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.
-
The elements of the bouquet carry a deeper story, and they are years in the making. They're meant to symbolize the country rising from the devastating earthquake and tsunami in 2011. -
When a U.S. beach volleyball player tested positive for coronavirus, his teammate needed to find another partner before their first Olympic match. So far, it's working. -
Australia's Ariarne Titmus narrowly edged her out of gold in the 400 meter freestyle final. Ledecky, the biggest star of U.S. swimming, has a fierce rivalry with Titmus. -
A few stumbles from U.S. gymnasts – including from star Simone Biles – allowed Russia's team to take the lead. The U.S. is the heavy favorite. Russia came out one point ahead with the total team score -
18-year-old Ahmed Hafnaoui seemed stunned by the result. "I just can't accept that — it is too incredible," he said after his victory in the 400 meter freestyle event. -
It was a stunning upset. Underdog Sara Sorribes Tormo, from Spain, beat Australia's Ash Barty in straight sets. Barty won Wimbledon just two weeks ago. -
Team USA athletes won medals in every final swimming event of the day. 27-year-old Chase Kalisz won the only gold, in the men's 400 meter individual medley race. -
Dutch rower Finn Florijn had already raced and was scheduled to compete again on Saturday when his positive test came back. "Now it's over in an instant," he said. -
The Serbian tennis star is aiming for a "golden slam" — meaning winning all four major tournaments and an Olympic gold medal in a single year. No male tennis player has ever done it. -
A 21-year-old woman from China came out on top in the 10-meter air rifle competition. Qian Yang narrowly beat out a competitor from Russia and beamed as she held up her gold medal.
