Brian Mann
Stories
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National
The once-mighty U.S. swim team sinks in early Olympic races, winning only two golds
The once-mighty U.S. Olympic swim team has only won two gold medals so far at the Paris Games. Athletes say the sport has grown more competitive since Americans like Michael Phelps owned the pool.
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Chinese swimmers at Paris Olympics deny doping accusations as diplomatic row grows
Chinese athletes say they compete "clean" despite positive drug tests in 2021 that were kept secret. Diplomatic tensions over the case continue to escalate as U.S. officials push for reform.
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National
Olympic officials try to crush U.S. probes of China doping, threaten Salt Lake Games
The U.S. wants changes to the World Anti-Doping Agency after a Chinese drug scandal. Olympic officials threatened to block Salt Lake City's bid to host the 2034 Games if the U.S. criticism persists.
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The Olympic president warns of perilous future for global sport as Paris Games begin
IOC President Thomas Bach says Paris is ready to go for the 2024 Summer Olympics. But in speeches this week ahead of the Games, he warned that rising global tensions threaten the Olympic movement.
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The Paris Olympics have almost arrived. Here's what to watch for
The Paris Olympics kick off this week. NPR's Becky Sullivan and Brian Mann preview the U.S. athletes and sports to watch, and share why this year's opening ceremony will be different than ever before.
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World
Facing scandal and condemnation, Russia fields tiny Olympic team in Paris
In 2021, Russia sent 335 athletes to the Tokyo Summer Olympics. This year? The number of competitors is just 15. Doping scandals and the Ukraine war have taken a toll on the Olympic powerhouse.
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National
Widespread technology outage disrupts flights and banking around the world
The problem affected airline communications, causing the Federal Aviation Administration to ground major carriers in the U.S., including American Airlines, Delta and United Airlines.
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National
Justice Department opens a criminal probe of the Chinese Olympic doping scandal
One focus of the probe appears to be on the World Anti-Doping Agency, which reviewed repeated positive drug tests by elite Chinese swimmers.
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Biden is still weighing whether to stay in the race, Hawaii governor says
Hawaii Gov. Josh Green, a Democrat and a close ally of President Biden, says it's still unclear whether Biden will maintain his bid for a second term. "The president has to make this decision," Green told NPR.
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Meet the U.S. gymnastics and track and field athletes going to the Olympics
Over the weekend, the gymnastics and track and field athletes who will represent the United States at this month's Paris Olympics were finalized. They include a few surprises.