Rachel Whitmore
Freelance Journalist · Nashville, TN
PureSource News LLC
Rachel Whitmore is a freelance journalist based in Nashville, Tennessee, covering state and local government, business, public policy, and regional economic developments. Her reporting interests include the practical effects of legislation, government decisions, and changes affecting businesses and public institutions. Whitmore approaches assignments by first establishing the documented facts and then building sufficient context around them. Her work is written for readers who want a clear account of what happened and why.
Articles by Rachel Whitmore
152 published articles — showing the 24 most recent
Moderna Ships First mRNA Flu Vaccine Doses in U.S.
Moderna began shipping its mFlusiva flu vaccine across the United States. The FDA approved the shot for adults aged 50 and older following a trial showing 27% higher efficacy.
Justice Department Charges Five in Russian Assassination Plot
The Justice Department unsealed charges against five people for a Russian-led murder-for-hire network. One plot offered $40,000 to kill a dissident in Washington, D.C.
Spanish Group Reports AI-Agent Data Breach to AEPD
An unnamed Spanish organization reported an AI-assisted data breach to the AEPD on Sept. 14. The attacker used a well-known language model to exploit credentials and alter records, including accessing corporate invoices.
FDA Approves First Gene Therapy for MPS IIIA
The FDA approved Fayuvi, the first treatment to alter MPS IIIA progression in children. Patients under 2 showed cognitive benefit and improved motor skills.
Photos Show Iranian Strike Damage at US Bases in Middle East
Photos provided by active US military personnel show widespread damage to US military sites in the Middle East from Iranian strikes. The Congressional Budget Office estimates equipment losses including destroyed aircraft at $1.9 billion. One service member said: "We're standing there with our eyes closed getting punched in the face."
Louisiana Launches Rural Health Tech Catalyst Fund
Louisiana officials announced a tech catalyst fund to aid rural health startups. More than 200 companies competed for awards ranging from $250,000 to $3 million.
Lara Joy Ezell Sentenced to 14 Years for Meth in North Carolina
A federal judge sentenced Lara Joy Ezell to over 14 years in prison for distributing 1.3 pounds of methamphetamine. The case involved multiple controlled purchases by federal and local agencies in Eastern North Carolina.
Thirlwall Report: Ten Babies Could Have Been Saved or Protected, Inquiry Finds
The Thirlwall inquiry concluded that three babies might have survived and seven others could have been protected with earlier action, citing dysfunctional management and issuing 14 recommendations, including installing cameras on every neonatal cot.
HUD Risk-Sharing Program Finances 93,670 Affordable Units
HUD's risk-sharing program financed 93,670 affordable rental units from fiscal years 2016 through 2025. The initiative accounted for 7 percent of total multifamily units produced during that decade.
Lukashenko Meets U.S. Envoy Coale on Sanctions
Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko met U.S. envoy John Coale in Minsk on Tuesday to discuss economic ties and sanctions relief. A separate U.N.
Pollution Rises After U.S. Embassy Monitors End
Air pollution increased across 46 cities after the U.S. ended embassy monitoring in March 2025. Researchers attribute the rise to the loss of public data that previously held polluters accountable.
Carney Hosts Summit as U.S. Tariffs Take Effect
Prime Minister Mark Carney hosted an investment summit in Toronto following new U.S. tariffs. Bell Canada announced a $50 billion project to expand its data-center capacity.
Ratliff Pleads Not Guilty as Judge Denies Bond in Jackson, Miss.
Jarques Ratliff pleaded not guilty to murder charges. Judge Taurean Buchanan denied bond, keeping the defendant in custody.
Jhesy Rodriguez Charged With Drug Conspiracy in Massachusetts
Jhesy Rodriguez was charged with conspiracy to distribute a controlled substance on September 11, 2026. He faces up to 20 years in prison for alleged distribution while under court monitoring.
CDC Report Finds 1 in 6 U.S. Adults Have Frequent Fatigue
The CDC reported that 1 in 6 U.S. adults experienced frequent fatigue in a 2024 survey. Adults with fatigue were more than three times as likely to have symptoms of depression. 71.5% of adults in the United States reported experiencing fatigue.
Nashville Airport Board Votes to Rename Facility for Parton
The Metropolitan Nashville Airport Authority board voted 6-0 Friday to start renaming Nashville International Airport for Dolly Parton. The process requires overriding a two-year waiting policy and could cost up to $10 million.
McKenna West Files Emergency Appeal With U.S. Supreme Court
Alaska nurse McKenna West filed an emergency appeal with the U.S. Supreme Court seeking custody of a newborn with a heart defect.
ZMC Group Expands Toy Recall to 245,124 Units in U.S.
ZMC Group expanded its recall of light-up children's toys to 245,124 units due to battery ingestion risks. Consumers in five states must stop using the items and contact the company for refunds.
Spain Releases CNI Documents on 2026 Ceuta Crossing
Spain released 40 declassified CNI documents detailing warnings before 72,000 migrants crossed into Ceuta in July 2026.
Neff Says Kirk Shooter Motivated by Transgender Radicalism
Blake Neff stated those closest to Charlie Kirk believe Tyler Robinson acted due to transgender radicalism. The producer disputed a claim made by Tucker Carlson during a June 2026 podcast interview.
Report Tracks 2,761 United Airlines Military Shipments
Researchers tracked 2,761 military shipments on United Airlines passenger flights from July 2025 to February 2026. The report identifies cargo including F-35 parts and tank components destined for Israeli defense contractors.
Bangladesh Measles Deaths Surpass 1,000 Since March
Measles deaths in Bangladesh exceeded 1,000 since March as suspected cases reached over 166,000. The government plans to vaccinate 1.6 million children while procuring 2.5 million additional doses.
Finebaum Declines Alabama Senate Bid Over Speech Demands
Paul Finebaum decided not to run for the U.S. Senate after strategists demanded he criticize Disney, stating he would not compromise his position by saying what others told him to say.
Trump Gives $45,000 Holiday Gifts to Three White House Aides
President Donald Trump gave $45,000 cash gifts to three aides and $20,000 to a fourth, according to financial disclosures. A White House official stated the payments are personal and permissible under ethical standards.