National and International News-Tues. Sept. 12th

DAMASCUS, Syria (AP) - Armed Islamic militants tried to storm the U-S Embassy in Damascus, Syria, today but anti-terrorism forces fought them off. Three of the attackers were killed, as was a Syrian officer, but no Americans got hurt. Syria's ambassador to the U-S tells C-N-N an al-Qaida offshoot group is suspected.

TEHRAN, Iran (AP) - During a visit to Iran, Iraq's prime minister is seeking Tehran's cooperation in preventing al-Qaida members from crossing the border to carry out attacks in Iraq. An Iraqi lawmaker says al-Qaida members are taking advantage of the long border to smuggle people and weapons.

HAMILTON, Bermuda (AP) - Thousands of people are without power in Bermuda because of Hurricane Florence. The storm also blew out windows and peeled away roofs before heading out toward the north Atlantic. There were just a few injuries but the Bermuda Zoo lost two pink flamingoes.

DETROIT (AP) - Thursday could be the first day of school for some 130-thousand Detroit school children. Striking teachers and the school district have a reached a tentative contract agreement. The union says teachers made concessions.

WASHINGTON (AP) - The U-S trade deficit hit a record 68 billion dollars in July. Blame the sharp rise in global oil prices,which pushed America's foreign oil bill to the highest level in history.