NPR 2009-4-14

From NPR News in Washington, I'm Barbara Klein.

President Obama has fulfilled a campaign pledge to shift US policy toward Cuba. White House spokesman Robert Gibbs formally announced changes that ease limits on Cuba-American's relations with their homeland. "The president has directed the Secretary of State, Treasury 1 and Commerce to carry out the access necessary to lift all restrictions 2 on the ability of individuals to visit family members in Cuba and to send them remittances 3."

The administration will also begin issuing licenses 4 to telecommunications companies to provide services to residents of the communist island. The White House says these steps will support Cuban’s desire for human, political and economic rights.

After several days of debate, the United Nations Security Council has approved a statement, condemning 5 North Korea's recent rocket launch and reinforcing sanctions on Pyongyang. NPR's Michelle Kelemen reports.

The statement condemns 6 North Korea's April 5th launch but does not specify 7 whether it was a satellite launch as North Korea has said or a ballistic missile launch as the US and others believe. The text of the statement was watered down to get all the Council members to agree to it. State Department spokesman Robert Wood said the idea was to send a message to the North Koreans that this type of activity must not happen again. The Security Council statement demands that North Korea not conduct any further launches and it calls for the enforcement of sanctions against Pyongyang. Michelle Kelemen, NPR News, Washington.

In Thailand, two people were killed in clashes between soldiers and anti-government protestors in the capital Bangkok. Today's violence comes a day after the government declared a state of emergency to put an end to the demonstrations 8. NPR's Michael Sullivan has more from Bangkok.

Thai soldiers used automatic weapons and tear gas to push back crowds of demonstrators who blocked one of Bangkok's main intersections 9. Other brief clashes were reported nearby with dozens injured on both sides. Hospital officials say four people, two of them soldiers were treated for gunshot wounds. Under the state of emergency, public gatherings 10 of more than five people are banned but thousands of demonstrators remain outside the prime minister's compound and have vowed 11 to stay. So far, the military has made no effort to remove them. The red shirt demonstrators are supporters of deposed 12 prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra, they want the current prime minister Abhisit Vejjajiva to resign and for a new elections to be held. They claim his government came to power four months ago through illegitimate means. Michael Sullivan, NPR News, Bangkok.

Goldman Sachs announced a higher than expected first quarter profit today of 1.66 billion dollars. The bank says it plans to raise five billion dollars in a public stock offering to help pay back government bailout funds.

On Wall Street today, the Dow fell 25 points to close at 8,057. The NASDAQ was up a fraction at 1,653.

This is NPR News.

The president of Pakistan has signed a law that allows strict Islamic law to be imposed in the northwestern Swat valley where Taliban militants 13 have been operating. In exchange, local Taliban leaders have agreed to a ceasefire. The Taliban had already carried out strict Islamic punishments in the Swat valley, beheading opponents and burning girls’ schools. Critics, including the US, say the new rule surrenders to extremists who have been brutalizing residents of Pakistan's border region with Afghanistan.

A beloved sports broadcasting voice has been quieted. Philadelphia Phillies announcer Harry 14 Kalas died today before a game in Washington D.C. NPR’s Mike Pesca reports.

It was to be the first world game of Harry Kalas’ 39th season as the voice of the Phillies, but he collapsed 15 in a broadcast booth in Nationals Park and cannot be revived. Kalas began by announcing Huston Astros' games, providing voice-overs for NFL films and commercials. But it was his Philly play-by-play duties, including his signature "Outta here!” home run call that made him famous. After not being allowed to broadcast the Phillies first world series victory in 1980 because of a rights issue, Kalas was on the air waves when his team won the series last year. Phillies' president David Montgomery said of Kalas' passing: We lost our voice today. Kalas was 73 years old. Mike Pesca NPR News.

A jury has found rock producer and songwriter Phil Spector guilty of second-degree murder. Spector was convicted today of shooting to death Lana Clarkson six years ago. The actress was found shot in the mouth in the foyer of Spector's mansion 16 hours after the two met at a night club where she was working.