The federal government shutdown stretched into another day as lawmakers continued to spar over budget priorities. Economists now estimate billions of dollars in lost productivity, delayed pay for federal workers, and ripple effects across local economies. While negotiations have intensified, neither side has yet reached a compromise to reopen agencies. Essential services remain operational, but key programs face mounting strain. Investors are growing anxious, warning that a prolonged shutdown could weaken fourth-quarter growth and shake consumer confidence unless Congress breaks the impasse within the coming days.