Brett Jensen!

Breaking Brett Jensen kicks the show off by talking about the vigil held for Iryna Zarutska and the powerful community response that unfolded in Charlotte’s South End. Brett shares behind-the-scenes insights from the emotional event at the East/West Boulevard light rail station, where dozens of media members and a diverse crowd gathered to honor Arena’s life. He highlights moments such as a young woman laying flowers beneath Iryna's portrait, religious leaders from multiple faiths speaking, and police ultimately closing Camden Street due to the turnout.

Later, Brett Jensen shares the powerful and emotional speech delivered by Reverend James Bowers, a city council candidate for District 3, where Iryna Zarutska tragically lost her life. Bowers passionately called on the community to reflect, unite, and stand against senseless violence. Brett also highlighted a moving proposal made by event organizer Kyle Kirby, urging the city to rename the East/West light rail station after Arina, ensuring her legacy endures

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Tune in here to this ​Monday edition of Breaking With Brett Jensen!

Breaking Brett Jensen kicks off the show from the East/West Boulevard Light Rail station to talk about the vigil to honor the life of Iryna Zarutska. 

Jensen emphasizes that this memorial is not a political event, instead it's a way for the community to honor Zarutska's life and the legacy she ultimately leaves behind. He goes on to paint a visual of what the scene at the East/West Boulevard station, just outside of the tracks, looks like. 

He emphasizes the freshly-laid flowers given by the community to honor Zarutska, including tons of daisies and sunflowers. In addition to flowers, there were pictures and paintings of Zarutska, as well as hand-written notes that accompanied them. Jensen reads some of the notes, most of which state phrases such as "angel", "you are not alone" and "you will remain in our hearts forever".

Jensen then shares an interview he was able to have with North Carolina congressman Mark Harris. This conversation was important, since the House Judiciary Committee will be in Charlotte to talk about recent crime and violence that has been occurring in the city. In the interview, Harris acknowledges that the recent violent situations in Charlotte have caught the attention of The White House, and that national attention is what's bring the House Judiciary Committee to the Queen City. He believes that the Committee's purpose will be to ask questions of Charlotte leaders in order to prevent situations, like the one with Iryna Zarutska, from happening in the future.

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