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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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Culture
Austin, Portland, Asheville: Which city is the weirdest?
All three cities have adopted the slogan “Keep Austin/Portland/Asheville Weird.” We crossed state lines to explore the quirky characteristics of each place.
July 13, 2023
 · 
Cambrie Juarez
Goats behind a sign reading "Goats Working."
City
Goats at work: Trail Conservancy releases herd to clear invasive plants
The Trail Conservancy partnered with Rent-a-Ruminant to clear the Ann and Roy Butler Hike and Bike trail of unwanted brush in an eco-friendly way.
July 13, 2023
 · 
Laura Figi
ATX_Waterloo_amp_concert
Culture
How to celebrate the 30th anniversary of “Dazed and Confused”
The Austin Film Society will put on some pretty “alright, alright, alright” events to celebrate the Austin-made classic film.
July 11, 2023
 · 
Laura Figi
A purple and white boba tea in front of a neon sign.
Food
Drink Up: Meet the Austin Boba Girls of Terrazzo Tea
The brand-new, vibey boba tea shop in East Austin is the perfect place to spend your day or night.
July 7, 2023
 · 
Laura Figi
The ACL flags flapping over a crowd of festival-goers.
Business
How much do Austin’s festivals contribute to the local economy?
ACL, SXSW, and the US Grand Prix contributed an economic equivalent of three Super Bowls combined in 2022.
July 5, 2023
 · 
Laura Figi
A close up of a breakfast taco from Cenote.
Food
The delicious history of breakfast tacos
You know them, you love them, but where were our beloved breakfast tacos invented? The answer may confuse you.
July 5, 2023
 · 
Laura Figi
ATX_oscarhome
Real Estate
Hot Homes: 5 Hill Country dream homes on the market right now
Get a little bit out of of the city with a dream home in one of these lakeside towns, like Lago Vista or Spicewood.
July 3, 2023
 · 
Laura Figi
ATX_Zanzibardrinks
Events
How to celebrate the Fourth of July in Austin
We rounded up some local Independence Day events — like Willie Nelson’s Fourth of July picnic— to try out on America’s birthday
June 29, 2023
 · 
Laura Figi
A spray-painted mural of three players on the left, Swindell on the right.
Culture
The Moody Center debuts “Tempo” art walking tour
The music venue is practically an art gallery, so the Moody Center wants to treat it like one.
June 27, 2023
 · 
Laura Figi
A spread of Kerbey Lane's new menu items on a table.
Food
Kerbey Lane on South Lamar is open 24 hours again
Celebrate Kerbey Lane bringing late hours back with a new cocktail, seasonal menu, vegan options, and unconventional happy hour.
June 23, 2023
 · 
Laura Figi
The National Water Ski Kite Flying Champonships on July 30-31, 1970. The championship was held on Austin's Town Lake during the Austin Aqua Festival, a 10 day celebration featuring water sports. The contestants must fly a slalom course marked by distinctive water geysers, an innovation of the Austin Ski and Boat Club. The Hotel Gondolier is visible in the background as the competitor is pulled behind a speed boat in the air with skis and a kite
Events
Entering the splash zone: The history of Austin Aqua Festival
We’re talking about the city’s first major festival, Austin Aqua Festival, which ran for 36 years.
June 21, 2023
 · 
Laura Figi
Founders Lisa and Laura sit underneath a sign that reads "I love you so mutts" with their three dogs.
Wellness
MUTTS Canine Cantina opens haven for both pups and their owners
Dogs and humans alike are invited to enjoy the full facilities for free during the opening weekend.
June 21, 2023
 · 
Laura Figi
Isabel Torrealba and Iliana de la Vega smile while working with a mortar and pestle.
Food
Eat your way through Mexico with El Naranjo Chef Iliana de la Vega’s cultural culinary tours
The James Beard Award-winning El Naranjo chef — and master of Mexican cuisine — will host special menus inspired by different regions in Mexico and destination tastings in the next year.
June 19, 2023
 · 
Laura Figi
The Red Line pulling into the Downtown station.
City
11 reasons to ride CapMetro’s Red Line, Austin’s first railway
The city’s current rail system is small, but mighty enough to take Austinites throughout North Austin and Downtown.
June 15, 2023
 · 
Laura Figi
A view of the Henry Green Madison Cabin, which sits behind a large tree.
City
The Henry Green Madison Cabin’s restoration project is underway
The Henry Green Madison Cabin will undergo a renovation project to the tune of at least $85,000 to preserve the site for future generations.
June 15, 2023
 · 
Laura Figi
An overhead view of blue dishes filled with a marouli salad, grilled octopus, and Greek meatballs.
Food
Have a meal at Yamas for a trip to Greece without leaving Austin
New Allandale restaurant Yamas invites you to experience its ‘filoxenia’ hospitality, the Greek tradition of making a stranger into a friend.
June 13, 2023
 · 
Laura Figi
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
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