Merrit Kennedy
Merrit Kennedy is a reporter for NPR's News Desk. She covers a broad range of issues, from the latest developments out of the Middle East to science research news.
Kennedy joined NPR in Washington, D.C., in December 2015, after seven years living and working in Egypt. She started her journalism career at the beginning of the Egyptian uprising in 2011 and chronicled the ousting of two presidents, eight rounds of elections, and numerous major outbreaks of violence for NPR and other news outlets. She has also worked as a reporter and television producer in Cairo for The Associated Press, covering Egypt, Yemen, Libya, and Sudan.
She grew up in Los Angeles, the Middle East, and places in between, and holds a bachelor's degree in international relations from Stanford University and a master's degree in international human rights law from The American University in Cairo.
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It's a bold look that has been compared to the masked Batman villain Bane — even by the Japanese organizers of the Tokyo Games. The mask is voluminous and is a nod to the host country, Japan. -
"the outpouring love & support I've received has made me realize I'm more than my accomplishments and gymnastics which I never truly believed before," Biles said in a tweet. -
The 24-year-old sprinter set an Olympic record in the blazing fast two-lap race, claiming his first-ever individual gold medal. It was a strong day in the pool for the U.S. -
Bobby Finke made up almost a second and a half in the final stretch of the 16 lap race, making up time and surging past the leaders to win the event at the Tokyo Olympics. -
The U.S. women's team took an early lead against the Russians and maintained it the entire game. The action unfolds over just 10 minutes — or the first to 21 points if that happens more quickly. -
"We wholeheartedly support Simone's decision and applaud her bravery in prioritizing her well-being," USA Gymnastics said in a statement. -
The top star of U.S. swimming hadn't had the start to the Games that she wanted. "I don't want anyone to feel sorry for me, or feel like silver or any other medal besides gold is a disappointment."
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Traditional basketball's scrappy cousin is making its Olympic debut in Tokyo, introducing the world to the dizzyingly fast, more compact play of the game of driveways and public parks. -
"I tried to go out here and have fun," the U.S. superstar said, "but once I came out here, I was like, 'no, mental is not there, so I just need to let the girls do it and focus on myself.'" -
Flora Duffy is one of two Bermudian athletes participating in the Tokyo Olympics. The remote set of islands in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean is more than 600 miles from the closest land mass.
