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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The Austin skyline, as seen from between trees lining the Ann and Roy Butler Hike-and-Bike Trail./
Culture
Stacking up: How Austin ranks from one to 10 in studies
From the best state capital to live, to the best nightlife, to best places to get coffee, Austin is well-represented in these studies.
February 24, 2025
 · 
Laura Figi
A close-up of the wooden cabin with a damaged front door and three historical markers on the front.
City
The Henry Green Madison Cabin will be disassembled for restoration
The historic home to the first Black Austin City Council member will receive approximately $495,000 worth of improvements.
February 20, 2025
 · 
Laura Figi
Piper Stege Nelson in a blue button-up shirt smiles while seated in a well-lit space with plants and wooden furniture. Behind her, a neon sign reads "I Live Here I Give Here," and shelves with decorative items are visible in the background.
City
6 questions with I Live Here I Give Here Executive Director Piper Stege Nelson
Amplify Austin Day gives residents a seamless way to support their community in a way they’re passionate about during this 24-hour event.
February 20, 2025
 · 
Laura Figi
The band Grouplove onstage, lit from behind with a bright purple light.
Events
Every local artist performing at SXSW 2025
More than 100 local musicians will show up to represent the Live Music Capital of the World, and we’ve rounded them up in one easy-to-use guide for you.
February 18, 2025
 · 
Laura Figi
An outdoor bar and seating area in the evening, filled with people enjoying drinks and conversation. The setting features long wooden picnic tables under string lights and a large ceiling fan. The bar area is partially enclosed with a wooden slatted design and illuminated by round hanging lights. In the background, a building with purple lighting and a sign that reads 'COSMIC' adds to the vibrant atmosphere.
Culture
Figi’s faves: perfect places to visit in Austin
These locales have been vetted by your friendly neighborhood city editor, so you can sure you’re going to have a good time.
February 14, 2025
 · 
Laura Figi
Ben Duong dribbling a Wilson basketball while wearing a green San Antonio Spurs hoodie, black shorts, and black sneakers. He is positioned in an athletic stance on a grassy field with the Austin skyline and a bridge in the background. The sky is bright blue with scattered clouds.
Sports
Austin runner Ben Duong hopes to break another Guinness World Record
The local athlete broke the record for the fastest half marathon while dribbling a basketball last year and now, he’s back for the full marathon.
February 12, 2025
 · 
Laura Figi
Gary Clark Jr. wearing Austin FC’s "The Heartbeat Kit" jersey, a green and black Adidas design with YETI sponsorship. He stands against a wall decorated with framed soccer photographs, leaning on a wooden ledge with candles, under moody green lighting.
Sports
Austin FC debuts “The Heartbeat Kit” jerseys
Its announcement video features tons of local celebrities, including Matthew McConaughey, Gary Clark Jr., Ray Benson, and many more.
February 12, 2025
 · 
Laura Figi
Four cocktails on a wooden table with a blurred outdoor bar setting in the background. From left to right: a large orange cocktail in a wine glass with a black straw and a beaded charm, a layered purple and yellow drink in a short glass with a black straw, a pale yellow martini with a sugar rim and a lemon twist garnish, and a copper mug filled with ice.
Events
No boys, just joy: where to spend Galentine’s Day in ATX
Show some love to your gals and pals at these local events, complete with Swiftie trivia, jewelry-making, shopping, and sipping.
February 10, 2025
 · 
Laura Figi
CHIEFS SUPER BOWL
Sports
14 Texans to watch during Super Bowl LIX
Keep an eye out for former Longhorns Charles Omenihu, Xavier Worthy, and Moro Ojomo, plus Pflugerville’s Samaje Perine.
February 6, 2025
 · 
Kate Mazade
An outdoor Barbie-themed roller-skating rink with people skating under string lights at dusk. The space features vibrant pink, orange, and teal decor, with a large "Barbie" sign on a colorful backdrop. A mix of skaters in casual and retro-inspired outfits glide across the lavender-colored rink, while others relax near palm plants and seating areas. A skate rental station and a sunset-themed mural are visible in the background.
Events
Paint the town pink at the Malibu Barbie Cafe pop-up
The Malibu Barbie Cafe will stop in Austin for two months starting in early April, bringing a skate rink, restaurant, and Barbiecore activities.
February 6, 2025
 · 
Laura Figi
Matthew McConaughey wears a plaid red suit in front of a wall for the Washington Commanders.
Sports
A brief history of Austin celebrity Super Bowl commercial appearances
As you watch Super Bowl LIX, keep watch for a few familiar, local faces that will make a cameo during the commercials.
February 4, 2025
 · 
Laura Figi
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
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
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
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