Storyline: U.S. officials have sounded alarm bells over the huge economic impact of the longest-ever government shutdown, which marked an unprecedented 40th day on Sunday, as lawmakers reach a potentially critical point amid discussions to bring the deadlock to an end. The government shutdown, which began on Oct. 1, has rumbled on as the Senate has failed to advance a series of short-term funding bills as both the Republican and Democratic parties remain entrenched in a war of words. News reports emerged late on Sunday that a deal was on the verge of being struck that could secure government funding until the end of January. But the impact of the record-breaking shutdown has already been felt widely, with large-scale flight cancellations and concern over the delivery of food assistance programs being among the most pressing issues. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent warned earlier on Sunday that U.S. economic growth could be cut "by as much as half" this quarter if the shutdown was to continue. Bessent said the continued uncertainty was severely slowing down freight transport to the country, which could lead to supply chain shortages and even affect the delivery of goods during the upcoming holiday season. Meanwhile, White House economic adviser Kevin Hassett said in a CBS interview which aired Sunday that the shortage of air traffic controllers is causing significant travel disruption as the traditional Thanksgiving holiday approaches. He added that U.S. economic growth in the fourth quarter could be negative if a federal shutdown drags on. The Federal Aviation Administration began cutting flights at 40 major airports on Friday due to air traffic controller staffing shortages, with thousands of flights canceled and many more delayed. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy warned the number of flight cancellations across the U.S. could rise to 15 or even 20 percent if the government shutdown continues. Shotlist: Washington D.C., USA - Recent: 1. Poster of Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) Brooklyn, New York City, USA - Nov 4, 2025: 2. Various of people in line outside community-based food pantry, sign reading "Campaign Against Hunger" FILE: USA - Feb 19, 2025: 3. Various of customers shopping for eggs FILE: New York City, USA - Oct 2024: 4. Various of street view, traffic FILE: Miami, Florida, USA - Oct 1, 2025: 5. Various of planes, traffic control tower at airport 6. Various of staff members, passengers at airport Washington D.C., USA - Oct 20, 2025: 7. Signboard of closed National Gallery of Art 8. Various of signboard, notices of closed museums FILE: New York City, USA - Oct 2024: 9. Various of New York Stock Exchange building, U.S. national flags FILE: USA - Date Unknown: 10. Various of U.S. dollar banknotes being printed, counted FILE: Washington D.C., USA - Oct 2024 : 11. Various of White House [Restrictions: No access Chinese mainland]