FORT HOOD, Texas (AP) — A man who says he's been contacted by the family of Maj. Nidal Malik Hasan (nih-DAHL' mah-LEEK' hah-SAHN'), and that they asked him to serve as his lawyer, says he's hoping to meet with Hasan later today. Retired Col. John Galligan says he's "going to protect all of his rights." A spokesman at the hospital where the Fort Hood shooting suspect is being treated says he's able to talk.

FORT HOOD, Texas (AP) — Routine daily visits by the public at Fort Hood, Texas, have been suspended as the post tightens security following last week's shootings. The base commander says the elevated security measures are largely a means of reassurance to the people who live there. The public had been allowed to visit the base between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m.

DAUPHIN ISLAND, Ala. (AP) — The owner of a general store along the Alabama coast says nobody's in "panic mode" as Tropical Storm Ida approaches. It began as the third hurricane of this year's Atlantic season, but weakened to a tropical storm this morning.

UNDATED (AP) — The tropical storm heading into the Gulf of Mexico isn't causing much turbulence in the oil markets -- not when compared to the impact of a weaker U.S. dollar. That's what's helping to send prices above $80 a barrel today. Ida had earlier pushed crude prices higher, before being downgraded to a tropical storm.

BERLIN (AP) — President Barack Obama has paid tribute to the fall 20 years ago of the Berlin Wall in a video message that was shown at the main anniversary event. Obama said the anniversary sends a message of hope to thos who believe that "walls can truly come down."