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Machado Skips Nobel Peace Prize Ceremony, Promises to Visit Oslo in the Future

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Machado Misses Nobel Peace Prize Ceremony, but Vows to Visit Oslo

Ana Corina Sosa, the daughter of the Venezuelan opposition leader María Corina Machado, accepted the Nobel Peace Prize on behalf of her mother, who was unable to arrive in Oslo ahead of the ceremony.

“I am very sad and very sorry to tell you that I won’t be able to arrive in time for the ceremony. But I will be in Oslo. I’m on my way to Oslo right now.” “During the past 16 months in clandestinity, we have built new networks of civic pressure and disciplined disobedience, preparing for Venezuela’s orderly transition to democracy. What we Venezuelans can offer the world is the lesson, forged through this long and difficult journey, that to have democracy, we must be willing to fight for freedom.”

Ana Corina Sosa, the daughter of the Venezuelan opposition leader María Corina Machado, accepted the Nobel Peace Prize on behalf of her mother, who was unable to arrive in Oslo ahead of the ceremony.

By Axel Boada

December 10, 2025

Economist Diane Swonk warns: Jerome Powell’s gamble on AI and immigration could harm Fed’s credibility

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Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell warned Wednesday afternoon that the U.S. labor market may be significantly weaker than the official data suggest. But according to KPMG chief economist Diane Swonk, the Fed may be drawing the wrong conclusion—and in doing so, risks undermining its hard-won credibility on fighting inflation.

In a new analysis shared with Fortune, Swonk argues that Powell is treating the slowdown in hiring as a sign of weakening demand that must be offset with lower interest rates. But if that weakness is being driven instead by structural forces—specifically, AI adoption and sharp declines in immigration—then cutting rates won’t fix the underlying problem and could worsen inflation.

“Powell risks the Fed’s inflation-fighting credibility if the weakness in employment is due more to AI and curbs in immigration than weak demand,” Swonk wrote.

That warning comes after one of the most contentious Federal Open Market Committee meetings in years. The Fed cut rates by a quarter point for the third meeting in a row, taking the federal funds rate down to 3.5%–3.75%, but the vote fractured the committee. Swonk notes it was the first time since 2019 that there were three dissents, and they came “in opposite directions.”

Governor Stephen Miran — currently on leave from the White House Council of Economic Advisers — voted for a half-point cut, while Kansas City Fed President Jeff Schmid and Chicago Fed President Austan Goolsbee voted to hold rates steady.

Swonk highlights that the Fed’s statement resurrected language meant to indicate a pause: “In considering the extent and timing of additional adjustments… the Committee will carefully assess incoming data, the evolving outlook and the balance of risks.” Powell reinforced that stance, saying “We are well positioned to see how the economy evolves” and emphasizing that policymakers would need to “be a bit skeptical” of data distorted by the government shutdown.

But the bigger issue, Swonk argues, is that Powell kept pointing to imminent downward revisions to employment, revisions she warns may not mean what the Fed thinks they do.

If job growth is negative because automation is replacing workers or because the labor force is shrinking due to immigration policy, then monetary policy can’t solve the problem. That’s because rate cuts can stimulate demand, but they cannot create workers or reverse automation decisions already made by firms. 

“The challenge is if that weakness is due to AI and curbs on immigration, then rate cuts will not do much to shore up the labor market. More could show up in inflation,” she wrote.

Powell, during the conference, acknowledged that AI may be “part of the story” behind the cooling labor market, citing major employers like Amazon that have linked hiring freezes and job cuts to automation. But he stressed that it’s “not a big part of the story yet,” and said it’s too early to know whether this wave of technological change will ultimately destroy more jobs than it creates.

He also noted that labor supply has “come down quite sharply” due to a drop in immigration and participation.

A misread could become especially dangerous given the fiscal backdrop. Swonk notes that “expansions to tax cuts last year will show up as a record high tax refunds in early 2026,” warning that the windfall could “further entrench inflation much like we saw in the wake of the pandemic.” 

At the same time, federal debt is projected to surpass GDP for the first time since World War II, marking a level of issuance that is “a lot of debt for bond markets to absorb.”

Swonk also flags mounting risks to credibility inside the Fed itself.

Six participants wanted to hold rates steady, and the market openly dismissed Powell’s attempt at a hawkish spin: investors “priced in more cuts after the meeting,” she notes. Powell now appears to be one of the more dovish voices on the committee, raising questions about the direction of policy if the administration installs a new chair aligned with Miran’s more aggressive easing stance.

Swonk expects the Fed to pause early next year, but warns that if inflation fails to cool as expected, “the bond market could grow more skittish about rate cuts.”

Opposition leader Maria Corina Machado from Venezuela was unable to attend the Nobel Peace Prize ceremony | Donald Trump

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NewsFeed

Right-wing opposition leader Maria Corina Machado was missing from the ceremony awarding her this year’s Nobel Peace Prize. She’s been in hiding for the past year since she accused Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro of rigging the July 2024 election.

Gene Simmons calls for US Congress to close loophole allowing radio stations to use recordings without payment

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KISS frontman Gene Simmons has urged the US Congress to pass a bill that would require US broadcast radio stations to pay royalties for the use of recordings for the first time.

“American artists have never been paid for radio airplay. Not one cent,” Simmons said in prepared remarks in front of the Senate Judiciary Committee’s subcommittee on intellectual property on Tuesday (December 9).

“Let me say that again: Frank Sinatra, Elvis Presley, Whitney Houston, Garth Brooks, George Strait – none of them ever got a royalty check when their songs played on the radio. Meanwhile, radio made $14 billion this year.”

The US has long followed a practice under which broadcast radio stations pay music publishers and songwriters for the use of a composition, but they don’t pay artists and producers for the use of a recording. That sets the US apart from most developed countries, where terrestrial radio stations pay for both compositions and recordings.

It also stands in stark contrast to other music media, such as streaming services and satellite radio, which do pay for recordings in the US.

“They play our songs. People tune in to hear our songs. Advertisers pay big money to reach those listeners. And the artists who created the music that makes it all work? They get bupkis. I don’t know about you, but where I come from, that’s called robbery,” Simmons said.

“American artists have never been paid for radio airplay. Not one cent.”

Gene Simmons

Simmons appeared in front of the committee in support of the American Music Fairness Act, a proposed law that had stalled in previous congressional sessions and was reintroduced in Congress this past January by Sen. Marsha Blackburn, a Tennessee Republican, and Rep. Darrell Issa, a California Republican.

The bill would establish a performance right for recordings played on terrestrial radio, mandating that artists, performers, producers and others involved in the creation of a recording be paid a fair market rate for radio airplay.

At times Simmons strayed from his prepared remarks, declaring that “if you are against this bill, you are un-American,” and adding, per Rolling Stone: “Our emissaries to the world are Elvis and Frank Sinatra. And when they find out we’re not treating our stars right — in other words, worse than slaves; slaves get food and water. Elvis and Sinatra and Bing Crosby got nothing for their performance. You’ve got to change this now.”

Simmons, who just this past Sunday received Kennedy Center Honors in Washington, DC, along with his KISS bandmates. appeared in the Senate alongside Michael Huppe, President and CEO of digital performance royalty collection org SoundExchange, who urged Congress “to finally close this glaring loophole in our copyright law which has been giving one of the oldest music delivery platforms a free ride for far too long.”

“We are in the company of the most notorious abusers of property rights in the world – joining North Korea, Iran, and Cuba.”

Michael Huppe, SoundExchange

Huppe noted that the current practice puts the US in bad company.

“Even Russia and China pay,” he said. “We are in the company of the most notorious abusers of property rights in the world – joining North Korea, Iran, and Cuba.”

The Recording Academy, which has thrown its weight behind the bill, notes that “when American music is played overseas, other countries collect royalties for American artists – approximately $200 million annually – but never pay those royalties because the US does not reciprocate with our own performance right.”

The bill is currently under consideration by the Senate Judiciary Committee and has yet to come to a vote. Simmons told the subcommittee that he’s “confident” President Donald Trump will sign it into law if it passes through the Senate and House.Music Business Worldwide

Iceland Joins Four Other Countries in Boycotting Eurovision

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Mark Savage,Music correspondentand

Ian Youngs,Culture reporter

Getty Images The pop band VÆB represented Iceland at the 2025 Eurovision Song ContestGetty Images

The pop band VÆB represented Iceland at the 2025 Eurovision Song Contest

Iceland has joined Spain, Ireland, Slovenia and the Netherlands in saying it will boycott the 2026 Eurovision Song Contest.

All five countries have withdrawn after Israel’s participation in the competition was officially confirmed last week.

Stefan Eiriksson, director-general of Icelandic national broadcaster RÚV, said: “There is no peace or joy connected to this contest as things stand now. On that basis, first and foremost, we are stepping back while the situation is as it is.”

RÚV said Israel’s participation had “created disunity among both members of the European Broadcasting Union (EBU) and the general public”.

The broadcaster’s board agreed the decision at a meeting on Wednesday, hours before the deadline for countries to confirm whether they will join what’s supposed to be a celebratory 70th anniversary edition of the song contest next May.

Iceland was believed to be the last remaining country to announce its decision.

Eurovision director Martin Green said: “We respect the decision of all broadcasters who have chosen not to participate in next year’s Eurovision Song Contest and hope to welcome them back soon.”

Reuters JJ holding aloft the trophy in celebration at Eurovision 2025 in front of a giant colourful Eurovision Song Contest branded backdropReuters

The next contest is due to be held in Vienna in May 2026 after Austrian singer JJ triumphed at this year’s event

Israel’s presence at Eurovision has been an increasing source of tension, because of the war in Gaza and concerns about the voting and campaigning processes, including accusations that Israel’s government tried to influence the public vote at this year’s event.

A new raft of measures designed to protect the integrity of the vote was approved at an EBU summit last week, after which most countries confirmed they would travel to Vienna for the 2026 contest.

The Icelandic broadcaster’s board had previously approved a recommendation to ask the EBU to ban Israel from Eurovision 2026.

Iceland was reportedly among seven countries that then requsted a vote at the EBU general meeting on Israel’s participation.

That request was denied, and Israel’s future participation was instead effectively tied to a ballot on the new voting and campaigning rules.

The Icelandic broadcaster said that while the new measures addressed many of its concerns, it “believes that there are still doubts whether the agreed adjustments would be fully satisfactory”.

“RÚV has repeadly raised concerns that various Icelandic stakeholders, such as artist associations and the general public, were opposed to participation in the contest.

“Furthermore, RÚV had requested the EBU to exclude [Israeli public broadcaster] KAN from the contest in accordance to precedents.

“It is a complex matter which has already damaged the contest’s reputation and EBU, emphasizing the necessity of a solution for all concerned parties.”

EPA Israel's Yuval Raphael performs the song 'New Day Will Rise' during the dress rehearsal for the second semi-final of the 69th Eurovision Song Contest (ESC) in Basel, Switzerland, 14 May 2025.EPA

Israel’s Yuval Raphael topped the public vote at Eurovision 2025 and finished second overall after jury scores were included

According to a transcript of Thursday’s meeting supplied by KAN, the broadcaster’s chief executive Golan Yochpaz criticised those trying to get Israel thrown out.

“The attempt to remove KAN from the contest can only be understood as a cultural boycott,” he said. “A boycott may begin today with Israel, but no one knows where it will end or who else it may harm.

“Is this what we truly want this contest to be remembered for on its 70th anniversary?”

Israel has taken part in Eurovision since 1973 because KAN, its public broadcaster, is a member of the EBU, which organises the competition.

Israel has won four times, most recently in 2018, and came second in the 2025 contest.

Iceland has never won but came second in 1999 and 2009.

Poland ‘giving Eurovision a chance’

Meanwhile, Poland confirmed on Wednesday that it will take part in next year’s contest.

“We are aware of the scale of tensions surrounding the upcoming edition. We understand the emotions and concerns,” broadcaster TVP said.

“However, we believe that Eurovision still has a chance to once again become a space filled with music – and only music.

“We are giving it that chance, just as the vast majority of EBU members are.”

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TRX Gold’s Earnings Call Transcript Reveals Missed EPS Forecast, Stock Rises in Premarket Trading for Q4 2025

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Earnings call transcript: TRX Gold misses EPS forecast, stock up premarket Q4 2025

Judge permits release of Epstein grand jury records from 2019

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BBC Breaking NewsBBC

A federal judge in New York has ruled the US Department of Justice can publicly release grand jury records from Jeffrey Epstein’s 2019 sex trafficking case.

US District Judge Richard Berman’s ruling reverses his previous decision to keep the material sealed. He cited a new law passed by Congress requiring the justice department to release files about Epstein by the end of next week.

Esptein was charged with sex trafficking in July 2019. He died in a New York prison cell a month later while awaiting trail.

The latest ruling comes a day after another judge made a similar ruling in the case of Ghislaine Maxwell, who was convicted in 2021 for her role in facilitating Epstein’s abuse.

This breaking news story is being updated and more details will be published shortly. Please refresh the page for the fullest version.

You can receive Breaking News on a smartphone or tablet via the BBC News App. You can also follow @BBCBreaking on X to get the latest alerts.

Check out 24 Winter and 2026 Swim Camps That Could Be Your Next Favorite

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By Gold Medal Mel Stewart on SwimSwam

These swim camps are headed by some of the best coaches in swimming. Stay tuned. More swim camps will be listed soon.

2025 Sergio Lopez Winter Breaststroke Swim Camp – Sign Up Today

Come join 4-time Olympic Coach and 1988 Bronze medalist, Sergio Lopez, as he teaches you the techniques and drills that have helped Olympians and World Ranked Swimmers around the world.

2026 Gator Swim Camp – Sign Up Today

The University of Florida GATOR SWIM CAMPS are developmental camps designed to teach swimmers proper technique and provide quality training to swimmers of ALL abilities between 8 and 18 years old. The camps emphasize technical skills, training habits, and mental preparation as well as the importance of health and fitness in a structured, fun, and enthusiastic Gator environment. Campers will interact with Olympic Gold Medalists, World and NCAA Champions, as well as Olympic and World Championship coaches.

2026 Alabama Swim Camps/Clinics – Sign Up Today

The University of Alabama swimming and diving program has a rich history of success, spanning all the way back to 1960, as the Tide has produced 57 Olympians, 27 National Champions and 301 SEC Champions. Building off that foundation, head coach Margo Geer continues to push the program to new heights in her five years at the helm of the Crimson Tide. The Crimson Tide would like to extend an opportunity for athletes to grow and develop their skills at our upcoming clinics/camps. Each session is focused on developing a well-rounded athlete, with focus both in and out of the water, featuring the same tactics used to train collegiate swimmers daily. These include but are not limited to:

2026 Stanford Swim Camps- Sign Up Today

Located between San Francisco and San Jose, in the heart of Silicon Valley, the 2026 Stanford Swim Camps are directed by Dan Schemmel and Marcus Noto Guttmann and are designed to help competitive swimmers from around the world improve their stroke technique.

Campers receive concentrated instruction on all four strokes along with starts and turns at Stanford’s Avery Aquatics Center located on the beautiful Stanford University campus. Upon arrival, campers are placed in groups with other swimmers that have similar abilities and goals. Our camp staff does their best to accommodate your needs, keeping in consideration your experience and desire to improve.

2026 Michigan Swim Camps – Sign Up Today

The University of Michigan has a rich history of training Olympic gold medalists, NCAA champions and Big Ten champions, having been represented at 24 of the Olympic Games dating back to 1904. Michigan Swimmers and Divers account for 201 NCAA individual championships, 12 NCAA team championships, over 100 Big Ten individual championships and 64 Big Ten team championships. At Michigan, our mantra is: It’s not every 4 years, its every day! This mentality helps our athletes train at an elite level each and every day and is the cornerstone of our success!

2026 Aggie Swim Camps – Sign Up Today

Thank you for registering for the 2026 season of the Aggie Swim Camp at Texas A&M University! We are looking forward to providing you with an exciting, unforgettable experience where you will improve your technique, make life-long friends and have a great time! Please review the information below. Please reach out to the Camp Director at aggieswimcamp@athletics.tamu.edu with any questions.

2026 Neal Studd Swim Camp @ Florida State University – Sign Up Today

The Neal Studd Swim Camp at Florida State University is a camp that focuses on giving each swimmer aged 7-17 the tools to improve their overall technique. The camp focuses on fitness, stroke technique, starts, turns, nutrition and mental training. Each camper will receive specific instruction on all 4 strokes, turns and starts. There will be classroom sessions on these principles as well as talks on nutrition. We will also have champion swimmers come in to talk to our campers. Our goal each session is to give your camper the tools to improve their swimming as well as give them a renewed love of the sport! We love to hear from our campers each year, that they have a “renewed love of the sport” and/or that they “were so excited to drop time”.

2026 Bulldog Swim Camp – Sign Up Today

Located on Yale’s campus in New Haven, CT, the Bulldog Swim Camp is designed to help competitive swimmers from all over to improve their technique, training, and mindset. Campers have the opportunity to stay overnight in Yale Residential Colleges, eat at Yale Dining Halls, and be coached by members of the Yale coaching staff! Campers receive skill-specific instruction on all four strokes, starts, turns, and underwaters.

2026 Northwestern Summer Swim Camps – Sign Up Today

At Northwestern Swim Camps, we are committed to teaching the skills that young swimmers need to move forward in the sport.  These camps will be focused on specific skills, and we will hone those skills until they are learned from the inside out. While teaching specifics, we will also harness technology for immediate feedback for the swimmers.  Seeing progress will encourage a continuing learning process.  We will be using the GoSwim Swim Better app for performance data evaluation. All camps are designed and led by Northwestern University Director of Women’s and Men’s Swimming and Diving, Rachel Stratton-Mills and US Olympian Glenn Mills.

2026 University of Northern Colorado Swimming Camps – Sign Up Today

UNC Swimming Camps are designed to teach athletes the technical aspects of swimming to help them achieve success at the next level. We keep our swimmer  to coach ratio low so that each of our campers can receive an optimal amount of feedback during their time on campus. We group athletes  according to skill level and are able to accommodate swimmers of all levels. Our focused instruction and motivational approach make swimming fun and teaches our campers how to get the most out of our sport.

2026 Total Performance Swim Camps at Kenyon College – SAVE THE DATE

DANI KORMAN: “Our mission at TPSC is to encourage swimmers to exceed their expectations! Our staff is committed to every camper learning and growing as a swimmer and as a person. We believe a camp experience is important to youth development. We build upon our 40 plus years of swim camps and continue striving to provide the safest possible learning experience for every participant. Please do not hesitate to reach out with any questions you have at tpsc@kenyon.edu. We look forward to welcoming you to TPSC in June 2026!

2026 Ohio State Swimming Gold Medal Camps and Clinics – SAVE THE DATE

These clinics will provide each camper with the best opportunity to enhance their skills while focusing on the technical details of each stroke from a Gold Medal producing program and staff.  Bill Dorenkott, who has over 30 years of experience as a head coach at the collegiate level, enters his 16th overall season at Ohio State in 2023-24; he enters his seventh season as the Director of Swimming & Diving after spending nine seasons working with the women’s team exclusively. His programs are among the best, if not the best, in the Big Ten Conference.

2026 Bolles Swim Camp – SAVE THE DATE

For over 46 years, the Bolles School Sharks have set the standard for excellence in swimming, both nationally and internationally. At Bolles Swim Camps, athletes immerse themselves in this Tradition of Excellence while mastering elite skills in a supportive and focused environment. With a legacy that includes hundreds of All-Americans, national champions, and Olympians, our camps build on this foundation by offering comprehensive training that covers advanced technique, intentional workouts, goal setting, and college recruiting insights. Whether through our immersive month-long Team Boarding Experience or small-group driven Elite Camps, swimmers are invited to become part of the Bolles legacy and take their performance to the next level.

2026 SPIRE  Swim Camps – SAVE THE DATE

A unique, cutting-edge environment for swimmers wanting a competitive advantage. Camps focus on all technical aspects of racing and are designed to specifically develop the four competitive strokes plus starts, turns, transitions and finishes. Stroke technique, efficiency and speed will all improve. SPIRE Performance Training is included and designed to develop core strength, power and flexibility.

2026 Navy Elite Swim Camps – SAVE THE DATE

Navy Sports Camps are offered throughout the year on the iconic campus of the United States Naval Academy located within walking distance of shops, restaurants, and hotels in historic Annapolis, MD. Just like our student-athletes and coaches, Navy Sports Camps are the BEST of the BEST. Every camper will have the opportunity to learn from the coaching staff, develop new relationships, and understand what it takes to be a Navy student-athlete. It is truly a one-of-a-kind camp experience; we look forward to seeing YOU soon!

2026 Navy Swim Camps – SAVE THE DATE

Our most important goal is to provide you the very best in individual instruction and evaluation, camper experience, and safety/supervision. The purpose of our camp is to offer you with a unique and awesome environment to learn as well as develop your competitive strokes including all related starts, turns and finishes. Navy Swimming Camp is a stroke-intensive camp. You will receive individual attention. Additional training sessions are offered for those desiring to improve conditioning while at camp. Video analysis, dry land activities designed to improve individual fitness levels, performance, training, goal-setting and leadership presentations, are all part of a full schedule in 2025.

2026 Penn State Swim Camps – SAVE THE DATES (June 28th Through July 2nd 2026)

Penn State Swim Competitive Training & Technique Camp is designed to focus on the fundamentals of technique, training, and performance.  This camp will emphasize the skills, in and out of the water, that will allow swimmers to improve their competitive swimming experience.  Each swimmer will receive specific instruction on all facets of a competitive race as well as workout fundamentals and tips. Workouts are structured to improve stroke technique with a combination of drills, skills, and training.  Campers will have one of the most comprehensive and up-to-date training camp experiences available in the United States.

2026 Auburn War Eagle Swim Camps – 2026 DATES ARE TBA

Head Coach Ryan Wochomurka will lead the Auburn swim camps, along with Auburn’s coaching staff, special guest Rowdy Gaines, and a qualified staff of coaches, counselors and collegiate swimmers. Coach Wochomurka and his staff will feature the following that have helped the Auburn program win 13 NCAA AND 23 SEC Championships…

2026 Western Colorado University High Altitude Swim Camps – SAVE THE DATE (June 19-23 2026)

Mountaineer High Altitude Training Camps offer the most unique training experience in the country. Each athlete will receive a free camp T-shirt & swim cap. Additionally, meals will be provided & athletes will be lodged in college dorm rooms. All attendees will get to meet with collegiate athletes! Camps will focus on teaching, refining, and reinforcing elite swimming techniques as well as aerobic-based training. Swimmers will walk away with a deeper understanding of their strokes as well as their starts, turns, and finishes.

2026 Nic Askew Swim & Dive Camp – SAVE THE DATE

Thank you for visiting the official website of Nic Askew Swim & Dive Camp. Nic Askew Swim & Dive Camps are led by Nic Askew and the Swim & Dive Camp staff.  Special Hotel rate now offered with our Hotel partner, the Cambria Hotel DC, Convention Center.  The Cambria is one of DC’s most sought-after hotels during the Summer.  Located conveniently near Howard University and all DC attractions, you are guaranteed to be in the right spot for your visit to the Nation’s Capital.  Limited rooms are available on a first come first served basis..

Discover the Ultimate Aquatic Experience at ONEflow Aquatics in Somabay, Egypt

Welcome to ONEflow Aquatics, the premier destination for swim camps in the heart of Somabay, Egypt. Our state-of-the-art aquatics center redefines excellence, offering world-class swimming facilities, cutting-edge fitness equipment, and an unmatched atmosphere of tranquility by the stunning Red Sea.

Altitude Training Opportunities at Pikes Peak Athletics Training Center

Pikes Peak Athletics Training Center (PPATC), the premier swim training facility in Colorado Springs, is welcoming college and club swim teams for altitude training trips, with expanded lane availability December 20–27. Located at 6,000 feet elevation, PPATC offers a state-of-the-art pool and training center designed to maximize performance in and out of the water. Visiting teams have access to dedicated lane space, strength/dryland options, and a high-performance environment supported by experienced staff who understand the unique demands of altitude training. Based in the same city as the U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Training Center and surrounded by Colorado’s outdoor recreation and competitive swimming culture, PPATC is an ideal destination for teams seeking to combine high-quality training with the benefits of training at elevation.

Looking For A Swim Camp?

Fitter and Faster  has the most impactful swim camps for the competitive swimming community. In 2023 Fitter & Faster will produce 450 swim camps for competitive swimmers throughout North America. Each swim camp is created to be a world-class learning experience that meets the needs of prospective participants…and exceeds their expectations. Competitive swimmers of all ages and abilities; their parents and coaches benefit from Fitter & Faster’s exceptional learning experiences  in-person and online.

2026 Race Club Swim Camps – Sign Up Today

Our mission is to promote swimming through sport, lifelong enjoyment, and good health benefits. Our objective is for each member of The Race Club to improve his or her swimming performances, health, and self-esteem through our educational programs, services, and creativity.

MORE CAMPS WILL BE LOADED SOON….

All Swim Camps are SwimSwam ad partners. If you wish to appear on the SwimSwam.com Swim Camp Channel, contact us for details. 

SwimSwam leverages Swim Camps to social media @SwimSwamNEWS Twitter (with 116,000+ followers), SwimSwam Facebook (with 748,000+ followers) and @SwimSwamNEWS on Instagram (with 450,000 followers).  We’ve learned that Swim Camps are important to our audience. They like knowing what Swim Camps are available in our big swimming family.

Read the full story on SwimSwam: See 24 Swim Camps You Might Love This Winter and in 2026

Inflamed Patients Experience Significant Reduction in Depression with Anti-Inflammatories

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There’s a well-established link between depression and chronic low-grade inflammation. Now, a new meta-study shows that treating the inflammation can reduce depression in two ways, offering a potential alternative to antidepressants and their side effects.

Since the 1980s, the link between depression and inflammation has been known, although it has more or less remained a kind of chicken-and-egg situation. Do people suffering from chronic inflammation become depressed because of effects like pain, fatigue, and repeated colds, or do they have depression which then leads the body to become inflamed? And in either case, could treating inflammation also treat depression?

Previous studies have been mixed on the issue, although it is now generally accepted that if a person’s depressive symptoms are brought on exclusively by inflammation, then yes, treating it can help.

Backing up this idea is new research out of Brigham and Women’s Hospital. Researchers there felt that many previous studies looking at how anti-inflammatory treatments fought depression were flawed because they examined the use of such treatments over a wide range of depressed individuals – not necessarily people who were both depressed and suffering from chronic inflammation.

So they conducted a meta-analysis in which they found 11 different studies where it was confirmed that the study participants had both chronic inflammation and depression and were then treated with anti-inflammatories. That honed their meta-study down to a relatively small group of 321 participants. Still, they found promising results.

“We found that anti-inflammatory medications significantly reduced both depressive symptom severity and anhedonia at the study endpoint,” says study lead Naoise Mac Giollabhui. Anhedonia is a common symptom of depression in which people have a decreased ability to feel pleasure.

In their analysis, the researchers found a Hedges’ g of 0.4 for anhedonia. That’s basically a standardized measure of how much better the treatment group did compared to the placebo group. In practical terms, if you randomly picked someone from each group, the person on the anti-inflammatory treatment would report improved symptoms roughly 60% of the time.

For overall depressive symptoms, the Hedges’ g value came in at 0.35.

While Giollabhui says that his team’s study does, in fact, confirm that anti-inflammatories given to depressed individuals who have “dysregulated immune systems” can improve their symptoms, he feels more research is needed.

“There’s a lot of work that needs to be done to develop immune biomarkers that more accurately identify who will benefit from anti-inflammatory treatment for depression and to develop treatment approaches that selectively target dysfunctional inflammatory physiology,” he concludes. “At the moment, some of the more potent anti-inflammatory medications have serious side-effects that make them sub-optimal for use in a clinical setting.”

The study has been published in the American Journal of Psychiatry.

Source: Mass General Brigham