Open Record

Former Milwaukee County Judge Hannah Dugan will not go to prison. A federal judge sentenced her this week to a $5,000 fine for obstructing ICE agents outside her courtroom by steering a criminal defendant out the back door. This week on Open Record, FOX6's Bryan Polcyn, Bill Miston and Jenna Sachs recap how we got here. Plus, hear why UWM Professor Emeritus Mordecai Lee believes Judge Adelman let...

A self-described 'menace to society' is back in jail facing ten criminal cases filed by nine different police departments. Daniel Berczyk has been charged with more than 100 crimes in his adult life. He's 50 years old. This week on Open Record, Carl Deffenbaught and Jenna Sachs lead Bryan Polcyn through his latest investigation. Hear why Berczyk has become a recurring character in Bryan's investig...

Open Record took its talents down to South Milwaukee! In first ever live podcast, Carl Deffenbaugh and Bryan Polcyn are joined by Howie Magner, former managing editor of Milwaukee Magazine, to talk about the FIFA World Cup 2026™ from the Moran’s pub Block party. You’re about some of the big moments from the tournament so far, predictions for the United States in the knockout stage, and who our hos...

On June 19th, 1865 -- nearly 3 full years after President Abraham Lincoln's emancipation proclamation declared the abolition of slavery in the United States -- federal soldiers rode into Galvetson, Texas, to annouce "all slaves are free." This week on Open Record, FOX6's Bryan Polcyn and Bria Jones talk to orgainzers of Milwaukee's 55th Juneteenth celebration, who say it is "not just Black history...

Scott Ziel was driving to pick up his daughter from choir when the phone rang. On the other end of the line -- Garth Brooks! The Vice-President of Entertainment for Summerfest tells the story of how they snagged the country rock legend as we preview the 58th iteration of the World's Largest Music Festival. Bryan and Carl are also joined by Summerfest marketing director Jerrod Woods. Hear how they...

Hundreds of thousands of Americans lose their hair every year while undergoing cancer treatment. In this week's episode, Carl and Bryan talk to Contact6's Jenna Sachs about a relatively new cold therapy treatment that's helping women (and men) protect their hair from chemotherapy drugs. Jenna shares one woman's story after she was told insurance would not cover the treatment. Plus, a small busines...

FIFA World Cup 2026 will feature a newly-expanded field of 48 countries competing in 104 matches, all broadcast on FOX and FS1. In this week's episode, Carl and Bryan talk to Green Bay native and former US Men's National Team defenseman Jay DeMerit. They also catch up with Raj Saha, former GM of the Milwaukee Bucks arena, Fiserv Forum, now a key executive helping 16 stadiums in 3 countries prepare...

As rescues and shelters near the end of their mission to remove 1,500 beagles from Ridglan Farms, some of the newly freed dogs are already adapting to new homes. On this week's episode, Bryan, Carl and Jenna talk to a New York fitness influencer who was tackled and arrested during the April 18 raid on Ridglan and now has a Ridglan rescue dog of her own. They also catch up with one of the first Mil...

Street takeovers are surging across Milwaukee—and they’re becoming more dangerous, more coordinated, and harder to stop. In this episode of Open Record, Bryan Polcyn and Bill Miston break down what these chaotic events really look like on the ground, how social media is fueling their growth, and the troubling criminal elements now tied to some of the key suspects. Bryan and Bill are joined by two...

Hundreds of Ridglan Farms beagles born into confinement and destined for science labs are getting a second chance at life. Two large non-profit animal welfare organizations announced Thursday, April 30th, that they inked a deal to purchase 1,500 beagles from the Dane County breeder. This week on Open Record, FOX6's Bryan Polcyn, Carl Deffenbaugh and Sara Smith discuss the extraordinary events of t...

Severe weather awareness week has more than lived up to its name as southeastern Wisconsin has been bombarded by repeated rounds of dangerous storms, tornadoes and flooding. This week on Open Record, Carl and Bryan ask FOX6 Weather Expert Rob Haswell how weather warnings have changed and why you should never rely on sirens alone. Plus, Dr. Jeannette Sutton shares how emergency alerts are evolving...

The Wisconsin Supreme Court continues its hard left turn as another liberal-backed candidate cruises to victory. Judge Chris Taylor will soon join the majority after a landslide win in the 2026 Spring Election. On this week's episode of Open Record, FOX6 political reporter Jason Calvi joins Carl and Bryan to explain why liberal-backed Justices will control the court for at least the next 4 years -...

Oasiz Wiesblatt is a center for the Milwaukee Admirals, one of four hockey-playing brothers who stand out for more than just their skills on the ice. They are CODAs -- children of deaf adults. On this episode of Open Record, FOX6's Bryan Polcyn and Carl Deffenbaugh detail Wiesblatt's remarkable story. We also meet the founders of a Milwaukee business that is revolutionizing the way the Deaf and ha...

A man accused of kidnapping a kidnapping a 79-year-old woman finally goes to trial after 4 years of delays. This week on Open Record, FOX6's Carl Deffenbaugh and Bryan Polcyn chronicle Timothy Olson's troubling history of preying on women. They are joined by legal expert Julius Kim to break down the defendant's disruptive courtroom behavior and how a Milwaukee County Judge refused to allow him to...

The search for senior living often happens during a crisis. A referral agency can help narrow the field, but before hiring one, there are a few things you should know. In this episode of Open Record, Contact 6's Jenna Sachs talks about the push for transparency. You'll also hear from the Wisconsin Assisted Living Association about the changes they'd like to see from senior care referral agencies....

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 b...

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 connectio...

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...

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 w...

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 C...

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 Alde...

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...

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...

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. Vis...

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 ca...