Spotlight: Longest U.S. gov't shutdown inflicts worse economic damage than expected

People hold placards during a rally to protest against the partial government shutdown at Federal Plaza in Chicago, the United States, on Jan. 18, 2019. The ongoing partial government shutdown, already the longest in U.S. history, began on Dec. 22, 2018, as the White House and Democratic Congressional leaders failed to agree on a budget to fund the U.S.-Mexico border wall, a promise made by President Donald Trump during his campaign. About a quarter of federal agencies have been paralyzed due to lack of funding, as the partial government shutdown stretches to its second month. Experts and lawmakers have warned it will inflict far greater damage on the U.S. economy than previously anticipated. (Xinhua/Wang Ping)