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Laura Figi

Senior Newsletter Editor

Laura Figi has called Austin home for more than 12 years and has been known to say it’s her “favorite city in the world.” A proud graduate of Texas State University, she’s been working in local news since 2020. When she’s not working and learning about the community, you can find her at the local thrift shop, spending time with her two cats, or listening to live music.

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City
Behind the numbers of the 2024 State of Downtown Report
We’re taking a look at the last year of life, work, and entertainment in Downtown Austin — what has changed?
May 16, 2024
 · 
Laura Figi
A white wall with the words "Dear Austin" and love letters behind a coffee bar and petite tables.
Culture
Dear Austin Coffee Bar opens in former Irie Bean space
An ode to Austin, the new coffee and boba shop will celebrate its grand opening Friday, May 17-Sunday, May 19 with live music, discounted drinks, and special merch all weekend.
May 16, 2024
 · 
Laura Figi
An overhead shot of Zilker Park at night during ACL, showing huge crowds and "ACL Fest" spelled out in drones in the sky.
City
ACL Fest drops its highest economic impact report yet
The 2023 festival generated $499.9 million toward the local economy, announcing that $8.1 will go toward the Austin Parks Foundation.
May 14, 2024
 · 
Laura Figi
FTW-map-quiz-graphic
City
How well do you know the map of Fort Worth?
We’ve got a game for you — test your knowledge of Cowtown venues by the address alone.
May 13, 2024
 · 
Kate Mazade
The Austin skyline as seen from above, focusing on the new Google building and Lady Bird Lake, all the way to UT.
City
The City of Austin wants you to share your knowledge of Downtown
The City of Austin is asking locals to share their knowledge of Downtown Austin through a new survey to help inform historical elements.
May 10, 2024
 · 
Laura Figi
A glowing SXSW logo behind three white chairs with microphones sitting on top.
Culture
SXSW announces expansion to London in 2025
SXSW is going across the pond next year, marking its second foray outside the US and third festival overall.
May 8, 2024
 · 
Laura Figi
ATX_ACLAerial by Roger Ho for ACL Fest 2022 W1_205037.jpg
Culture
ACL 2024 lineup names Dua Lipa, blink-182, Leon Bridges as headliners
The lineup, filled with A-list newcomers and ACL Festival pros alike, was released on Tuesday morning.
May 7, 2024
 · 
Adriana Christian
ATX_ACLAerial by Roger Ho for ACL Fest 2022 W1_205037.jpg
Culture
ACL 2024 lineup names Dua Lipa, blink-182, Leon Bridges as headliners
The lineup, filled with A-list newcomers and ACL Festival pros alike, was released on Tuesday morning.
May 7, 2024
 · 
Laura Figi
The Austin skyline, reflected in Lady Bird Lake
City
Trio of neighborhoods vote to disannex from Austin
Lost Creek, Blue Goose Road, and River Place outparcels voted to leave Austin city limits over the weekend.
May 6, 2024
 · 
Laura Figi
A basketball hoop on the ground in front of a metallic shell of the Frank Erwin Center.
City
Readers’ memories of the Frank Erwin Center
We’re saying goodbye to the Frank Erwin Center — which will be gone by fall — with memories of the venue submitted by readers like you.
May 2, 2024
 · 
Laura Figi
An overhead shot of International Shores with trees and Lady Bird Lake on the right side, conversation stones arranged in formations and an artfully cut lawn on the left.
Travel and Outdoors
Local artist encourages connection through Conversation Stones along the trail
The project by Austinite Diego Miroě-Rivera features 32 stones and is part of TEMPO, the Trail Conservancy’s temporary public art program.
May 1, 2024
 · 
Laura Figi
A mom with two kids, one next to her and one on her lap, behind a tea party spread.
Food
13 Mother’s Day specials in Austin to treat your mom to this year
We’ve rounded up 13 restaurants and cafés that are celebrating mother figures on Mother’s Day, which falls on Sunday May 12.
April 30, 2024
 · 
Laura Figi
Experience ACL 2021 by Chad Wadsworth for ACL Fest 2021 DSC09597.jpg
Culture
ACL Festival 2024 lineup: predicted
We asked our readers to share who they think will be on the ACL Festival 2024 lineup, so consider this our official prediction.
April 26, 2024
 · 
Laura Figi
ATX_ACL_Conan Gray by Todd Owyoung for ACL Fest 2022 _Z9B4517.jpg
Culture
Help us predict the ACL 2024 lineup
ACL will return to Zilker Park the weekends of Friday, Oct. 4-Sunday, Oct. 6 and Friday, Oct. 11-Sunday, Oct. 13 — we want your help guessing who will be there.
April 22, 2024
 · 
Laura Figi
a rendering of people walking through the new TSA checkpoint on the west side of the airport.
Development
Inside the Austin airport’s West Infill project
The project will expand the airport by 75,000 sqft, add plenty of new TSA lanes at Checkpoint 3, and allow for growing demand at Austin-Bergstrom International Airport.
April 22, 2024
 · 
Laura Figi
An overhead view of dozens of Manor homes and driveways.
Real Estate
Phase II of the HOME Initiative could bring minimum lot sizes down to 2,000 sqft
Austin City Council will vote on the the next phase as early as May — here’s what you need to know.
April 18, 2024
 · 
Laura Figi
Two people playing doubles on one side of the indoor court, which is purple and green.
Sports
Austin Pickle Ranch announces north Austin location
Once it opens, the new 50,000-sqft Braker Lane facility will be one of the largest indoor pickleball facilities in Texas.
April 18, 2024
 · 
Laura Figi
A spread of cheese, spices, crackers, tomatoes, and sauces on a leaf from above.
Events
Cheese and South Asian flavors unite in new event series
Rasam & Cheese will bring former Dai Due chef Deepa Shridhar and former Antonelli’s Cheese Shop employee Alex Palomo together for tastings.
April 12, 2024
 · 
Laura Figi
An excavator moving debris in front of the nearly demolished Frank Erwin Center skeleton.
City
Say goodbye to the Frank Erwin Center
The old home to Texas basketball will be completely gone from the skyline by the end of summer.
April 12, 2024
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Laura Figi
The Mayor and more than a dozen other city and hotel employees hold a ribbon to cut in order of the proclaimation.
City
Stephen F. Austin Royal Sonesta Hotel celebrates centennial
Mayor Kirk Watson stopped by to proclaim April 10 “Stephen F. Austin Royal Sonesta Hotel Centennial Celebration Day” — say that three times fast.
April 10, 2024
 · 
Laura Figi
People sit on a blanket wearing kimono in a sunken green area of the park, surrounded by sidewalks and pathways.
City
Taniguchi Park now open in Mueller neighborhood
The park is named after Japanese immigrant Isamu Taniguchi, who is credited with creating parts of Zilker Botanical Garden.
April 10, 2024
 · 
Laura Figi
A close-up of food at Citizen Eatery
Live
Guide to vegan restaurants in Austin
Dig into delicious and nutritious plant-based fare in every corner of the Capital City.
April 9, 2024
 · 
London Gibson
Christian Alshon looking over his shoulder with a paddle in his hand on the left and Etta Wright poised to hit the ball wearing all black on the right.
Sports
Meet the players: Texas Ranchers release debut pro-pickleball roster
Austin’s Major League Pickleball Team — one of the eight founding teams in the world — is ready to announce first-pick players Christian Alshon and Etta Wright.
April 4, 2024
 · 
Laura Figi
Krissy Teegerstrom stands in front of her body of work at Yard Dog Gallery, with a few people enjoying the work behind her.
Culture
Artist spotlight: Krissy Teegerstrom says “Suit Yourself”
Teegerstrom’s work is the result of “visions” that have led to her own gallery showcases, selling art to Urban Outfitters, and designing for Phoebe Bridgers’s team.
April 2, 2024
 · 
Laura Figi
Daniel Sahad singing passionately into a microphone with his head to the sky, wearing a white suit with fringe, snake decals, and flower decals.
Culture
Celebrate Daniel Sahad’s legacy at Nané Day 2024
Nané will take the stage for the first time since 2022 in celebration of their frontrunner’s life, legacy, and music at Empire Garage.
March 29, 2024
 · 
Laura Figi
a field of bluebonnets with a road down going the upper left corner.
Travel and Outdoors
Why there are bluebonnets along the highway in Texas
The Lone Star State was the first state in the union to begin planting wildflowers along highways, which has more benefits than just making Texas beautiful.
March 27, 2024
 · 
Laura Figi
A red brick home with a black door, white fence encircling the porch, plants in front, and a historical designation marker near the front door.
Real Estate
The historic Paggi House will reopen next month as an art gallery
The Civil War-era home, now under the ownership of The Loren Hotel, will reopen to the public as an event space after a 10-year closure.
March 27, 2024
 · 
Laura Figi
A graffiti-covered building as seen from above with a sign reading "Holey Moley" and a billboard reading "like golf but fun!"
Entertainment
Holey Moley: a new mini-golf entertainment venue is now open in Austin
This Australia-based entertainment space features three putt-putt courses, karaoke rooms, a full bar, and a highly Instagrammable space.
March 22, 2024
 · 
Laura Figi
A theater lit with blue and purple lights with a crowd of people looking toward a stage, which has the letters "TEDxUTAustin" on top.
Culture
TEDxUTAustin brings nine prominent locals to the stage
The annual conference is in its seventh year, bringing Austinites like conservationist Merlin Tuttle, chef Kareem El-Ghayesh, and P. Terry’s co-founder Kathy Terry to the stage.
March 21, 2024
 · 
Laura Figi
Malin the troll against a background of trees, with several children climbing on her.
Travel and Outdoors
Meet Pease Park’s 18-ft Thomas Dambo troll
The new troll, named Malin, is the 129th installation by the artist and sits at the park for all humans and animals alike to enjoy.
March 19, 2024
 · 
Laura Figi
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