FOX6 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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FOX6 Podcasts
Don't have time to watch the news? Let MyFoxAL.com do the work for you! Set up your iPod to automatically download daily weather and news podcasts from FOX6 WBRC-TV in Birmingham, Alabama!
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More than a half-million Americans with disabilities depend on service dogs to cope with daily life. But, Wisconsin lawmakers say some pet owners are taking advantage. In this episode of Open Record, FOX6 Investigator Bryan Polcyn explains the new effort aimed at tightening the leash on fake assistance animals. Plus, a Waukesha County business says…
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Children's Wisconsin is off the hook after mistakenly throwing out a donated brain. This, after a Milwaukee County judge dismissed a lawsuit filed by the donor's parents. In this episode of Open Record, how the family is reacting to that decision. FOX6 Investigator Bryan Polcyn explains how we got here, the issue at the center of it all, and what h…
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From things like contracts and writing checks, the transition to senior living can be costly. As one family found out, sometimes the best laid plans can go astray. Plus, families put a lot of trust in what's called 'memory care.' Yet the term has no legal definition in Wisconsin. In this episode of Open Record, FOX6 Investigator Bryan Polcyn invite…
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A monster ship meets a monstrous storm. It's a history that's been studied and recounted for years. In this episode of Open Record, we dive into the tragedy of the Edmund Fitzgerald. FOX6 Investigator Bryan Polcyn invites FOX6 Senior Promotions Producer, Andrew, on the podcast to talk about his work on an upcoming FOX6 documentary marking the 50th …
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America's second-largest breeder of beagles for scientific research, will surrender its Wisconsin breeding license. Ridglan Farms, based in Blue Mounds, has been in the business of breeding and selling beagles for scientific research since 1966. That ends next year. In this episode of Open Record, FOX6 Investigator Bryan Polcyn explains what happen…
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It's the fastest growing sport in America, but if you think pickleball is only played by retirees, think again. In this episode of Open Record, FOX6 Investigator Bryan Polcyn invites FOX6 anchor Ted Perry on to talk about how pickleball courts are popping up everywhere, including makeshift ones at firehouses across Milwaukee. You'll hear how it's h…
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It's an industry constantly riding the ups and downs of political change. While work is booming now for solar companies, next year will bring challenges. Plus, public workers waiting for relief and navigating the confusing landscape of student loan forgiveness. In this episode of Open Record, FOX6 Investigator Bryan Polcyn invites Contact 6's Jenna…
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The Milwaukee Police Department's chase policy is under scrutiny. It's been a deadly year for innocent bystanders and now the big debate for the department: To chase or not to chase. In this episode of Open Record, FOX6 Investigator Bryan Polcyn invites FOX6 reporter Jason Calvi on to talk about the policy, the problems, and a possible solution tha…
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The man in charge of a controversial beagle-breeding facility in Dane County is now prohibited from practicing veterinary medicine. That surprise decision came out of an emergency meeting of the state veterinary examining board. FOX6 Investigator Bryan Polcyn has been following the story of Ridglan Farms and in this episode of Open Record, Polcyn e…
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FOX6 has covered several stories on the remains of fallen soldiers finally identified and returned to Wisconsin. In this episode of Open Record, FOX6 Investigator Bryan Polcyn and FOX6 anchor and reporter Carl Deffenbaugh share the journey of two families who only recently discovered their shared connection: They both have Milwaukee-area Marines ki…
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The death of Charlie Kirk is putting freedom of speech to the ultimate test. In this episode of Open Record, FOX6 Investigator Bryan Polcyn invites FOX6 political reporter Jason Calvi on to talk about the politically-charged commentary that's led to a wave of firings across the country. One guest talks about the legal implications and limits of fre…
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Adam Procell is serving as the new head of the Milwaukee Office of Community Wellness and Safety. It's an appointment that comes with both support and a few questions. That's because Procell has a story that's unlike almost any other public leader -- he's a convicted killer. In this episode of Open Record, FOX6 Investigator Bryan Polcyn sits down w…
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More than 8 million riders per year are boarding Milwaukee County Transit System buses without paying the required fare. That's according to a FOX6 Investigators analysis of MCTS data. In this episode of Open Record, FOX6 Investigator Bryan Polcyn explains the group's new plan to reduce fare evasion as MCTS tries to reverse the growing culture of f…
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After devastating floodwaters wreaked havoc on southeast Wisconsin, the extent of the damage is becoming clear. From cleanup and insurance denials to financial assistance and the possibility of federal dollars, thousands in the Milwaukee-area are still navigating the aftermath. In this episode of Open Record, FOX6 Investigator Bryan Polcyn invites …
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The Milwaukee Brewers are bringing the energy and keeping the momentum going as they gear up for playoffs. Packers training camp is off and running as the team looks to the start of the season, which is just weeks away. In this episode of Open Record, FOX6 Investigator Bryan Polcyn invites FOX6 Sports Director Tim Van Vooren and FOX6 anchor Ted Per…
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Thousands in southeast Wisconsin are grappling with flooded businesses, homes, basements, garages, and cars. This, after torrential rainfall pummeled the Milwaukee area. In this episode of Open Record, FOX6 Investigator Bryan Polcyn explores the so-called 'Thousand Year' flood to hit the area. FOX6 Chief Meteorologist Tom Wachs explains what happen…
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Parts of southeast Wisconsin have spent days under an air quality alert this summer, due to wildfire smoke creating unhealthy air quality. In this episode of Open Record, FOX6 Investigator Bryan Polcyn invites FOX6 Chief Meteorologist Rob Haswell on to talk about the Canadian wildfires. You'll learn why all that smoke is coming to Wisconsin, how we…
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In this episode of Open Record, FOX6 Investigator Bryan Polcyn explores the seismic shift from the No. 1 source of public funds for animal research and the undercover investigation that shows what they're trying to stop. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoicesBy © FOX6 Milwaukee
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A 7-year-old boy is abducted in broad daylight. Prosecutors say the kidnappers planned to rob a drug dealer, but ended up holding her child for ransom. In this episode of Open Record, how a search for a boy led to gunshots and why experts say this dramatic abduction is unlike almost any other. FOX6 Investigator Bryan Polcyn invites FOX6 reporter Br…
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On each shift, police officers face a threat they may never see coming. On this episode of Open Record, FOX6 Investigator Bryan Polcyn invites FOX6 reporter and anchor Sam Kraemer on to talk about ambushes and unprovoked attacks. They discuss what goes into the research and training aimed at protecting the people who protect us. Learn more about yo…
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Wisconsin's water war is spreading fast. Fifty-six Wisconsin communities now have bans or restrictions on wakesurfing, covering more than 400 lakes. So far in 2025, state lawmakers have yet to propose any legislation to settle the controversy statewide. On this episode on Open Record, Bryan Polcyn and Jenna Sachs are joined by guests with opposing …
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People trusted him with family heirlooms, but years later, they're wondering where their treasured instruments went. Plus, a local woman mourning the loss of her husband now needs to prove she didn't die, too. In this episode of Open Record, FOX6 Investigator Bryan Polcyn invites Contact 6 reporter Jenna Sachs on to talk about two consumer problems…
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The FDA calls it a groundbreaking step in new drug development. A plan to phase out animal testing will steer hundreds of millions of dollars toward high-tech alternatives. In this episode of Open Record, FOX6 Investigator Bryan Polcyn explains how scientists here in Wisconsin are leading the effort to transform pharmaceutical research. Learn more …
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It's time to cue the bands, fire up the grills, chill the beer, and download the Summerfest app! The 57th Big Gig is here and fans are ready to pack the lakefront. In this episode of Open Record, FOX6 Investigator Bryan Polcyn invites a trio of special guests to talk all things Summerfest. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/…
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A new online threat is putting Wisconsinites at risk of sexual exploitation. Apps and websites are using artificial intelligence to turn innocent pictures into so-called 'deepfake nudes.' In this episode of Open Record, FOX6 Investigator Bryan Polcyn explains what lawmakers are doing to stop it. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoice…
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Testimony is well underway in the trial of Maxwell Anderson, the Milwaukee man accused of killing and dismembering Sade Robinson. In this episode of Open Record, the FOX6 Investigators get you caught up on what's happened in court during week 1 of the trial. FOX6 Investigator Bryan Polcyn, who has been following the testimony, talks about what we'v…
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The death and dismemberment of 19-year-old Sade Robinson rocked people in Milwaukee and across the nation. In this episode of Open Record, FOX6 Investigator Bryan Polcyn invites FOX6 reporter Bria Jones on to talk about the case, evidence scattered across two states, and the man charged in the case who will go to trial in just days. Bryan and Bria …
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Veterans exposed to harmful chemicals while serving our country are eligible for benefits under a relatively new law. As more people file claims, others are frustrated by their denials. Plus, a Racine community theater is shocked to find its tickets for an upcoming show are being sold at a huge mark-up. In this episode of Open Record, FOX6 Investig…
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A Menomonee Falls couple donated their daughter's brain for science, only to learn the hospital threw part of it out. In this episode of Open Record, FOX6 Investigator Bryan Polcyn shares the unexplained error that has Children's Wisconsin apologizing to a grief-stricken family. You'll learn how the whole brain wasn't lost. However, according to th…
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The FBI arrests a Milwaukee County judge accused of helping a man avoid immigration officials at the courthouse. Judge Hannah Dugan faces federal charges and her arrest has put Wisconsin back in the national spotlight in a showdown over immigration. In this episode of Open Record, FOX6 Investigator Bryan Polcyn invites FOX6 reporter Bill Miston on …
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It's the biggest off-season event of the year in the NFL's smallest city. In this episode of Open Record, FOX6 Investigator Bryan Polcyn invites FOX6 reporter Sam Kraemer on to talk about preps in Green Bay and what to expect in Titletown and across Wisconsin over the next several days. We also hear from Team Lammi and Visit Milwaukee and the uniqu…
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The best teachers go to great lengths for their students. In this episode of Open Record, FOX6 Investigator Bryan Polcyn invites anchor and reporter Carl Deffenbaugh on to talk about a Waukesha County teacher who brought her students along for the ride after a recent trip to Antarctica. You'll learn how the trip came to be and why it's been such a …
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It's been years since a dental clinic closed its doors, but it was just recently that the legal battle of its collection notices finally came to an end. Plus, one Wisconsin-based comedian says there's nothing funny about the scam attempts in his name. In this episode of Open Record, Contact 6's Jenna Sachs talks about two recent consumer issues to …
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FOX6 recently shared the investigation into a massive Wisconsin puppy mill that sells beagles for scientific experiments. Now, we know who is buying the dogs. In this episode of Open Record, FOX6 Investigator Bryan Polcyn obtained an internal buyers list from Ridglan Farms. Polcyn explains how one of Ridglan's most loyal customers is now speaking o…
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The spring election is April 1 and several races are heating up across Wisconsin with millions of dollars pumped into campaigns on both sides of the aisle. In this episode of Open Record, FOX6 Investigator Bryan Polcyn invites FOX6 political reporter Jason Calvi on to talk about the impact these races will have on issues in Wisconsin and across the…
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Is it animal agriculture or animal cruelty? A special prosecutor will soon decide if criminal charges should be filed against the operators of Ridglan Farms. In this episode of Open Record, FOX6 Investigator Bryan Polcyn breaks down the details of his latest investigation into the massive dog-breeding farm west of Madison, WI. You'll learn the hist…
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It was five years ago this month when a global health emergency disrupted everything. In this episode of Open Record, FOX6 Investigators Bryan Polcyn and Amanda St. Hilaire reflect on the COVID-19 pandemic. They talk about the timeline in March 2020, how our news coverage adjusted in the days and months following the start of the pandemic, and what…
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The Milwaukee Health Department is investigating the ongoing lead hazards at several buildings within the Milwaukee Public School district. There are strict deadlines for MPS to provide a plan to the health department to "get us into the next stage of this crisis." In this episode of Open Record, FOX6 Investigator Bryan Polcyn and Contact 6's Jenna…
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We Energies says power surges are rare, so why has one neighborhood had three in less than three years? Plus, one woman is warning others after she says a hijacker used her Facebook to scam three people. 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 im…
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A Milwaukee County judge ordered the state's largest school district and the City of Milwaukee to split the cost of putting school resource officers in schools. That judge also put a strict deadline on when those officers are in Milwaukee Public Schools and the clock is ticking. In this episode of Open Record, FOX6 Investigator Bryan Polcyn invites…
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In Wisconsin alone, more than 100,000 adults with disabilities receive monthly Supplemental Security Income payments of $943 per month. If they get married, however, a decades-old federal law slashes those benefits and threatens the support services that come with them. In this episode of Open Record, FOX6 Investigator Bryan Polcyn shares his lates…
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Airline anxiety is surging after back-to-back crashes left more than 90 people dead. In this week's episode of Open Record, America's aviation safety system is under the microscope. FOX6 Investigator Bryan Polcyn invites Amanda St. Hilaire and Sam Kraemer on to talk about the new information emerging in Milwaukee and Chicago about close calls no on…
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A Buc-ee's planned for Oak Creek has a lot of people talking. The 73,370 square foot convenience store/fueling plaza is slated to open in early 2027. It will mark a milestone, as it's expected to be the first Buc-ee's in the state and northern Midwest. In this episode of Open Record, FOX6 Investigator Bryan Polcyn digs into the plans for Buc-ee's i…
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It was here, then it wasn't, now it is again...sort of. We're talking about the social media app, TikTok. The future of the app is still uncertain, but in this episode of Open Record, FOX6 Investigator Bryan Polcyn looks at the legal questions surrounding President Trump's executive order giving TikTok's parent company another 75 days to sell off i…
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Wisconsin's legislature is back in session and ready to get down to business. In this episode of Open Record, FOX6 Investigator Bryan Polcyn invites FOX6 political reporter Jason Calvi on to talk about Wisconsin politics. From a fast-tracked effort to enshrine Voter ID in the state constitution to another power-tipping election for the Wisconsin Su…
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For the second straight year, the Green Bay Packers are headed to the playoffs. In this episode of Open Record, FOX6 Investigator Bryan Polcyn goes green and gold to talk all things Packers. Alongside FOX6 Sports Director Tim Van Vooren and FOX6 anchor Ted Perry, the trio preview Sunday's playoff game, reflect on the team's season, and look ahead t…
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Imagine changing your two-year-old's diaper on the germ-infested floor of a public bathroom. Now, replace your toddler with a fully-grown adult. That's the humbling reality millions of Americans with significant disabilities face daily. In this episode of Open Record, FOX6 Investigator Bryan Polcyn explains why the nationwide effort to install adul…
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It's no surprise streets are shut down and cleared when the Vice President visits. But some living in one Milwaukee neighborhood say they needed more time to move their cars before they were ticketed and towed away. Plus, doctors at one urgent care center called for an ambulance when a child had trouble breathing. More than a year later, that famil…
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A controversial water sport is making waves in Wisconsin as dozens of communities race to regulate so-called ‘wake boats.’ In this episode of Open Record, we hear from the Water Sports Industry Association and a rep from Lakes at Stake, part of a coalition of lake protection groups. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoic…
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There used to be strict rules when it came to adoption. But now, for the most part, gone are the days of a child being placed in a home and the birth parents never seeing or hearing from them again. Another thing changing? The family dynamics of those adopting. In this episode of Open Record, FOX6 Investigator Bryan Polcyn invites FOX6 anchor and r…
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