When last we heard from state Senator James Meeks, he had dropped out of the governor's race and endorsed Governor Rod Blagojevich's much hyped education/lottery plan. With the proposal currently under fire from almost all corners, I thought it might be a good time to check back in with him. 

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers announced last week that it issued a permit to relocate the Rhythm City Casino riverboat to an area upstream of its current location on the Mississippi River in Davenport. The Corps found that Isle of Capri's performance of the work, in accordance with conditions of the permit, will have no significant impact on the environment and navigation, and is not contrary to the public interest. For more information, visit (http://www.mvr.usace.army.mil/PublicAffairsOffice/IsleofCapri/Permit.pdf) and (http://www.mvr.usace.army.mil/PublicAffairsOffice/IsleofCapri/Hearing.pdf).

Louisiana Red and Honeyboy Edwards

The Redstone Room

Saturday, June 17, 9 p.m.

In this corner, weighing in with a W.C. Handy Award for Best Traditional Blues Artist, a discography that spans more than three decades, and a list of influences that includes Muddy Waters, Lightnin' Hopkins, and Arthur Crudup - ladies and gentlemen, welcome to the stage that bluesman extraordinaire, the Alabama slamma ... Louisiana Red! And in this corner, weighing in with his own W.C. Handy Award, a 1996 induction into the Blues Hall of Fame, and both an autobiography (The World Don't Owe Me Nothing) and a documentary (Honeyboy) to his name - ladies and gentlemen, let's hear it for the Baron of Blues, the Goliath of the guitar ... David Honeyboy Edwards! One's a touring dynamo whose 2006 gigs have taken him to Ghana, Greece, and Belgium; one's a 90-year-old inspiration called "always enjoyable and occasionally brilliant" by Living Blues magazine. Who will emerge victorious when the two meet at their shared performance in Davenport's Redstone Room on Saturday, June 17? Based on their stats, I'm makin' an early prediction, folks: It'll be a draw. For more information, visit (http://www.redstoneroom.com). - Mike Schulz

Steven Andrew Ontiveros, also known as Steven Andrews, passed away Sunday, June 11. He was 52 years old. Steven Andrews, a longtime fan of the arts and music, had friends in all corners of the Quad Cities, as he was well known for his hair-styling salon Steven Andrews Hair Design located in Moline. Steven loved all things outdoors, especially kayaking. He could be found at many an estate sale and was a consummate forager for unique materials and collectibles, many of which he would share with his artist friends for inspiration to create works of art. Steven is survived by many friends and family. A memorial celebration, called "A Beautiful Day," will be held this Saturday, June 17, at 2 p.m. (until the cops are called) at the River Music Experience in Davenport, Iowa. Donations made will go toward one of Steven's favorite causes, Living Lands & Waters. Live auction items will include Steven's plants, so friends can keep a little love in their hearts and homes.