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!See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Open Record

S E180: 50 Years

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 details on the GOP tax cuts. Plus, Jason explains the additional funding to education and breaks down plans for an i-94 expansion. In this episode's Off the Record segment, find out how the team would spend a free hour during their day.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

S E179: Making it Rain

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 meant for Milwaukee, the fans, and beyond. In this episode's 'Off the Record' segment, we talk TV. Which sitcom does Bryan Polcyn quote all the time?See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

S E178: History in the Making

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 FOX6 Investigators to talk about two important issues affecting consumers. In today's 'Off the Record' segment, you'll hear why the team may have their 'Wisconsin card' revoked. Privacy Policy and California Privacy Notice.

S E177: Road to Recovery

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.Privacy Policy and California Privacy Notice.

S E176: Message in a Bottle

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 it. Bryan breaks down the data of how the streetcar was doing prior to the pandemic and what the numbers look like now. You'll also learn about the plans to expand the tracks and how the whole thing impacts local taxpayers. Plus, in the Off the Record segment, the team recalls the first thing they thought about after waking up this morning.

S E175: No Free Ride

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 forced to shut down due to lack of business. She found many companies are not renewing their leases downtown, as working from home and hybrid schedules become the new normal. What do downtown boosters say? What other kinds of fallout may happen because of it? Plus, in the Off the Record segment, hear why Cassidy needs to swing by the store before coming to your party and Bryan's go-to dish for a get-together. 

S E174: Downtown Dilemma

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 first is people who bought tickets to concerts that were postponed due to the pandemic and now can't attend the rescheduled date. Will they get a refund? Are you more likely to get your money back from certain ticket sellers? Plus, a website many say is conning customers. What happened when Contact 6 knocked on the Milwaukee address? Jenna explains how people can make sure the website they're buying products from is legit. In this episode's 'Off the Record' question, the team takes a trip down memory lane. 

S E173: Concerts and a Con

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 making headlines. Jason breaks down the stalemate between Gov. Evers and GOP lawmakers as the decision is made to not expand Medicaid in the state, even after a billion dollar incentive. Jason also digs into the debates within school districts that are intensifying after the CDC's recent guidance that relaxed mask-wearing recommendations. In today's Off the Record segment, Jason draws the line on where his culinary expertise ends and Bryan justifies his inability to be early to anything.

S E172: Billion Dollar Carrot

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 of it. Plus, fear and shame are being used to extort money from people. Jenna breaks down one of the newest scams. How people who have security cameras inside their homes can keep themselves from getting ripped off. In today's 'Off the Record' segment, the team gets to play DJ. What's the first song they'll play to pump up a crowd? 

S E171: Hey Mr. DJ

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 supply, local sports teams expanding fan capacity limits at games, and the Milwaukee festivals making big announcements. Plus, in this episode's 'Off the Record' question, hear why Carl and Bryan Polcyn are talking sauces, sides, and condiments. 

S E170: Signs of Life

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 down the summer travel outlook and explains safety measures, airfare prices, and if airlines are requiring a vaccination or negative COVID-19 test. Plus, Jenna talks about the newest COVID-19 at-home test to hit store shelves. Learn where you can find it, how accurate it is, and in what scenarios would this test be helpful. In this episode's 'Off the Record' segment, the team invites their very first guest on to their imaginary late-night talk show.

S E169: The Travel Bug

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 records work, who can file them, and location fees. You'll also learn what you can do if you're having trouble getting records because of location fees.

S E168: Got $500?

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 episode of Open Record, you learn more about the series. What the data shows, how students and parents feel about virtual learning, the effect on mental health, and the efforts school districts in our area are making to help get students back on track. Plus, you'll learn why public records aren't so public if you can't afford to get them and the challenge with holding elected officials accountable. In our 'Off the Record' segment, find out why the team was tapping their memory banks all the way back to kindergarten. Hear what toy Amanda coveted, but never had and the song Jenna sang as a young child and can still remember to this day. 

S E167: Learning Loss

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 living even if they're not licensed to drive them. The team talks about Bryan Polcyn's most recent investigation where he explains the crash, the circumstances, and who was involved. He also talks about what prompted him to look into a local used car dealer, what a 'Buyer's License' is, and what the law is as it pertains to the Wisconsin DOT. In this episode's 'Off the Record' segment, the team unpacks a doozy of a question.

S E166: Unlicensed to Drive

FOX6 Investigative reporters Bryan Polcyn, Jenna Sachs and Amanda St. Hilaire break down the big stories and what it took to get them. "Open Record" takes you behind the scenes of the investigative reporting unit in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. It's the details the reporters couldn't tell you on T.V.

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Open Record

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