Podcasts about open records

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 walk you through the timeline of events, the terrifying impact on young single women in Milwaukee, and what we can expect in the upcoming trial. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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 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 podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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

On this Salcedo Storm Podcast:Russell Fish is with the Open Records project. They unearth all the dirty secrets government tries to keep from you.

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

Hosts: Rusty Cannon and Erin Rider  A federal judge says the Department of Government Efficiency must comply with public records requests. It comes following the refusal of DOGE to give records access to a watchdog group, even though they had filed a legal request under the Freedom of Information Act, also known as FOIA. It's the latest development as government watchdog groups nationwide seek transparency from DOGE. 

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

Hosts: Erin Rider and Taylor Morgan  If you thought this legislative session has been a little slower or more quiet than normal – think again. Things are getting interesting regarding public government records here in Utah, as several bills that would affect open records access and management work their way through the legislature. One of those bills, SB277, is being sponsored by State Senator Mike McKell; he joins to share his motivations and thoughts on the legislation. Representing the other side of the conversation is journalist and KSL Investigator Daniella Rivera. The hosts get both sides of the discussion and share their own thoughts.   

Hosts: Erin Rider and Taylor Morgan  On the Hill 2025: Fights brewing over open records management and access in Utah If you thought this legislative session has been a little slower or more quiet than normal – think again. Things are getting interesting regarding public government records here in Utah, as several bills that would affect open records access and management work their way through the legislature. One of those bills, SB277, is being sponsored by State Senator Mike McKell; he joins to share his motivations and thoughts on the legislation. Representing the other side of the conversation is journalist and KSL Investigator Daniella Rivera. The hosts get both sides of the discussion and share their own thoughts.  President Trump working to expand access to IVF Saying he's fulfilling a campaign promise, President Donald Trump has signed a new executive order to expand access to and reduce the costs associated with in vitro fertilization, or IVF. It comes as Republicans appear divided on the ethicality of IVF, with many having voted against protecting IVF rights in the past few years.  Ukraine responds to claims from Pres. Trump that they started the war with Russia Ukrainian President Volodymr Zelenskyy is pushing back on President Trump today, after Trump claimed that Ukraine started the war with Russia. Zelenskyy responded, saying President Trump is living in a Russian "disinformation space." The Inside Sources hosts discuss why the U.S. is quickly changing its stance on the Russian-Ukrainian conflict.  Pres. Trump directs DOJ to fire U.S. Attorneys from the “Biden Era” President Donald Trump has instructed the Department of Justice to fire all U.S. Attorneys put in place by former President Biden. And although the action itself is pretty typical of a new administration, the way Trump is doing it is sparking additional concerns. Inside Sources co-host and lawyer Erin Rider shares the concerns she’s feeling.  On the Hill 2025: Overview of bills affecting the state’s judicial system More proposed changes to Utah's judiciary, following the introduction of a few new bills. We talked about several of the proposals last week, and today we follow that conversation with a discussion on what’s new this week with judicial bills. The Inside Sources hosts discuss a proposal to limit injunctions and another that would create a committee of lawmakers who get to recommend judicial retention.  Los Angeles mayor says she’ll investigate why she left the country as fires broke out The mayor of Los Angeles has received a lot of criticism for leaving the country just before fires in the region broke out. Now, she says she will launch an investigation to determine why she was allowed to leave the country. You didn’t misread that... she will investigate herself. The Inside Sources host talk about this fascinating PR move. 

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

Since our last episode, we've heard rumors coming out of Boone County: there WILL be a new mascot; there definitely will NOT be a new mascot; the new superintendent wants to know what's going on; there are meetings happening. We've tried hard to get anyone at the school district or the high school to talk with us, so we can find out what's real and what isn't, but nobody will. And so this episode Akilah asks: is there another way to find out what folks are saying? To view a selection of the open records we received from the school, along with bonus content for other episodes, visit our new website: https://rebelspiritpodcast.com If you have a racist mascot at your high school or are an alumni of a high school with a racist mascot and want to share your own experience, please email us at rebelspiritpodcast@gmail.com. We would love to talk to you!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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

Dena Lefkowitz, Esq., PCC is the founder of Achievement by Design, LLC, a leading executive coaching firm focused on helping lawyers find career direction and partnering with law firms and law departments to help attorneys become great rainmakers and leaders. Dena is the award-winning author of Winning in Your Own Court: 10 Laws for a Successful Career Without Burning Out or Selling Out (American Bar Association 2021). Prior to coaching, Dena practiced law for over 20 years and was General Counsel to the Office of Open Records in Harrisburg, PA, and to the Chester Upland School District. ---------------------------------------- This show is sponsored by Leopard Solutions Legal Intelligence Suite of products, Firmscape, and Leopard BI. Push ahead of the pack with the power of Leopard. For a free demo, visit this link: https://www.leopardsolutions.com/index.php/request-a-demo/ Are you ready to elevate your recruiting career? The Recruiting Mastermind is here to help you: www.theplacementclub.com Links: https://achievementbydesign.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/denalefkowitz/ Order Dena's book, Winning In Your Own Court  https://www.amazon.com/Winning-Your-Court-Dena-Lefkowitz/dp/1639051309 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/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

December 3, 2024 ~ The Michigan Senate has passed sunshine laws, but is now waiting for passage in the state House before heading to Governor Gretchen Whitmer's desk. Guy, Lloyd, and Jamie talk with State Senator Jeremy Moss (D-Southfield) about why the House hasn't voted on the package.

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Following a discussion of Trump's selections for agency appointments and the recent spate of new union organizing in Wisconsin, we dive into a discussion with two guests on immediate climate organizing opportunities progressives should be engaged in now. Former Citizen Action organizer, Kevin Kane, now with Green Homeowners United, joins us to highlight where we are in Wisconsin with the Inflation Reduction Act and ARPA implementation and what opportunities exist for organizing in Wisconsin. Kevin also strongly encourages homeowners to immediately take advantage of available federal resources. We close the show welcoming Citizen Action member and former Wausau alderman, Tom Killian, to discuss two Open Records workshops this Saturday, November 23rd in Wausau that are open to the public. One workshop, led by Bill Lueters, will provide residents and grassroots groups with insights into obtaining records from the government. The second session features Stephan Lester, who will provide information from public records about dioxin and pentachlorophenol contamination in the Thomas Street neighborhood on Wausau's southwest side that were acquired through years of citizen research.

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

This week, we shared a story of the Georgia Supreme Court ruling against DA Deborah Gonzalez in a case related to Open Records. Find Open Records and Open Meetings laws here. Subscribe online at ⁠OconeeEnterprise.com⁠

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

Colonel Lawrence Wilkerson (retired) joins us once again to give his unvarnished view of the now yearlong ethnic cleansing of Gaza, an assault that has now extended into Lebanon, Syria, and Iran. Plus, our resident constitutional expert, Bruce Fein stops by to give us a quick take on how U.S. material support of the Israeli aggression in Lebanon, an ally of ours, is a clear violation of The Neutrality Act.Lawrence Wilkerson is a retired U.S. Army colonel. Over his 31 years of service, Colonel Wilkerson served as Secretary of State Colin Powell's Chief of Staff from 2002 to 2005, and Special Assistant to General Powell when he was Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff from 1989 to 1993. Colonel Wilkerson also served as Deputy Director and Director of the U.S. Marine Corps War College at Quantico, Virginia, and for fifteen years he was the Distinguished Visiting Professor of Government and Public Policy at the College of William and Mary. He is currently a Senior Fellow at the Eisenhower Media Network, senior advisor to the Quincy Institute for Responsible Statecraft, and co-founder of the All-Volunteer Force Forum. The Jewish state in the Levant is finished. Now, if it wants to be a liberal democracy— if it wants to become a real democracy, it could possibly remain. But this Jewish state, especially in its current manifestation, which is the ultimate manifestation, has ended. It's through. The rest of the world, if nothing else, will terminate it just as it did the South African apartheid state. And it will happen—and it will happen despite the Empire's (The U.S.) protestations to the contrary. In fact, I predict ultimately when the Empire smells the tea leaves, it will probably join the crowd and tell them they have no choice but to be a liberal democracy—to invite what that means, which is ultimately a Palestinian Arab majority, and to even change their name to Israel-Palestine or Palestine-Israel or whatever. That's the future. The future is not Bibi Netanyahu.Col. Lawrence WilkersonNetanyahu talks about Joshua who moved on after Moses had given him instructions, and after the leadership had sort of fallen apart, and Joshua takes over. And they go in, and under God's instructions they are to kill everything in sight— leave no human being alive. And that's Netanyahu. Netanyahu thinks he's a latter-day Joshua, and that's what they're doing. They brought a thousand years of history's most rude, most bloodthirsty, most unbelievable procedures in waging war against another state or another people back into vogue again. And we're supporting it.Col. Lawrence WilkersonBruce Fein is a Constitutional scholar and an expert on international law.  Mr. Fein was Associate Deputy Attorney General under Ronald Reagan and he is the author of Constitutional Peril: The Life and Death Struggle for Our Constitution and Democracy, and American Empire: Before the Fall.The Neutrality Act of 1794 in substance prohibits anyone in the United States from directing or supplying arms or assistance— or otherwise engaging in war—that is against a country with which the United States is formally at peace. The United States at present is at peace with Iran. It's at peace with Lebanon. Indeed, Lebanon's an ally. We already know that President Biden had ordered Navy ships to use their Aegis Ballistic Missile Defense in collaboration with Israel to shoot down Iranian missiles—an act of war. And now they basically said we are combatants with Israel and probably planning covertly to join military forces on the next initiative that Israel takes against Iran. So it's a clear violation of the Neutrality Act.Bruce FeinListeners, you have your Senators and Representatives campaigning, as we speak, in your communities. You ask them to come to your town meetings where they can hear you out, and where you require them to respond. This is their moment of vulnerability before the election.Ralph NaderIn Case You Haven't Heard with Francesco DeSantisNews 10/9/241. In These Times reports “U.S. Jewish Institutions Are Purging Their Staffs of Anti-Zionists.” This piece, based on interviews with 18 Jewish professionals at 16 different Jewish organizations over several months, yielded descriptions of “being fired, quitting under pressure, or seeing their roles disappear since October 7 for issues surrounding criticism of Israel or support for a permanent cease-fire.” The magazine identifies this trend as part of “a radical rightward turn in mainstream Jewish organizational life over the past year...[where] Support for Israel and its government's assault on Gaza appear to have become a defining feature of employability.” Shaul Magid, who teaches modern Judaism at Harvard Divinity School is quoted saying “More than an exercise in pro-Israel muscle, this is…an act of desperation. The liberal Zionist center is collapsing.”2. In a statement, the Hind Rajab Foundation – named for the five year-old girl killed by Israeli forces – has filed a complaint with the International Criminal Court accusing 1,000 Israeli soldiers of “war crimes, crimes against humanity, and genocide in Gaza.” The statement goes on to say “These individuals, all of whom have been identified by name, are accused of participating in systematic attacks against civilians during the ongoing genocide in Gaza,” examples of which include destruction of civilian infrastructure, illegal occupation and looting, and use of inhumane warfare tactics, among others. The Foundation alleges that this complaint is supported by over 8,000 pieces of verifiable evidence, including “videos, audio recordings, forensic reports, and social media documentation.”3. In a clash of the fast food titans, the Washington Post reports McDonald's has filed a lawsuit against Tyson Foods, Cargill, JBS and National Beef Packing alleging that the meat packing giants engaged in a “conspiracy…to fix, raise, stabilize and/or maintain the price of beef…at supra-competitive levels — that is, prices artificially higher than beef prices would have been in the absence of their conspiracy.” In this complaint, McDonald's alleges that “the price per hundred pounds of cattle had historically stayed within $20 to $40 of the average price per hundred pounds of wholesale beef…. [but] By 2021, the difference had ballooned to $156.50.” The meatpackers have been under increasing scrutiny for the past several years. “In 2020, the Justice Department…sent subpoenas to the four meatpackers in an antitrust probe. A year later, nearly 30 members of Congress sent...a letter, suggesting it was time ‘to determine whether the stranglehold large meatpackers have over the beef processing market violate our antitrust laws and principles of fair competition,'” and in 2022, JBS agreed to a $52.5 million settlement with direct purchasers.4. In the final days before the 2024 election, Republicans are launching a full-scale assault on the regulatory state. The National Review reports House Oversight Committee chairman James Comer is opening an investigation into Federal Trade Commission chair Lina Khan, accusing her of politicizing the agency by appearing at events with progressive lawmakers. These events have centered on policy – an event in Texas with Bernie Sanders and Greg Casar was focused on “corporate power and worker freedom,” while others have dealt with grocery prices, health care, and price gouging, per Punchbowl News – but Comer is alleging that these events were political in nature and thus prohibited by the Hatch Act. Meanwhile Mark Joseph Stern reports “Fourteen Republican attorneys general are suing to block a new [Federal Communications Commission] rule that would prohibit prisons from charging inmates extortionist rates for phone and video calls,” which can cost as much $54 each. It seems unlikely that these attacks on consumer protection rules will deliver political dividends for Republicans come November.5. In another bizarre GOP misstep, Indiana Senator Mike Braun recently said “the U.S. Supreme Court was wrong to legalize interracial marriage in…1967,” and that the decision should have “instead been left to individual states,” FOX59 Indianapolis reports. Braun then tied himself in knots saying that he condemned “racism in any form” but maintained that “We're better off having states manifest their points of view.” The Indiana Democratic Party condemned Braun's statements, calling his rhetoric “an endorsement of…dangerous white nationalist views.”6. Airline Geeks reports “Boeing has cut health care coverage for 33,000 of its workers and their families as [the] machinists union strikes continue to halt production in the Pacific Northwest.” International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers International President Brian Bryant responded to this clear attempt at strikebreaking by saying “Boeing executives cannot make up their mind…One day they say they want to win back the trust of their workforce. The next moment…Boeing executives are…tripping over dollars to get pennies by cutting a benefit that is essential to the lives of children and families, but is nothing compared to the cost of the larger problems Boeing executives have created …over the last ten years. Their missteps are costing not just the workers but our nation.” The Machinists have been on strike since September 13th, and Bryant said “Our members continue to be strong in their resolve and will not settle for anything but a fair contract that recognizes and rewards the critical and dedicated work they perform.”7. According to Documented NY, “U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has run a secretive program for years where ICE agents have trained hundreds of civilian volunteers on how to operate multiple types of firearms, conduct investigations and surveillance of immigrants, and use lethal force on human beings.” Documents from this quasi-fascist program, revealed via FOIA request on October 1st, include “detailed images showing where to strike with a baton or a weapon to cause differentiated harms on the body…presentations on how to shoot a gun, point at targets, and stand in positions to fire…[with] One presentation slide suggest[ing] yelling ‘drop the gun' as a potential cover when employing lethal force against someone.” Ian Head, Open Records project manager at the Center for Constitutional Rights, calls this “a violent and racist program, where people pretending to be violent ICE officers got to hold guns and fire them in role-play situations where agents pretended to be immigrants.”8. More fascist news comes to us from Canada, where the Ottawa Citizen reports “The Department of Canadian Heritage is being told that more than half of the 550 names on the Memorial to the Victims of Communism should be removed because of potential links to the Nazis or questions about affiliations with fascist groups, according to government records.” Documents show the department had already determined that 50 to 60 of the names or organizations were directly linked to the Nazis. As the article notes, “The memorial was supposed to be unveiled in November 2023 but…was put on hold after members of Parliament honoured Yaroslav Hunka, a Ukrainian soldier with the Waffen-SS Galicia Division, a voluntary unit that was under the command of the Nazis. That incident became an international embarrassment for Canada.”9. In more positive news from our Southern neighbor, incoming Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum has announced a new “Health at Home” program for seniors and persons with disabilities, per Latina Republic. The program, intended to reach 13.6 million people, “will bring healthcare personnel to the homes of all seniors across the country,” starting with a census to collect comprehensive health data to “establish a personalized care plan,” to be performed by over 20,000 new doctors and nurses. This ambitious program of preventative medicine is unimaginable in this country despite boasting a GDP almost 20 times the size of Mexico's.10. Finally, in Nebraska, a new poll from the Independent Center finds Independent Senate candidate Dan Osborne leading two-term incumbent Republican Deb Fischer by a remarkable 5 points. Currently the candidates stand at 42% for Fischer, 47% for Osborne, with 10% undecided. Voter registration in Nebraska totals 49% Republican, 26% Democrat, and 25% Independent, meaning Osborne has a path to victory via a Democratic-Independent coalition. If successful, Osborne could provide a model for victory in red states: run as a left-wing populist and jettison the toxic Democratic Party brand.This has been Francesco DeSantis, with In Case You Haven't Heard. Get full access to Ralph Nader Radio Hour at www.ralphnaderradiohour.com/subscribe

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 nationwide strike is underway across Israel, aiming to pressure Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to agree to a ceasefire and hostage release deal. Both campaigns in the 2024 presidential race are focusing on key battlegrounds and taking swipes at each other. More than 10,000 hotel workers across the US began striking during the Labor Day long weekend. Ukraine launched one of its biggest ever drone attacks on Russia over the weekend. Plus, a record night - and morning - at the US Open. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/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