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The Freebird app allows people to earn rewards for using rideshare apps. (Laura Figi)
Are your rideshare apps making your wallet hurt? Freebird, a new app relaunching in Austin, could reward you for taking a ride to a local business.
The free app has two goals: Drive traffic to local businesses and reward rideshare passengers for doing so.
From Los Angeles, Freebird is launching in Austin as the first city since the pandemic. The Freebird app connects to rideshare apps like Uber and Lyft and gives passengers points for taking rides to local businesses. The points add up to be rewards and perks for participating places.
"During the pandemic, Austin received more Bay Area transplants than any other urban area. This huge influx of transplants continues to fuel an ever-expanding nightlife scene in Austin and we want to play a role in this growth," Freebird CEO Kurt Brendlinger said. "So we built an app that's all about discovering new venues, enjoying worry-free fun, and earning rewards for going out."
The app is already being used in LA and Boston, where Brendlinger said the company saw "a lot of momentum" and led to a national expansion. Brendlinger said if success is seen in Austin, the company will expand to other markets.
Local businesses that partner with Freebird can hold promotions for riders with customized offers.
A few of the app's current offers include a $5 reward at Kinda Tropical, 3501 E. 7th St., when you spend $15, and a $5 reward at Indian Roller, 10006 Menchaca Road, or Emmer & Rye, 51 Rainey Street. Locations that sell alcohol may offer discounts on safe rides home "when they need them most."
Brendlinger said one of the app's goals is to help revitalize the food and entertainment industry after weathering a harsh year due to COVID-19.
"Freebird is a platform that supports Austin's bar and restaurant industry by driving guests to their businesses," Brendlinger said. "We're working with merchants to drive customer traffic and support revenue recovery post-COVID."
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Peyton and Eli Manning's nephew Arch Manning has committed to the University of Texas. (Arch Manning/Twitter)
Arch Manning, the latest prospect in the Manning football family and No. 1 recruit in the class of 2023, has committed to the University of Texas.
Manning is the nephew of Eli and Peyton Manning and the son of Cooper Manning, a former wide receiver for Ole Miss. The Manning football legacy began with Archie Manning, Arch Manning's grandfather and namesake who played for the New Orleans Saints throughout the 1970s.
Committed to the University of Texas. #HookEmpic.twitter.com/jHYbjBaF5K
— Arch Manning (@ArchManning) June 23, 2022
Manning joins head Texas football coach Steve Sarkisian's program after a disappointing 5-7 first season. Manning, who has been the starting quarterback at New Orlean's Newman High School since he was a freshman, was the No. 1 recruit in the 2023 class, according to 247sports.
Manning had plenty of SEC suitors, including Georgia, Alabama and LSU, but committed to Texas after a recent visit to Austin.
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(U.S. Marshals Service)
The Lone Star Fugitive Task Force has found the Jeep belonging to Kaitlin Armstrong, the accused murderer of professional cyclist Moriah “Mo” Wilson.
Armstrong is suspected to have killed Wilson—who was visiting Austin for a race in Hico, Texas last month—in a crime of passion after Wilson met up with her short-term ex-boyfriend Colin Strickland.
The Task Force said the black Jeep Cherokee was sold to a South Austin CarMax dealership on May 13, one day after being questioned by the Austin Police Department, for $12,200.
Armstrong was spotted at Austin-Bergstrom International Airport the next day, en route to LaGuardia Airport, but officials said they lost her trail after she was dropped off at Newark Liberty International Airport on May 18.
Investigators were unable to find any flight reservations under the name “Kaitlin Armstrong” and believe she may be using her sister’s name, Christine.
The case has been designated as a U.S. Marshals Service major case, which brings in more resources to the investigation; officials consider Armstrong dangerous. According to an anonymous tipster, Armstrong became “furious,” when she found out about Wilson and Strickland’s meeting and wanted to “kill” her.
Authorities believe the longer Armstrong is evading arrest, the more dangerous she may become, so anyone who sees her is encouraged to call 911 instead of approaching her. A $6,000 reward, along with an additional $15,000 from an anonymous donor, has been issued for information leading to her capture.
