Open Record

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