Open Record

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 the researcher who asked for it to be preserved, it was the most important part.  Also in this episode, we talk to Dr. Jeffrey Nirschl with the Wisconsin Alzheimer's Disease Research Center about the importance of brain donation for advancing scientific research. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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 to talk about what led to Dugan's arrest, what happened after, and what comes next in the case. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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 unique partnership they have this NFL Draft weekend. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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 valuable lesson in and out of the classroom. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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 hit the FOX6 inbox. We also hear from the head of the Division of Consumer Protection about the top scams to watch out for this month. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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 out in defense of animal research. Plus, you'll hear about the alternatives some say could and should replace animal testing. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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 country. Jason explains specifically what's at stake in the races for State Superintendent and Wisconsin Supreme Court. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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 history behind facilities like this one, the animal rights groups targeting the commercial breeder, and where various investigations into the farm stand right now. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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 things in our daily life have changed forever because of COVID-19. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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 Sachs get you up-to-speed on the MPS lead exposure investigation including how we got here and what's next. You'll hear from a concerned MPS parent and a UWM expert in the science of lead. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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 impacted our viewers. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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 FOX6 political reporter Jason Calvi on to talk about the controversial law MPS never asked for and the long battle over who should foot the bill for police officers in schools. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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 latest investigation that found the law has some couples with permanent disabilities living a life of forbidden love. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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 one told you about until now. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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 in Oak Creek, what people living near the proposed site are saying about the proposal, and the next steps before construction gets underway. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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 its U.S. operation. The Open Record team also explores the concerns over national security, censorship, and first amendment rights. Plus, we hear about the impact of TikTok's absence from a Wisconsin social media entrepreneur. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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 Supreme Court, we take a deep dive into the 2025-26 legislative session. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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 to what's next for the Packers. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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 adult-sized changing tables in public restrooms is running into resistance in Wisconsin. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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 family is still fighting a bill for the ride. In this episode of Open Record, FOX6 Investigator Bryan Polcyn invites Contact 6's Jenna Sachs on to explain who got their bills waived and who is still waiting for a resolution. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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 megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 reporter Mary Stoker Smith on to talk about the changing face of adoption. From the evolution of adoption in Wisconsin to Mary's own story of adoption, we hear about how the walls between birth parents and adoptive parents are coming down. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

When Billy Ford died in 2023, the VA declared him an 'unclaimed veteran.' What happened next raises troubling questions about a system that's supposed to ensure all veterans are laid to rest with honor. In this episode of Open Record, FOX6 Investigator Bryan Polcyn shares the details of his latest investigation. Bryan explains why he first looked into this issue, what Ford's family is saying about all of this, and how the Madison funeral director replied to Bryan's questions. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

While the race to the White House and the U.S. Senate seat vote in Wisconsin are both settled, we're still seeing results trickle in for other close races across the state and the country. In this episode of Open Record, FOX6 Investigator Bryan Polcyn invites Contact 6's Jenna Sachs and FOX6 political reporter Jason Calvi on to talk about Tuesday's election. The trio will talk about Donald Trump's win, the race between Tammy Baldwin and Eric Hovde, the hundreds of local referendums, and several other races on the ballot around Wisconsin. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Millions of Americans have already cast their ballots in the 2024 Presidential Election and election clerks operate under a microscope as you decide the next occupant of the White House. In this episode of Open Record, FOX6 Investigator Bryan Polcyn invites FOX6 political reporter Jason Calvi and former Executive Director of the City of Milwaukee Election Commission Claire Woodall on to talk all things elections. You'll hear about in-person voting, election security, how votes are counted, and why trust in U.S. elections has eroded in recent years and what's being done to combat that. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

One family moved across the country with only the essentials and thought their moving truck would follow in a couple of weeks. Months later, Contact 6 stepped in to help. Plus, one woman rented a storage unit, but when she came to move her belongings out, she discovered some of the items were damaged by rats. In this episode of Open Record, Contact 6's Jenna Sachs shares two recent issues where viewers had trouble keeping their belongings safe. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

A Racine woman's quest for ancient public records hits a barrier she can't cross. In this episode of Open Record, FOX6 Investigator Bryan Polcyn shares the story of the government-owned building that's inaccessible to those with physical limitations. You'll also hear the public response one woman who is disabled calls, 'a slap in the face.' The team also invites an attorney with Disability Rights Wisconsin on the episode to talk about ADA and what that means for historic buildings. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

For thousands of Milwaukee's poorest residents, a traffic ticket can snowball, putting a valid driver's license out of reach. But an effort to restore their driving privileges is running into roadblocks. In this episode of Open Record, FOX6 Investigator Bryan Polcyn takes a deep dive into a little-known program you're already paying for. You'll hear how the Center for Driver's License Recovery and Employability works and why those involved in the program say it's vital to the livelihoods of so many Milwaukee County drivers. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The city flag debate has been a topic of conversation for nearly a decade. The Milwaukee Common Council continues to pore over changing the flag after some council members say a possible replacement, 'The People's Flag,' does not represent all the people in the city. In this episode of Open Record, FOX6 Investigator Bryan Polcyn invites FOX6 anchor Ben Handelman on to talk about the history of the Milwaukee flag, the current debate, and what happens next. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Milwaukee Brewers clinched the NL Central Division title, but there's still uncertainty about the playoff picture that lies ahead. In this episode of Open Record, FOX6 Investigator Bryan Polcyn invites FOX6 Sports Director Tim Van Vooren and FOX6 anchor Ted Perry on to talk about all things Brewers. The trio will take a look back at how the Brewers got here and what to expect when the postseason starts October 1. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

A hot-button issue on Wisconsin lakes right now are so-called 'wake' boats. Those are boats designed to make bigger waves for water sports. State lawmakers may or may not tackle the issue next year, but in one small town after another, residents say they can't afford to wait. In this episode of Open Record, FOX6 Investigator Bryan Polcyn explains why this issue is pitting neighbor against neighbor. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

For years, Joe Bartolotta was the face of the Bartolotta Restaurants. After his passing several years ago, his brother, Paul, stepped in to lead and build on the family's legacy. In this episode of Open Record, FOX6 Investigator Bryan Polcyn invites FOX6 anchor and reporter Stephanie Grady on to talk about her most recent sit-down interview with Paul Bartolotta. Hear how Paul helped bring the hit show, 'Top Chef,' to Milwaukee, how the COVID-19 pandemic impacted their restaurants, how the family's restaurants continue to thrive in Milwaukee and surrounding communities, and what's next for Paul Bartolotta. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The federal government added a new disease to its recommended list for newborn screening. But, it could be years before Wisconsin tests for the deadly disorder. In this episode of Open Record, FOX6 Investigator Bryan Polcyn explains why your baby's life could depend on where it's born. It's part of Bryan's continuing investigation into the rare Krabbe disease and newborn testing for it. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

A dispute over hail damage prompted one family to write to Contact 6. Now, months later, their case is going to court. Why does the family's attorney say the damage should be covered by insurance? Plus, veterans suffering from chronic pain are dealt a setback. Why is their eligibility to get care outside the VA system being scaled back? 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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Just weeks following the Republican National Convention in Milwaukee, it's now Chicago's turn to host a convention. The DNC is in its final night and what a week it's been in both the Windy City and here in Milwaukee. In this episode of Open Record, FOX6 Investigator Bryan Polcyn invites FOX6 anchor Ted Perry on to talk about his experiences being on-site at both the RNC and the DNC. Ted talks about the impact of both conventions on battleground states like Wisconsin and what it could mean for the 2024 campaign for the White House.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It's been about 45 days since a tragic incident outside the Hyatt Hotel in downtown Milwaukee. What started as one man's erratic behavior escalated into a violent struggle and ended in the death of 43-year-old D-Vontaye Mitchell. In this episode of Open Record, FOX6 Investigator Bryan Polcyn invites FOX6 reporter Bria Jones on to talk about the disturbance, the hotel's response, the protests and civil outcry, and the criminal case against four men now charged with felony murder. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Wisconsin voters will head to the polls on August 13 for the primary election. One of the most significant statewide issues in this August primary is a pair of referendums that could change the state's constitution. In this episode of Open Record, FOX6 Investigator Bryan Polcyn invites FOX6 political reporter Jason Calvi on to explain what the questions are asking and implications of the results, why you might see some new names on your ballot because of redistricting, and some of Jason's takeaways from the recent RNC in Milwaukee. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

For nearly two decades, a group has been finding and bringing dinosaur bones back to Kenosha. A recent dig uncovered what could be their most important find yet. However, there's a problem. In this episode of Open Record, FOX6 Investigator Bryan Polcyn invites FOX6 anchor and reporter Ben Handelman on to talk about why the group's next expedition may be their last. You'll learn more about the Carthage Institute of Paleontology and the Dinosaur Discovery Museum and why the future of that arm of the school could be in trouble due to a lack of funding. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

From a 'disastrous' debate to an attempted assassination, a major party convention in Milwaukee and a stunning campaign reversal, the summer of 2024 has shaken up the race for the White House. In this episode of Open Record, FOX6 Investigator Bryan Polcyn is joined by a pair of award-winning political journalists as we unpack 24 days of turmoil that changed American history. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Fiction writers from all over the world sent money to help a Wisconsin mom whose daughter was in the hospital. But, they soon discovered the leader of their online book club had a troubling secret. In this episode of Open Record, FOX6 Investigator Bryan Polcyn reveals how the authors' first clue was a FOX6 investigation from 2020. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

A tree falls in a park and lands on a man's car. Now, he thinks the city should pay for his repairs. Plus, one contractor faces dozens of criminal charges. A handful of those charges stem from an unfinished project at a house that once belonged to one of Milwaukee's most illustrious men. 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 deal with damage. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

For people of a certain generation, The Turf in Greenfield is iconic. It was a skateboard park that drew people from all around the country. In this episode of Open Record, FOX6 Investigator Bryan Polcyn invites FOX6 anchor and reporter Carl Deffenbaugh on to talk about the park's past, present, and future. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

A conflict is brewing on Wisconsin waters as a new style of powerboat is making big waves. FOX6 Investigator Bryan Polcyn explains the race to regulate the new kings of the lake. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It's nine days of music and live entertainment on 12 stages. Summerfest is kicking off its 56th year and the people in charge of putting on the festival are feverishly ticking boxes on their to-do lists and making sure every detail of Henry Maier Festival Park is perfect. In this episode of Open Record, FOX6 Investigator Bryan Polcyn invites three special guests on to talk about what it takes to pull off this massive music festival. From booking the musical acts and stage sponsorships to keeping the fest affordable and attractive to all ages, Bryan digs into the enormous undertaking that is Summerfest. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Milwaukee is home to one of the oldest Juneteenth celebrations in the country. But it's been a long road to where we are now from the day in 1863 when President Lincoln first issued his Emancipation Proclamation, the beginning of the end of slavery in America.  In this episode of Open Record, FOX6 Investigator Bryan Polcyn invites FOX6 anchor Mary Stoker Smith on to talk about Juneteenth Day. The pair also spend time talking with the Executive Director of the Northcott Neighborhood House, Tony Kearney, and Co-Chair of the Juneteenth Day Jubilee Parade, George Akpan. The group talks about the history of Juneteenth Day, Milwaukee's challenges when it comes to racial divides, and how the city will celebrate the 52nd annual Juneteenth Day. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Hundreds of small business owners in Milwaukee say they have private security to keep you safe, but many of those workers are unlicensed and untrained. In this episode of Open Record, FOX6 Investigator Bryan Polcyn talks about his latest investigation that finds some of those workers are violent, convicted felons. Bryan explains a new Milwaukee ordinance that requires private security workers to get a city license and background check. Now, powerful forces in the Milwaukee business community are fighting to kill it.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

May is Mental Health Awareness Month and a Franklin woman is sharing her story to give others hope. After hitting rock bottom, she got the help she needed to beat her drug addiction. In this episode of Open Record, FOX6 Investigator Bryan Polcyn invites FOX6 reporter Ashley Sears on to share Christina's story. Ashley explains how Rogers Behavioral Health got Christina back on the path to sober living and how Christina is able to now pay it forward to so many at the facility.

A popular grilling accessory sends one man to the ER, and now he's warning others about the dangers. Plus, delivery driver or porch pirate? A woman who made an online purchase catches something on her home security camera and now wants the shipping company who delivered her stuff held accountable. 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 into the FOX6 inbox.

A Tough Mudder's finish line turns into a flatline for one man. Now, that patient has a second chance at life and is paying it forward to the cardiac rehab unit that helped him get back on his feet.

When a 9-year-old girl ran away from school for the second time, her parents called FOX6 Investigators for help. Experts say it's not bad behavior. It's autism. Nearly half of children with autism elope, meaning they wander or run away. Some meet with tragic consequences. This week on Open Record, we explore what parents can do to get their child's school to prevent "bolting."

One woman loses her entire savings after falling victim to a scam and learns much of her lost money was taxable. Plus, another woman is out nearly $50,000 after making a major purchase online. She thought the seller was in Wisconsin, but it turns out, the address was being spoofed. 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.