Airport security

TSA giving

seniors a break

Senior screening: Good news if you’re 75 and older. TSA no longer requires you to take off your shoes and jackets when going through security. You’ll also be allowed a second pass through the full-body scanners if needed, a change expected to reduce physical pat-downs.

Hotels

Consumer reports ranks big chains

Best/worst chains: Worth a look is Consumer Reports’ latest ranking of the nation’s 44 biggest hotel chains. Based on a survey of readers, the Econo Lodge and Americas Best Value Inn chains ranked among the worst when it came to value, upkeep, comfort and service.

Microtel Inn & Suites by Wyndham rated the highest. Also ranking near the top was Embassy Suites, a favorite for its free breakfasts and afternoon cocktail hours.

Museums

Newseum free

for young visitors

The Newseum its waiving its admission fee for visitors ages 18 and under during the summer. The museum about journalism and the First Amendment announced Monday that it will offer free admission through Labor Day. That’s a savings of $12.95 per child.

Awards

Smithsonian eatery among D.C.’s best

The restaurant at the Smithsonian’s National Museum of the American Indian has won a new distinction among Washington eateries.

Last weekend, Mitsitam (mitt-SEE-tom) Native Foods Cafe won a Rammy Award from the Restaurant Association of Metropolitan Washington. It was named “Casual Restaurant of the Year.” Mitsitam, the first museum restaurant to be nominated, has a rotating menu of foods that have been grown, raised and harvested in North and South America for thousands of years. Its summer menu featuring crispy rabbit, grilled sweet corn, purple potato soup, and other items.

Galapagos Islands

Famous tortoise to live on as an exhibit

The beloved Galapagos Islands giant tortoise known as Lonesome George will remain a tourist attraction even in death.

Ecuador’s environment minister says the reptile that became a symbol of disappearing species will be embalmed and placed on display on Santa Cruz island.

Believed to be about 100 years old, Lonesome George died of old age, officials said.

Lonesome George was the last of the Pinta Island giant tortoise subspecies. He failed to leave offspring despite the best efforts of conservationists.

Miami Herald

wire services