Open Record

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. Vis...

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 sto...

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 he...

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 dec...

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 th...

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...

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 he...

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 res...

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 exp...

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...

Adam Procell is serving as the new head of the Milwaukee Office of Community Wellness and Safety. It's an appointment that comes with both support and a few questions. That's because Procell has a story that's unlike almost any other public leader -- he's a convicted killer. In this episode of Open Record, FOX6 Investigator Bryan Polcyn sits down with Procell to talk about where he came from, how...

More than 8 million riders per year are boarding Milwaukee County Transit System buses without paying the required fare. That's according to a FOX6 Investigators analysis of MCTS data. In this episode of Open Record, FOX6 Investigator Bryan Polcyn explains the group's new plan to reduce fare evasion as MCTS tries to reverse the growing culture of free rides. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit...

After devastating floodwaters wreaked havoc on southeast Wisconsin, the extent of the damage is becoming clear. From cleanup and insurance denials to financial assistance and the possibility of federal dollars, thousands in the Milwaukee-area are still navigating the aftermath. In this episode of Open Record, FOX6 Investigator Bryan Polcyn invites Contact 6's Jenna Sachs on to talk about the fallo...

The Milwaukee Brewers are bringing the energy and keeping the momentum going as they gear up for playoffs. Packers training camp is off and running as the team looks to the start of the season, which is just weeks away. 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 all things Wisconsin sports. The tri...

Thousands in southeast Wisconsin are grappling with flooded businesses, homes, basements, garages, and cars. This, after torrential rainfall pummeled the Milwaukee area. In this episode of Open Record, FOX6 Investigator Bryan Polcyn explores the so-called 'Thousand Year' flood to hit the area. FOX6 Chief Meteorologist Tom Wachs explains what happened from a meteorological perspective. Plus, you he...

Parts of southeast Wisconsin have spent days under an air quality alert this summer, due to wildfire smoke creating unhealthy air quality. In this episode of Open Record, FOX6 Investigator Bryan Polcyn invites FOX6 Chief Meteorologist Rob Haswell on to talk about the Canadian wildfires. You'll learn why all that smoke is coming to Wisconsin, how weather patterns and other factors are playing a rol...

In this episode of Open Record, FOX6 Investigator Bryan Polcyn explores the seismic shift from the No. 1 source of public funds for animal research and the undercover investigation that shows what they're trying to stop. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

A 7-year-old boy is abducted in broad daylight. Prosecutors say the kidnappers planned to rob a drug dealer, but ended up holding her child for ransom. In this episode of Open Record, how a search for a boy led to gunshots and why experts say this dramatic abduction is unlike almost any other. FOX6 Investigator Bryan Polcyn invites FOX6 reporter Bria Jones on to talk about the brazen daytime kidna...

On each shift, police officers face a threat they may never see coming. On this episode of Open Record, FOX6 Investigator Bryan Polcyn invites FOX6 reporter and anchor Sam Kraemer on to talk about ambushes and unprovoked attacks. They discuss what goes into the research and training aimed at protecting the people who protect us. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Wisconsin's water war is spreading fast. Fifty-six Wisconsin communities now have bans or restrictions on wakesurfing, covering more than 400 lakes. So far in 2025, state lawmakers have yet to propose any legislation to settle the controversy statewide. On this episode on Open Record, Bryan Polcyn and Jenna Sachs are joined by guests with opposing views -- Cody Kamrowski of Wisconsin Wildlife Fede...

People trusted him with family heirlooms, but years later, they're wondering where their treasured instruments went. Plus, a local woman mourning the loss of her husband now needs to prove she didn't die, too. In this episode of Open Record, FOX6 Investigator Bryan Polcyn invites Contact 6 reporter Jenna Sachs on to talk about two consumer problems brought to FOX6 that were also deeply personal. L...

The FDA calls it a groundbreaking step in new drug development. A plan to phase out animal testing will steer hundreds of millions of dollars toward high-tech alternatives. In this episode of Open Record, FOX6 Investigator Bryan Polcyn explains how scientists here in Wisconsin are leading the effort to transform pharmaceutical research. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/ad...

It's time to cue the bands, fire up the grills, chill the beer, and download the Summerfest app! The 57th Big Gig is here and fans are ready to pack the lakefront. In this episode of Open Record, FOX6 Investigator Bryan Polcyn invites a trio of special guests to talk all things Summerfest. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

A new online threat is putting Wisconsinites at risk of sexual exploitation. Apps and websites are using artificial intelligence to turn innocent pictures into so-called 'deepfake nudes.' In this episode of Open Record, FOX6 Investigator Bryan Polcyn explains what lawmakers are doing to stop it. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Testimony is well underway in the trial of Maxwell Anderson, the Milwaukee man accused of killing and dismembering Sade Robinson. In this episode of Open Record, the FOX6 Investigators get you caught up on what's happened in court during week 1 of the trial. FOX6 Investigator Bryan Polcyn, who has been following the testimony, talks about what we've heard and seen thus far. Legal expert and crimin...