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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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The Rivergate Tower along the Tampa Riverwalk. There is a flag for the Tampa Bay Lightning in the foreground which reads "Be the Thunder", and the Hillsborough River runs along the right side of the photo.
Weather
The Farmer’s Almanac predicts a slightly cooler and drier fall
We’re finally getting some reprieve from the heat — the Farmer’s Almanac expects below average temps and dry conditions this fall.
August 16, 2024
 · 
Bailey Lefever
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The front of Austin's downtown City Hall
City
What to know about Austin’s 2024-2025 city budget
The City of Austin’s highest budget yet — $5.9 billion — was proposed by new city manager T.C. Broadnax and begins on October 1, 2024.
August 15, 2024
 · 
Laura Figi
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Ditch your phone for an evening and meet up with locals like you for a fun-filled social experience.
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Go to dinner with strangers in Kansas City with Timeleft
Ditch your phone for an evening and meet up with locals like you for a fun-filled social experience.
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Go to dinner with strangers in Dallas with Timeleft
Ditch your phone for an evening and meet up with locals like you for a fun-filled social experience.
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a gif featuring images of people in a restaurant
Sponsored
Go to dinner with strangers in Charlotte with Timeleft
Ditch your phone for an evening and meet up with locals like you for a fun-filled social experience.
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a gif featuring images of people in a restaurant
Sponsored
Go to dinner with strangers in Seattle with Timeleft
Ditch your phone for an evening and meet up with locals like you for a fun-filled social experience.
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An autumnal view of the Austin skyline toward Rainey Street.
Travel and Outdoors
The Farmer’s Almanac predicts a wet summer and warm fall
The warm weather is catching up with Austin — both the Farmer’s Almanac and National Weather Service expect warm weather through November.
August 15, 2024
 · 
Laura Figi
aerial view of the austin skyline with skyscrapers, the colorado river, pedestrian bridges and trees
Business
The top seven fastest-growing companies in Austin, according to the Inc. 5000
Meet some of the movers and shakers on the Inc. 5000 list in Austin’s bustling business scene.
August 13, 2024
 · 
Laura Figi
A slime green graphic with the word "austin" in black in the middle, in the same font as "brat."
Culture
How to have a “brat” summer in ATX
Thanks to Charli XCX’s hit pop album, we’re here to decode why “brat” is all over the airwaves, internet, and right outside your front door.
August 9, 2024
 · 
Laura Figi
A large outdoor gathering is shown with people sitting on blankets and low chairs, facing a large projection screen displaying the words "Front Festival." The event takes place at night under tall trees, with the screen and a speaker illuminated by lights. The atmosphere is relaxed and communal, as attendees enjoy the event in a natural, open-air setting.
Arts
The 2024 Front Festival will take over iconic venues later this month
Put on by nonprofit Future Front Texas, the festival celebrates women and LGBTQ+ makers in Texas with markets, concerts, screenings, and pool parties.
August 9, 2024
 · 
Laura Figi
A serene and luxurious lakeside property. In the foreground, there's a beautifully designed pool with a natural stone waterfall feature and adjacent hot tub. Several lounge chairs are arranged around the pool. Beyond the pool, there is a large, well-manicured lawn leading to the lake, a basketball court, and a boathouse with an upper deck stands at the water's edge. The lake is calm and surrounded by lush, green trees and hills, creating a picturesque and tranquil setting. The sky is clear and blue, enhancing the overall idyllic atmosphere.
Real Estate
Homes with amenities to channel your inner Olympian
Live like a world-class athlete at one of these three homes with Olympics-adjacent amenities that are on the market now here in Austin.
August 7, 2024
 · 
Laura Figi
A man is playing an electric guitar on stage. He is wearing sunglasses and a dark green short-sleeved shirt. Behind him are American and Texas flags, and a sign that reads, "Biggest Little Stage in South Austin GIDDY UPS." There are also various musical equipment and instruments on the stage, including a drum set and amplifiers.
Business
Three Austin venues announce closures — for now
Don’t lose hope, these three venues may soon reopen, but it’s time to bid them farewell in the meantime.
August 5, 2024
 · 
Laura Figi
ATX_jeopardy_still
History
How well do you know Austin trivia?
Contestants, we’re playing “Jeopardy!”
August 1, 2024
 · 
Laura Figi
Kayaks and paddleboards dot Lady Bird Lake in Austin, with trees on either side of the water.
Culture
Unsanctioned Olympic events that Austin would dominate
If these sports were approved by the International Olympic Committee, Bat City residents would surely take home the gold.
July 31, 2024
 · 
Morgan O’Neal
An indoor mini-golf course with various creatively designed holes and pathways. In the foreground, there's a small table with a drink and a golf scorecard. The mini-golf course features colorful and artistic elements, including graffiti-style decorations and unique structures like bridges and tunnels. Several people are seen playing mini-golf, adding to the lively atmosphere. The background includes a well-lit area with more mini-golf holes and a bar where people are gathered, enhancing the social and recreational ambiance of the space.
Culture
Play mini-golf at these six Austin-area courses
Need an indoor activity or a way to get the kids out of the house? These local mini-golf courses are a putt above the rest.
July 30, 2024
 · 
Laura Figi
Two dishes from overhead
Food
Local restaurants deserving of a Michelin star, according to Austinites
Any Michelin Guide Inspectors reading? We’ve rounded up a few of the restaurants Austinites think deserve a star.
July 30, 2024
 · 
Laura Figi
Creation of the Animals by Jesus Polanco
Culture
Art From the Streets brings gallery to the Central Library
Peruse two-dimensional pieces created by 40 unhoused or at-risk artists for free until Sunday, Sept. 29.
July 26, 2024
 · 
Laura Figi
Two hands cheersing with beer glasses that say "Independence Brewing" in front of a waving American Flag.
Sports
Where to watch the Summer Olympics in Austin
Don’t watch the games without something good to drink, a big screen to tune into, and the company of your fellow Austinites.
July 26, 2024
 · 
Laura Figi
The Matt's El Rancho sign
Food
Matt’s El Rancho co-owner named Restaurateur of the Year
The Texas Restaurant Awards recognized a handful of foodservice industry favorites in the Austin area.
July 24, 2024
 · 
Laura Figi
FTW-Blackland Distillery Cocktail
Culture
37 spirits made by Texas-based companies
Whether you’re on the hunt for whiskey, tequila, gin, rum, or something entirely different, we’ve found a Texas-owned spirit to sip.
July 24, 2024
 · 
Laura Figi
ATX_Austin 75 Ranchwater and Still BOA Still Austin Bourbon.jpg
Culture
37 spirits made by Texas-based companies
Whether you’re on the hunt for whiskey, tequila, gin, rum, or something entirely different, we’ve found a Texas-owned spirit to sip.
July 24, 2024
 · 
Laura Figi
A purple and white boba tea in front of a neon sign.
Food
City Editor Figi’s favorite drinks in ATX
If you want to drink like ATXtoday City Editor Laura Figi, here’s your chance to tour some of her mainstays in town.
July 22, 2024
 · 
Laura Figi
A huge sculpture of the olympic rings in front of the paris stadium.
Sports
Dreaming of gold: Olympians with ties to Austin and Texas competing in the Paris 2024 Olympics
The Capital City is well-represented on the world stage at the Paris 2024 Summer Olympics — these are some locals to watch.
July 18, 2024
 · 
Laura Figi
Four different flavors of custard lined up on a wooden counter, topped with waffles and various toppings.
Food
Local treats to try on National Ice Cream Day
We’ve found a few National Ice Cream Day specials in Austin for you to try, so you can celebrate with a delicious sweet treat in-hand.
July 18, 2024
 · 
Laura Figi
The Austin skyline, as seen from between trees on the Ann and Roy Butler Hike-and-Bike Trail.
Food
Austin will soon be a Michelin Guide city
The Michelin Guide is expanding to Texas cities — including Austin, San Antonio, and Houston — with plans to award restaurants with stars later this year.
July 16, 2024
 · 
Laura Figi
A rendering of the interior with curvy textured walls, concrete floorings and an open kitchen + dining plan.
Real Estate
New slate of 3D-printed ICON homes coming to Wimberley
Available in four floorplans, the new homes are scheduled to break ground this summer as ICON’s most luxurious and largest to date.
July 16, 2024
 · 
Laura Figi
A view of moveable logs and steps for kids to play in front of a large oak tree.
Travel and Outdoors
Rainey Street Trailhead opens at the tip of the Ann and Roy Butler Hike-and-Bike Trail
The new park area has something for all Austinites — young and old — with play areas, seating, a dock, and access to the rest of the trail.
July 12, 2024
 · 
Laura Figi
The Guest House exterior awning, with the restaurant's logo, starry lights, plants, and upscale decor.
Sports
NFL Players will wait tables for Celebrity Waiter Night at The Guest House
The high-profile restaurant will bring in A-list football players to serve and socialize in support of the Fair Catch Foundation.
July 10, 2024
 · 
Laura Figi
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