President Bush is in Memphis, staying at the Peabody Hotel. He's there to present his speech, "Conversation on Strengthening Social Security" at the Cannon Center for the Performing Arts. We received word there's been some trouble, including shootings, in the area. (Note: this is unverified.)

“We're just getting local news reports of a shooter in the area of the Peabody Hotel where Bush is spending the night. From the TV reports and visuals, it looks like most of the police cruisers in Memphis are on the site! They've caught the man with the gun and there's an ambulance across the street from the hotel, but the reporters don't know the extent of the injuries of a police officer. This is probably not connected to the Bush visit because no secret service men appear to be at the scene (probably snoozing away in their rooms). If anything significant materializes, I'll let you all know. The rally tomorrow seems to be building momentum - I just got an email notice about it from MoveOn.”

Protests have been scheduled by the Mid-South Peace and Justice Center.