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DNA backlog clearing up

August 17, 2007 By

Wisconsin's Attorney General says progress is being made in eliminating a backlog of DNA testing.

Nearly 1,800 pieces of DNA evidence are still waiting to be tested in state crime labs. However, Attorney General J.B. Van Hollen says they're on track to process 57-percent more cases compared to last year.

Van Hollen says that progress comes despite not having 30 new lab technicians in place yet. Lawmakers approved extra funding for more staff earlier this year, but they're still being trained.

Instead, the Attorney General says reorganization has been the key to getting more cases cleared. Changes include the use of robotic testing, re-prioritizing analyst duties, and talking with police about what types of evidence should be submitted for DNA testing.

Despite the progress, Van Hollen believes it will be 2010 before the entire backlog is cleared up. 

AUDIO: Andrew Beckett reports (MP3 1:08)

Filed Under: Crime & Courts

Brewers grip on first place is getting loose

August 17, 2007 By

The Milwaukee Brewers were shutout by the St. Louis Cardinals 8-0 and were swept in a home series for the first time since last September when Florida took three from the Brewers.

The Cardinals won their 5th in a row as Adam Wainwright gave up just 2-hits in seven scoreless innings to get the win.  Yadier Molina homered twice off of Brewers starter Dave Bush for the Cardinals. 

The Brewers missed out on a big scoring chance in the 3rd when Wainwright pitched out of a bases loaded jam by striking out rookie Ryan Braun.

The Cardinals outscored the Brewers 28-7 in the series and Milwaukee now has dropped 13 of their last 18 games. 

The Brewers are just a half game in front of the Cubs and 2 1/2 in front of the Cardinals entering play today.  They'll face the Cincinnati Reds in the first of a three game series tonight at Miller Park.

 

Listen / Download – Gabe Gross on the pitching of Adam Wainwright. :14

Filed Under: Brewers

Packers have Ferguson on the trade block

August 17, 2007 By

The Green Bay Packers are cutting ties with wide receiver Robert Ferguson.  The Packers told Ferguson they're trying to trade him, but if that's unsuccessful, Ferguson would be released.

Packers coach Mike McCarthy said the team is currently in discussions with several teams about a deal. 

Ferguson's base salary is around $1.8-million.  If he's traded, the Packers would be responsible for the remaining $700,000 of his prorated signing bonus.  If Ferguson is released, that $700,000 would count against next years cap.

 

Filed Under: Green Bay Packers

I-35 style bridges pass inspection

August 17, 2007 By

The Department of Transportation's chief bridge engineer Finn Hubbard says the fifteen bridges are in good shape and safe.

Even so, Hubbard says they are proceeding with installation of 24/7 monitors on the deck-trusses as ordered by the governor and they'll take another look at the bridges if its determined a specific design flaw caused the I-35 bridge to give way.

Otherwise, inspections will continue on schedule every two years for all thirteen thousand-seven hundred bridges including the fifteen deck trusses.

The Minneapolis tragedy is causing some lawmakers to question if they should have passed a law that allows logging trucks to carry more weight.

Hubbard says the impact of that extra weight on roads and bridges is under review and something they are looking at very carefully.

AUDIO: Jim Dick reports ( :57 MP3 )

Filed Under: Top Story, Transportation

Calculating the cost of war

August 17, 2007 By

moveon081607.jpg A new report estimates the cost of the War in Iraq for Wisconsin taxpayers.

The study from MoveOn.org shows what taxpayers in each state have spent fighting the war since it began. Judy Skog, with the group's Madison chapter, says the cost for Wisconsin taxpayers so far has topped $7.27 billion.

Skog says that money could be going towards providing important programs, such as health care, child care, and student financial aid. Instead, she says all those funds have been wasted on a war the US can't win.

MoveOn.org chapters across the country delivered the report on Thursday to members of Congress. They're hoping it will make the message clear that Americans can't afford to keep funding the war. The group wants lawmakers to reject a new war funding bill due for a vote this fall. 

AUDIO: Andrew Beckett reports (MP3 1:11)

Filed Under: Taxes, Top Story
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