Tampa, FL|News|
Melissa Strengthens Into Hurricane: See Latest Track, FL Impacts
Hurricane Melissa is expected to rapidly intensify in the coming days and poses a historic threat to several Caribbean nations.
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
Los Angeles, CA|News|
Social Media Star Found Dead At 19 In Her Los Angeles Home
Emman Atienza reached millions on TikTok and Instagram and was known for her fun lifestyle posts, according to TMZ.
Megan VerHelst, Patch Staff
Danbury, CT|News|
$2 Million Mega Millions Ticket Sold In Danbury, Jackpot Climbs To $714M
No one matched all six white balls and the gold Mega Ball to win Friday's $680 million jackpot.
Megan VerHelst, Patch Staff
Santa Monica, CA|News|
2 Killed, 2 Injured In Hit-And-Run Crash In Santa Monica
Santa Monica authorities are still searching for the driver involved in the crash.
Megan VerHelst, Patch Staff
New Port Richey, FL|News|
Driver Sought In Hit-And-Run Crash In Pasco County
The crash happened around 1:30 p.m. on Friday on northbound Route 19.
Megan VerHelst, Patch Staff
Washington DC|News|
5 Shot Near Howard University During Homecoming Celebration
The shooting happened in the 600 block of Howard Place Northwest as the school was holding its homecoming Yardfest.
Megan VerHelst, Patch Staff
Gaithersburg, MD|News|
Montgomery County Rallies Behind Pet Pig After Vicious Dog Attack
The pig's owner is asking for the public's help in funding his veterinary care, according to GoFundMe.
Megan VerHelst, Patch Staff
Silver Spring, MD|News|
Silver Spring Man Charged With Assault, Attempted Rape: Police
The 25-year-old was charged with attempted first-degree rape and first-degree assault following the Friday incident.
Megan VerHelst, Patch Staff
Burke, VA|News|
Man Arrested For Breaking Into Cars, Stealing Credit Cards In Fairfax County
At the time of his arrest, the man had 21 active warrants on counts ranging from credit card theft, identity theft and narcotics possession.
Megan VerHelst, Patch Staff
Ashburn, VA|News|
1 Person Unaccounted For After 3-Alarm House Fire In Sterling
One Loudoun Co. firefighter suffered a minor injury in the blaze, which spread to multiple homes and caused several structures to collapse.
Megan VerHelst, Patch Staff
Old Town Alexandria, VA|News|
Here’s How Much More VA Social Security Recipients Will Make With 2026 COLA
Virginia Social Security recipients will get a cost-of-living adjustment in their payments, federal officials said Friday.
Megan VerHelst, Patch Staff
Annapolis, MD|News|
Here’s How Much More MD Social Security Recipients Will Make With 2026 COLA
Maryland Social Security recipients will get a cost-of-living adjustment in their payments, federal officials said Friday.
Megan VerHelst, Patch Staff
Manassas, VA|News|
Trump Admin Resumes Some Student Loan Forgiveness: What To Know In VA
The Trump administration has agreed to resume student loan forgiveness for about 2.5 million borrowers, including some in Virginia.
Megan VerHelst, Patch Staff
Bel Air, MD|News|
Trump Admin Resumes Some Student Loan Forgiveness: What To Know In MD
The Trump administration has agreed to resume student loan forgiveness for about 2.5 million borrowers, including some in Maryland.
Megan VerHelst, Patch Staff
Old Town Alexandria, VA|News|
Tropical Storm Melissa Could Impact VA On Halloween Week: Latest Forecast
Melissa is forecast to rapidly intensify into a major hurricane this weekend before eventually moving north. Is VA in for a wet Halloween?
Megan VerHelst, Patch Staff
Annapolis, MD|News|
Tropical Storm Melissa Could Impact MD On Halloween Week: Latest Forecast
Melissa is forecast to rapidly intensify into a major hurricane this weekend before eventually moving north. Is MD in for a wet Halloween?
Megan VerHelst, Patch Staff
Old Town Alexandria, VA|News|
Fairfax Police Cruiser Fatally Strikes Alexandria Woman In Body Cam Video
The Alexandria woman died after she was struck by two cars, including a marked Fairfax County police cruiser, body cam video shows.
Megan VerHelst, Patch Staff
Across Virginia, VA|News|
Virginians Head To These 3 Spots To Get Their 'Fall Fix': Survey
A recent survey asked just over 3,000 respondents where residents of their state prefer to get their true “fall fix.” Here's what VA said.
Megan VerHelst, Patch Staff
Towson, MD|News|
Marylanders Head To These 3 Spots To Get Their 'Fall Fix': Survey
A recent survey asked just over 3,000 respondents where residents of their state prefer to get their true “fall fix.” Here's what MD said.
Megan VerHelst, Patch Staff
Tampa, FL|News|
22 Florida Hotels Awarded Highest Michelin Rating
Inspectors awarded 7,000 global hotels a Michelin key rating, including nearly 22 in Florida and only one received the highest honor.
Megan VerHelst, Patch Staff
