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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 view of the court from the audience, showing a packed stadium.
Sports
Spurs Week returns to Austin for the third year
Games, prizes, block parties, and of course, basketball, await you at the San Antonio Spurs’ annual Austin takeover.
January 31, 2025
 · 
Laura Figi
A small box with glass sides sits outside surrounded by plants and a typewriter. The outside of the box is decorated with outdoorsy elements like bar and moss. A sign hangs in the front door of the box that reads "The Little Free Oddities Shop."
Culture
How to find a Free Little Art Gallery near you
At these miniature art galleries around Richmond, you can take a piece of art or leave one for your neighbors to enjoy.
January 31, 2025
 · 
Laura Figi
A spread of sashimi dishes from above on a dark wooden table, surrounded by cocktails, beer, a glass of wine, dishes of soy sauce and plates with chopsticks on top.
Food
23 places to get sushi in the Austin area
Whether you’re looking for omakase, sake pairings, a sushi conveyor belt, a whimsical interior, or an “Ahi Tower,” we’ve got the restaurant for you.
January 29, 2025
 · 
Laura Figi
A group of people crowded around a small pen for Armadillo Day
History
You’ve heard of Groundhog Day — but what about Armadillo Day?
We do things a little differently in the Lone Star State.
January 29, 2025
 · 
London Gibson
A historic stone building with castle-like features and a Texas flag on its tower, surrounded by trees and greenery. A sign in front reads "Elisabet Ney Museum, 304 East 44th Street," with hours listed as Wednesday–Sunday, 12 p.m.–5 p.m.
Austin Parks Foundation grants $600,000 to park improvement
The longstanding partnership between ACL and Austin Parks Foundation has generated millions of dollars toward caring for the Capital City’s public spaces.
January 27, 2025
 · 
Laura Figi
Looking up to the sky, the image frames eight of the new, petal-shaped structures that make up the canopy at the Blanton Museum of Art. They're painted white and filled with little holes, giving the impression of a starry sky.
Live
Austin’s most iconic landmarks
Consider these landmarks our Hollywood signs.
January 27, 2025
 · 
Laura Figi
A small green box has its two glass doors wide open to reveal various small art pieces inside, including a platter painted painting and two small easels with tiny canvases.
Culture
How to find a Free Little Art Gallery near you
At these miniature art galleries around Winston-Salem, you can take a piece of art or leave one for your neighbors to enjoy.
January 27, 2025
 · 
Laura Figi
The Texas Capitol when it was completed, with bare grounds stretching in front of it.
City
Take a peek into how Austin life looked in 1925
Step into the Wayback Machine — you’d be surprised at just how similar modern life in the Capital City is to the way Austinites lived in 1925.
January 23, 2025
 · 
Laura Figi
A spacious outdoor seating area at Freddo ATX, featuring wooden picnic tables under a canopy of large oak trees adorned with string lights. A white sign with the cafe’s logo is prominently displayed near the entrance, and patio heaters are scattered throughout the space for comfort. A fence encloses the area, with views of nearby buildings and parked cars beyond.
Food
Freddo ATX debuts new renovations and menu
We’re calling it now — the coffee shop in a historic home is about to be one of our favorite hangouts.
January 23, 2025
 · 
Laura Figi
A group of people wearing yellow aprons and waving with rolling pins. In front of them is a table with pasta dough rolled into balls.
Food
Become a home chef with CocuSocial cooking classes
We took a cooking class with CocuSocial and it was pasta-tively amazing.
January 21, 2025
 · 
Laura Figi
A modern, open-concept living room with curved 3D-printed walls, large floor-to-ceiling glass windows, and polished concrete floors. The space features neutral-toned furniture, including beige sofas, rounded chairs, and minimalist side tables. Potted plants, books, and vases are arranged as decor, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere. A ceiling fan and recessed lighting complete the look.
Real Estate
Hot home: inside ICON’s 3D-printed neighborhood in Wimberley
The neighborhood’s model home is now open for prospects to get a taste of ICON’s most luxurious and largest abodes to date.
January 17, 2025
 · 
Laura Figi
A stage with a projection screen displaying the text "HI, HOW ARE YOU PROJECT" above an illustration of a frog with a wide mouth, two stalked eyes, and four limbs. Below the screen, there is a small setup with a microphone, an acoustic guitar, speakers, and a stool placed on a rug, lit by soft stage lights.
Culture
Andrew Bird to perform for Hi, How Are You Day concert
Bird will also be joined by Madison Cunningham at the seventh annual fundraising concert for the Hi, How Are You Project.
January 17, 2025
 · 
Laura Figi
A person cuts a gold ribbon wrapped around a miniature library box with large scissors.
Arts
How to find a Free Little Art Gallery near you
At these 10 miniature art galleries in the Tampa Bay area, you can take a piece of art or leave one for your neighbors to love.
January 17, 2025
 · 
Laura Figi
A black-and-white photograph featuring Lorne Michaels standing confidently with his arms crossed on a television studio set. The foreground includes large camera equipment and operators, while the background reveals additional crew members and an elevated viewing area. The studio lighting and detailed machinery emphasize the bustling production environment.
“Saturday Night Live” creator donates archive to Harry Ransom Center
Lorne Michaels’ archive of prominent films, the famous comedy sketch show, and early works will go on display this fall.
January 15, 2025
 · 
Laura Figi
The pink granite dome of Enchanted Rock with rainy clouds overhead and a lake surrounding the rock.
Travel and Outdoors
Land acquisition will double the size of Enchanted Rock
The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department purchased a parcel of land adjacent to the park famous for its massive pink granite dome.
January 13, 2025
 · 
Laura Figi
A rendering of a modern community hub featuring a light rail station adjacent to an H-E-B grocery store. The scene includes a paved plaza with people of various ages and backgrounds engaging in activities such as walking, cycling, and sitting at outdoor tables. A sleek light rail train is visible in the background, along with parked cars and lush greenery that frames the area. The architecture of the H-E-B store combines contemporary design with natural materials, creating a welcoming atmosphere. Trees provide shade, contributing to the vibrant, pedestrian-friendly environment.
City
Peek inside the future of light rail in Austin
Austin’s first light rail project is slated to open in 2033, featuring a bridge over Lady Bird Lake and planned connections to the airport.
January 13, 2025
 · 
Laura Figi
ATX_Waterloo_amp_concert
Culture
ATXtoday’s collaborative Austin playlist
Looking to localize your music library? Start with this playlist or add a song or two from your favorite Austin-based artist.
January 9, 2025
 · 
Laura Figi
A small outdoor micro gallery painted light blue with a clear acrylic roof. Inside, miniature colorful artworks are displayed, including illustrations and paintings, with one piece propped on a tiny easel. The setting features greenery and a residential background.
Culture
How to find a Free Little Art Gallery near you
At these 10 miniature art galleries in the Austin area, you can take a piece of art or leave one for your neighbors to love.
January 9, 2025
 · 
Laura Figi
Aerial rendering of a modern mixed-use development featuring residential buildings, green spaces, and retail areas. The scene includes tree-lined streets, outdoor seating areas, and parking lots, with a clear blue sky in the background.
Real Estate
6 developments we’re watching in 2025
Austin’s going to look a little different by this time next year — check out a few projects that will contribute to the Capital City’s changing scenery.
January 7, 2025
 · 
Laura Figi
ATX_Este x Bawi Chilly Chile Mocktail.jpeg
Food
Where to find a great mocktail in Austin
Whether you’re sober curious or fully alcohol-free, these 30+ Austin businesses serve up delicious mocktails you won’t want to miss.
January 3, 2025
 · 
London Gibson
A spaceman kite floating facing down in front of a sky filled with dozens of other kites.
Play
Every Austin festival taking place in 2025
Save this page to plan your year’s worth of festivities.
January 2, 2025
 · 
London Gibson
A black-and-white photo of four team members standing outdoors, wearing matching branded shirts and caps, posing confidently in front of a stone wall with trees in the background.
How to give back with OutdoorJack
The home services company helps single mothers, veterans, and older Austinites with yard work that would otherwise be difficult to undertake alone.
December 19, 2024
 · 
Laura Figi
A collage featuring a diverse group of people, including Fran Harris, Adam Walker, The Tiarras, Richard Rhodes, Destin George Bell, Ben Duong arranged with vibrant overlays in red, blue, and purple tones on a textured background.
Culture
9 of our favorite interviews from 2024
We spent 2024 doing what we do best — chatting with Austinites who are making our fair city a better place.
December 17, 2024
 · 
Laura Figi
A single-story building with curved, layered walls made using 3D-printing technology, featuring a metal gabled roof, large glass windows, and a surrounding landscaped area with pathways and parking spaces.
Business
ICON unveils 3D-printed Innovation Center at Camp Mabry
The 3D-printing construction company partnered with Camp Mabry to bring fresh buildings to the home of the Texas National Guard and the Texas State Guard.
December 13, 2024
 · 
Laura Figi
A colorful assortment of macarons arranged in a decorative gift box, featuring flavors in vibrant hues like blue, yellow, red, and brown against a red and patterned backdrop.
Food
Where to get holiday cookies in ATX
Treat Santa (or your loved ones) to some gourmet goodies from local bakeries this year — they’re a present all their own.
December 13, 2024
 · 
Laura Figi
A vibrant mural with the text "Greetings from 78666 San Marcos" featuring illustrations of a yellow rose, a historic city hall, and other local landmarks integrated into the zip code. The mural is painted on a red wall with a small sign on the bottom right indicating sponsorship.
Play
Get in — we’re going to San Marcos, Texas
The Mermaid Capital of Texas, home to Texas State University, and riverside town is a great place to take a day trip — we’ve got all the spots to hit when you visit.
December 11, 2024
 · 
Laura Figi
ATX_Waymo
Business
All the autonomous vehicles operating in Austin
The robots are driving in ATX. Keep your eyes peeled for these companies, which are driving or getting ready to deploy driverless vehicles in town.
December 9, 2024
 · 
Laura Figi
Seven mannequins dressed up behind a table with flat laid accessories.
Culture
How to give a sustainable gift this holiday season
We’re dreaming of a green Christmas.
December 9, 2024
 · 
Laura Figi
A teddy bear made of colorful Christmas lights sits among lit-up trees on the path of the Trail of Lights.
Culture
You can ride the Zilker Eagle during the Trail of Lights this year
Plus, the music lineup for the annual tradition is here, featuring artists like Chief Cleopatra and Como Las Movies.
December 5, 2024
 · 
Laura Figi
A festive spread of various dishes arranged on a table with a striped blue and orange tablecloth. The centerpiece is a glazed roasted ham in a copper pot, surrounded by bowls of kale salad, green bean salad, and noodles. Other items include cinnamon rolls, appetizers topped with feta, and a glass teapot with tea.
Food
Hungry for the holidays: 12 restaurants to grab some grub for December 25
Whether you don’t want to bother with cooking or you want to treat the family to a delicious meal out, here are a few restaurants to try.
December 5, 2024
 · 
Laura Figi
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