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: 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.
Wisconsin's Most Wanted: Oscar Rash sought for shooting after argument
An argument on a bus leads to a shooting outside of it. Investigators say the man who pulled the trigger is on the run.
Tires dumped, Milwaukee business owner fed up: 'Very frustrating'
A Milwaukee business owner is fed up after dozens of tires were dumped on his property.
Human trafficking; suspected OWI leads to more charges
A man pulled over for a suspected OWI in Milwaukee now faces charges related to human trafficking.
Shooting outside Brown Deer Walmart, former employee charged
A former Walmart employee is charged with two felonies related to a shooting outside the Brown Deer store on Friday, March 1.
Expanded WI child care tax credit; Evers signs GOP-authored bill
Gov. Tony Evers signed a Republican-authored bill that dramatically expands the state child care tax credit.
Wisconsin's Most Wanted: Juiquin 'Quincy' Pinkard sought for assault, drugs
A Milwaukee man who has done time for distributing drugs with a violent street gang has now gone off the grid.