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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"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. -
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. -
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. -
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. -
The fanfare and celebration unfolded in a virtually empty stadium, as Japanese protesters gathered nearby to register their discontent over the world's largest sports event.
