Smithsonian, EPA Ready to Close as Shutdown Toll Deepens

Nearly 14,000 workers at the EPA prepared to be furloughed at midnight, the seventh day of a shutdown that showed scant signs of ending.The Smithsonian said all museums, research centers and the National Zoo will close starting Jan. 2 unless the shutdown ends.Earlier, the Federal Communications Commission said it could remain open through Jan. 2, and after that would have to stop accepting consumer complaints.