Ashley Sears
It’s unusual for a 9-year-old child to be captivated by the news. But my parents can attest, I was that strange kid who stayed up past my bedtime to watch the evening news. Sometimes, I have to pinch myself knowing that I’m living out my dream every day. Here I am all grown up, still staying up late for the news.
I joined FOX6 in June 2012. I’ve had the privilege to share stories of courage, tragedy and triumph across southeast Wisconsin. You can find me on the nine and ten o’clock newscasts, but I’ve reported on every shift at FOX6. I’ve covered some of the biggest stories in the state. I was one of the first on the scene during the Sikh Temple shooting, standing with victims’ families trying to gather information about what took place. I extensively covered demonstrations following the death of Dontre Hamilton. And I reported for hours on live television in the middle of the Sherman Park unrest. I am now reporting on some of Wisconsin's Most Wanted – with help from the U.S. Marshals Fugitive Task Force.
My work has been recognized by the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences. I’m a three-time Emmy nominee.
Prior to Milwaukee, I worked for WCIA in Champaign, Illinois. Before that, I spent a year at WAND as a Champaign bureau reporter. My time in Illinois led me to my husband, Ben Handelman. You might know him as the weekend anchor here at FOX6.
I was raised in Northwest Indiana, where my parents always encouraged me to follow my passion, not my pension. I earned a Bachelor’s degree in political science from Indiana University. Go Hoosiers! I earned my Master’s degree from the Medill School of Journalism at Northwestern University.
I love telling your stories. Keep sharing them with me. You can find me on Twitter and Facebook.
The latest from Ashley Sears
Vehicle stolen from Kwik Trip with kids inside; bodycam video
For the first time, we are seeing the moments following a carjacking at an Oak Creek gas station that happened on Feb. 4.
Glendale teen's mental health podcast looks to help others
Taking away the stigma, a Glendale teen is on a mission to help others struggling with their mental health.
Milwaukee fatal shooting vigil; family mourns victim
Family and friends are remembering a Milwaukee man shot and killed over the weekend.
Zach Bryan meets Wisconsin teen battling rare condition
A Germantown teen's dream came true after a concert at Fiserv Forum on Wednesday night, March 20. She got to meet country music star Zach Bryan. Her experience has now gone viral.
Wisconsin's Most Wanted: Deonte Robertson sought for chase, crash
Investigators are looking for a Milwaukee man who they say led police on a high-speed chase and crashed into another vehicle.
U.S. drops from top 20 happiest countries list; finding outlets
As Wednesday, March 20, is International Day of Happiness, the United States has dropped out of the top 20 happiest countries in the world, according to a new report.
Wisconsin's Most Wanted: Sue Xiong sought for drug convictions
U.S. Marshals and the Sheboygan Police Department are looking for a man with a history of methamphetamine-related convictions. Investigators say 37-year-old Sue Xiong hasn’t been heard from since the summer of 2023.
Milwaukee Public Museum vandalism, exhibits damaged
Police continue to look for a suspect who they say vandalized Milwaukee Public Museum exhibits earlier this month with an unknown substance.
President Biden's Milwaukee visit; boy with stutter gets advice
9-year-old Harry Abramson got to meet President Joe Biden after writing him a letter asking how to overcome stuttering.
Milwaukee fatal crash, 2 killed; Most Wanted man arrested
An 11-year-old boy injured in a crash that happened in Milwaukee last week has died from his injuries.