This story has been updated with new information.

ASHEVILLE - With the passage of a federal spending resolution by Congress the evening of Nov. 12, the 43-day-long federal government shutdown — the longest in U.S. history — has ended. The bill will keep the government funded through Jan. 30.

In Western North Carolina, the shutdown led to increased strain on food banks as nearly 100,000 in the region faced decreased benefits from the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP. At the Asheville Regional Airport, passengers faced significant flight delays . Service disruptions at national parks required nonprofits to keep operations going during the region's peak tourism season. Lawmakers worried Tropical Storm Helene recovery efforts would face further hurdles.

A Western N

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