Connect with us

Austin, TX

Olympian Tony Azevedo urges Austin ISD to keep water polo

Published

on

Olympian Tony Azevedo urges Austin ISD to keep water polo


A five-time Olympian is speaking out against Austin ISD’s proposal to eliminate its water polo program.

Tony Azevedo, a silver medalist and CEO of 68 Sports, said Texas has become the fastest-growing state for water polo and is on the verge of producing its first Olympic-level players from the region.

“For the first time, you have 30 to 40 players playing Division I,II, III college water polo across the board,” Azevedo said. “And for the first time, you have multiple players on national teams, where probably in this or maybe the next Olympics, you will have your first Texas Olympic water polo player.”

Austin ISD is weighing whether to cut its water polo program as part of a broader effort to close a $181 million budget deficit. The proposal, which would save $89,000, is set for a final board vote June 18. Students and parents have pushed back, arguing the district is unfairly targeting the sport.

Advertisement

PREVIOUS COVERAGE | Austin ISD athletes ask district to reconsider cutting water polo teams

Azevedo said eliminating the program would effectively bar athletes from ever competing at higher levels, arguing water polo cannot simply be picked up outside of an organized team setting the way other sports can.

“If you take water polo from these athletes, every single athlete you’re taking the sport away from doesn’t have a chance to succeed in our sport,” he said. “And that’s the bottom line.”

He also raised concerns about equity, warning that eliminating the high school program would leave club sports as the only option.

“Only the rich can play this sport,” Azevedo said of a club-only model. “Only the ones who have the money to go and pay for the club to travel.”

Advertisement

Azevedo said the sport carries benefits that extend beyond athletics, including water safety and mental health. He argued cutting it sends the wrong message to young athletes whose sports don’t generate revenue.

“Our kids should all be given the opportunity and equality to play whatever sport they want,” he said.

He urged parents across Texas to speak up before the board’s vote.

“Talk about how important the sport is to you and why it’s important to your kids,” Azevedo said.

The Austin ISD Board of Trustees is scheduled to vote on the budget proposal June 18.

Advertisement



Source link

Austin, TX

Velocity Credit Union Announces Relocation and Grand Opening of New Southwest Austin Branch

Published

on

Velocity Credit Union Announces Relocation and Grand Opening of New Southwest Austin Branch


AUSTIN, Texas, June 11, 2026 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — Velocity Credit Union is proud to celebrate the opening of its new Southwest Austin branch, a modern, expanded facility designed to better serve its growing membership across Central Texas. Located at 3419 Davis Lane, Austin, TX 78745, the full-service branch opened in late May and offers enhanced convenience, expanded services, and a welcoming space for members and the community.

Image caption: Photo caption: Velocity Credit Union’s new modern, expanded Southwest Austin branch is located at 3419 Davis Lane, Austin, TX 78745.

The new location replaces Velocity’s former Southwest Austin branch at 4220 S. Lamar Blvd., Suite 100, Austin, TX 78704, as part of the credit union’s continued investment in serving members where they live, work, and thrive.

To mark the opening, Velocity Credit Union hosted a grand opening celebration featuring special product offers, including loan and mortgage discounts, promotional certificate rates, exclusive sweepstakes giveaways, and opportunities for members and community partners to tour the new branch.

Advertisement

Designed with Members in Mind:

The new Southwest Austin location reflects Velocity’s continued commitment to delivering convenient, modern financial services in a welcoming and flexible environment.

Members will enjoy:

  • Two ITM drive-thru lanes offering 24/7 ATM access or live teller service during business hours
  • A spacious, comfortable branch layout designed for flexibility and a stress-free experience
  • Private offices for confidential conversations about loans, accounts, or financial planning
  • Expanded services to support everything from everyday transactions to complex financial needs

“This new location represents an important investment in our members and our community,” said Debbie Mitchell, President & CEO. “As Central Texas continues to grow, we are committed to growing with it—providing innovative solutions, expanded access, and personalized service every step of the way.”

The new branch will also offer expanded hours for greater convenience:

Lobby Hours
Monday–Friday: 9:00 a.m.–6:00 p.m.
Saturday: 9:00 a.m.–2:00 p.m.

Advertisement

Drive-Thru Hours
Monday–Friday: 7:30 a.m.–6:00 p.m.
Saturday: 9:00 a.m.–2:00 p.m.

Velocity Credit Union looks forward to welcoming members to this modern facility and continuing help them manage their financial lives with the trusted, personalized service they expect.

For more information, visit: https://www.velocitycu.com/.

About Velocity Credit Union

Velocity Credit Union has served Central Texans for more than 75 years with a mission to provide exceptional financial products, personal service, and support for the communities it serves. Membership is open to those who live or work in the five-county Austin area. Velocity Credit Union is federally insured by the National Credit Union Administration. Equal Housing Lender.

Advertisement

Photo 300dpi: https://www.velocitycu.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Velocity-Southwest-Austin-Branch-4×6-1.jpg

Photo caption: Velocity Credit Union’s new modern, expanded Southwest Austin branch is located at 3419 Davis Lane, Austin, TX 78745.

News Source: Velocity Credit Union



Source link

Advertisement
Continue Reading

Austin, TX

Crash closes US 290 at Fitzhugh Road in both directions in Austin

Published

on

Crash closes US 290 at Fitzhugh Road in both directions in Austin


AUSTIN (KXAN) – Both directions of U.S. Highway 290 at Fitzhugh Road are closed due to a crash, according to TxDOT.

Details about the crash and any injuries were not immediately available.

Drivers are urged to avoid the area and seek alternate routes while crews work to clear the roadway.

Advertisement



Source link

Continue Reading

Austin, TX

Karmelo Anthony sentenced to 35 years in fatal stabbing of Austin Metcalf at Frisco track meet | Houston Public Media

Published

on

Karmelo Anthony sentenced to 35 years in fatal stabbing of Austin Metcalf at Frisco track meet | Houston Public Media


Collin County Courthouse in McKinney. (Tony Gutierrez | AP)

A Collin County jury sentenced 19-year-old Karmelo Anthony to 35 years in prison Tuesday for the murder of 17-year-old Austin Metcalf at a Frisco track meet last year.

It came just hours after Anthony was found guilty of murder in the fatal stabbing. He faced up to life in prison.

Jurors had the option of finding him guilty of manslaughter or murder if they didn’t find him not guilty. The two charges are distinguished by intent. Murder means the jury believed Anthony “knowingly” caused Metcalf’s death.

During the trial’s punishment phase, Anthony’s mother Kayla Hayes asked the jury for mercy.

Advertisement

“He’s my oldest, he’s my first born, he will always be my baby,” she said. “I love him very much.”

She was asked if she believed her son had any regrets.

“Yes, I know my son,” she said. “He’s very sorry for what he did.”

“Please have mercy on my son,” she added.

During closing arguments in the punishment phase, Anthony’s defense attorney Mike Howard acknowledged how difficult the decision was for the jury and asked them to consider sudden passion in determining their punishment. They don’t have to be sure, he said — they only need to believe Anthony felt terror in the moment.

Advertisement

“I can only ask you to consider both sides, to follow your hearts, and to follow the law,” he said.

Prosecutor attorney Bill Wirskye argued in response that sudden passion, by definition, “does not apply to this case and this set of facts.”

He asked the jury to consider a life sentence, telling jurors, “mercy to the guilty is cruelty to the innocent.”

“Regardless of what you do today, plenty of life sentences have already been handed out in this case,” he said to the jury.

The decision comes after both sides rested their case Monday afternoon. Anthony’s defense lasted two days and ended without him taking the stand. Prosecutors argued the stabbing was an unjustified attack on Metcalf, while the defense said Anthony acted in self defense.

Advertisement

The case has drawn national attention and controversy over the race of both teens. Anthony is Black and victim was white. None of the jurors were Black.

Several schools were competing when Anthony sat under the Memorial High School tent that was perched in the bleachers. Metcalf and others had repeatedly told Anthony to leave, witnesses testified, leading to an escalating confrontation.

During the nearly weeklong trial, prosecutors said that Anthony provoked Metcalf, and witnesses have testified that Anthony was the aggressor.

Anthony at one point reached inside a bag and replied: “Touch me and see what happens,” according to a police report.

Metcalf pushed Anthony, according to witnesses, who said Anthony then pulled out a knife and stabbed him in the chest. The teens, both from Frisco, didn’t know each other.

Advertisement

The trial drew lines of spectators hoping to find seats in the gallery and unfolded amid heavy security at the Collin County courthouse. As police officers watched Tuesday, dozens of people stood outside the courthouse in 90 degree heat to await the verdict. There were wails of grief from one woman — “This isn’t real!” — when the result became known.

Got a tip? Email Emily DeMotte at edemotte@kera.org or Dylan Duke at dduke@kera.org.

KERA News is made possible through the generosity of our members. If you find this reporting valuable, consider making a tax-deductible gift today. Thank you.



Source link

Advertisement
Continue Reading
Advertisement

Trending