LA GRULLA, Texas (AP) — The military says a helicopter flying over the U.S.-Mexico border in Texas has crashed, killing two National Guard soldiers and a Border Patrol agent. Another soldier on board has been injured. The UH-72 Lakota helicopter was assigned to the federal government’s border security mission when it went down near Rio Grande City. The crash happened mid-afternoon Friday while the helicopter was conducting aviation operations. Authorities didn't provide more details. The cause is under investigation.

WASHINGTON (AP) — The Senate has approved a $460 billion package of spending bills in time to meet a midnight deadline for avoiding a shutdown of many key federal agencies. The vote gets lawmakers about halfway home in wrapping up their appropriations work for this budget year. The bill now goes to President Joe Biden to be signed into law. Meanwhile, lawmakers are negotiating a second package of six bills, including defense, in an effort to have all federal agencies fully funded by March 22. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer says the first bill’s passage will allow agencies to hire more air traffic controllers, give federal firefighters a raise and boost support for homeless veterans, among other things.

In other headlines:

• Program that allows 30,000 migrants from 4 countries into the U.S. each month upheld by judge.
• Biden in a hot mic moment shows his growing frustration with Benjamn Netanyahu over Gaza humanitarian crisis.
• Why are clocks set forward in the spring Thank wars, confusion and a hunger for sunlight.
• The Secure Act 2.0 offers options for small businesses who want to offer retirement plans.
• Obesity drug Wegovy is approved to cut heart attack and stroke risk in overweight patients.
• COVID-19 no longer means five days in isolation, CDC says.
• A New Jersey city that limited street parking hasn’t had a traffic death in 7 years.
• How do animals react during a total solar eclipse? Scientists plan to find out in April.
• What is a whale native to the North Pacific doing off New England Climate change could be the key.
• Fewer fish and more algae Scientists seek to understand impacts of historic lack of Great Lakes ice.
• In Hawaii, coral is the foundation of life. What happened to it after the Lahaina wildfire.
• Italians cut back on olive oil as prices surge, survey says. Producers are pushing back on that.
• Illegally imported goose intestines hidden under rattlesnakes, federal authorities say.
• The Tower of London's new ravenmaster takes charge of the landmark's iconic jet-black flock.
• The Pelicans nearly see a big lead on the road disappear, the Thunder use a big second half to rally past the Heat, the Cavaliers need overtime to dispatch the Timberwolves, the NHL trade deadline brings about a flurry of moves, Major League Baseball hands down a drug suspension to a top prospect, and Tiger Woods will miss another tournament.