WASHINGTON (AP) - If economists surveyed by FactSet are right, the U.S. economy probably generated more than 200,000 jobs in March, capping the best four months of hiring since before the recession. Economists expect that U.S. employers added 210,000 jobs last month. The four-month average would be 236,000 jobs a month. Economists think the unemployment rate remained at 8.3 percent for the third straight month.

     BEIRUT (AP) - Troops loyal to Syrian President Bashar Assad are broadening an offensive that appears aimed at crushing pockets of opposition less than a week before an internationally sponsored cease-fire is to take hold. Activists say government forces shelled two restive central cities and sent tanks and snipers into battle in the capital's suburbs today.

     WASHINGTON (AP) - Officials say fees from offshore drilling are making it possible for 28 different purchases from North Carolina to Oregon to protect clean water, fish and wildlife habitat, and support outdoor recreation. Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack says the recreational spending contributes $14.5 billion annually to the economy.

     TOKYO (AP) - Japan is trying to ease public concern about restarting two nuclear reactors idled since the tsunami and meltdown a year ago. Tokyo says it is setting stricter, clearer safety guidelines for nuclear power plants. Japan is facing a power crunch and needs the reactors online.

     AUGUSTA, Ga. (AP) - One of the best players to never win a major holds the lead going into round two of the Masters golf tournament today. Lee Westwood carded a 5-under 67 yesterday. Tiger Woods turned in an even par round his first day.

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. (AP) - Opponents of Florida's "stand your ground" self-defense law say the Trayvon Martin shooting is one example of the law's ambiguity and shows the potential for unintended consequences. The 2005 law is under nationwide scrutiny following the Feb. 26 shooting in Sanford. A task force examining the law heard testimony on Thursday.

     TAMPA, Fla. (AP) - The Tampa City Council has postponed a vote on the city's proposed ground rules for protests outside the Republican National Convention. The decision was made so officials can address concerns raised by civil libertarians, Occupy Tampa, protest groups and council members themselves.

WEEKI WACHEE, Fla. (AP) - Authorities say a 29-year-old Gainesville man died of an air embolism during a dive at the Weeki Wachee Springs State Park. Marson Kay was with a group of divers who went into a cavern with several tight rock formations on Saturday. Investigators say he became disoriented and got stuck in an opening that was too small to swim through.