Open Record

Latest Episodes:

E407: Up For Grabs Apr 09, 2026

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The Wisconsin Supreme Court continues its hard left turn as another liberal-backed candidate cruises to victory. Judge Chris Taylor will soon join the majority after a landslide win in the 2026 Spring Election. On this week's episode of Open Record, FOX6 political reporter Jason Calvi joins Carl and Bryan to explain why liberal-backed Justices will control the court for at least the next 4 years -- and likely beyond. Plus, a $135-million dollar school referendum rejected. Waukesha elects a Democratic mayor. And a longtime Brookfield mayor withstands an onslaught of outside spending from Washington, DC.

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E406: The Bond of Brothers Mar 26, 2026

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Oasiz Wiesblatt is a center for the Milwaukee Admirals, one of four hockey-playing brothers who stand out for more than just their skills on the ice. They are CODAs -- children of deaf adults. On this episode of Open Record, FOX6's Bryan Polcyn and Carl Deffenbaugh detail Wiesblatt's remarkable story. We also meet the founders of a Milwaukee business that is revolutionizing the way the Deaf and hard of hearing community experiences professional sports, by brining American Sign Language interpreting to the world of NHL play-by-play.

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E405: Ripoff Romeo on Trial Mar 19, 2026

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A man accused of kidnapping a kidnapping a 79-year-old woman finally goes to trial after 4 years of delays. This week on Open Record, FOX6's Carl Deffenbaugh and Bryan Polcyn chronicle Timothy Olson's troubling history of preying on women. They are joined by legal expert Julius Kim to break down the defendant's disruptive courtroom behavior and how a Milwaukee County Judge refused to allow him to derail his date with justice.

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E404: Search for Senior Living Mar 12, 2026

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The search for senior living often happens during a crisis. A referral agency can help narrow the field, but before hiring one, there are a few things you should know. In this episode of Open Record, Contact 6's Jenna Sachs talks about the push for transparency. You'll also hear from the Wisconsin Assisted Living Association about the changes they'd like to see from senior care referral agencies. In addition, Jenna digs into some of the top consumer problems plaguing Wisconsinites.

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E403: After the Boom Mar 05, 2026

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Construction has halted on a Milwaukee high-rise touted as the "world's tallest mass timber building." The future of the 31-story apartment building on the bank of the Milwaukee River downtown is in doubt, but it's not the only one. A growing list of major construction projects in and around Milwaukee are now in limbo. This week on Open Record, FOX6's Carl Deffenbaugh and Bryan Polcyn are joined by Chad Venne, Director of the Real Estate program at UW-Milwaukee's Lubar College of Business and Dale Kooyenga, President and CEO of the Metropolitan Milwuakee Association of Commerce. They explain the economic and demographic conditions behind the slowdown, why it's not just a Milwaukee problem, and how it could impact renters at all income levels.

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E402: End of an Era Feb 26, 2026

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For 13 years, Robin Vos has presided over the Wisconsin State Assembly - the longest continuous hold on the Speaker's role in state history. On February 19, he announced he's leaving. In this episode of Open Record, FOX6's Bryan Polcyn and Carl Deffenbaugh talk to FOX6 political reporter Jason Calvi about Vos' sometimes tumultuous tenure and the legacy he will leave. Plus, the unexpected connection between wakesurfing and hunting of sandhill cranes that led to an uproad in Madison. And what's still ahead as the 2025-26 legislative session nears its end.

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E401: Force of Nature Feb 19, 2026

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In 1926, a Chicago man declared "Negro History Week" as a week in February. Fifty years later in 1976, President Gerald Force official proclaimed February "Black History Month." This week on Open Record, we commemorate 100 years of Black history in America. FOX6 Investigator Bryan Polcyn is joined by FOX6's Bria Jones and meterologist Holly Baker. They discuss the death of civil rights icon Jesse Jackson, a push to get more attention for missing Black girls and women in Milwaukee, and a profile of America's first Black and first female TV meteorologist. Hear how a bank robbery landed her the job of her dreams!

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E400: The 400 Club Feb 12, 2026

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On March 21, 2019, the FOX6 Investigators decided to try something new. We published our first podcast. This week, Open Record is celebrating a milestone -- our 400th episode. Hear how it all began from some of the original cohosts and producers behind the scenes. Plus, why Open Record has become a key part of FOX6's commitment to bringing in-depth, original content to listeners and viewers in a world beyond traditional scheduled newscasts.

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E399: ICE FORECAST Feb 05, 2026

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In the wake of fatal shootings by federal immigration agents in Minnesota, Milwaukee city leaders are preparing for a potential surge in ICE agents here. In this episode of Open Record, FOX6's Abril Preciado shares what she's hearing from those in Milwaukee's Hispanic community. Milwaukee Alderperson JoCasta Zamirripa explains the tightrope she's trying to walk. And the chairman of the Milwaukee County Republican Party explains why he believes critics of ICE are fanning the flames of fear.

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E398: Turning Up The Heat Jan 29, 2026

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As Milwaukeeans endure the coldest week of the year, one of the city's most prominent landlords is coming under fire. On this week's episode of Open Record, FOX6's Christina Van Zelst makes her podcast debut to talk ith Carl Deffenbaugh and Bryan Polcyn about tenants without heat, bursting water pipes and concerns about a lack of response from Berrada Properties. Plus, Milwaukee 10th District Alderwoman Sharlen Moore shares early plans to change city ordinance to get tougher on chronic violations.

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