GREENSBORO, N.C. — A new bill signed into law funds the federal government through January 30, officially ending the recent shutdown. This means federal employees will be paid, SNAP benefits for November will be completed, and national parks are now open to the public.

Forsyth County officials said residents who already received partial SNAP benefits will automatically get the remainder—no action is needed.

The shutdown affected thousands: at least 670,000 workers were furloughed, about 730,000 worked without pay, and over 4,000 were at risk of layoffs before a court blocked the effort.

Local national park-goers expressed relief:

Kathy Mazzola said reopening allows her to return to her regular walks and praised the community support during the shutdown.

Reather Hinson highlighted how

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