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TSA to end shoe removal policy at some airport security checkpoints

It’s now OK to keep your shoes on at some airports.

The Transportation Safety Administration will allow passengers at selected airports to keep their footwear on as they go through security checkpoints, a senior government official tells NBC News.

People in screening lanes will have to keep their shoes on at selected airports, but the source said the relaxation of the rules could expand nationwide in the near future.

The TSA has yet to announce the move formally, but stated in a Monday press release that it is “exploring new and innovative ways to enhance the passenger experience and our strong security posture.”

Shoe removal has been part of the airport experience since 2006, when the TSA instituted the requirement, citing intelligence indicating a “continuing threat” of explosives.

The rule came after Richard Reid tried — and failed — to ignite his homemade shoe explosives on an American Airlines flight from Paris to Miami on Dec. 22, 2001.

Reid’s plan was disrupted when he struggled to light a fuse attached to his shoes, which contained roughly 10 ounces of explosive material, according to the FBI.

He was subdued by passengers and crew members and taken into custody when the flight diverted to Logan International Airport in Boston.

Reid pleaded guilty to terrorism charges and is serving a life sentence at a “Supermax” prison in Colorado.

After the bombing attempt, the shoe removal rule was implemented, then relaxed, then resurrected.

The requirement has apparently remained annoying enough that the TSA released an advertisement in October for its fee-based PreCheck service, which featured four people endorsing their membership for a single reason: they didn’t have to take their shoes off at the airport.

“It’s my favorite thing,” one of them said.

2 of the ‘best’ malls in the country are in suburban Chicago, new report says

Two of the best malls in the country just happen to be located in suburban Chicago, according to a new “reader’s choice” report for 2025. The report, from USA Today, was part of the publication’s “10Best” awards, which spans categories of dining, travel, entertainment and more. Some readers’ choice categories also included rankings of malls…MORE

Chicago ranked among the most overpriced U.S. cities in new study

Chicagoans can’t catch a break when it comes to the cost of living—at least, according to a new study from home-goods pros Highland Cabinetry, which ranks the most overpriced cities in the U.S.  Analyzing a diverse range of metrics that consider not only the cost of living but also the quality of life in the Windy City—including…MORE

“Chi-town Pizza” comes to Wrigley Field for limited time, Cubs announce

Going to Wrigley Field and can’t figure out if you want an Italian beef sandwich or a pizza? You’re in luck. That’s because the Cubs have announced a partnership between Home Run Inn and Vienna Beef to create a “Chi-Town Pizza,” which features elements of both iconic Chicago dishes. The pizza features freshly sliced mozzarella…MORE