Fredericksburg, VA|News|
Major Fast Food Chain To Close Hundreds Of Locations: What To Know In VA
The decision comes a year after the company said it planned to close 140 "outdated" stores in underperforming areas.
Megan VerHelst, Patch Staff
Megan VerHelst, Patch Staff
- Across America
I'm a national breaking news editor covering and providing support in several states, including New Jersey, Pennsylvania, New York City, Massachusetts, Virginia, Maryland and Washington, D.C. I re-joined Patch in 2019 as a roving editor before moving to the national desk in January 2020. This is my second stint with the company — I launched and managed Ankeny Patch in Iowa from 2011 to 2013.
Before returning to Patch, I spent four years assisting with marketing and communications for a nonprofit that provided services to people with disabilities. I also spent time as a reporter at the Des Moines Business Record, served as editor of the Britt News-Tribune in Iowa, and started my career as a journalist at the Jackson County Chronicle in Wisconsin.
Reach me at megan.verhelst@patch.com.
Posting Activity
Annapolis, MD|News|
Major Fast Food Chain To Close Hundreds Of Locations: What To Know In MD
The decision comes a year after the company said it planned to close 140 "outdated" stores in underperforming areas.
Megan VerHelst, Patch Staff
Joliet, IL|News|
Missing Mother, Toddler Sought By Joliet Police
Olivia Meza, 38, and Bella Meza were reported missing on Saturday after they were last seen more than a week ago.
Megan VerHelst, Patch Staff
Across Illinois, IL|News|
Major Fast Food Chain To Close Hundreds Of Locations: What To Know In IL
The decision comes a year after the company said it planned to close 140 "outdated" stores in underperforming areas.
Megan VerHelst, Patch Staff
Across California, CA|News|
Major Fast Food Chain To Close Hundreds Of Locations: What To Know In CA
The decision comes a year after the company said it planned to close 140 "outdated" stores in underperforming areas.
Megan VerHelst, Patch Staff
Silver Spring, MD|News|
Suspect On The Loose In Woman's Shooting Death
A suspect remains on the loose in the shooting that happened Thursday in the Fairland area of Montgomery County, police said.
Megan VerHelst, Patch Staff
Across Virginia, VA|News|
Where To Find The Most Affordable Thanksgiving Groceries In VA
Cooking Thanksgiving dinner doesn’t have to break the bank. Here's where to find affordable staples in Virginia and save some money.
Megan VerHelst, Patch Staff
Arlington, VA|News|
What VA Travelers Should Know About Their Rights Amid Flight Delays
Shortages of air traffic controllers have caused flight delays and travel snags at a growing number of U.S. airports.
Megan VerHelst, Patch Staff
Across Virginia, VA|News|
Major Fast Food Chain Ditches 'Exact Change' Amid Penny Shortage In VA
President Donald Trump's decision to stop producing the penny is having an impact at retailers and restaurants in Virginia.
Megan VerHelst and Chris Lindahl, Patch Staff
Annapolis, MD|News|
Where To Find The Most Affordable Thanksgiving Groceries In MD
Cooking Thanksgiving dinner doesn’t have to break the bank. Here's where to find affordable staples and save a few bucks along the way.
Megan VerHelst, Patch Staff
Baltimore, MD|News|
What MD Travelers Should Know About Their Rights Amid Flight Delays
Shortages of air traffic controllers have caused flight delays and travel snags at a growing number of U.S. airports.
Megan VerHelst, Patch Staff
Annapolis, MD|News|
Major Fast Food Chain Ditches 'Exact Change' Amid Penny Shortage In MD
President Donald Trump's decision to stop producing the penny is having an impact at retailers and restaurants in Maryland.
Megan VerHelst and Chris Lindahl, Patch Staff
Across Virginia, VA|News|
Jury Awards $10M To Former VA Teacher Shot By 6-Year-Old Student
Abby Zwerner was a teacher at Richneck Elementary School in Newport News when she was shot by the boy in January 2023.
Megan VerHelst, Patch Staff
Across California, CA|News|
Nancy Pelosi Won't Seek Reelection, Ending 40-Year Career In Congress
Pelosi made history by becoming the first female speaker of the House. She currently represents CA's 11th Congressional District.
Megan VerHelst, Patch Staff
Silver Spring, MD|News|
Police Seek Public's Help Finding Suspect In Montgomery County Assault
Detectives are searching for 30-year-old Octavio Antonio Estevez, who police say stabbed three people on Monday.
Megan VerHelst, Patch Staff
Across Virginia, VA|News|
Jury Begins Deliberations In $40M Lawsuit Of VA Teacher Shot By 6-Year-Old Student
A jury began deliberating shortly before 4 p.m. Wednesday in the lawsuit filed by Abby Zwerner, a VA teacher who was shot by a first-grader.
Megan VerHelst, Patch Staff
Old Town Alexandria, VA|News|
Mega Millions Jackpot Grows To $843M For Friday’s Drawing: What To Know In VA
The massive jackpot, which has a cash value of $391.7 million, grew after no one matched all six numbers in Tuesday’s drawing.
Megan VerHelst, Patch Staff
Bel Air, MD|News|
Mega Millions Jackpot Grows To $843M For Friday’s Drawing: What To Know In MD
The massive jackpot, which has a cash value of $391.7 million, grew after no one matched all six numbers in Tuesday’s drawing.
Megan VerHelst, Patch Staff
Across Virginia, VA|News|
Big Night For Democrats In VA: See Latest Election Updates, Reactions
Election night brought a series of firsts to Virginia as voters shifted blue and elected women to serve as governor and lieutenant governor.
Megan VerHelst, Patch Staff
Bel Air, MD|News|
Full Beaver Moon, 2nd Of 3 Supermoons, Is Wednesday: What To Know In MD
Wednesday’s full moon will be the brightest and biggest supermoon since 2019.
Megan VerHelst, Patch Staff
