Daniel Mercer
Freelance Journalist · Charlotte, NC
PureSource News LLC
Daniel Mercer is a freelance journalist based in Charlotte, North Carolina, with reporting interests spanning business, economics, government, and public affairs. He frequently covers developments involving companies, government agencies, and regional institutions. Mercer has a particular interest in researching the financial and operational details behind major announcements rather than relying solely on initial statements. His reporting combines document research with source interviews and is written in a direct, fact focused style.
Articles by Daniel Mercer
178 published articles — showing the 24 most recent
Sherrill Warns New Jersey Ports Russian Diesel Imports Violate Law
Governor Mikie Sherrill warned New Jersey port operators that importing Russian diesel violates federal law and carries penalties, stating the Treasury license is invalid without congressional review required by the 2022 ban.
Ohio US Attorney Charges Record Defendants With Violent Gun Crimes
U.S. Attorney Dominick S. Gerace II announced record charges for violent and firearms crimes in fiscal year 2026. The office prosecuted 473 defendants, marking the highest level since 2004 with a 93 percent rise in gun cases.
HHS Removes 14 Health IT Certification Criteria
The Department of Health and Human Services finalized a rule removing 14 health IT certification criteria. The agency states the changes will yield $1.55 billion in present value cost savings.
FDA Launches Neuroscience Advancement and Innovation Nexus
The FDA launched the Neuroscience Advancement and Innovation Nexus to coordinate actions on brain conditions. Its first initiative targets delaying or preventing Alzheimer's disease through new clinical trial approaches.
Energy Department Announces New Initiatives for AI Infrastructure
The Department of Energy agreed to cleanup standards for the Oak Ridge, Paducah, Portsmouth, and Savannah River sites based on residential use despite unlikely future housing.
CPSC Excludes Fuel Additives From Flammable Liquid Increases Rule
The Consumer Product Safety Commission issued a rule excluding fuel additives from flammable liquid fuel definitions. This action avoids $545.7 million in annual compliance costs for manufacturers.
Bonta Joins Coalition Opposing FCC E-Rate Cuts
California Attorney General Rob Bonta joined a multistate coalition Tuesday opposing Federal Communications Commission efforts to restrict or terminate the federal E-Rate program.
Federal Grand Jury Indicts Tiero CEO Potash
A federal grand jury indicted Marc Aaron Potash on October 9, 2026. The indictment charges him with conspiracy to commit healthcare fraud and seven counts of healthcare fraud.
Verstappen Takes First Singapore Pole for 2026 Grand Prix
Max Verstappen qualified first for the 2026 Singapore Grand Prix with a time of 1:31.373. This marks his first career pole position at the event, ahead of Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton.
Violent Protests Occur in Soweto and Durban
Violent protests occurred in Johannesburg's Soweto township and Durban on Thursday. Demonstrators set fire to 10 cars in Soweto and another 14 in Durban.
DR Power Recalls 42,860 Trimmer Mowers for Fire Risk
DR Power Equipment recalled 42,860 trimmer mowers on October 8 due to fire hazards. Nineteen fires and two minor injuries prompted the free repair offer.
Arizona Supreme Court Reports Data Breach Affecting 1.3 Million
The Arizona Supreme Court confirmed a September 24 cyberattack exposed personal data for 1.3 million people with unpaid court obligations.
Hochul Declares Emergency to Expand Measles Vaccines in New York
Governor Kathy Hochul declared a state disaster emergency on October 5, 2026, to expand measles vaccine administration in New York.
Robert Half: 72% of U.S. Managers Boost AI Pay
Robert Half reports 72% of U.S. managers plan higher pay for candidates with artificial intelligence skills. Average salaries for AI roles reach $177,000 while non-AI positions average $80,000 annually.
NTSB: Controller Omitted Wind Data in Miami Crash
The NTSB reported an air traffic controller failed to provide wind data to pilots before the Miami crash. The omission occurred as the plane landed at excessive speed, killing five people in a ground van.
San Luis Valley Farmers Challenge Groundwater Fee Hike
San Luis Valley farmers challenge a plan raising groundwater fees from $150 to $500 per acre-foot. State Engineer Kevin Rein warns he will curtail diversions if sustainability goals are not met by 2031.
ACF Proposes Rule to Cut Reporting Burden by 60.78 Percent
The Administration for Children and Families proposed a rule on October 2, 2026, to eliminate outdated reporting regulations. This action aims to reduce agency administrative burden by 60.78 percent and eliminate duplication and streamline reporting.
Digger Opens in U.S. Theaters on October 2
Digger opens in U.S. theaters on October 2, 2026, distributed by Warner Bros. Tom Cruise stars as an oil tycoon in the film rated R for pervasive language.
Phillies Fire Mattingly After Wild Card Exit
The Philadelphia Phillies eliminated from playoffs will not retain manager Don Mattingly for 2027. Six players including Luis Arraez face free agency as the team plans roster changes. It's not the time to talk about anything like that. It's going to be a long off-season, obviously. I have trust in the organization and the people that are in charge.
OpenAI Fires Three Safety Researchers for Policy Violations
OpenAI fired three safety researchers for violating policies on handling sensitive information. The company stated an investigation confirmed the individuals mishandled data outside established procedures.
Independence Blue Cross Pays $22.5 Million to Settle Fraud Claims in Pennsylvania
Independence Blue Cross agreed to pay $22.5 million to resolve False Claims Act allegations regarding inaccurate Medicare diagnosis codes.
Puntland Forces Rescue MT Honour 25 After Five Die in Somali Pirate Attack
Puntland Maritime Police Force rescued the MT Honour 25 on September 30, 2026, after pirates killed five crew members. Security forces captured 16 suspects while continuing to pursue others who fled ashore during the operation.
U.S. Senate Blocks Report on West Bank Violence
The U.S. Senate voted to block a resolution requiring a State Department report on violence in the West Bank. The measure sought details on nine American deaths since 2022.
Pennsylvania Reports Four Measles Deaths During Data Dispute
Pennsylvania reports four measles deaths while the CDC excludes them from national counts. Governor Josh Shapiro and Health Secretary Robert F Kennedy Jr dispute the cause of these fatalities.