Breaking With Brett Jensen

Tune in here to this ​Friday's edition of Breaking With Brett Jensen! Breaking Brett Jensen kicks the show off by talking about the brewing controversy surrounding Customs and Border Protection agents arriving in Charlotte and the political fallout that’s followed. Jensen highlights how some residents and activist groups are furious about the increased federal presence, while others welcome it as a necessary step to address crime and illegal immigration. Jensen brings on Congressman Tim Moore, who expresses frustration over the recent 40-day government shutdown and praises bipartisan moderates for helping reopen the government. Moore sharply criticizes Democratic leadership for using the shutdown as leverage and strongly defends Border Patrol officers coming to Charlotte, calling opposition to them “outrageous” and rooted in anti-law-enforcement rhetoric. He argues the federal presence is needed to clean up the immigration issues of the last four years. Later Jensen dives into the growing tension surrounding Border Protection agents arriving in Charlotte and the panic spreading among activists, Hispanic community groups, and local political figures. He criticizes what he sees as misplaced outrage, emphasizing that federal agents are targeting serious offenders, not law-abiding families. Jensen plays a WBTV report highlighting community fears and nonprofits preparing residents for possible encounters with agents. 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 major law-enforcement news he broke 24 hours earlier and the confirmation from local officials that Border Patrol agents will soon arrive in Charlotte. He explains that both a congressman and the Mecklenburg County sheriff validated his reporting, noting agents are coming to target specific criminal suspects, including gang members and drug traffickers. Jensen then shifts to his in-studio guest, Mecklenburg County ABC’s mixed beverage and logistics director — better known as the “bourbon guy” — Brian Peter. Together, they preview this weekend’s highly anticipated “Barrel Palooza,” an allocated bourbon release featuring some of the rarest and most sought-after bottles in the country. Peter reveals the new location for Saturday’s event, Store 24 on Prosperity Church Road, and discusses how the ABC board prepares for massive crowds and manages distribution   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 discussing the major local news story he broke on social media: Customs and Border Protection agents are being deployed to Charlotte from Chicago. Jensen emphasizes that Customs and Border Protection is different from Immigration and Customs Enforcement and says the agents are coming to Charlotte for a specific operation. He reports that more than 100 CBP agents are expected to arrive in the Queen City as early as Nov. 15, but no later than early in the week, and that they will be in the city for only a few days. Jensen also reads a statement that Charlotte Mayor Vi Lyles posted on her social media account, noting that it’s the type of statement only Lyles would write and share publicly. He points out that the word “safe” appears repeatedly in the statement. Jensen suggests that Lyles should instead focus on keeping residents safe from the murders occurring in the Uptown area, which accounts for 14% of homicides within Charlotte city limits. 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 the first session of the Scott Brooks murder trial. Jensen shares a report from Queen City News that highlights a key detail from the session - the judge overseeing the case had to dismiss one of the jurors after he fell asleep during opening statements. The dismissed juror had previously spoken with the judge during the selection process, saying he felt he could serve on the jury despite working a third-shift job. As for Monday’s session, it focused on surveillance video from December 2019 taken at Brooks’ Sandwich House, as well as footage from neighboring businesses surrounding the restaurant. Later, Charlotte Bourbon Society founder Ken Bernardo joins Jensen to discuss the society’s Bourbon Hearts Charity Dinner and Auction, taking place Friday night. The event benefits the HeartBright Foundation, whose mission is to promote cardiovascular wellness through prevention, awareness, and partnerships across the Charlotte region. Veteran Brad Halling - who survived the real Black Hawk Down - and his wife, Jess, will participate in the event. The Hallings own BHAWK, a distillery based in Southern Pines. Their participation will support the society’s goal of honoring veterans during the 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.

Tune in here to this ​Thursday's edition of Breaking With Brett Jensen! Breaking Brett Jensen kicks the show off by talking about the surge in voter turnout across Mecklenburg County and what it reveals about the local political landscape. He compares the 2025 election results to 2023, noting that turnout jumped from 15.5% to 22%—a massive 45% increase. While some attribute the rise to the controversial one-cent sales tax referendum, Jensen argues the phenomenon runs deeper, pointing to a broader “Trump effect” that fueled Democratic turnout not only in Charlotte but across North Carolina and even Virginia. Jensen is joined by Congressman Mark Harris to discuss the recent letter sent to Governor Josh Stein requesting the deployment of the National Guard to Charlotte. Harris explains that the request was prompted by rising violent crime, police staffing shortages, and growing public concern following a string of homicides. He emphasizes that the proposal, supported by the Fraternal Order of Police, aims to provide a short-term solution to restore safety and confidence—particularly in uptown Charlotte—while long-term reforms take shape. Harris notes that similar measures have yielded positive results in other cities and urges Governor Stein to “put politics aside” and listen to law enforcement leaders. 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 Brett Jensen kicks the show off by talking about the recent developments at the Mecklenburg County Detention Center following another inmate death, as well as the ongoing challenges surrounding the closure of the Juvenile Detention Center at Jail North. Joined in-studio by Mecklenburg County Sheriff Gary McFadden, Jensen dives into the details of the investigations being handled by the SBI and the complexities behind reopening the juvenile facility. Sheriff McFadden clarifies that while his office once partnered with the Department of Juvenile Justice, the state ultimately bears responsibility for providing bed space and staffing — a challenge worsened by high vacancy rates The discussion also highlights McFadden’s recent letter to state officials urging accountability and transparency, with both agreeing that a public forum is needed to address the issue.  Later in the show, Jensen teases a conversation about McFadden’s potential re-election bid. 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! Brett Jensen is filling in for Brett Winterble, so Brett kicks off the program by talking about the upcoming election and the introduction of Charlotte’s new police chief, Estella Patterson. He calls it a “pre-election extravaganza,” outlining a busy three-hour show packed with interviews and insights ahead of Election Day. Brett highlights the strong early voting turnout and previews an impressive lineup of guests, including Sheriff Gary McFadden, WBTV investigative reporter David Hodges, and several candidates running in key local races. He explains that the show will cover everything from voter turnout and campaign updates to public safety and community issues shaping tomorrow’s election. Brett then turns to major local news — the introduction of CMPD’s new chief, Estella Patterson. He plays City Manager Marcus Jones’s remarks and Patterson’s full statement, before teasing his exclusive one-on-one interview with Jones about the hiring process and future plans for the department 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 sits down for a 1-on-1 exclusive interview with Mecklenburg County Sheriff Gary McFadden to discuss his recent decision to renew cooperation with ICE and what that partnership really means for the county. Sheriff McFadden explains that the move isn’t about enforcement but about improving safety and communication between agencies. He details new protocols that allow ICE agents to operate within secure areas of the courthouse and detention center, ensuring transparency, safety, and respect for all involved. The sheriff also addresses concerns surrounding recent inmate deaths at the Mecklenburg County Detention Center, citing underlying health issues, poverty, and substance abuse as the primary causes rather than officer misconduct. 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! Brett is joined by the FOP President Daniel Redford to discuss the new CMPD Police Chief, Stella Patterson.  Brett shares a clip from Mark Garrison about a NC dairy farm.   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 Brett Jensen kicks the show off by talking about the upcoming local elections and the key races shaping the Charlotte region. With Election Day just around the corner, he highlights competitive contests in Huntersville, Matthews, and Cornelius—races that could significantly impact local leadership. Brett is joined by Frank Gammon, a Republican candidate running for Huntersville Town Council, who shares his thoughts on taxes, growth, and voter engagement. Gammon expresses concern over rising tax rates and questions recent development decisions, emphasizing his opposition to additional sales taxes. He also calls for greater transparency and urges more residents to participate in municipal elections, which he says have a direct effect on daily life 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 dives into the upcoming municipal elections across the Charlotte region, focusing particularly on the mayoral race in Concord. Jensen is joined by Steve Morris to discuss his campaign for mayor of Concord and the key issues shaping the upcoming election. Morris, who previously served as chairman of the Cabarrus County Board of Commissioners, emphasizes his deep commitment to the community and outlines his priorities if elected - managing growth responsibly, protecting infrastructure, and keeping Concord’s elections nonpartisan. He warns that turning city races into partisan contests would divide residents and disenfranchise unaffiliated voters, who make up the largest voter bloc in the city. Brett then discusses the early voting turnout that is already ahead of the pace seen two years ago, with more than 17,000 votes cast at key locations like SouthPark Library, Hal Marshall Center, and Cornelius Town Hall. Jensen notes that both Republicans and Democrats are participating, with Republicans following the push started in 2024 to vote early to avoid Election Day obstacle 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.

Breaking Brett Jensen kicks the show off by talking about early voting turnout and the ongoing state budget stalemate in North Carolina. Jensen reviews updated early voting numbers across Mecklenburg County, noting strong participation once additional polling sites opened beyond uptown Charlotte. He then shifts focus to Raleigh, where lawmakers have yet to finalize a state budget. After playing a report from Queen City News, Jensen explains why the lack of a budget isn’t surprising, revealing that political insiders told him months ago this delay was expected. Jensen is joined by school board candidate Justin Shealy for an exclusive 1-on-1 interview to discuss his campaign for the District 6 seat on the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Board of Education. Shealy, who represents the southern part of Mecklenburg County including Steele Creek, Pineville, and Ballantyne, talks about his grassroots approach, focusing on door-to-door outreach and direct voter engagement during early voting. He acknowledges challenges running as a Republican in a nonpartisan race against two Democratic opponents, including one candidate he says has deep insider connections to CMS leadership. Shealy emphasizes his status as a newcomer to politics and a parent invested in improving schools, pledging to bring “a common-sense approach” and independence from special interests. 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! Today, Breaking Brett Jensen sits down with Charlotte community leader David Longo to talk about several relevant topics in the city of Charlotte. One of those is the one-cent sales tax referendum that is included on ballot in the ongoing Mecklenburg County election. Longo states that the one-cent sales tax increase is important to the city's infrastructure, mentioning that he has yet to meet someone who doesn't believe Charlotte has a traffic congestion problem. To further define the congestion problem, he says if you sit through one light cycle on your commute, that is classified as a systemic failure that needs to be addressed. Another topic that Longo addresses with Jensen is the ongoing issue of crime within the city limits. Jensen notes that CMPD continues to use the word "perception" when addressing crime, despite murders in the Uptown area being up two-200%. Describing the decision to hold a recent press conference to address this topic, Longo highlights that a lot of people in the community express concerns about the details of what the crime statistics were showing. He also recognizes that Charlotte center city is considered "the gathering place in the community", therefore it needs to be a place that is pristine and free of violence. 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 Brett Jensen kicks the show off by talking about the massive sick-out by 700 Union County teachers protesting the lack of county supplements promised by the school board, as well as a powerful press conference addressing youth violence and homicides in Charlotte. Jensen explains that the Union County Commissioners had already approved the money months ago, but the school board never distributed it, sparking widespread frustration among educators and parents. Jensen is joined by North Carolina State Representative David Willis from Union County for an exclusive one-on-one interview to discuss the newly redrawn congressional maps passed in Raleigh. Willis explains that while North Carolina will still have 14 congressional seats, lawmakers decided to revise the district boundaries to make them more compact and to counter what he describes as “egregious overreach” from California’s redistricting efforts. He notes that Districts 1 and 3 in eastern North Carolina were the primary focus, shifting from vertical to more horizontal layouts for fairness and geographic sense. Jensen is also joined by Union County Commissioner Chair Melissa Merrill to discuss the massive teacher sick-out that shook Union County schools. Merrill explains that earlier this year, county commissioners approved an additional $8.8 million for Union County Public Schools — funds that could have supported a $1,000 to $2,000 supplement increase for teachers. However, despite receiving the money in July, the school board chose not to distribute the funds, later claiming the county had not approved the raises. 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 latest round of Charlotte Observer endorsements in the CMS school board races and the political dynamics behind each decision. He walks listeners through the most competitive districts, questioning the newspaper's choices and highlighting the clear party lines in what are technically “nonpartisan” races. Brett gives context to each candidate, including controversial incumbent Melissa Easley, and details her previous social media scandals. He also digs into the background of Charlita Hatch and the political drama tied to her candidacy 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.

Four more murders this weekend in Charlotte. "The Pick Is Right" with Isaac, on Charlotte election endorsements by The Charlotte Observer. Brett discusses the current edition of the Panthers and reviews Talktoberfest.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 a recent situation regarding CMS and Piedmont Middle School. He explains that he was first informed about the incident at Piedmont Middle on Wednesday morning, based on an email that the principal sent out to parents on Tuesday night. Although the initial email sent out by the principal gave vague details, Jensen found out the incident was an alleged sexual assault, involving a group of boys going after another boy. He also obtained the video of the alleged assault, which he describes as volatile. Later, Jensen talks about the Carolina Panthers upcoming game against the New York Jets. He shares the interview that Panthers head coach Dave Canales held with members of the media. In the interview, Canales states that running backs Chuba Hubbard and Rico Dowdle will share opportunities in the offensive backfield. Canales emphasizes that he is excited for the opportunity for both players to help the offense be efficient on Sunday. Additionally, Canales gives updates about the available players at other skill positions, such as outside linebacker and positions along the offensive line. 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 opens the show by diving into the controversial use of eminent domain along Independence Boulevard. He explains how the NCDOT is seizing portions of private business properties—sometimes just 20 to 40 feet—for public development, raising concerns about whether affected businesses will be fairly compensated. Brett previews an in-depth conversation later in the show with attorneys representing some of those property owners. Later, Jensen sits down with Congressman Addison McDowell for an exclusive 1-on-1 interview to discuss the ongoing government shutdown, its root causes, and the broader implications for both Washington and District 6. McDowell pulls no punches, blaming Democratic leadership for prolonging the crisis and accusing them of leveraging the shutdown to push partisan spending demands—including Medicaid funds for undocumented immigrants. He emphasizes that the House has already passed a clean, bipartisan funding bill and says there's “nothing left to negotiate. 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 Brett Jensen kicks the show off by talking about the latest crime statistics released by CMPD and the growing role of public perception in shaping how residents feel about safety in Charlotte. The department held a press conference earlier in the day, highlighting an overall 8% drop in crime and a 20% reduction in violent crime through the first three quarters of 2025. Jensen plays a key portion of the press conference, urging listeners to note how often the word “perception” is used by CMPD officials. Later Jensen digs into the second half of CMPD’s press conference on the latest crime stats — and doesn’t hold back. He challenges city officials on the disconnect between public “perception” and the reality of rising crime, especially in Uptown Charlotte. With murders up 200% and violent crimes increasing across the board in the Central Division, Brett demands straight answers on why CMPD continues to frame the issue as one of perception. Jensen is joined by Krista Bokharii to discuss her campaign for Charlotte City Council in District 6 and the issues she believes are holding the city back. A strong advocate for transparency and accountability, Bakari criticizes what she calls wasteful spending by current leadership — pointing to high-dollar payouts, the proposed $1.5 million for the private Excelsior Club, and a general lack of fiscal responsibility. Jensen ends the night with an exclusive 1-on-1 interview with James Bowers to discuss his campaign for Charlotte City Council in District 3 and his vision for restoring safety, transparency, and trust in city leadership. Bowers, a passionate advocate for public safety, criticized the current council for what he called poor decisions and a lack of accountability, particularly when it comes to crime and police staffing. 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! Filling in for Breaking Brett Jensen is Nick Craig from The Carolina News Hour to kick the show off by talking about redistricting and its national political implications. With lawmakers set to return to Raleigh on October 20th, Craig outlined the announcement from House Speaker Destin Hall and Senate Leader Phil Berger that the North Carolina General Assembly will redraw congressional maps—part of a larger, nationwide redistricting battle. He traced how this trend started with Democrat-led states like Illinois and California before Republican states like Texas followed suit, triggering a tit-for-tat response. Craig argued that rather than offering better ideas to win elections, Democrats are trying to reshape electoral boundaries to gain advantage. He emphasized the partisan nature of redistricting across the country, pushing back on accusations of gerrymandering being exclusive to Republicans. 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.