Open Record

New legislation aims to protect Wisconsin families from surprise medical bills for emergency ambulance rides. Plus, a Milwaukee man tracks his stolen car to a local salvage yard only to find his car has been crushed for scrap metal. In this episode of Open Record, FOX6's Carl Deffenbaugh and Bryan Polcyn are joined by Contact6 reporter Jenna Sachs to talk about two of her latest stories that left viewers feeling cheated.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Wisconsin is in the midst of an unprecedented power surge. Mammoth data centers needed to power artificial intelligence are planned or under construction in multiple locations. This week on Open Record, FOX6's Carl Deffenbaugh, Bryan Polcyn and Jason Calvi explore the extreme electricity demands and water use concerns of data centers. Plus, how We Energies says it plans to ensure regular customers won't foot the bill. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Hannah Dugan has resigned as a Milwaukee County Circuit Judge as she continues the legal fight to dismiss a felony verdict against her. In December, a jury found Dugan guilty of obstructing federal immigration agents. In this episode of Open Record, FOX's Carl Deffenbaugh, Bryan Polcyn and Bill Miston recap the trial, the political fallout and what comes next. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

More than a half-million Americans with disabilities depend on service dogs to cope with daily life. But, Wisconsin lawmakers say some pet owners are taking advantage. In this episode of Open Record, FOX6 Investigator Bryan Polcyn explains the new effort aimed at tightening the leash on fake assistance animals. Plus, a Waukesha County business says it can help you get approved to live with your cat or dog even if your landlord won't allow pets. You'll hear about an online letter-writing service one psychology expert calls "professional nonsense." Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Children's Wisconsin is off the hook after mistakenly throwing out a donated brain. This, after a Milwaukee County judge dismissed a lawsuit filed by the donor's parents. In this episode of Open Record, how the family is reacting to that decision. FOX6 Investigator Bryan Polcyn explains how we got here, the issue at the center of it all, and what happens next. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

From things like contracts and writing checks, the transition to senior living can be costly. As one family found out, sometimes the best laid plans can go astray. Plus, families put a lot of trust in what's called 'memory care.' Yet the term has no legal definition in Wisconsin. In this episode of Open Record, FOX6 Investigator Bryan Polcyn invites Contact 6's Jenna Sachs on to talk about two stories with warnings for senior citizens and their families. You'll hear about one family's challenge to get an entrance fee refunded from a life plan community. The other issues centers around the definition of 'memory care' and why some advocacy groups are concerned. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

A monster ship meets a monstrous storm. It's a history that's been studied and recounted for years. In this episode of Open Record, we dive into the tragedy of the Edmund Fitzgerald. FOX6 Investigator Bryan Polcyn invites FOX6 Senior Promotions Producer, Andrew, on the podcast to talk about his work on an upcoming FOX6 documentary marking the 50th remembrance of the freighter's sinking. We also hear from FOX6 Chief Meteorologist Rob Haswell about the storm system and forecasting that likely played a role in the sinking of the ship. You'll also hear from a shipwreck historian and author about the ship's lore. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

America's second-largest breeder of beagles for scientific research, will surrender its Wisconsin breeding license. Ridglan Farms, based in Blue Mounds, has been in the business of breeding and selling beagles for scientific research since 1966. That ends next year. In this episode of Open Record, FOX6 Investigator Bryan Polcyn explains what happened behind the scenes prior to this most recent decision and what happens next for Ridglan Farms. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

It's the fastest growing sport in America, but if you think pickleball is only played by retirees, think again. In this episode of Open Record, FOX6 Investigator Bryan Polcyn invites FOX6 anchor Ted Perry on to talk about how pickleball courts are popping up everywhere, including makeshift ones at firehouses across Milwaukee. You'll hear how it's helping crews form important bonds while flexing their competitive spirit. Plus, we talk with the Southeastern Wisconsin Association of Pickleball about the popular sport, and you'll learn about expansive indoor courts popping up across the state. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

It's an industry constantly riding the ups and downs of political change. While work is booming now for solar companies, next year will bring challenges. Plus, public workers waiting for relief and navigating the confusing landscape of student loan forgiveness. In this episode of Open Record, FOX6 Investigator Bryan Polcyn invites Contact 6's Jenna Sachs on to talk about two of the latest consumer issues to hit the Contact 6 inbox. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Milwaukee Police Department's chase policy is under scrutiny. It's been a deadly year for innocent bystanders and now the big debate for the department: To chase or not to chase. In this episode of Open Record, FOX6 Investigator Bryan Polcyn invites FOX6 reporter Jason Calvi on to talk about the policy, the problems, and a possible solution that comes in the form of new technology. Plus, we hear from a man who lost his brother in a crash that happened during a high-speed chase. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The man in charge of a controversial beagle-breeding facility in Dane County is now prohibited from practicing veterinary medicine. That surprise decision came out of an emergency meeting of the state veterinary examining board. FOX6 Investigator Bryan Polcyn has been following the story of Ridglan Farms and in this episode of Open Record, Polcyn explains what happens next for the breeding and research farm. Hear why the story is far from over, the things we still don't know regarding Ridglan Farms, and the painful dog research you're paying for. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

FOX6 has covered several stories on the remains of fallen soldiers finally identified and returned to Wisconsin. In this episode of Open Record, FOX6 Investigator Bryan Polcyn and FOX6 anchor and reporter Carl Deffenbaugh share the journey of two families who only recently discovered their shared connection: They both have Milwaukee-area Marines killed in WWII who still need to come home. Carl explains the high-tech search on a remote island in the South Pacific to find a dive bomber and his gunner. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The death of Charlie Kirk is putting freedom of speech to the ultimate test. In this episode of Open Record, FOX6 Investigator Bryan Polcyn invites FOX6 political reporter Jason Calvi on to talk about the politically-charged commentary that's led to a wave of firings across the country. One guest talks about the legal implications and limits of free speech on social media. A second guest explains how a mistakenly-attributed social media post led to a firestorm of angry calls from around the world. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Adam Procell is serving as the new head of the Milwaukee Office of Community Wellness and Safety. It's an appointment that comes with both support and a few questions. That's because Procell has a story that's unlike almost any other public leader -- he's a convicted killer. In this episode of Open Record, FOX6 Investigator Bryan Polcyn sits down with Procell to talk about where he came from, how he got here, and what he plans to do in this new role. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

More than 8 million riders per year are boarding Milwaukee County Transit System buses without paying the required fare. That's according to a FOX6 Investigators analysis of MCTS data. In this episode of Open Record, FOX6 Investigator Bryan Polcyn explains the group's new plan to reduce fare evasion as MCTS tries to reverse the growing culture of free rides. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

After devastating floodwaters wreaked havoc on southeast Wisconsin, the extent of the damage is becoming clear. From cleanup and insurance denials to financial assistance and the possibility of federal dollars, thousands in the Milwaukee-area are still navigating the aftermath. In this episode of Open Record, FOX6 Investigator Bryan Polcyn invites Contact 6's Jenna Sachs on to talk about the fallout from the floods. The team talks to the American Red Cross, an insurance attorney who represents policyholders in challenges cases, and Milwaukee's Commissioner of Public Works. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Milwaukee Brewers are bringing the energy and keeping the momentum going as they gear up for playoffs. Packers training camp is off and running as the team looks to the start of the season, which is just weeks away. 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 all things Wisconsin sports. The trio will look at a Brewers season that started off somewhat slow and a Packers season full of hope. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Thousands in southeast Wisconsin are grappling with flooded businesses, homes, basements, garages, and cars. This, after torrential rainfall pummeled the Milwaukee area. In this episode of Open Record, FOX6 Investigator Bryan Polcyn explores the so-called 'Thousand Year' flood to hit the area. FOX6 Chief Meteorologist Tom Wachs explains what happened from a meteorological perspective. Plus, you hear from FOX6 reporter Jason Calvi who has been covering the flooding clean-up since the rains stopped. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Parts of southeast Wisconsin have spent days under an air quality alert this summer, due to wildfire smoke creating unhealthy air quality. In this episode of Open Record, FOX6 Investigator Bryan Polcyn invites FOX6 Chief Meteorologist Rob Haswell on to talk about the Canadian wildfires. You'll learn why all that smoke is coming to Wisconsin, how weather patterns and other factors are playing a role, and if there's anything we can do about it. You'll also hear from U.S. Rep. Tom Tiffany who wrote a letter to the Canadian ambassador. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices