Washington Monument…

…will  reopen in  September,  after a three-year closure due to issues with its antiquated elevator system.  The scheduled spring open was delayed by the construction of a new security screening facility for visitors.  I have climbed all 898 steps to the top twice,  so I have no personal experience of the elevator system,  but some of my friends and family do and all agreed it was a creaky old mess.  What a pity that terrorism makes the screening facility necessary,  but at least it won’t be staffed by the TSA.