Open Record
313 episodes - English - Latest episode: 14 days ago - ★★★★★ - 35 ratingsFOX6 Investigative reporters Bryan Polcyn, Jenna Sachs and Amanda St. Hilaire break down the big stories and what it took to get them. "Open Record" takes you behind the scenes of the investigative reporting unit in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. It's the details the reporters couldn't tell you on T.V.
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Episodes
S E314: The Magic of Music
April 11, 2024 14:50 - 45 minutes - 41.2 MBMake-a-Wish Wisconsin is celebrating 40 years and marking a major milestone by granting their 8,000th wish. In this episode of Open Record, FOX6 Investigator Bryan Polcyn invites FOX6 anchor and reporter Carl Deffenbaugh on to talk about how the magic of music was able to give one teen the chance of a lifetime. Carl shares Lulu Altman's story of managing a debilitating diagnosis and the lead-up to performing on stage with the Milwaukee Youth Symphony Orchestra. You'll also hear from...
S E313: The Race is On
April 04, 2024 15:08 - 45 minutes - 41.2 MBFrom the presidential primary to dozens of school referendums, voters hit the polls April 2 to cast their ballots. In this episode of Open Record, FOX6 Investigator Bryan Polcyn and FOX6 political reporter Jason Calvi break down the numbers and results. They explain what it all means for people living in Wisconsin.
S E312: In-Person Influence
March 28, 2024 16:59 - 45 minutes - 41.2 MBWhen it comes to Presidential campaigns, the Badger State is a must visit -- a battleground that can make or break a candidate. But do campaign visits really influence voter behavior? On this week's episode of Open Record, we are joined by Christopher Devine, author of a new book on the impact of campaign visits and why his research shows they usually don't work.
S E311: Utter Disregard
March 21, 2024 17:23 - 45 minutes - 41.2 MBIt's against the law to drive without a valid license in Wisconsin. But it's almost never a crime, no matter how many times you get caught. In this episode of Open Record, FOX6 Investigator Bryan Polcyn explains the loophole in state law that allows dangerous drivers to keep on driving, putting you and your family at risk.
S E310: Sight Unseen
March 14, 2024 14:09 - 45 minutes - 41.2 MBWhether it's daily words of wisdom coming from an unexpected place or defying expectations, you never know when or where you'll find that spark. In this episode of Open Record, FOX6 Investigator Bryan Polcyn invites FOX6 anchor and reporter Carl Deffenbaugh on to talk about two recent feature stories that have one thing in common: Inspiration comes from a place where feeling matters more than seeing.
S E309: The Unscheduled Interview
March 07, 2024 17:25 - 45 minutes - 41.2 MBIn the news business, much of what we do revolves around scheduled interviews where a reporter asks the questions and an interviewee shares information, insight, and reaction. But not everyone we want to interview for the news wants to be interviewed. In this episode of Open Record, FOX6 Investigators Bryan Polcyn and Amanda St. Hilaire talk about how and why we sometimes resort to showing up, unscheduled, and asking tough questions anyway.
S E308: Something Shady
February 29, 2024 16:52 - 45 minutes - 41.2 MBA Waukesha solar installation company closes and leaves customers with unfulfilled contracts. Now, the FBI is investigating that company for fraud. Plus, $4,000 went missing from a West Allis safe deposit box. Contact 6 steps in and helps solve the money mystery. In this episode of Open Record, FOX6 Investigator Bryan Polcyn invites Contact 6's Jenna Sachs on the episode to talk about two of the latest consumer issues to hit the Contact 6 inbox.
S E307: Private Lessons
February 22, 2024 15:50 - 45 minutes - 41.2 MBAn April trial date is set for the former Oak Creek teacher accused of sexually assaulting a student. 22-year-old Rachel Goodle has pleaded not guilty to charges of second degree sexual assault of a child and sex assault of a student by school staff. In this episode of Open Record, FOX6 Investigator Bryan Polcyn invites FOX6 reporter Sam Kraemer on to talk about the case and more specifically, the open records request Sam made. Sam shares what FOX6 found in the investigation report ...
S E306: The Magician
February 15, 2024 15:35 - 45 minutes - 41.2 MBFOX6 editor Dave Michuda was recently one of six local television journalists inducted into the National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences 'Silver Circle.' It's an honor given to television journalists who have excelled at their craft for more than 25 years in the profession. In this episode of Open Record, we bring Dave on to talk about his extensive career in broadcast journalism, what it's like to be a video editor at FOX6, and the incredible story for which Dave had a front ...
S E305: Part of the Job
February 08, 2024 21:19 - 45 minutes - 41.2 MBOver the last several years, police body-worn cameras have gone from non-existent in Wisconsin to widespread use. With that increased usage comes a surge in public requests for those videos to be released under the public records law. In this episode of Open Record, FOX6 Investigators Bryan Polcyn and Amanda St. Hilaire talk about something that's transformed the world of policing: body cameras. They invited Tom Kamenick, President and Founder of the Wisconsin Transparency Project, ...
S E304: The Mismatch
February 01, 2024 15:26 - 45 minutes - 41.2 MBMilwaukee County needs foster parents, but matching kids with families who speak the same language is a challenge. Now, there's a renewed push to recruit more Spanish-speaking foster families. In this episode of Open Record, FOX6 Investigator Bryan Polcyn invites FOX6 reporter Darronte Matthews on to talk about the foster program through Children's Wisconsin. We also learn more about the foster system as a whole, including the application process, training, and expectations.
S E303: Uninhabitable
January 25, 2024 18:29 - 45 minutes - 41.2 MBA Milwaukee landlord accuses a former tenant of trashing his rental property. It's a claim he made after two young children were poisoned in his house. In this episode of Open Record, FOX6 Investigator Bryan Polcyn explains the story of a home so dangerous, the city of Milwaukee ordered everyone out. Bryan explains how that landlord seemingly cashed in after collecting an insurance check and forced his poverty-stricken former tenant to pay it back.
S E302: Potholes and Propane
January 18, 2024 16:00 - 45 minutes - 41.3 MBMilwaukee has more than 400 miles of alleys and only a small fraction get replaced in any given year. What happens when neighbors need to advocate for their alley and why is it such an uphill battle? Plus, they're convenient and easy to use, but if you toss them in the trash, you risk starting a fire. Why is disposing of small propane tanks a problem? In this episode of Open Record, FOX6 Investigator Bryan Polcyn invites Contact 6's Jenna Sachs on to talk about two consumer issues i...
S E301: One Will Be Appointed
January 11, 2024 16:24 - 45 minutes - 41.2 MBState lawmakers and Governor Evers recently approved a boost in pay for both prosecutors and public defenders. But, criminal defendants in some Wisconsin counties are still sitting in jail for months without a lawyer. In this episode of Open Record, FOX6 Investigator Bryan Polcyn digs into the question of, 'how long is too long?' for defendants to sit in jail without representation. It's all part of Bryan's latest investigation into the criminal justice system and a class action law...
S E300: The CurderBurger
January 04, 2024 16:26 - 45 minutes - 41.2 MBIt's one of the biggest buzz-worthy moments to happen to any national restaurant chain in recent memory. The thought of eating one might sound as ridiculous as the decision to create it. Did you know Culver's CurderBurger was never meant to be a real menu item? In this episode of Open Record, FOX6 Investigator Bryan Polcyn invites FOX6 anchor and reporter Ben Handelman on to talk about what prompted the company to eventually turn a joke into reality. Ben explains why he was interest...
S E299: Range Anxiety
December 21, 2023 16:34 - 30 minutes - 27.5 MBIt's a problem so prevalent among electric car drivers that it has its own phrase. 'Range anxiety' is the feeling you may be left stranded without a place to plug in your electric car. In this episode of Open Record, FOX6 Investigator Bryan Polcyn invites FOX6 anchor and reporter Ben Handelman on to talk about the challenge electric vehicle drivers face in Wisconsin. Ben explains why an old state law is threatening Wisconsin's plan to solve the lack of high-speed electric chargers. ...
S E298: Isolation Epidemic
December 14, 2023 16:29 - 24 minutes - 22.5 MBThere's an epidemic in this country impacting people of all ages and backgrounds. The U.S. Surgeon General says loneliness is taking years off lives. The feelings of isolation and insignificance are more than just a passing thought. In this episode of Open Record, FOX6 Investigator Bryan Polcyn invites FOX6 reporter Ashley Sears on to talk about her latest story about the loneliness epidemic. Ashley introduces us to several groups of people who are working to combat those feelings o...
S E297: An Act of Rebellion
December 07, 2023 15:03 - 39 minutes - 35.8 MBAct 10 is a law that puts limits on state and local government worker unions, like teachers' unions. Now, there's a new lawsuit challenging the law. In this episode of Open Record, FOX6 Investigator Bryan Polcyn invites FOX6 political reporter Jason Calvi and Waukesha beat reporter Bret Lemoine on to talk about the latest lawsuit challenging Act 10. The group talks about why it's happening now, what it would mean if the law was overturned, and what they remember about the protests i...
S E296: Rough Draught
November 30, 2023 19:52 - 28 minutes - 26.2 MBBeer is big business in Wisconsin. But, how clean is the beer coming from those draft lines at your favorite bar or restaurant? In this episode of Open Record, FOX6 Investigator Bryan Polcyn invites anchor and reporter Suzanne Spencer on to talk about her latest story. Suzanne explains the reason why you may never really be able to track the cleanliness of those draft lines. You'll hear about why it's important to clean the lines, the regulations that are (and aren't) out there, and...
S E295: Coming Soon
November 16, 2023 16:07 - 31 minutes - 29 MBThe Hollywood strikes are over and that means new movies and several streaming series are coming back. In this week's Open Record, FOX6 Investigator Bryan Polcyn invites Hollywood insider Gino Salomone on to talk about the most recent Hollywood union to strike a deal with the studios. Gino explains the deal reached and what that means for your favorite movies and shows. Plus, we talk about Gino's long career in radio and television and how he got into the business.
S E294: Counsell of Despair
November 09, 2023 15:03 - 38 minutes - 35.2 MBHe had been synonymous with Milwaukee baseball as the National League's longest-tenured manager. This week, fans learned Craig Counsell landed a five-year deal with the rival Chicago Cubs worth more than $40 million. In this episode of Open Record, FOX6 Investigator Bryan Polcyn invites FOX6 Sports reporter Lily Zhao and FOX6 anchor Ted Perry on to talk about this baseball bombshell. Lily and Ted talk with Bryan about why this happened, the reaction from the sports world and fans he...
S E293: Upon Closer Examination
November 02, 2023 16:56 - 44 minutes - 40.6 MBIf you're looking for an apartment, an eviction can be like a scarlet letter. Now, a decision by Wisconsin's highest court will cut down the amount of time certain eviction records remain public. Plus, annual mammograms can save lives, but there are also instances of mammograms missing cancer in women. Could a new bill help cover supplemental treatment for women facing irregular mammograms? In this episode of Open Record, FOX6 Investigator Bryan Polcyn invites Contact 6's Jenna Sach...
S E292: The Eyes of Government
October 26, 2023 16:07 - 45 minutes - 41.3 MBTens of thousands of AI-powered cameras across the country are keeping track of where you drive, but some local police chiefs want to keep those camera locations a secret. In this episode of Open Record, FOX6 Investigators Bryan Polcyn and Amanda St. Hilaire talk about a recent investigation where Bryan asked 20 police departments for maps of their Flock safety cameras. You'll hear why some departments were more than willing to give up the cameras' locations, while others were more ...
S E291: Let It Flow
October 19, 2023 16:18 - 34 minutes - 31.8 MBThousands of people living in Waukesha now have a fresh source of water coming into the city. Lake Michigan is now flowing beyond the basin after Waukesha leaders needed to address radium levels in the groundwater. While many are celebrating this historic change, several others are worried about how this move will affect the environment. In this episode of Open Record, FOX6 Investigator Bryan Polcyn invites FOX6 reporter Bret Lemoine on to talk about what this moment means for Wauke...
S E290: One Bad Night
October 12, 2023 15:11 - 30 minutes - 27.8 MBA FOX6 investigation finds police used force against an innocent man, but then police failed to make any record of it. Now, the city is cutting that man a six-figure check. In this episode of Open Record, FOX6 Investigator Bryan Polcyn explains the breakdown in communication that led to one bad night. Bryan gets listeners up to speed on who Michael Poe is and how Poe ended up in the middle of a police takedown. Plus, we learn what Bryan found in depositions from the federal lawsuit ...
S E289: Ice, Ice, Maybe?
October 05, 2023 17:06 - 32 minutes - 30.2 MBCold water immersion has become wildly popular, but is there a science behind the hype? In this episode of Open Record, FOX6 Investigator Bryan Polcyn invites FOX6 anchor and reporter Ted Perry on to talk about Ted's recent story about ice baths. Ted explains how he started doing it himself and what got him interested in the topic. You'll learn about the supposed benefits of ice baths and what the research says about this newer method of physical and mental relief.
S E288: High Alert
September 28, 2023 15:37 - 24 minutes - 22.4 MBThe federal government describes some edible THC products as deceptive, saying kids could mistake the packaging for their favorite snacks. Now, some industry retailers say they support the crackdown. Plus, one woman sold her car, but she kept getting parking tickets. What did the owner forget to do and why Milwaukee parking services is making changes after hearing from Contact 6? In this episode of Open Record, FOX6 Investigator Bryan Polcyn invites Contact 6's Jenna Sachs on to tal...
S E287: Here's the Pitch
September 21, 2023 14:28 - 37 minutes - 34.2 MBThere's a long and expensive list of repairs needed at American Family Field. This week, the state's Republican Legislature laid out their funding plan for the Brewers. Will the $600M public financing plan to fix the field also ensure the team plays baseball in Milwaukee for another quarter of a century? In this episode of Open Record, FOX6 Investigator Bryan Polcyn invites FOX6 political reporter Jason Calvi on to talk about this big pitch. Jason explains what's in the proposal, wh...
S E286: Beyond the Limit
September 14, 2023 15:00 - 38 minutes - 35.2 MBA shortage of psychiatric beds lands Wisconsin's mental health system in court. In this episode of Open Record, FOX6 Investigator Bryan Polcyn explains how an explosion in court-ordered treatment is pushing state mental hospitals beyond the limit. Bryan explains how a local felony court case is exposing a larger problem with mental health care in Wisconsin.
S E285: Season of Love
September 07, 2023 15:08 - 33 minutes - 30.3 MBThe Green Bay Packers are ready to hit the field in the regular season with Jordan Love leading the team. In this episode of Open Record, FOX6 Investigator Bryan Polcyn invites FOX6 Sports Director Tim Van Vooren and FOX6 sports reporter Lily Zhao on to talk about the green and gold just days before the team opens up its 2023 season. How does Love and the offense look heading into the game against rival Bears? What are the expectations for the team? Tim and Lily break down what fans...
S E284: No Sure Thing
August 31, 2023 12:20 - 29 minutes - 27.3 MBA trip to the Wisconsin Dells takes a sharp detour for one family. You'll hear why the family blames their travel agent. Plus, there's a new financial hit on people who own cars thieves are targeting. In this episode of Open Record, FOX6 Investigator Bryan Polcyn invites Contact 6's Jenna Sachs on to talk about two of the latest consumer issues to hit the FOX6 inbox.
S E283: The Contenders
August 24, 2023 21:50 - 43 minutes - 40.1 MBEight Republican candidates for president take the stage at Fiserv Forum and none of them named Donald Trump. As the former president sits out of the first debate of the 2024 election, his rivals squared off in Milwaukee. In this episode of Open Record, FOX6 Investigator Bryan Polcyn invites Marquette University Law School's Charles Franklin and FOX6 political reporter Jason Calvi on to talk about the August 23 debate. From the stand-out moments to the topics discussed, you'll hear ...
S E282: Selection Season
August 17, 2023 14:25 - 31 minutes - 28.8 MBAll eyes are on Milwaukee as it gets set to host the first presidential debate at Fiserv Forum. In this episode of Open Record, we're talking politics. FOX6 Investigator Bryan Polcyn invites Marquette Law School Lubar Fellow Craig Gilbert on to talk about how important Wisconsin is to presidential politics. Craig explains how Republican candidates are preparing for next week's debate and the chances that frontrunner Donald Trump travels to Milwaukee. You'll also hear how the debate ...
S E281: The Comeback Crane
August 10, 2023 15:29 - 31 minutes - 28.6 MBOne of the most endangered bird species in the world calls Wisconsin home, but it wasn't always this way. Now, Wisconsin has a vital role in bringing back the whooping crane. In this episode of Open Record, FOX6 Investigator Bryan Polcyn invites FOX6 Weather Expert Eric Manges on to talk about Eric's latest report about one of America's first endangered species. Eric explains what makes whooping cranes unique and how they were nearly extinct decades ago. You'll also learn about two ...
S E280: Always Watching
August 03, 2023 14:38 - 51 minutes - 46.7 MBA new form of high-tech government surveillance is rapidly spreading across the country. But when it comes to tracking criminals, how far is too far? In this episode of Open Record, FOX6 Investigator Bryan Polcyn talks about his latest FOX6 Investigation about Flock Safety Security Cameras. Bryan explains what they are, how they work, and why privacy advocates are beginning to sound the alarm.
S E279: Not My Fault
July 27, 2023 15:16 - 29 minutes - 26.7 MBA section of parking garage collapsed at Bayshore back in February, crushing several cars. No one was hurt, but four months later, one woman is still waiting for someone to take responsibility. Plus, an insurance mix-up after a man says he got medical bills and a collection notice for an ambulance ride he says he never took. In this episode of Open Record, FOX6 Investigator Bryan Polcyn invites Contact 6's Jenna Sachs on to talk about two recent consumer issues that came to the Cont...
S E278: Burned Out
July 20, 2023 14:27 - 26 minutes - 24.6 MBThe suicide rates among firefighters is a national battle and has become personal for one now-retired Milwaukee firefighter. In this episode of Open Record, FOX6 Investigator Bryan Polcyn invites FOX6 reporter and anchor Suzanne Spencer on to talk about a recent story she shared of one man who is using his voice and experiences to encourage other first responders to ask for help.
S E277: Home Court Advantage
July 13, 2023 13:20 - 32 minutes - 29.8 MBIt's been a decade since the Milwaukee Bucks drafted a relatively unknown prospect named Giannis Antetokounmpo. We know the impact he's had on Milwaukee, but it doesn't stop there. In this episode of Open Record, FOX6 Investigator Bryan Polcyn invites FOX6 anchor and reporter Carl Deffenbaugh on to talk about a recent trip to Greece that included visiting the basketball court where it all started for Giannis and his brothers. Carl explains the impact the AntetokounBros Academy is ha...
S E276: A Mile in Their Boots
July 06, 2023 15:06 - 23 minutes - 21.1 MBBeyond putting out fires, firefighters have another big fight on their hands. In this episode of Open Record, FOX6 Investigator invites FOX6 reporter Madalyn O'Neill on to talk about a recent experience she and her photojournalist had to take part in a Fire Ops 101 training in Madison. Maddy explains who went through the training and its purpose. She also explains the two issues she focused on in her reporting: Staffing challenges and mental health concerns.
S E275: Milwaukee's Two Cents
June 29, 2023 15:40 - 36 minutes - 33.4 MBA Milwaukee sales tax is a step closer to reality, but will the city's mayor pay a political price? In this episode of Open Record, FOX6 Investigator Bryan Polcyn invites FOX6 political reporter Jason Calvi on to talk about why supporters say the sales tax is needed. Jason also explains what happened at a recent public hearing about the proposed sales tax. You'll hear what happens next in the process and the effect those results will have on the city.
S E274: Face the Music
June 22, 2023 17:26 - 36 minutes - 33.8 MBA now-former East Troy middle school music teacher is accused of touching female students. But it's how the school district handled the allegations that prompted four families to reach out to the FOX6 Investigators. In this episode of Open Record, Bryan Polcyn breaks down his latest investigation into the case against John Rash. You'll hear about when the allegations first came to light and why it took years for Rash to be charged. Plus, Bryan explains his conversation with several ...
S E273: You Wanna Fight, Kia?
June 15, 2023 18:06 - 33 minutes - 30.6 MBA TikTok challenge that prompted a nationwide wave of auto thefts has led to a $200 million settlement for automakers Hyundai and Kia. On this episode of Open Record, FOX6's Stephanie Grade joins Sam Kraemer and Bryan Polcyn to talk about the lawsuit that started it all in Milwaukee -- ground zero for the so-called 'Kia Boyz'.
S E272: A Streetcar Expansion Desired
June 08, 2023 17:08 - 30 minutes - 28 MBMilwaukee city leaders say they're facing a financial crisis, but that hasn't stopped them from pursuing a major expansion of the Hop streetcar. In this episode of Open Record, FOX6 Investigator Bryan Polcyn explains the emails that detail a $350M plan to expand the streetcar to Fiserv Forum and beyond. Bryan walks us through the status of the Hop including ridership, expansion costs, and availability of federal dollars. You'll hear about those thousands of emails obtained through a...
S E271: Who Pays the Bill?
June 01, 2023 13:24 - 29 minutes - 26.8 MBContact 6 hears from a lot of consumers about a variety of billing issues. Many file complaints about being wrongfully billed or overbilled. In this episode of Open Record, FOX6 Investigator Bryan Polcyn and Contact 6's Jenna Sachs talk about two billing issues that recently came into the Contact 6 inbox. Jenna explains back-billing and why one man owed $3,500 for unpaid utilities and how you can make sure you're being properly billed. You'll also learn about gap coverage and one ma...
S E270: The Beat Goes On
May 25, 2023 16:02 - 34 minutes - 31.9 MBOn Open Record, we talk a lot about investigative reporting, including the process we follow and how we use public records. In this episode, FOX6 Investigator Bryan Polcyn invites FOX6 reporter Bret Lemoine on to talk about beat reporting. Bret explains what beat reporting is, why it's important, and the role his home plays in how he covers stories happening in and around Waukesha.
S E269: Tipping Point
May 18, 2023 16:47 - 31 minutes - 28.7 MBMany say it's as life-altering as the internet, but others worry artificial intelligence could be harmful. Consumer protection groups explain some of the dangers that are already here. Plus, after three years, the COVID-19 public health emergency has ended. Could it soon cost you more to buy a test? In this episode of Open Record, FOX6 Investigator Bryan Polcyn invites Contact 6's Jenna Sachs on to talk about two recent consumer issues to hit the FOX6 inbox. Jenna will explain why A...
S E268: Robbed on the Route
May 11, 2023 17:10 - 29 minutes - 26.9 MBThieves are targeting your mail and one woman says a personal check she wrote was cashed by a man she'd never met. What is the post office doing about a string of crimes against letter carriers? In this week's Open Record, FOX6 Investigator Bryan Polcyn invites FOX6 reporter Bill Miston on to talk about the latest crime ring where postal workers are robbed on the route. Bill explains arrow keys and why thieves are after them. Plus, Bill shares one woman's story after she was a victi...
S E267: Sharing the Wealth
May 04, 2023 19:00 - 21 minutes - 19.8 MBShared revenue dates back more than 100 years in Wisconsin. What is shared revenue and why do we have it? What's driving the current proposal to boost it for the first time in years? In this episode of Open Record, FOX6 Investigator Bryan Polcyn invites a pair of experts on to explain it all and help break down some of the issues in place in order for Milwaukee to get more money to avert a financial crisis.
S E266: Your Right to Ride
April 27, 2023 15:24 - 33 minutes - 30.6 MBAuto repossessions are expected to climb this year now that consumers no longer benefit from more lenient leaders and stimulus programs. But car owners in Wisconsin do have some important rights. Plus, one man can't enjoy the Milwaukee RiverWalk to the fullest because of mechanical malfunctions. Contact 6 discovered improvements are on the way. In this episode of Open Record, FOX6 Investigator Bryan Polcyn invites Contact 6's Jenna Sachs on to talk about two recent consumer issues t...
S E265: A Dream Extinguished
April 20, 2023 15:05 - 30 minutes - 27.9 MBA local man applied and gained acceptance into the Milwaukee Fire Department's cadet program. The program is a pipeline to employment within the department. But two days before the start of training, he lost his spot -- and now, the family says the program should change. In this episode of Open Record, FOX6 Investigator Bryan Polcyn invites FOX6 reporter Sam Kraemer on to talk about this story Sam recently shared on FOX6. Sam explains how this issue got on his radar and the work he ...