Open Record

Medical spas are booming across Wisconsin, but are safety regulations keeping up? In today's episode of Open Record, the FOX6 Investigators expose a gap in state law that could allow unlicensed providers to perform medical procedures without a doctor in sight. Bryan Polcyn digs into his latest investigation and explains how he ended up researching the medical spa industry in the first place. What...

As COVID-19 cases surge in southeast Wisconsin, demand for testing has skyrocketed. Some test sites are busier than they've ever been, while some can't keep tests in stock. Plus, Wisconsin is holding on to hundreds of millions of dollars and it belongs to you. In today's episode of Open Record, Contact 6's Jenna Sachs talks about two consumer issues in the headlines. Jenna will explain the demand...

A class-action lawsuit says Wisconsin's unemployment system discriminates against people with disabilities. In this episode of Open Record, the FOX6 investigators dig into the lawsuit and why it was filed. It's an issue Amanda St. Hilaire has followed for more than a year. Amanda explains how the unemployment system currently works, what the lawsuit is asking, and the response from the Department...

September 11, 2021, will mark 20 years since the 9/11 terrorist attacks. Two decades later, we are looking back on the day that changed the world. In this episode of Open Record, the FOX6 Investigators welcome two guests: FOX6 News Director, Jim Wilson, and FOX6 Executive Producer, Sara Smith. The team shares memories of where they were when they learned of the events of that unforgettable morning...

A local controversy makes national news. A unanimous school board vote prompts hate mail and threats. At the center of all of this: A school lunch debate in Waukesha. How did we get here? What comes next? In this episode of Open Record, the FOX6 Investigators invite FOX6 political reporter Jason Calvi on to talk about the issue. Jason explains how the school lunch programs work and the arguments f...

Your privacy probably isn't as protected as you think. What does HIPAA really cover? Do you even know what the letters stand for in HIPAA? In today's episode of Open Record, the FOX6 Investigators talk privacy. Amanda St. Hilaire recently hit the streets in search of anyone who would talk to her about their personal information and opinions on who should have access to that information. Amanda cle...

Supporters say Milwaukee's streetcar needs to expand, but city leaders haven't said much that expansion is going to cost. In this episode, the FOX6 Investigators talk about how Bryan Polcyn uncovered the $330 million plan no one told you about. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

A wealthy donor threatens to wipe out a youth hockey program's upcoming season unless the board that runs the program gives up control. In this episode of Open Record, FOX6 Investigator Bryan Polcyn explains why hundreds of kids could be frozen out of a public school's ice rink. The FOX6 Investigators also talk about why school officials say there's nothing they can do to stop it. In our Off the R...

If you're feeling a sense of déjà vu, you're not alone. As COVID-19 cases hit a six-month high, mask mandates are on the verge of a comeback and vaccine mandates have become a new flashpoint. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

A Racine County judge issues a reversal over a controversial high school wrestling call. The decision comes two years after the wrestler's father sued to keep his son's championship hopes alive. The governing body for high school sports in Wisconsin – the WIAA – calls it as a victory for sports officials. In this episode of Open Record, FOX6 Investigator Bryan Polcyn explains the video at the cent...

50 years! In this episode of Open Record, Contact 6 Investigator Jenna Sachs and Producer Pete join Bryan Polcyn to talk about a conflict in the law over selling tobacco products to minors; the 50-year-old computer system behind Wisconsin's unemployment program; and speaking of 50 years... that Milwaukee Bucks NBA Championship! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Governor Evers and the Wisconsin Legislature have a good problem: Divvying up a $4.4B surplus. Where did all that extra money come from? In today's episode of Open Record, FOX6 Investigator Bryan Polcyn and Contact 6's Jenna Sachs invite FOX6 political reporter Jason Calvi on to talk about what's included in the Republican-written state budget. Jason answers where the budget surplus came from and...

The run to the NBA finals has electrified the city of Milwaukee. The Milwaukee Bucks and its fans aren't the only ones winning. In this episode of Open Record, the FOX6 Investigators look at the impact businesses are feeling from the team's playoff run. The FOX6 Investigators invite Peggy Williams-Smith, President and CEO of VISIT Milwaukee, on the podcast to talk about what the team's success has...

A COVID-19 survivor is still suffering symptoms more than a year after being discharged from the hospital, and his medical costs continue to stack up. His insurance was originally billed more than $1M. So, what does he still owe today? Plus, there's a massive backlog at the IRS. Why are federal tax returns delayed by several months? In this episode of Open Record, Contact 6's Jenna Sachs joins the...

A global environmental crisis is making waves in Wisconsin. One of the world's most recognizable producers of plastic containers (based in Racine) is harvesting discarded plastic overseas. But is it enough to make a real difference? Or is it what critics call "greenwashing?" FOX6 Investigator Bryan Polcyn is joined by FOX6's Bret Lemoine after his rare one-on-one interview with a local billionaire...

The COVID-19 pandemic may have closed bars, restaurants, courthouses, and schools. However, Milwaukee never stopped running The Hop streetcar. City leaders say it was too expensive to shut down. In this episode of Open Record, FOX6 Investigator Bryan Polcyn explains the findings of a recent investigation that shows just how much you're paying to keep The Hop going even if you never plan on riding...

Many area businesses thrived before the pandemic thrived. But now, as things open back up, some locally-owned spots are struggling. In this episode of Open Record, the FOX6 Investigators invite FOX6 reporter Cassidy Williams on the podcast to talk about how the pandemic could forever change the world of working in downtown Milwaukee. Cassidy recently profiled a local downtown soup restaurant force...

It's been a long time, but concerts are finally coming back to Milwaukee. But for some with tickets, the rescheduled date comes too late. What happens when you can't get a refund? Plus, a website lists a Milwaukee address, except what we found at that address was anything but a business. In this episode of Open Record, Contact 6's Jenna Sachs breaks down two of the latest issues for consumers. The...

The latest push to expand Medicaid in Wisconsin meets a familiar fate, despite the billion dollar carrot Governor Evers dangled in front of GOP lawmakers. Plus, calls to drop the mask mandates, stirring debates in school districts across the state. In this episode of Open Record, FOX6 Investigator Bryan Polcyn invites FOX6 political reporter Jason Calvi on to talk about a few big political issues...

Have you looked into buying a new or used car lately? You may have noticed prices are high and inventory is low. In this episode of Open Record, the FOX6 Investigators invite Contact 6's Jenna Sachs on to talk about a few of the latest consumer issues to come into the FOX6 newsroom. Jenna explains how the pandemic contributed to the red hot car market of late and how consumers can take advantage o...

COVID-19 vaccine demand is slowing and vaccination efforts are expanding. This all comes as signs of life are emerging and we look ahead to what the summer may bring. In this episode of Open Record, the FOX6 Investigators invite FOX6 WakeUp anchor Carl Deffenbaugh to the podcast. Carl and the team dive in to some of the most recent headlines making news. They talk about vaccine demand versus suppl...

More flights are in the air and more passengers are on planes. That's what experts say we can expect this summer. What do you need to know before booking? Plus, a COVID-19 test you administer at home with results in just 15 minutes? In this episode of Open Record, the FOX6 Investigators invite Contact 6's Jenna Sachs on to talk about two of the biggest consumer issues happening now. Jenna breaks d...

A group of parents recently fought to get information about their children's schools, and discovered the power of public records. But are public records truly public if the public can't afford them? In this episode of Open Record, the FOX6 Investigators look at an issue hitting home for a lot of parents: School data and learning loss during the pandemic. Amanda St. Hilaire explains how open record...

When it comes to pandemic learning, we know many students, families, and school staff are struggling. But in a recent FOX6 investigation, our Amanda St. Hilaire found that some school districts really don't want to talk about the data. 'Learning Loss' was a week of special reports on FOX6 showing how students in the ten largest school districts in our area are doing during the pandemic. In this ep...

A highly-regarded university dean is killed by a car as he crossed a Milwaukee street. What police say the driver did and why he's accused of doing it started raising questions about a tiny used car lot of the city's south side. In this episode of Open Record, the FOX6 Investigators dig into a recent investigation to explain the Wisconsin law that allows individuals to buy and sell used cars for a...