The American Lung Association doesn't think the air is easy to breathe in these parts. According to the latest "State of the Air" report, the Milwaukee area has the 17th dirtiest air in the country. It gave Milwaukee County -- as well as Door, Kenosha, Manitowoc, Sheboygan, Ozaukee and Kewaunee counties -- a grade of 'F'.

The Los Angeles area topped the rankings as the worst. The Duluth area was among the cities with the cleanest air. The association says federal clean air regulations need to be tightened. The report comes at the same time Wisconsin Gov. Jim Doyle says the air here is fine and federal restrictions covering counties along the lake need to be lifted so we can burn dirtier gas in our cars and commerce doesn't have to be hindered by things like clean air rules.

Bar War of the Week: Former Milwaukee Ald. Fred Gordon made a rare appearance in his old City Hall haunt to represent Olayinka George, who was fighting to save the license for this club, Infinity Lounge, 5318 W. Center St. Gordon isn't known for hanging out in the best of bars and neighbors of Infinity described a place that has a certain seedy appeal.

"There's a lot of gun shooting, a lot of drug dealing and a lot of urinating in public going on," testified one neighbor.

Ald. Michael Murphy, whose district includes the bar, told the committee he's been trying for years to close the joint. One story of note was a police incident that reported 10 to 12 shots were allegedly fired in the bar and when police arrived, a stream of patrons were seen running out the back door.

George testified that no shots were ever fired and that a bartender called the cops after she was upset at not being served fast enough. The arguments between George and his neighbors escalated to the point that License Committee Chair Jim Witkowiak called one of his now regular "break times."

The committee recommended the license be suspended for 90 days.

Health Plan a Good Thing: A new independent report prepared for the Wisconsin Health Plan says the plan is a good thing. The proposal to cover many uninsured residents with health insurance would control costs and become almost a universal health care plan for everyone under 65. The bill's lead sponsor is state Rep. Jon Richards (D-Milwaukee)
According to the analysis, the WHP would:

• Reduce the number of uninsured in our state from a half million people to 17,000 people.
• Contain health care costs for consumers by stressing prevention and restoring fairness to the health care system. It would save the average middle-class family several hundreds of dollars on their health care costs per year.
• Increase access to quality, affordable health care to 4 million people in Wisconsin.
• Reduce costs for insuring Wisconsin businesses by $44 million.
• Reduce the burden on taxpayers by saving the government and businesses money on health care costs.

The Lewin Report was commissioned by a coalition of business, labor, farm and consumer groups.
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