The Department of Homeland Security has spoken: Americans no longer need to remove their boots (and shoes) as they go through airport security.
Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem announced the change, which will allow passengers traveling through domestic airports to keep their shoes on while going through security screening at TSA checkpoints.
This is major news, as American passengers have had to remove their shoes and place them into a bin to get scanned since 2006.
Kids that are born after this day will never know the scurry of quickly putting your shoes back on as you collected your items, as to not disrupt the flow of the line.
The removal of shoes at TSA checkpoints was implemented because of the “shoe bomber” incident involving Richard Reid in December of 2001.
“Ending the ‘Shoes-Off’ policy is the latest effort DHS is implementing to modernize and enhance traveler experience across our nation’s airports. We expect this change will drastically decrease passenger wait times at our TSA checkpoints, leading to a more pleasant and efficient passenger experience,” Noem says.
Don’t think for one second though that this means Uncle Sam is slacking on your security when you get on an airplane.
Noem continues, “As always, security remains our top priority. Thanks to our cutting-edge technological advancements and multi-layered security approach, we are confident we can implement this change while maintaining the highest security standards.”
The Top 10 Country Songs of 2025, Ranked (So Far)
The Top 10 country songs of 2025 represent a big shift in how we discover great music and who’s recording it. Just one primary artist on this list of the year’s best songs has won a Male or Female Vocalist of the Year award.
Newcomers are making the best songs, and they’re being rewarded with huge streaming numbers. Scroll down to see if your favorite song is among the Top 10 Country Songs of 2025.
Airplay charts, sales data and streaming numbers helped make this list of country music’s Top 10 songs of 2025, but staff and Taste of Country reader opinion were also influential.
Gallery Credit: Billy Dukes
25 Country Stars With Their Own Bars + Restaurants
Of all of the side hustles country artists could partake in, opening a bar or restaurant is the most fitting — and very common. After all, many of these stars got their start on a barstool, tip jar nearby, playing their music for anyone who would listen.
These places feel like home for many of these singers. Over the years, several artists have gotten into the bar or restaurant game, and for a select few, brands have turned into franchises with several locations and/or concepts — we’re looking at you, Jimmy Buffett!
Let’s take a look at the country star food and entertainment venues that have opened over the years.
Gallery Credit: Jess
