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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 modern H-E-B grocery store entrance with a large red "H-E-B" logo prominently displayed at the top. The building features tall glass windows, a red awning with "WELCOME" written in bold letters, and multiple glass doors. The exterior includes a wide concrete staircase with railings and a decorated barricade showcasing festive designs at the bottom right corner. The sky above is partly cloudy, reflecting in the glass windows.
Business
Inside the new H-E-B on South Congress Avenue
The Texas grocer’s oldest location in Austin is now a shiny, new gem in the Violet Crown.
December 4, 2024
 · 
Morgan O’Neal
A vibrant display of the Trail of Lights entrance, adorned with multicolored string lights forming a tunnel effect and sparkling star decorations. The illuminated sign reads "Trail of Lights" in bold golden letters, surrounded by festive holiday cheer, with silhouetted visitors gathered below.
City
The history of Austin’s 60-year-old Trail of Lights
The beloved local tradition has taken multiple different forms over the years, and was once called “Yule Fest.”
December 3, 2024
 · 
London Gibson
Two women looking at art hanging on the wall.
Culture
Give back to one of these 18 nonprofits on Giving Tuesday 2024
Celebrate Giving Tuesday with Austin’s chapter, I Live Here I Give Here, by giving back to one of these 18 nonprofits helping various causes around the city.
December 2, 2024
 · 
Laura Figi
The Sorin Oak at St. Edwards University
City
Go out on a limb for Heritage Trees in Austin
The Capital City is serious about its 33+ million trees — so much so that many of them are protected by the Heritage Tree Ordinance.
November 29, 2024
 · 
Laura Figi
A festive arrangement of holiday-themed drinks, including cocktails garnished with dried citrus slices, star anise, and whipped cream, set against a backdrop of holiday decorations like a small Christmas tree and ornaments. Coasters with the "Upstairs at Caroline" logo are visible in the background.
Food
Go Rockin’ Around the Rooftops with this holiday bar crawl
Don’t get your tinsel in a tangle — stroll through six of Austin’s holiday pop-up bars for fun with friends and potential for prizes.
November 25, 2024
 · 
Laura Figi
A plan flying over Austin Bergstrom International Airport.
Work
All you need to know about Austin-Bergstrom International Airport
We’re here to make your flying process plane and simple.
November 22, 2024
 · 
Laura Figi
More than two million lights make up the 70+ displays and tunnels on the Trail. | Photo via @danyetteheine
Culture
11 holiday light displays in and around Austin to catch this season
Allow us to take you on a sleigh ride through the Austin area’s huge collection of holiday lights, shows, and displays.
November 21, 2024
 · 
Laura Figi
A painted version of the graffitied train bridge above Lady Bird Lake.
Arts
A dozen Austin references you didn’t notice in Trader Joe’s
It’s a mini city-wide scavenger hunt in the supermarket, and all the references are different throughout each Trader Joe’s location.
November 21, 2024
 · 
Laura Figi
Adam Walker wearing a black T-shirt and a trucker hat holding a bottle of beer sits on the edge of a pool table in a dimly lit bar. Neon signs for various beer brands, such as Budweiser and Shiner Bock, are displayed on the wood-paneled walls, along with Texas-themed decor.
Culture
How to Keep Austin Cheer’d with Me Nd Adam
‘Tis the season to give back to the Austin community through Me Nd Adam’s Keep Austin Cheer’d — an annual charity event that benefits Casa Marianella.
November 19, 2024
 · 
Laura Figi
Kirk Watson in front of a star wearing a blue suit and lighter blue shirt.
City
How Kirk Watson was voted mayor again in 2024
Kirk Watson has a storied history of being Mayor of Austin, and with his re-election confirmed, he’ll serve another four-year term.
November 15, 2024
 · 
Laura Figi
A woman looking through an array of art pieces and post cards framed at the Armadillos Christmas Bazaar.
Culture
Shop local at these holiday markets in Austin
‘Tis the season to start shopping for the holidays and anything you can buy, you can buy local at one of these holiday markets.
November 15, 2024
 · 
Laura Figi
Colorful outdoor seating area with a vibrant mural covering the building's wall. The mural features whimsical, colorful shapes, including rainbows, clouds, and abstract designs. Wooden tables with metal chairs are arranged under dark blue umbrellas with scalloped edges.
Food
Stargazer bar and cafe opening in east Austin
The new spot will take over the former Austin Eastciders Taproom and serve goodies from a handful of local businesses.
November 13, 2024
 · 
Laura Figi
Two people sit on a curb reading books together outdoors. One person, wearing a denim jacket and a beanie, holds a book titled The Secret of the Moon Conch, while the other, dressed in a gray sweater, is reading a different book. A tote bag labeled "Texas Reader Book Club" rests on the ground beside them.
Events
Your guide to the Texas Book Festival 2024
Authors from Texas — including Matthew McConaughey, Malcolm Gladwell, and Ernest Cline — will share their books, participate in panels, and more
November 11, 2024
 · 
Laura Figi
A wintry background with snowflakes that reads "ATXtoday's 2024 Gift Guide."
Culture
ATXtoday’s 2024 holiday gift guide: 90+ gifts for everyone on your list
Including gifts for neighbors, foodies, significant others, homebodies, students, and gifts under $20.
November 8, 2024
 · 
Sarah Leonhardt
A dish of roasted honeynut squash sits in a white bowl, topped with vibrant green microgreens and sesame seeds, set on a layer of green sauce. The contrasting colors and textures create a visually appealing presentation, highlighting the fresh and savory elements of the dish.
Food
Kimbal Musk’s restaurant The Kitchen opening in Austin
The American bistro will feature Texas-sourced ingredients and spirits in an upscale, Lone Star State-chic interior.
November 8, 2024
 · 
Laura Figi
A crowd of people at ACL Live
Culture
62 Austin concerts to put your radar before the end of 2024
The end of the year is nigh, but there are concerts galore to celebrate with.
November 7, 2024
 · 
Laura Figi
A white, oval sticker with an American flag reads "I Voted Yo Voté" and is stuck to a finger. In the background, Austin City Hall is blurred out.
City
10 tips for Austinites on Election Day
Know your rights before you head to the polls on Tuesday, Nov. 5.
November 4, 2024
 · 
Morgan O’Neal
McConaughey in a black suit and white shirt stands amid a crowd at a formal event, gazing slightly off-camera. In the foreground, an Oscar statue is visible on the left, indicating the setting is likely an awards ceremony. People in the background appear dressed in formal attire, contributing to the celebratory atmosphere.
Culture
55 facts about Matthew McConaughey for his 55th birthday
Celebrate the local legend by learning dozens of facts about his life.
November 1, 2024
 · 
Laura Figi
Large, two-story brick building with two rows of windows.
Culture
3 chilling ghost stories that haunt Winston-Salem
Fans of all things freaky will want to read these three urban legends in the Twin City — and we’re not skimping on the scares.
October 30, 2024
 · 
Cambridge Wrege
The sun sets over houses and the Colorado River from Mount Bonnell.
City
Here’s how many 100º days Austin saw in 2024
Spoiler alert, there were far fewer 100º days in 2024 than 2023. Get your final guesses ready, because we’re not expecting any more to hit this year.
October 30, 2024
 · 
Laura Figi
A man in a black tank top with the text "card.io - run the map" stands outdoors with a cityscape in the background. He has a focused expression, and his muscular build is highlighted by the bright sunlight. Cranes and buildings are visible behind him against a clear blue sky.
Business
Into the “Shark Tank": How Destin George Bell is changing exercise with Card.io app
The Austin-based entrepreneur created a gameified, turf war-style app that lets folks challenge each other to “claim” areas of town as they exercise.
October 28, 2024
 · 
Laura Figi
A young child wearing a colorful knit hat and dark jacket stands in front of a Día de los Muertos altar adorned with marigolds, candles, and framed photos. The altar is decorated with vibrant fabrics and marigold arrangements, creating a festive and respectful atmosphere as people move in the background.
Culture
How to create an ofrenda for Día de los Muertos
Learn about the different elements of altar creation and how to create your own at home.
October 28, 2024
 · 
Adriana Christian
An old, black-and-white photo of the Driskill hotel, with old cars out front.
Culture
5 chilling ghost stories that haunt Austin
Fans of all things freaky will want to read these five urban legends in Austin places — and we’re not skimping on the scares.
October 24, 2024
 · 
Laura Figi
A close-up of Willie Nelson performing
Culture
13 Austin-themed Halloween costumes
From Peter Pan to a Texas Rollergirl, we’ve got your tips for being the best-dressed pumpkin at the party.
October 24, 2024
 · 
London Gibson
A woman in a floral dress speaking at a podium on stage, with colorful lighting and floral decorations surrounding her.
Events
6 questions with Angela Garcia of the UGLI Foundation and FORE Kids ATX
Get to know the founder of FORE Kids ATX, an annual charity event, and the UGLI Foundation, which seeks to end bullying in schools forever.
October 22, 2024
 · 
Laura Figi
Pennybacker bridge extending into the city at dusk, with stars visible above
Events
Celebrate Scorpio season with these themed events
In observance of the zodiac’s most passionate sign, these events will have you counting your lucky stars to know Scorpios.
October 22, 2024
 · 
Laura Figi
Several dancers dressed in colorful clothes and skull masks parade in the sunshine on Congress Avenue.
Culture
Catch the 41st annual Viva La Vida Festival and Parade
The parade and festival — hosted by the Mexic-Arte Museum and city of Austin — will hit the streets on Saturday, Oct. 26.
October 18, 2024
 · 
Laura Figi
An aerial view of the Austin skyline featuring modern high-rise buildings and the iconic Frost Bank Tower. In the foreground, the Austin Food and Wine Festival is taking place, with large white tents set up on a grassy area near the river. Attendees are scattered across the festival grounds, and the Congress Avenue Bridge is visible, connecting the event site to downtown. The setting is bright and sunny, with the river and surrounding trees adding natural elements to the urban scene.
Events
Welcome to flavor town: a guide to Austin Food & Wine Festival 2024
Austin Food & Wine Festival is coming up and we’re ready to dig in. Let us help you maximize your time at this annual celebration of eats.
October 18, 2024
 · 
Laura Figi
An orange graphic of the Austin skyline is in the background. The two ATXtoday city editors, Figi and Morgan, are in the foreground wearing party hats. The text reads "Happy Third Birthday" with the ATXtoday logo in the middle. Orange balloons and sparkles are spread out throughout the image.
Culture
Celebrating ATXtoday’s third birthday
We’re partying like it’s our birthday... because it is.
October 17, 2024
 · 
Laura Figi
A white Waymo self-driving car is parked on the street with the Texas State Capitol building in the background. The vehicle is equipped with sensors and cameras mounted on its roof, used for autonomous navigation. The scene features bright, clear skies, with trees and a traffic cone visible near the car, creating a mix of urban and natural elements.
Business
Behind the ride: answering questions about autonomous vehicles and Waymo
City Editors Figi and Morgan took a fully autonomous Waymo ride with products communications manager Chris Bonelli to answer questions about AVs.
October 14, 2024
 · 
Laura Figi
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