Open Record

Back in May, a Governor Evers' staffer secretly recorded a conversation with legislative leaders. The governor called it a 'discipline issue,' but was there actually any discipline? Government leaders and employees work for you and when they behave poorly, you're supposed to know about those details. In this episode of Open Record, the FOX6 Investigators dig into why getting those answers isn't always that easy. Amanda St. Hilaire filed open records requests following that secret recording to dig into what, if any, disciplinary actions were taken against the staffer. The team breaks down what government agencies are required to reveal when it comes to discipline and what happens when they try to keep those records secret.

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The future for Milwaukee Police Chief Alfonso Morales remains uncertain and he isn't shy to say that in his own words. This, as deadlines loom surrounding directives handed down by the Milwaukee Fire and Police Commission. In this edition of Open Record, FOX6 Investigator Amanda St. Hilaire invites FOX6 reporter Suzanne Spencer on the episode. Spencer talked candidly with the chief during a recent one-on-one interview. Chief Morales touched on the future of the Milwaukee Police Department, security issues surrounding the upcoming Democratic National Convention, and answered questions about whether MPD's new weapons have a safety defect. Morales explains what paperwork he'll file this week, as it relates to the directives, and what we can expect to happen before the next deadline.

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From baseball to football and racing to golf, COVID-19 brought the world of sports to a halt. Now, both professional leagues and little leagues are trying to navigate the process of bringing back sports. While most of it is being done in a limited fashion, the risk of spreading the coronavirus remains elevated. In this episode of Open Record, FOX6 Investigators Bryan Polcyn and Amanda St. Hilaire invite Lily Zhao to the podcast. Lily is the newest addition to the FOX6 Sports team. Lily explains what life has been like as a sports reporter during the pandemic. The team talks about how the season re-start has been for both MLB and the NBA. Plus, what do things look like for the Packers as they get underway soon. You'll also hear more about how the pandemic has affected local sports, like the Menomonee Falls Little League that had to suspend play after several players and coaches tested positive for COVID-19.

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From COVID-19 testing delays to a looming surge in evictions to skyrocketing alcohol sales, the consumer unit at FOX6 has been busy. Contact 6 tackles dozens of consumer issues weekly that come into our newsroom. In this episode of Open Record, the FOX6 Investigators cover three big issues Contact 6 is helping sort out: COVID-19 test results delays, evictions, and alcohol sales. Contact 6's Jenna Sachs explains why so many people getting tested for the coronavirus are having to wait, sometimes weeks, to get results. Also, more than 4,000 evictions have been filed in Wisconsin since a state moratorium expired, and a July 25 deadline could have many more seeking help. Jenna explains what that means for renters in our area. The team also talks about the impact COVID-19 is having on alcohol sales. We know bars and restaurants are having a tough year, but it's been great business for area liquor stores and grocery stores. Jenna also explains what sales numbers mean for the growing concern of alcohol misuse or abuse.

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Milwaukee Police Chief Alfonso Morales is fighting to keep his job. This as the FPC delivers a list of directives to Morales. If he does not comply, it could mean discipline including the potential for firing. What's on the list of 11 directives? The FPC is calling for better communication, more oversight over a number of things including investigations, policies, promotions and overtime. In this edition of Open Record, an inside look at covering last night's meeting. FOX6 reporter Amy DuPont checked in with FOX6 Investigator Amanda St. Hilaire several times throughout with night as DuPont covered the meeting. Listen as DuPont walks St. Hilaire through what was happening before the meeting, during, and reaction following the delivery of directives. Hear what Morales' attorney had to say about the list and why he's calling it unprecedented and personal. You'll also get some insight into what both supporters and those against Morales are saying about Milwaukee's top cop.

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Will everything be done virtually? Will students learn under the same roof for part of the 2020-21 school year? School boards, teachers, and families are wrestling with what this next school year will look like and the lasting impact it could have on the kids, mom and dad's jobs, and everyone's health. In this special edition of Open Record, the FOX6 Investigators invite FOX6 reporter (and mom) Amy DuPont on the episode. The team talks about the upcoming meeting among Milwaukee Public Schools officials where MPS hopes to generate a better idea of how schools will navigate learning come fall. You'll also hear about the many unanswered questions school districts across Southeast Wisconsin are trying to answer as parents wait to hear what the future holds. Those issues include what this means for jobs, the health impact of kids not returning to school, and the other social services families in our area use on a regular basis. Typically, Open Record is a podcast that takes you behind the scenes of FOX6 Investigative reports. But we’re changing things up a bit for the time being: We’re bringing you the latest on our coverage of COVID-19 and other timely issues here in Wisconsin. We’ll bring you more frequent episodes over the next few weeks as we navigate this.

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COVID-19 may be killing more than just those who are sick. In Milwaukee, some say the fallout from the pandemic is helping to drive a spike in homicides. It's been an especially violent year so far in the city of Milwaukee and of the dozens of homicides, there's a common thread among many. In this special edition of Open Record, FOX6 Investigators Bryan Polcyn and Amanda St. Hilaire explain where those homicides are happening and why nearly one-third of the victims not only knew their killers...they lived with them. The team explains how they broke down information from the Milwaukee County Medical Examiner's Office and the patterns that came about while mapping out homicide data. You'll also hear what people in one neighborhood have to say about the killings on their block and the response from Milwaukee Police Department about the uptick in homicides in the city. Typically, Open Record is a podcast that takes you behind the scenes of FOX6 Investigative reports. But we’re changing things up a bit for the time being: We’re bringing you the latest on our coverage of COVID-19 and other timely issues here in Wisconsin. We’ll bring you more frequent episodes over the next few weeks as we navigate this.

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Did you know nearly every day Wisconsin judges are deleting public records that show you what they're doing? So what happens when you're blocked from seeing how your government operates? In this special edition of Open Record, FOX6 Investigators Bryan Polcyn and Amanda St. Hilaire dig into a first-hand experience. The team talks about the decision to deliberately destroy those public records -- a decision judges defend as practical, while transparency advocates say it's government secrecy. You'll hear how the consequences of that decision play out and why this is such a big deal. Typically, Open Record is a podcast that takes you behind the scenes of FOX6 Investigative reports. But we’re changing things up a bit for the time being: We’re bringing you the latest on our coverage of COVID-19 and other timely issues here in Wisconsin. We’ll bring you more frequent episodes over the next few weeks as we navigate this.

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Controversies flaring back up across Wisconsin as the number of COVID-19 cases increase. Should bars be allowed to stay open? Should wearing masks in Milwaukee be mandatory? In this special edition of Open Record, FOX6 Investigators Bryan Polcyn and Amanda St. Hilaire invite FOX6 reporter Jason Calvi on the episode to talk about what's going on in Milwaukee in regards to the coronavirus. The team also gets into the uptick in positive cases and the decision in Madison to once again tighten restrictions on bars and restaurants. Typically, Open Record is a podcast that takes you behind the scenes of FOX6 Investigative reports. But we’re changing things up a bit for the time being: We’re bringing you the latest on our coverage of COVID-19 and other timely issues here in Wisconsin. We’ll bring you more frequent episodes over the next few weeks as we navigate this.

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Milwaukee Police Chief Alfonso Morales recently sat down with FOX6 to talk exclusively about recent issues: Accountability within the department, defunding the police, and policy changes. In this special edition of Open Record, FOX6 Investigators Bryan Polcyn and Amanda St. Hilaire invite FOX6 reporter Aaron Maybin on the episode to talk about his candid conversation with the chief. Aaron shares the answers Chief Morales gave him to things regarding crowd management tactics, department retirements and resignations, and the different stages of 'defunding.' The team also digs into the city's homicide numbers -- why are they up? Plus, Aaron gives us a behind-the-scenes look at how he prepared for the interview with Chief Morales. Typically, Open Record is a podcast that takes you behind the scenes of FOX6 Investigative reports. But we’re changing things up a bit for the time being: We’re bringing you the latest on our coverage of COVID-19 and other timely issues here in Wisconsin. We’ll bring you more frequent episodes over the next few weeks as we navigate this.

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