A tentative labor agreement between the city and local firefighters' union was withdrawn from City Council consideration Nov. 20, due to concerns over the possible financial impacts of a separate ballot measure the union released after the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

A new La La Land Kind Cafe location is slated to take over the former, long-standing coffee shop Stinson’s, which shuttered its North Austin location on the corner of 45th Street and Burnet Road earlier this year.

The details: According to a filing with the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation, remodeling of the building is set to start in late November, and wrap up in February 2026. The project is estimated to cost $240,000.

The company had not responded to requests for comment as of press time. It currently operates a South Congress Avenue location, along with several sites in the Dallas area.

• 4418 Burnet Road, Austin

Downtown Austin’s dining options are expected to expand with a new restaurant concept by Sam Fox of Author & Edit Hospitality and artist Justin Timberlake in the works.

The details: The Twelve Thirty Club is moving into the historic space previously known as a former U.S. Post Office built between 1912 and 1914 designed by James Knox Taylor. In the 1960s, the building was gifted to the University of Texas at Austin and renamed for Lady Bird Johnson.

What to expect: The restaurant will be unfolded across four levels each with their own atmosphere. The first level will be the home to The Supper Club, an all-day destination or lunch, dinner and weekend brunch with live performances.

Guests will also be able to find the Speakeasy which will be located down a hidden staircase and open on late nights. The concept’s upper levels will be more exclusive with a private members club, a private lounge, members-only chef dinners, wine events, cocktail receptions and more.

• 210 W. Sixth St., 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.