Winners, losers, and the lasting cost of the US shutdown

The longest shutdown in US history has severely impacted ordinary Americans, leaving millions of federal workers unpaid, disrupting flights, and suspending food aid for low-income families. Politically, the situation is complex; while Republicans claim victory, Democrats failed to secure healthcare subsidies in the final funding deal, indicating shared responsibility for the crisis. As the next budget conflict approaches and midterm elections loom, healthcare and the economy remain critical issues for voters, highlighting the ongoing repercussions of the shutdown.