A tentative labor agreement between the city and local firefighters' union was withdrawn from City Council consideration Nov. 20, due to concerns over the possible financial impacts of a separate ballot measure the union released after the proposed deal was reached earlier this fall.

The details: The tentative four-year agreement was in late September and scheduled for final approval by council and Austin Firefighters Association members in November.

However, the AFA also announced a petition campaign for a city charter amendment to cement Austin's four-person fire engine staffing standard enacted in 2018. While it remains in place, AFA leaders said a permanent requirement is needed after city leaders including fire Chief Joel Baker floated a three-person staffing option this summer.

On Nov. 18, city leaders raised concerns over a petition provision they worry could hamstring Austin's entire budget before impacting the fire department. The city formally asked the Austin Firefighters Association to restart negotiations Nov. 19, and Austin leaders won't consider or approve a new contract until the union responds and addresses that issue.

Metis Capital LLC and the van Veggel Family Office announced in a news release Nov. 7 that it will open Austin Padel Center in North Austin's Sheldon Cove development next year.

The details : Padel is a racket-based sport that combines strategies from tennis and squash, per the news release. Representatives for the business said the 22,000-square-foot sports facility will feature:

• Six indoor and three outdoor climate-controlled padel courts
• A recovery lounge
• Locker rooms 
• A pro shop
• A sports bar 
• Private meeting rooms 

• 1205 Sheldon Cove, Bldg. 4, Ste. A-H, Austin

Asian grocery store Hana World Market is slated to close by the end of 2025, announced in a social media post Nov. 7. 

The details: The locally-owned business sells meat, seafood, produce, pantry items and homewares, and is currently holding weekly closing sales between 20% to 30% off various items. 

The store also had a food court, and restaurants such as Ramen del Barrio and Cafe du Bliss are expected to relocate once the store closes. 

• 1700 W. Parmer Lane, Ste. 100, Austin

Here are the top Community Impact stories in the Austin area from Nov. 17-20.

1. Officials break ground on 60,000-square-foot entertainment complex in Georgetown

2. New Chipotle planned for Georgetown

3. J. Alexander’s to open first Cedar Park location next year

4. Texans again receiving full SNAP benefits, state health department says

5. Russo’s Italian Kitchen closes in Pflugerville months after reopening

6. Bastrop ranchers launch glamping stay with ATV tours, fishing and more

The Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission is moving forward with a set of permanent rules designed to prohibit the sale of consumable THC products to anyone under 21 years old.

The overview: The proposal is similar to emergency rules adopted Sept. 23, which are currently in effect and prohibit Texas alcohol retailers from selling intoxicating THC products to minors. The state health department adopted similar emergency rules in October.

The context: The existing and proposed THC rules are the result of a September executive order by Gov. Greg Abbott, who called for age restrictions on THC sales and tighter guardrails on the multibillion-dollar industry.

Earlier this month, federal lawmakers approved a ban on most consumable THC products, which is set to take effect in November 2026. The ban is part of a federal funding package that became law Nov. 12, ending a 43-day federal government shutdown.

Next steps: Texans can weigh in on the TABC's proposed permanent rules during a Dec. 11 virtual public hearing or submit written public comments through Jan. 4.