From NPR NEWS in Washington,I'm Louise Schiavone.

Labor reforms in Columbia have cleared the way for the US-Columbia free trade agreement.NPR's Scott Horsley tells us  the announcement came at the end of the Summit of the Americas.The free trade agreement was passed by Congress last fall but its effective day was on hold until Columbia satisfied a variety of labor conditions.The US Labor Secretary and the US trade representatives say those conditions have now been met.The announcement means that most US exports to Columbia will be duty-free beginning May 15th and all remaining tariffs will phase out over the next years.President Obama has been stressing out the promise of increased export throughout this weekend's summit meeting with leaders through around the western hemisphere.Scott Horsley NPR NEWS,Kotahena Columbia.

Afghan insurgents launched a series of attacks early today.NPR's Ouil Lawrance says they hit major targets.A string of explosions in Kabul's diplomatic neighborhood announced what may be the beginning of the Taliban's spring offensive against US and Afghan government troops.Witnesses said a group of armed insurgents took over a building near several embassies and a NATO military base.The gunmen launched rockets and locked down the city centre with sniper fire.Within an hour the Afghan government's quick reaction force along with NATO soldiers arrived and laid siege to the building.Witnesses reported several other bombing attacks in Kabul including 1 near the Parliament building.At about the same time,insurgents hit government targets in 3 other eastern Provinces.Quil Lawrance NPR NEWS,Kabul.

Tornados have left a trail of destruction across the Mid-west and the Plain states.Kansas Public Radio's describes how the weather assault unfolded.Across a large part of Kansas,residents heard this sound Saturday night,in some cases repeatedly.Tornado sirens warned people to take cover and in many cases they did.That may help explain why no deaths have been reported in Kansas,at least so far.And neither have any severe injuries.Wichita sustained extensive damage including 2 large aircraft planes and Airforce Base.Some of the worst damage and at least a few injuries took place at a mobile home park on the south side of Wichita.There were at least 120 reports of tornados in the 4 states.For NPR NEWS,I'm Brian in Salina,Kansas.

From oysters_to seared_rack of lamb and at least dozen more specialties,Ryan Roberts of_restaurant in Houston pulled out all the stocks for a 12,000-dollar a person,Titanic memorial dinner.A lot of the dishes are classic,French and Russian dishes because this is all we are still empowered,so there are some Russian influence there.The menu was drawn from the last dinner served on the Titanic which sank 100 years ago.Proceeds went to charity.

This is NPR NEWS in Washington.

An_class of artists became part of rock and roll Hall of Fame this weekend.Amanda of member station WKSU has details on a group of musicians ranging from Roll and Nero to Guns N Roses.Members of the rock band Guns N Roses reunited and performed some of their hits without lead singer who last week declined to attend the induction ceremony.Another LA 90s rock band inducted is the red hot Chili peppers._says the band released its first album in 1984 feels like it's just getting started.All we wanna do is to resonate the way that our own hearts beat with music and make our own music the way that we make it,and I feel like we barely scratch the surface of what's possible.Other 2012 inductees include the Bestie boys,British band,the small faces and faces,and the late singer song writer.For NPR NEWS I'm Amanda in Cleveland.

In a boating race off the coast of San Francisco,a powerful wave engulfed a yacht leaving 1 sailor known dead,4 missing.3 other crew members were rescued.Seas were rough with waves running at about 10 feet when a larger wave washed over the 38-foot low speed chase.All of the competitors were wearing lifevests and cold weather gear.

At the box office this weekend,the Hunger Games took the NO.1 spot for the 4th week in a row with ticket sales of 21.5 million dollars just this weekend.Debuting in second place,the 3 Stooges followed by the horror movie,Cabin in the woods.

I'm Louise Schiavone NPR NEWS Washington.