
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
Wisconsin's Most Wanted: Aaron Brown sought for gun charge
U.S. Marshals said Aaron Brown of Milwaukee has a violent past and is now wanted on a gun charge. It stems from a Greenfield traffic stop.
Milwaukee church HVAC units stolen many times: 'It's devastating'
Sweet Communion Baptist Church in Milwaukee has been hit again and again by thieves. But they're not stealing the small stuff, they're walking away with heating and cooling systems from the church roof.
Elmbrook school board member accused in domestic dispute
A Brookfield woman, who serves on the Elmbrook school board, is charged with disorderly conduct stemming from a Nov. 22 domestic dispute.
Cars for special needs kids; 'Go Baby Go' program changing lives
The Go Baby Go program is a partnership with Children's Wisconsin and Marquette University. Students help bring designs to life for kids with special needs.
Milwaukee meal donations; helping those experiencing homelessness
Monday night, the food inside Café Benelux was headed to some important customers, arriving minutes later to the Guest House of Milwaukee.
Milwaukee attempted homicide; Askia Strong sentenced, 45 years prison
A Milwaukee man was sentenced to 45 years in prison for shooting the mother of his children. Askia Strong was previously on Wisconsin's Most Wanted.
Gas station, owner sue Milwaukee over revoked license
A Milwaukee gas station that was the site of an August fatal shooting has filed a federal lawsuit against the city and the Common Council.
Washington County high-speed pursuit, car stolen in armed carjacking
A Washington County high-speed pursuit ended with a crash and the driver in custody Tuesday. The car was reported stolen in a Milwaukee armed carjacking.
Wauwatosa Christmas backlash; city clarifies decoration memo
An email sent to Wauwatosa city employees last week regarding holiday decorations has caused backlash.
Mail carriers robbed; 4 charged, 'all in it together,' complaint says
Four Milwaukee men are now charged in connection with a pair of robberies of mail carriers in the city.