Senate passes spending bill with $500 million flood assistance

WASHINGTON - The Senate has passed a bill to keep the government running through Dec. 9, providing $1.1 billion in funding to battle the Zika virus and and $500 million to Louisiana flood aid.The 72-26 vote came after top congressional leaders broke through a stalemate over aid to Flint, Michigan, to help the city address its water crisis. Democratic advocates for Flint are now satisfied with Republican assurances that money for Flint will be finalized after the election.The hybrid spending meas