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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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A spread with cocktails, shrimp, and sliders laid out on a marble table.
Food
7 last-minute Father’s Day restaurant specials
Treat dad to a tasty treat, a cold brew, a Hill Country road trip, or a fancy feast to celebrate Father’s Day this year.
June 13, 2023
 · 
Laura Figi
Leslie Cochran stands on a bike wearing a black crop top, raccoon hat, and pearl necklace.
Culture
Remembering Leslie Cochran, the “Queen of Austin”
Let’s get to know a bit about this local legend, who was famous as an advocate for the unhoused and being his most authentic self.
June 9, 2023
 · 
Laura Figi
Dr. Kate stands on the right side of the frame, breathing fire into the left side.
City
Dr. Kate Biberdorf is “Seeking a Scientist” in all of us
Chemist, UT professor, and podcaster Dr. Kate Biberdorf is on a quest to get everyone interested in the daily science that makes life possible.
June 7, 2023
 · 
Laura Figi
The Austin skyline as seen from above, focusing on the new Google building and Lady Bird Lake, all the way to UT.
Events
Foolproof Downtown recommendations for new and old Austinites
Be your own tour guide with a Downtown trip full of eats, art excursions, and evenings exploring the city.
June 7, 2023
 · 
Laura Figi
An artist works on a large-scale mural of a Black woman amongst the clouds on South Lamar.
Culture
How well do you know Austin’s famous murals?
Test your skills by identifying 13 of Austin’s famous murals based on just a small piece.
June 5, 2023
 · 
Laura Figi
An overhead view of 3D-printed walls waiting for a roof.
Development
The world’s first 3D-printed neighborhood is taking reservations
Homes in the Wolf Ranch by Lennar neighborhood will be ready for move-in by this fall.
June 5, 2023
 · 
Laura Figi
An overhead view of Downtown over Barton Springs Pool in the daytime.
City
Breaking down the Downtown Austin Alliance’s State of Downtown
We all know Austin has changed in the last year, but how much has it changed?
June 1, 2023
 · 
Laura Figi
A collage of players from the roster, including Sebastian Driussi.
Sports
15 Austin FC players are on the ballot for the 2023 MLS All-Star game
Sebastian Driussi was the first Austin player to make it to the All-Star roster in 2022
June 1, 2023
 · 
Laura Figi
A blurred woman looks at her smartphone, which has a dark screen.
City
How to avoid falling prey to online scam artists
If you’re feeling unsure about a text message, email, phone call, or snail mail, read these tips.
May 30, 2023
 · 
Laura Figi
Someone rides their bicycle across the Butterfly Bridge near the Central Library.
City
How does Austin rank on roadway safety?
Austin’s portion of I-35 is one of the most dangerous roadways in the state.
May 22, 2023
 · 
Laura Figi
A modern living room overlooking the Hill country.
Real Estate
9 dream homes for sale in Austin
Mentally, we’re decorating one of these dream homes.
May 22, 2023
 · 
Laura Figi
A rendering showing street-level rail cars moving through downtown.
City
Creating connected communities with Austin Transit Partnership’s Peter Mullan
We spoke with Peter Mullan, chief of architecture and urban design at Austin Transit Partnership, to fill us in on the next steps for Austin’s light rail system.
May 18, 2023
 · 
Laura Figi
A blond woman stands behind a metal statue, holding the same pose.
Culture
The many eras of Austin-based artist Primo the Alien
The local synth-pop musician is going “scorched Earth” on her old personas
May 16, 2023
 · 
Laura Figi
Hundreds of people gather around the Ladybird stage in Zilker Park at dusk.
City
The numbers behind ACL’s economic impact
Last year’s festival brought in $448 million in economic impact for the city.
May 16, 2023
 · 
Laura Figi
Picnickers sprawl out on the Waterloo Greenway lawn facing a screen for Friday Flicks.
Events
4 events at Waterloo Greenway this summer
Get in y’all, we’re spending all summer long at Waterloo Park.
May 12, 2023
 · 
Laura Figi
A view in front of Auditorium Shores at dusk with people in folding chairs.
City
Inside the Trail Conservancy’s Arts & Culture Plan
More art exhibits, artist residencies, and public spaces are en route to Austin’s green spaces.
May 12, 2023
 · 
Laura Figi
A close-up of individually-wrapped cookies with a 512 cookies logo.
Food
5 reader-nominated local bakeries in Austin
We asked you to nominate your favorite businesses to celebrate National Small Business Week.
May 10, 2023
 · 
Laura Figi
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Events
Every local artist playing at Austin City Limits 2023
Fill your schedule with 22 must-see musicians from the community.
May 10, 2023
 · 
Laura Figi
A crowd of people wait in line to get into the House of Torment
Events
It is Halfway to Halloween in Austin
In ATX, you don’t have to wait until October to celebrate scary season.
May 8, 2023
 · 
Laura Figi
On the left, a very grainy photo of the Texas Capitol in 1925. On the right, a modern, black-and-white photo of the Capitol building.
City
Austinites have been complaining about the city ‘losing its weird’ since 1884
Being a “boomtown” is not a new status for ATX.
May 8, 2023
 · 
Laura Figi
A hand spreading burrata on a piece of bread over the plate.
Food
Mother’s Day restaurant specials in Austin
We’ve hit the mother lode of Mother’s Day brunch specials
May 2, 2023
 · 
Laura Figi
An "I voted early" sticker on a finger in front of a green background.
City
Your voting guide for the Saturday, May 6 election
Prepare yourself for a bite-sized ballot.
April 28, 2023
 · 
Laura Figi
A close-up of tuna tostadas, topped with avocado and crispy leeks.
Food
Mexico-based restaurant La Popular opens in Austin
Let’s go on a trip from CDMX ➡️ ATX.
April 26, 2023
 · 
Laura Figi
A woman stands facing a Rothko painting at the Museum of Fine Arts Houston
Play
The ultimate road trip to Houston
Hit the road and head to Houston — we’re sharing all the details about what to do and eat, plus where to stay.
April 24, 2023
 · 
Laura Figi
Four people standing in front of T'so Chinese, wearing branded T-shirts
Food
How to know if you’re ordering local from food delivery apps
We’re breaking down what a ghost kitchen really is.
April 20, 2023
 · 
Laura Figi
A black dog smiles on the left of an iced coffee on a white table.
Food
ATX coffee shops based on your zodiac sign
Our big three? Hideout, Revival, and Lucky Lab.
April 18, 2023
 · 
Laura Figi
A look down the street in the Seaholm District, showing trees covered with ice.
Weather
The numbers behind Winter Storm Mara
In 72 hours, 10.5 million trees took damage, AFD spent $130,000, and dispatchers took 4,000 calls.
April 14, 2023
 · 
Laura Figi
Two black-and-white dogs catching treats in their mouths at sunset.
Travel and Outdoors
How to protect your dogs outside this summer
Before you and your furry friend hit the great outdoors, read up on these tips on how to keep your pupper safe.
April 14, 2023
 · 
Laura Figi
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Food
The best restaurants in Austin, according to ChatGPT
Leave the menus to artificial intelligence.
April 12, 2023
 · 
Laura Figi
The Austin skyline, as seen at nighttime
Live
ATX 101: our guide to becoming an Austin resident
Becoming a new resident is easy with our Austinite 101 guide.
April 12, 2023
 · 
Rilee Delgado
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