Tampa, FL|News|
Judges Order SNAP Benefits Must Continue: What It Means For FL
The rulings came a day before the U.S. Department of Agriculture planned to freeze payments to Florida SNAP recipients.
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
Old Town Alexandria, VA|News|
Judges Order SNAP Benefits Must Continue: What It Means For VA
The rulings came a day before the U.S. Department of Agriculture planned to freeze payments to Virginia SNAP recipients.
Megan VerHelst, Patch Staff
Annapolis, MD|News|
MD SNAP Payments Ordered During Government Shutdown, Courts Say
The rulings came a day before the U.S. Department of Agriculture planned to freeze payments to Maryland SNAP recipients.
Megan VerHelst, Patch Staff
Bethesda-Chevy Chase, MD|News|
2 Trapped, 1 Injured In Dramatic Collision In Bethesda
The crash that left a vehicle on top of two others happened Thursday in the parking lot of the Camalier Building in Bethesda, police said.
Megan VerHelst, Patch Staff
Perry Hall, MD|News|
Baltimore County Pledges $4M To Food Resources Amid SNAP Disruption
The announcement came as Marylanders brace for looming cuts to federal food aid amid the ongoing shutdown.
Megan VerHelst, Patch Staff
Catonsville, MD|News|
Driver In Baltimore Beltway Crash That Killed 6 To Take Plea Deal: Report
Police said Lisa Adrienne Lea was traveling at 121 mph and weaving in and out of traffic shortly before the collision.
Megan VerHelst, Patch Staff
Across New Jersey, NJ|News|
NJ-Bound Plane Makes Emergency Landing, 15+ Injured
JetBlue flight 1230 was headed to Newark Liberty International Airport when the incident occurred, officials said.
Megan VerHelst, Patch Staff
Across Florida, FL|News|
2 FL Spots Among America’s Most Coveted Fall Cabin Retreats
A recent survey asked 3,000 people where they would most like to own or rent a cabin to experience the fall colors this season.
Megan VerHelst, Patch Staff
Tampa, FL|News|
6 FL Teams Have The Best Game Day Foods In The Nation
A recent ranking revealed the most beloved tailgate dishes served across America’s parking lots. See which FL foods made the list.
Megan VerHelst, Patch Staff
Clearwater, FL|News|
This FL Restaurant Among Best In U.S. For Fine Dining, According To Tourists
TripAdvisor has recently released its list of the 25 best restaurants for fine dining in the country. See which FL eatery made the cut.
Megan VerHelst, Patch Staff
Atlanta, GA|News|
This GA Game Day Food Was Just Ranked America's Favorite
A recent ranking revealed the most beloved tailgate dishes served across America’s parking lots. See which GA foods made the list.
Megan VerHelst, Patch Staff
Falls Church, VA|News|
National Retailer With 20 VA Locations Closing 150 Stores
In addition to closing more than 100 stores nationwide, the company is eliminating hundreds of jobs.
Megan VerHelst and Eric Heyl, Patch Staff
Across Virginia, VA|News|
This VA Restaurant Among Best In U.S. For Fine Dining, According To Tourists
TripAdvisor has recently released its list of the 25 best restaurants for fine dining in the country. See which VA eatery made the cut.
Megan VerHelst, Patch Staff
Bel Air, MD|News|
National Retailer With 20 MD Locations Closing 150 Stores
In addition to closing more than 100 stores nationwide, the apparel company is eliminating hundreds of jobs.
Megan VerHelst and Eric Heyl, Patch Staff
Woodbridge, VA|News|
Driver In Fatal Hit-And-Run Crash On I-95 Turns Himself In
The November 2023 crash in Prince William County killed Trenton Schnakenberg, 31, of Caret, police said. An Alexandria driver is in custody.
Megan VerHelst, Patch Staff
Across Virginia, VA|News|
VA Teacher Shot By 6-Year-Old Testifies In $40M Lawsuit Trial: 'I Thought I Died'
Abby Zwerner was a teacher at Richneck Elementary School in Newport News when she was shot by a student in January 2023.
Megan VerHelst, Patch Staff
Old Town Alexandria, VA|News|
Daylight Saving Time Ends In VA: Here's When Clocks Fall Back
As daylight hours dwindle, Virginians will adjust their clocks soon. Here's what to expect and when.
Megan VerHelst, Patch Staff
Annapolis, MD|News|
MD Governor Declares State Of Emergency To Send $10M To Food Banks
Gov. Wes Moore declared a state of emergency due to the "widespread economic disruption and damage" caused by the government shutdown.
Megan VerHelst, Patch Staff
Bel Air, MD|News|
Daylight Saving Time Ending Soon In MD: Here's When To Turn Clocks Back
As daylight hours dwindle, Marylanders will adjust their clocks soon. Here's what to expect and when.
Megan VerHelst, Patch Staff
Germantown, MD|News|
Peeping Tom Dressed As Woman To Sneak Into MoCo Locker Rooms: Police
Authorities said the accused peeping Tom would record women once he gained entry to the locker rooms at local gyms.
Megan VerHelst, Patch Staff
