🌱 Unemployment Rate Updates + UT Volleyball Wins Championship

Good morning, neighbors! I'm back in your inbox this morning with your fresh edition of the Austin Daily – hot off the press!

Settle in while we cover:

• The latest on Austin's unemployment rate.
• A massive renovation project has kicked off in East Austin.
• The community + Operation Blue Santa stepped up for families in need.
• Still on the hunt for gifts? We've got the scoop on the shopping events happening today.

But first, today's weather:

Mostly cloudy. High: 57 Low: 44.

Here are the top stories in Austin today:

1) Former residents, community members, and politicians gathered to kick off a massive renovation of Rosewood Courts, the first public housing development for Black residents in the country. After years of tenants and community members organizing for better living conditions at the complex – the city of Austin has officially kicked off the renovation initiative that will result in brand-new affordable homes. KUT reports: "Contractors for the authority plan to build 184 new homes. Most of those will be spread across three four-story buildings, while 20 homes will be restored inside eight of the original buildings. Blanco said the homes will include modern amenities residents have not had, such as ceiling fans and dishwashers." KUT has more on this story here.

2) The University of Texas volleyball squad wins the National Championship for the first time in a decade and its third NCAA title in program history by sweeping Louisville! Longhorns, we are so proud!!! Check out a full recap of the match here at The Statesman.

3) Feel good news: More than 19,000 gifts were delivered to Austin-area children thanks to Operation Blue Santa! Thank you to all of the community members who stepped up to donate gifts and time to ensure that families in need would have something special for the holiday season. Learn more about this initiative here at CBS Austin.

4) The latest employment reports show that thousands of jobs were added and the unemployment rate remains steady at 2.8%. The Statesman reports: "Despite the solid showing, the big question now is what will happen to the jobless rate next year as the U.S. Federal Reserve continues to raise interest rates in a bid to tame inflation, which is expected to restrain economic activity nationwide and possibly trigger more layoffs." The Statesman has more on the key takeaways from the latest unemployment numbers here – check it out.

5) Today, Austin's Ismail Elfath will become the first U.S. referee to officiate a World Cup Final! Elfath has 7 years of experience as a FIFA referee and has worked four assignments so far at the '22 WC. He has refereed several Austin FC matches back here, as well. Learn more about Ismail's World Cup debut here at KXAN.

Today in Austin:

• 2022 Blue Genie Art Bazaar at Blue Genie Art Bazaar. (10 a.m.)
• Armadillo Christmas Bazaar at Palmer Events Center. (11 a.m.)
• The Precious Present – The Jazz Element at Austin Venture Studio Theater. (2 p.m.)
• Teen LGBTQ+ Safe Space at Austin Public Library, Central Branch. (3 p.m.)
• Ice Rodeo at The Four Seasons Austin. (4 p.m.)
• The Dark Market (Holiday Market) at The VORTEX. (5 p.m.)
• Austin Witches Market at Buzzmill. (6 p.m.)
• Peppermint Parkway at Circuit of the Americas. (6 p.m.)
• 2023 Austin Trail of Lights at Zilker Park. (7 p.m.)
• Sunday Soul at Speakeasy. (8 p.m.)
• Trifecta with Wellcaptured, Thereheis, Bambi at Empire Control Room. (9 p.m.)

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• Breast Ultrasound Screening Coming Direct to You! (December 20)
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Now you're in the loop and ready to start this Sunday off right! See you tomorrow morning for another update.

— Jessica Collins

About me: Jessica is happy to call Austin her home for the past 10+ years. She loves the outdoors, arts & cinema, dining, and all of the natural beauty that Central Texas has to offer.

Have a news tip or suggestion for an upcoming Austin Daily? Contact me at DowntownAustin@patch.com