Open Record

Open Record

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.

Episodes

E403: After the Boom

March 5, 2026 • 45 mins
Construction has halted on a Milwaukee high-rise touted as the "world's tallest mass timber building." The future of the 31-story apartment building on the bank of the Milwaukee River downtown is in doubt, but it's not the only one. A growing list of major construction projects in and around Milwaukee are now in limbo. This week on Open Record, FOX6's Carl Deffenbaugh and Bryan Polcyn are joined by Chad Venne, Director of the Real ...
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E402: End of an Era

February 26, 2026 • 45 mins
For 13 years, Robin Vos has presided over the Wisconsin State Assembly - the longest continuous hold on the Speaker's role in state history. On February 19, he announced he's leaving. In this episode of Open Record, FOX6's Bryan Polcyn and Carl Deffenbaugh talk to FOX6 political reporter Jason Calvi about Vos' sometimes tumultuous tenure and the legacy he will leave. Plus, the unexpected connection between wakesurfing and hunting o...
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E401: Force of Nature

February 19, 2026 • 45 mins
In 1926, a Chicago man declared "Negro History Week" as a week in February. Fifty years later in 1976, President Gerald Force official proclaimed February "Black History Month." This week on Open Record, we commemorate 100 years of Black history in America. FOX6 Investigator Bryan Polcyn is joined by FOX6's Bria Jones and meterologist Holly Baker. They discuss the death of civil rights icon Jesse Jackson, a push to get more attenti...
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E400: The 400 Club

February 12, 2026 • 45 mins
On March 21, 2019, the FOX6 Investigators decided to try something new. We published our first podcast. This week, Open Record is celebrating a milestone -- our 400th episode. Hear how it all began from some of the original cohosts and producers behind the scenes. Plus, why Open Record has become a key part of FOX6's commitment to bringing in-depth, original content to listeners and viewers in a world beyond traditional scheduled...
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E399: ICE FORECAST

February 5, 2026 • 45 mins
In the wake of fatal shootings by federal immigration agents in Minnesota, Milwaukee city leaders are preparing for a potential surge in ICE agents here. In this episode of Open Record, FOX6's Abril Preciado shares what she's hearing from those in Milwaukee's Hispanic community. Milwaukee Alderperson JoCasta Zamirripa explains the tightrope she's trying to walk. And the chairman of the Milwaukee County Republican Party explains why...
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E398: Turning Up The Heat

January 29, 2026 • 45 mins
As Milwaukeeans endure the coldest week of the year, one of the city's most prominent landlords is coming under fire. On this week's episode of Open Record, FOX6's Christina Van Zelst makes her podcast debut to talk ith Carl Deffenbaugh and Bryan Polcyn about tenants without heat, bursting water pipes and concerns about a lack of response from Berrada Properties. Plus, Milwaukee 10th District Alderwoman Sharlen Moore shares early p...
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E397: Feeling Cheated

January 22, 2026 • 45 mins
New legislation aims to protect Wisconsin families from surprise medical bills for emergency ambulance rides. Plus, a Milwaukee man tracks his stolen car to a local salvage yard only to find his car has been crushed for scrap metal. In this episode of Open Record, FOX6's Carl Deffenbaugh and Bryan Polcyn are joined by Contact6 reporter Jenna Sachs to talk about two of her latest stories that left viewers feeling cheated.  Learn mor...
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E396: Power Surge

January 15, 2026 • 45 mins
Wisconsin is in the midst of an unprecedented power surge. Mammoth data centers needed to power artificial intelligence are planned or under construction in multiple locations. This week on Open Record, FOX6's Carl Deffenbaugh, Bryan Polcyn and Jason Calvi explore the extreme electricity demands and water use concerns of data centers. Plus, how We Energies says it plans to ensure regular customers won't foot the bill. Learn more ...
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E395: Benched

January 8, 2026 • 45 mins
Hannah Dugan has resigned as a Milwaukee County Circuit Judge as she continues the legal fight to dismiss a felony verdict against her. In December, a jury found Dugan guilty of obstructing federal immigration agents. In this episode of Open Record, FOX's Carl Deffenbaugh, Bryan Polcyn and Bill Miston recap the trial, the political fallout and what comes next. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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E394: Tightening the Leash

November 26, 2025 • 45 mins
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 it can help you get approved to live with your cat or dog even if your landlord won'...
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E393: Brain Trust

November 20, 2025 • 45 mins
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 happens next. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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E392: The Next Step

November 13, 2025 • 45 mins
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 invites Contact 6's Jenna Sachs on to talk about two stories with warnings for senior citiz...
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E391: Gales of November

November 6, 2025 • 45 mins
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 remembrance of the freighter's sinking. We also hear from FOX6 Chief Meteorologist Ro...
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E390: End of the Line

October 30, 2025 • 45 mins
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 happened behind the scenes prior to this most recent decision and what happens next for Rid...
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E389: Blazing Paddles

October 24, 2025 • 45 mins
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 helping crews form important bonds while flexing their competitive spirit. Plus, we ta...
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E388: Political Waves

October 16, 2025 • 45 mins
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 Sachs on to talk about two of the latest consumer issues to hit the Contact 6 inbox....
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E387: Pursuit of Justice

October 9, 2025 • 45 mins
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 that comes in the form of new technology. Plus, we hear from a man who lost his brother...
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E386: The First Domino

October 2, 2025 • 45 mins
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 explains what happens next for the breeding and research farm. Hear why the story is ...
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E385: On a Mission

September 25, 2025 • 45 mins
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 killed in WWII who still need to come home. Carl explains the high-tech search on a rem...
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E384: Speech Under Fire

September 18, 2025 • 45 mins
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 free speech on social media. A second guest explains how a mistakenly-attributed social ...
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