This is Queen Street Analytics' weekly digest of regulatory developments, legislative discussions and other government-related news concerning hotels, restaurants, casinos, gaming operations, event and sports venues, cruise lines, theme parks, ski resorts, outdoor spaces, RV and caravan parks, and all hospitality, travel and tourism professionals. Once a week, we break down the most important updates in this space in under five minutes.

Want to track GR news in adjacent industries related? Don’t miss this week’s updates in Arts & Culture. Also consider subscribing to our Hospitality & Retail - Ottawa edition covering critical GR news north of the border.

Dates: 2026-03-08 to 2026-03-14

📋 In This Week's Newsletter

• 🇺🇸 Federal Government News
• 📚 What We're Reading This Week

Federal Government News

FTC Seeks Input on Unfair or Deceptive Rental Housing Fee Practices

The Federal Trade Commission has issued an Advance Notice of Proposed Rulemaking aimed at addressing unfair or deceptive practices in the rental housing sector regarding fees and charges. The ANPRM requests public comments about practices such as advertising rents excluding mandatory fees, imposing fees without informed consent, and providing misleading information about fee types. Previous enforcement actions targeting major firms like Invitation Homes and Greystar led to substantial penalties and consumer restitution. The Commission is considering requirements for transparent disclosures including full rental costs, itemized fees, and prohibitions on deceptive conduct. Alternatives like consumer education and workshop initiatives are also under review, with the comment period closing April 13, 2026.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

Department of Labor Announces Information Collection Request for Fidelity Bonding Issuance

The Department of Labor has submitted an Information Collection Request for the Federal Bonding Program to the Office of Management and Budget. This program issues fidelity bonds designed to protect employers from potential theft or dishonesty by at-risk job candidates, including those with limited work histories, poor financial credit, or prior substance abuse issues. The notice details expected respondent numbers (1,500), annual responses (4,500), and projected time burden (405 hours), with no additional cost burden anticipated. Public comments regarding the utility, methodology, and burden reduction methods for this collection are invited until April 13, 2026. Details and submission options are available on reginfo.gov.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

DHS Shutdown Leaves TSA Agents Unpaid and Causes Nationwide Travel Delays

The Department of Homeland Security shutdown, ongoing for twenty-four days, has led to significant disruptions, with over 100,000 workers currently without pay. Transportation Security Administration employees are affected, creating severe staffing shortages, particularly during the spring break travel surge. Airport wait times have reached up to four hours, with travelers facing long delays. Other federal operations including FEMA, the Coast Guard, and federal law enforcement are also disrupted, affecting emergency response and border security. The White House notes that bipartisan efforts to restore funding were abandoned in favor of other legislative priorities.

Sources: www.whitehouse.gov

Continued DHS Shutdown Drives Resignations Among TSA Agents

TSA agents remain unpaid for the 26th consecutive day amidst the ongoing Department of Homeland Security funding lapse, intensifying travel disruptions nationwide. Despite these conditions, agents continue core security tasks, such as screening for prohibited items, firearms, and bomb threats. Recent statistics indicate TSA detected 11,500 prohibited items, confiscated nearly 6,700 firearms, and responded to over 300 bomb threats in 2025. Over 300 TSA employees have resigned in the past three weeks, with critics asserting political disputes are endangering national security and worker livelihoods.

Sources: www.whitehouse.gov

What We're Reading This Week

• Noma Could Have Changed So Much More Than Food: Noma's influence stretched beyond food to reshape restaurant culture globally.
• Gen Z is Hanging Out at the Mall, Re-Energizing the Industry: Gen Z's preference for malls is reinvigorating retail and commercial spaces.
• A riverside town is emerging in west Charlotte: West Charlotte sees development with new office, retail, and hotel projects.
• Sauce, spice makers attract deal interest as GLP-1s send Americans looking for hot stuff: Rising demand for spicy foods is drawing deal activity among sauce and spice producers.
• Travel - The New York Times International: Global travel stories highlight evolving tourism trends amid international disruptions.
• 'Dream holidays' in disarray, trips diverted as travellers count cost of Iran war: Travelers face rerouted trips and increased costs due to conflict in Iran.
• Forget Influencers. Welcome to the World of the ‘Alternatively Influential.’: The article examines alternative figures who shape consumer behavior beyond traditional influencers.
• Credit-card cash reshapes US airline loyalty — and profit: Credit-card rewards alter loyalty programs for US airlines, impacting profitability.

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