Toyota Production Won't Be Normal Until Year's End

Good morning.

As we've already said, there are reports of tear gas and shots being fired by authorities at protesters in Syria — where "Great Friday" demonstrations are under way.

Also, Sen. John McCain (R-AZ) is in Benghazi, Libya, where he has called the rebels who oppose Moammar Gadhafi "my heroes." McCain, the 2008 GOP presidential nominee, is meeting with opposition leaders.

Other stories making headlines include:

-- Toyota's Production Won't Be Back To Normal Until November Or December: "Toyota Motor Corp. said it could take until the end of the year to restore normal levels of production at its global operations, which have been disrupted by a massive earthquake that set off other disasters." (The Detroit News)

Related News — Japan Budgets Nearly $50 Billion For Rebuilding: "The Japanese Cabinet adopted on Friday a draft extra budget of 4.02 trillion yen (some $50 billion) for the current fiscal year, managing to secure funds for the early phase of reconstruction work following the March 11 earthquake and tsunami." (Kyodo News)

-- U.S. Drone Strike Kills 25 In Pakistan: "Two U.S. pilotless aircraft fired four missiles into a house in Pakistan's North Waziristan region on the Afghan border on Friday killing 25 militants, Pakistani intelligence officials said." (Reuters)

-- "Poll: Most Americans Say Medicare Is Worth The Cost": "Most Americans think Medicare is worth the cost to taxpayers, according to a new CBS News/New York Times poll, but Republicans are split on the issue. However, when asked whether the government has a responsibility to provide health coverage to the elderly, most Republicans say it does." (CBS News)

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