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Breaking With Brett Jensen

WBT
501 episodes   Last Updated: Apr 24, 25

Every weeknight from 7-8 PM, "Breaking Brett Jensen" comes off the beat for a deep dive into the day's top stories, and to answer your questions at 704-520-1110.

Episodes

Tune in here to this ​Wednesday's edition of Breaking With Brett Jensen! Breaking Brett Jensen kicks the show off by talking about the unfolding controversy in Cabarrus County and a major legal ruling that could reshape local governance. Brett details how a judge has granted a preliminary injunction to block the appointment of a new county commissioner - an appointment that critics say was made before a legal vacancy even existed. Jensen is joined by Jim DeMay, attorney for the plaintiffs, to discuss the lawsuit against the Cabarrus County Commissioners and the judge’s decision to grant a preliminary injunction. Also, Jensen is Joined by Cabarrus County Commissioner Kenny Wortman to discuss a judge’s decision to halt a controversial commissioner appointment. Wortman reacts to the scathing ruling, which sided with the plaintiffs and stated they were likely to win their lawsuit against the Cabarrus County Commissioners. Wortman criticizes the interim county attorney earning $300 an hour for defending what he believes is an indefensible case. 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's edition of Breaking With Brett Jensen! Breaking Brett Jensen kicks the show off by talking about the pending judge’s ruling regarding the injunction tied to the controversial Cabarrus County Commission appointment, emphasizing that while a decision was expected today, it still hasn’t been released. Brett reminds his audience that he and WBTV’s David Hodges have been leading coverage on the issue and notes the judge has until Friday to decide. Later Jensen discusses Two lawsuits one involving Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools (CMS), which is the only school district in the state that doesn’t contribute to retirement benefits for its own police officers. He calls out CMS leadership for failing its officers while executives still get raises. The second case involves a Waxhaw family suing their HOA for the right to keep backyard chickens, claiming the birds are pets.   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 the unfolding drama surrounding the appointment of Chris Measmer to a vacant state Senate seat and the Cabarrus County GOP’s effort to push through his hand-picked replacement on the county commission. Jensen breaks down the last-minute rule changes that allowed Measmer to vote for his replacement before resigning moves now challenged in court. A temporary restraining order halted the swearing-in, and a judge is expected to rule soon on whether that injunction will stand. 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 off the show by discussing Tariq Bokhari’s final days on Charlotte City Council and his next chapter as Deputy Director of the National Transit Authority. We're joined by Tariq Bokhari for a candid conversation reflecting on nearly eight years of service from the calm early days to the chaotic “wartime” years of COVID, protests, and political battles. Bokhari shared his pride in recruiting over 2,000 tech jobs, launching local events, and most of all, fighting for better equipment for police officers. Brett also teased a possible successor: Bokhari’s wife, Krista, who has played a major role behind the scenes and is now eyeing the open seat. With District 6’s shifting political balance, her appointment or election could be pivotal. Later in the show, Brett Jensen turns the spotlight to two powerful stories of resilience and recovery in the North Carolina mountains following the devastation of Hurricane Helene. He shares a Queen City News report about a bridge rebuilt in Newland, finally allowing residents to cross a creek and visit loved ones' graves for the first time in over six months. Another emotional story focuses on a man trapped for 10 hours under debris who remained calm, faithful, and selfless—ultimately passing away after getting a final moment with his wife. 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 a tragic school bus crash and the ongoing debate around seat belt safety. Jensen details the incident on I-77 in Chester County, South Carolina, where a school bus carrying 35 students flipped after a tire blowout, leaving over 20 injured and one dead. Brett questions why school buses still lack seat belts, highlighting the danger of students flying through the air during crashes. He compares school bus safety standards to those of airplanes and commercial buses, which require restraints, and challenges the logic that seat belts supposedly make evacuations slower. 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's edition of Breaking With Brett Jensen! Breaking with Brett Jensen kicks the show off by talking about the shifting voter registration numbers in North Carolina and the GOP’s growing momentum statewide. Brett interviews NC GOP Chair Jason Simmons, who says Republicans are now less than 25,000 voters behind Democrats—a massive shift from a 645,000-voter gap in 2016. Simmons credits this to Republican policy successes and Democratic missteps. He also discusses upcoming Senate races, election integrity issues, and legal battles involving the NC Board of Elections. Later, Brett turns to Mecklenburg County GOP Chair Kyle Kirby, who outlines his vision for revitalizing the party in North Carolina’s bluest county. Kirby highlights the opening of a permanent GOP headquarters, a focus on running candidates in every race, and deeper outreach to young and minority conservatives. Also, Jensen talks with North Carolina Representative David Willis, who introduced a new bipartisan bill aimed at supporting fatherhood initiatives across the state. Inspired by his own experience growing up without a father, Willis held a press conference in Raleigh to unveil expanded funding for the All Pro Dad program—founded by NFL Hall of Famer Tony Dungy—which helps fathers stay actively involved in their children's lives. 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's edition of Breaking With Brett Jensen! Breaking with Brett Jensen kicks the show off by talking about the political chaos and legal battle unfolding in Cabarrus County. A lawsuit was filed challenging the sudden appointment of a new county commissioner without the resignation of commissioner Chris Measmer, who was appointed to a state senate seat. A judge issued a temporary restraining order, halting the swearing-in of the new commissioner due to concerns of “irreparable harm” and possible violations of state law. Brett is joined by Mark Garrison, who highlights how Measmer previously opposed the very maneuver he just pulled. Brett and Mark also discuss Cabarrus GOP leaders in chair Lanny Lancaster and vice chair Jim Quick, who have been accused of manipulating the process and retaliating against fellow Republicans who oppose their selection to the commission. The situation has left the county commission under scrutiny, with residents demanding transparency and open government. A follow-up hearing will be held within 10 days. Jensen also is also joined by WBTV Reporter David Hodges to discuss how the long-standing internal battles within the Cabarrus County Republican Party have led to the current controversy. The tension traces back to disputes involving former commissioner Steve Morris, who lost his seat following a lengthy SBI investigation that was later dismissed.  The two the discuss the issues facing locals in counties surrounding Mecklenburg that have divided many of the same political party.  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 Maggie, his beloved dog, and the overcrowding crisis at Charlotte-Mecklenburg Animal Shelter. Jensen gives an update on Maggie’s ongoing battle with kidney disease and her fluctuating appetite, explaining how he's been cooking steak and offering various foods to keep her eating. Brett then highlights the urgent need for fostering or adopting dogs, as shelters are at emergency capacity and considering euthanasia for some animals.  Later Jensen talks about the heartbreaking case of Madelina Cojocari, the Cornelius girl missing since 2022, sharing new developments including an age-progression photo and suspicions surrounding her mother, who moved to Moldova. Brett notes Moldova’s lack of an extradition treaty with the U.S., complicating the case further. 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 illegal street racing in Gastonia and a tragic crash that led to a second-degree murder charge. Brett highlights the dangers of these events, which recently resulted in serious injuries and fatalities.  Brett then shifts gears to discuss a new trend—THC-infused drinks—gaining popularity among young adults in North Carolina. He explores how hemp-derived products have found a legal loophole, despite recreational cannabis being illegal in the state, and the potential health and legal concerns tied to this rising trend. Later, Jensen covers Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools being ordered to pay WBTV over $60,000 for improperly withholding public records about sexual assaults. Brett strongly criticizes CMS leadership and calls for accountability. Jensen then highlights a compelling interview by Vince Coakley with community activist Jabril Hough, who discusses the ongoing controversy surrounding a violent assault involving two high school students. Hough, advocating for the female Arab-American victim, expresses concern over how racial dynamics have shifted public support toward the perpetrator, a Black male student. He critiques the NAACP's response and emphasizes the need for justice rooted in principle rather than identity politics. Hough also questions the integrity of the initial investigation, citing a rushed report by a school resource officer and the failure to adequately engage with the victim. 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 with Brett Jensen kicks the show off by talking about the chaotic political situation in Cabarrus County, and a new bill aimed at addressing North Carolina’s teacher shortage.  Jensen begins by diving into the controversy surrounding Cabarrus County Board Chair Chris Measmer, who is accused of manipulating board rules to ensure his allies remain in control after his appointment to the state Senate. Despite not officially resigning, Measmer’s decision to vote for his own replacement has sparked outrage and is expected to lead to legal challenges. Later, Jensen discusses House Bill 806 with state representatives David Willis and Heather Rhyne. This bill aims to combat the teacher shortage by allowing schools to hire individuals with four-year degrees in specific subjects, even if they don’t have teaching certification. This bill is seen as a potential solution to the staffing crisis, providing higher pay than substitutes but lower than certified teachers. Lastly, Jensen shifts focus to crime statistics in Mecklenburg County, sharing insights from CMPD's press conference on first-quarter 2025 data. The report reveals a decrease in overall crime, with violent crime down by 17% and property crime reduced by 4%. The department also highlights successful initiatives, including targeted operations to reduce dangerous driving and a significant drop in violent crime in key areas of the city. Listen here for all of this and more on Breaking With Brett Jensen. To be the first to hear about Breaking Brett Jensen's exclusives and more, follow him on X @Brett_Jensen!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.