Open Record

Over the course of working in a newsroom for decades, they've covered some of the most important and impactful news stories in the Milwaukee area. You may not know their names because they perform their magic on the other side of the camera. In this episode of Open Record, FOX6 Investigator Bryan Polcyn invites two FOX6 guests on the podcast: Chief Photographer Andy Konkle and our nightside Executive Producer, Kelly Stoop. Andy and Kelly are leaving for a career change after a combined 46 years of experience covering news in Milwaukee. You'll learn about their roles in (and outside) the newsroom and hear some of the best and most challenging moments over the last several decades.

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The continued surge in violent crime is happening at the same time when politics are heating up again. The Wisconsin legislation is holding hearings and debates. and the governor's race is beginning to take shape. On top of that, Milwaukee is just a few weeks away from its first primary election for mayor in nearly 20 years without an incumbent. In this episode of Open Record, the FOX6 Investigators invite FOX6 political reporter Jason Calvi on to talk about the politics of public safety. Jason explains what's at stake in the race for Milwaukee mayor as well as what recent polls say are the top issues for voters. They also dive into state-city relations and how the issue of public safety is also impacting the race for governor.

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Most of the time, viewers see a story on the news, but are unaware all that goes in to getting that story on the air. In this episode of Open Record, the FOX6 Investigators dig into a topic they spend a lot of time discussing: Anonymous sources. Amanda St. Hilaire talks about the role of anonymous sources in one of her most recent investigations. She and Bryan Polcyn explain what anonymous sources are, why they're important, and when we use them. The team also explains how they navigate source motivations. In today's Off the Record segment, a series of quick-fire questions have Amanda defending OJ with pulp and Bryan singing Sinéad O'Connor.

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It was a rocky start to the season, but the Packers are cruising as they head into the NFL playoffs. In this episode of Open Record, the FOX6 Investigators talk all things green and gold with special guest, FOX6 Sports Director Tim Van Vooren. Tim weighs in on Aaron Rodgers' record-breaking season, the team's chances of a win in Green Bay, and what it's like being a Sports Director covering the Packers in the playoffs.

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A FOX6 Investigation reveals a communication breakdown may have led to the release of Darrell Brooks from jail five days before the Waukesha Christmas parade. In this episode of Open Record, the FOX6 Investigators are breaking news we have yet to report on TV. Hear why a delay in posting a bail payment online may have led to the parade suspect's release and how a simple phone call could have prevented it.

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FEMA has billions of dollars set aside to help families with funeral and burial costs of those who died due to COVID-19, so why have many not even applied? Plus, what happens if you're vaccinated, but unable to prove it? In today's episode of Open Record, the FOX6 Investigators invite Contact 6's Jenna Sachs on to talk about some of the top consumer issues coming in to the FOX6 inbox. In today's Off the Record segment, the team welcomes in the new year with the phrase, 'Happy New Year.' But how far along into the new year is it acceptable to say that?

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This time last year, we spent an episode talking about the good things that happened in 2020. In this episode of Open Record, the FOX6 Investigators take time to talk about what surprised us in 2021. We share messages from others in our FOX6 family about what surprised them most this year. You'll hear about everything from launching to space and the Bucks to working from home and having more empathy.

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When whipping winds knock out power at the homes of half the FOX6 I-Team and Consumer Unit on podcast recording day, you improvise. In this episode of Open Record, Bryan Polcyn and Amanda St. Hilaire switch gears. The two share their paths on how they got into investigative reporting. You'll learn what school was like for them, when they got the 'journalism' bug, and what work life is like as investigative reporters.

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After a FOX6 investigation, Wauwatosa school leaders are re-evaluating their use of an academic program that costs thousands of dollars. They're not the only ones. in this episode of Open Record, the FOX6 Investigators dig deeper into the AVID program. Amanda St. Hilaire breaks down why she started looking into AVID in the first place. She also explains the research -- both successes and challenges -- associated with AVID. Plus, you'll hear teacher concerns, what school boards are saying about the program, and how parents feel. Amanda also has an update on her investigation into the Wauwatosa School District regarding the AVID contract.

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Six people are killed and dozens more are hurt in the November 21 Waukesha holiday parade tragedy. Darrell Brooks Jr. now faces charges, accused of plowing his SUV through a parade. In this episode of Open Record, the FOX6 Investigators take a deeper look into Brooks' past and current legal issues. Bryan Polcyn explains Brooks' history and who he is. The team also talks about the fresh attention to the issue of bail reform, after we learned Brooks was out on a $500 bond for a previous crime that involved him allegedly running over the mother of his child. The Investigators also explain why there was no recording of one of Brooks' most recent court hearings. Plus, the team breaks down how FOX6, as a newsroom, makes decisions about what information we broadcast and what we share with viewers.

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