Laura Figi.jpg

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 massive structure covered in vines with a round red sign that reads "XXX Pearl."
Travel and Outdoors
How to spend a day in San Antonio, according to an Austinite
Get ready to plan your next day trip and let City Editor Figi take you through some of her favorite spots from a recent trip to the historic Alamo City.
May 20, 2025
 · 
Laura Figi
A rectangular pool is surrounded by wooden decking and lounge chairs shaded by white umbrellas, nestled beneath mature trees and bordered by red brick walls. In the background, a mid-century modern style building with a red and gray patterned facade rises above the scene, casting shadows across the quiet, shaded courtyard.
Travel and Outdoors
Austin hotels offering summertime pool passes
Beat the heat by taking a dip in some of Austin’s swankiest hotel pools, indulging in poolside snacks, and sunbathing.
May 19, 2025
 · 
Laura Figi
Light streaming through trees at Mueller Lake Park during golden hour. A couple is having a picnic on the far left side.
Travel and Outdoors
Help us guess how many 100º days Austin will have in 2025
Austin could be in for a hot year, but how does that translate to days over 100º? We want guesses from our readers.
May 16, 2025
 · 
Laura Figi
A tiny, house-shaped box full of books.
City
Where to find a Little Free Library near you
We’ve got all the tricks in the book to find these miniature bibliotecas.
May 12, 2025
 · 
Laura Figi
Four people wearing red bandanas and western-style outfits pose together outdoors at a Texas-themed event, with a crowd and event signage visible in the background.
Culture
Big state, big screen: 7 questions with Chase Musslewhite and Grant Wood of Media for Texas
The two movie makers are on a mission to bring Hollywood to Austin by advocating for better film incentives in their home state.
May 9, 2025
 · 
Laura Figi
A close-up photo of Matthew McConaughey dressed in burnt orange, holding up the hook'em hand signal.
City
Oh, the places you’ll go: Famous alumni from local universities
The tassel was worth the hassle — these local universities have impressive alumni rosters.
May 8, 2025
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Laura Figi
A group of eight people, including Mayor Kirk Watson, stands outdoors on a sunny day, holding an oversized ceremonial check for $8.4 million made out to “Austin’s Parks” from the Austin City Limits Music Festival and C3 Presents. The check is dated May 7, 2025. One person is dressed in a colorful hummingbird costume, and the group is posed on a paved path in a park-like setting with grass, trees, and utility poles in the background.
City
ACL Festival debuts $8.4 million in funding for Austin Parks Foundation
ACL Festival generated $534.8 million in economic impact — its highest report yet — during the 2024 edition of the iconic live music event.
May 7, 2025
 · 
Laura Figi
Open-concept coworking space with people working at communal tables, lounge chairs, and leather sofas, surrounded by plants, books, and natural light from large windows.
Business
Exclusive: Switchyards will open first ‘neighborhood work club’ in Austin
The coveted workspace will release 250 memberships for its inaugural Austin location, opening early this summer.
May 6, 2025
 · 
Laura Figi
A banquet hall set for an event with round tables covered in white linens, each adorned with tiered trays of food, glassware, and floral garnishes, surrounded by beige chairs and tall columns under warm lighting with purple uplighting accents.
Events
Treat mom with these eats + experiences in ATX on Mother’s Day
Mother’s Day is on Sunday, May 11, and we’re ready to celebrate all the mother figures who call Austin home.
May 5, 2025
 · 
Laura Figi
A person pours melted wax into a candle mold during a candle-making workshop at Slow North. Amber glass bottles labeled with various scents, including cinnamon, are arranged on a table nearby.
Business
Small Business Week has arrived in Austin
Join us at ATXtoday in celebrating small businesses from Sunday, May 4 to Saturday, May 10.
May 1, 2025
 · 
Laura Figi
Two teams of high school students sit at tables on either side of a podium during a quiz competition, with a moderator standing at the podium. A large screen above displays the event name “High School Quiz Show Austin.” The teams represent the Liberal Arts and Science Academy and the Ann Richards School.
Culture
Austin PBS debuts new slate of local programming
The new Austin-made content will have you testing your trivia knowledge, learning about the community, and dancing to the beat of our town.
May 1, 2025
 · 
Laura Figi
ATX_Este Seafood Platter (Credit_ Cedric Angeles).jpg
Food
Keep it in the family: Get to know Austin’s sister restaurants
No sibling rivalry here — these five restaurant families are well-known and well-loved in Austin.
April 29, 2025
 · 
Laura Figi
Aerial view of a music festival with groups of people gathered on a grassy field, sitting or walking among tall, colorful flags featuring various abstract designs, during golden hour lighting.
Culture
2025 ACL Festival lineup predicted by ATXtoday readers
Using our readers’ collective brainpower (and a little help from AI) we’ve rounded up guesses about who is going to appear on the ACL 2025 lineup.
April 29, 2025
 · 
Laura Figi
A museum display featuring the Gutenberg Bible, with two large volumes showcased in a glass case—one closed and one open to reveal printed pages. Behind the case is a curved dark wood-paneled wall with multiple spotlights and informational text panels explaining the history and significance of the Gutenberg Bible.
Culture
5 objects in town that are older than Austin
Although 188 years might seem like a long time, it is relatively young for a city, so let’s take a look at some objects you can see in Austin that are older than the Capital City.
April 25, 2025
 · 
Laura Figi
A close-up of Willie Nelson performing
Culture
92 facts about Willie Nelson for his 92nd birthday
Celebrate the Red Headed Stranger’s birthday with a brief history of his legendary life.
April 25, 2025
 · 
Laura Figi
A few gifts overlaid on a patchwork background, including a Carharrt lunch box and a jewelry dish.
Sponsored
What to buy for parents: Your 2025 gift guide for Mother’s Day and Father’s Day
Including Oprah’s favorite eye mask and a No. 1 best-selling beard trimmer.
Sponsored by
The Austin skyline, as seen from between trees on the Ann and Roy Butler Hike-and-Bike Trail.
City
Inside the 2024 State of the Environment Report
This snapshot into the state of Austin’s wildlife, plantlife, and air quality shows how initiatives have improved conditions year-over-year.
April 23, 2025
 · 
Laura Figi
A circular, fish-eye-looking mural with common ATX buildings and characters.
Play
16 of the most iconic murals around Austin
Check out this guide to the many meaningful murals you can find around our city.
April 23, 2025
 · 
Sara Frazier
An aerial view of a large music festival crowd gathered in front of a brightly lit stage in a city park at dusk, with the Austin, Texas skyline visible in the background. The stage displays visuals of Chappell Roan and large text, while surrounding tents and vendor booths are visible among the crowd.
Culture
Help us predict the 2025 ACL Festival lineup
ACL Festival will return to Zilker Park the weekends of Friday, Oct. 3-Sunday, Oct. 5 + Friday, Oct. 10-Sunday, Oct. 12 — help us guess who will be there.
April 21, 2025
 · 
Laura Figi
Glass jars of laundry powder on a shelf.
Wellness
Your guide to shopping sustainably in Austin
Bust out your glass jars, we’re going to the refillery.
April 21, 2025
 · 
Laura Figi
A top-down view of a vibrant brunch spread served on wooden boards. The left board features a breaded chicken breast topped with fresh arugula and onions, accompanied by a dollop of creamy white dressing. The center board showcases an assortment of dips, including hummus, beet hummus, and a creamy spread garnished with pomegranate seeds, alongside sliced cucumbers and triangles of pita bread. The right board displays an open-faced avocado toast topped with a fried egg, sesame seeds, and greens.
Food
Take a bite: ATXtoday’s must-try dishes from local restaurants
Get our personalized recommendations for some of the best dishes in town — at least in our opinion — so you can find your new favorite plate.
April 18, 2025
 · 
Laura Figi
A table at Oribello's has a birria pizza, ube pancakes, and two Purple Ube-Ritas.
Food
Ube, birria + brunch: Oribello’s is Austin’s new hub for Filipino flavors
Meet the brothers behind Oribello’s, a new bar and kitchen on West 37th Street that will have you seeing purple.
April 16, 2025
 · 
Morgan O’Neal
A bottle of Desert Door sotol on the rocky ground next to a golden easter egg and a spiky plant.
Events
Try This: Adult Easter egg hunts in Austin
Who says the kids should have all the fun? Here are four Easter egg hunts where everybunny 21 and up can relive the nostalgia.
April 15, 2025
 · 
Laura Figi
The Paramount Theater sign, as seen from the street below.
Events
Paramount Theatre unveils Summer Classic Film Series opening week schedule
The annual tradition will kick off with double features, 35mm showings, and celebrity cameos for its 51st year.
April 9, 2025
 · 
Laura Figi
The exterior of The Driskill, a historic hotel in Austin, Texas, featuring Romanesque-style architecture with arched windows, decorative stonework, and a grand entrance with multiple balconies. A vintage car is parked on the street in front of the building.
Culture
A brief history of Austin’s iconic Driskill Hotel
The oldest operating hotel in Austin and historical landmark set the stage for our growing city in 1886 and continues to host visitors more than a century later.
April 9, 2025
 · 
Laura Figi
A rooftop patio with colorful woven ottomans, wooden tables, and metal chairs, overlooking a cityscape of modern glass skyscrapers.
Culture
Little-known perks at the Austin Public Library
The services offered at local Austin Public Library branches are pretty useful in our books.
April 7, 2025
 · 
Laura Figi
A group of people playing sand volleyball
Sports
Play ball at the fifth annual ATX SPORTSFEST
The festival brings community members together to spectate, cheer, and compete in five casual sporting events.
April 3, 2025
 · 
Laura Figi
Mayor Kirk Watson stands in front of a “Greetings from Austin, Texas” sign, smiling while wearing a gray suit, blue shirt, and red paisley tie. Behind him, an American flag and another official flag are displayed against a stone wall, with chairs lined up in the background.
City
How locals ‘Keep Austin Open’ with Mayor Kirk Watson
Your ATXtoday City Editors met with the mayor to ask him about his decades-long experience working in Austin and how his terms compare.
April 3, 2025
 · 
Laura Figi
A view of the downtown Nashville skyline from the pedestrian bridge. You can see the Cumberland River and park area in front of notable buildings on Second Avenue and the Batman building.
Food
Nashville restaurants can soon earn Michelin stars
Tennessee is one of six states included in Michelin Guide’s new American South edition, which will reveal its 2025 restaurant selection later this year.
April 2, 2025
 · 
Skylar Webb
A circular atrium in the Austin Convention Center with tall limestone walls, a high domed ceiling with metal supports, and multiple small windows allowing natural light. Glass and metal art pieces are mounted on the walls, and a staircase with a limestone railing leads to an upper level. Large glass doors provide access to the outside.
City
Your memories of the Austin Convention Center
The Austin Convention Center’s doors officially closed on Tuesday, April 1 as the city of Austin prepares to begin construction on a new, bigger facility.
April 1, 2025
 · 
Laura Figi
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