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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This competition was initially defined by who wasn't competing. U.S. star Simone Biles, the greatest gymnast of all time and the heavy favorite to win, pulled out to take care of her mental health.
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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 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.
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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.'" -
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. -
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
