US govt shutdown in 35th day, tied for longest in history

The US government shutdown entered its 35th day on Tuesday, matching a record set during President Donald Trump's first term, as lawmakers voiced optimism over progress behind the scenes to end the dispute.

- Agence France-Presse

The federal closure appears almost certain to become the longest in history, with no major breakthroughs expected before it goes into its sixth week at midnight —although there were fragile signs in Congress that an off-ramp is closer than ever.

Senate Majority Leader John Thune set the buoyant mood music on Monday when he told reporters he felt “optimistic” that newly energized talks between warring Republicans and Democrats could end in a deal before next week.