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
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|
9 VA, DC Hotels Awarded Highest Michelin Rating
Inspectors awarded 7,000 global hotels a Michelin key rating, including nine in Virginia and Washington, D.C.
Megan VerHelst, Patch Staff
Baltimore, MD|News|
This MD Hotel Was Awarded A Coveted Michelin Rating
Inspectors awarded 7,000 global hotels a Michelin key rating, including one in Maryland.
Megan VerHelst, Patch Staff
Gaithersburg, MD|News|
California Tortilla To Close Second Gaithersburg Location: Report
The Potomac-based company has locations in Maryland, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, South Carolina and Virginia.
Megan VerHelst, Patch Staff
New Port Richey, FL|News|
Woman Charged In Hit-And-Run Scooter Crash Taken Into Custody In FL
The woman was located in Tennessee several days after the crash in Pasco County, authorities said.
Megan VerHelst, Patch Staff
Across Florida, FL|News|
Parents Arrested After Leaving Napping Infant Alone On FL Beach
A review of security camera footage confirmed the couple had been gone for nearly an hour and had left their cell phone behind.
Megan VerHelst, Patch Staff
Woodbridge, VA|News|
Woman Robbed, Sexually Assaulted By Stranger In Woodbridge Commuter Lot
Prince William County police are searching for a man they say robbed and sexually assaulted a 21-year-old woman.
Megan VerHelst, Patch Staff
Woodbridge, VA|News|
Death Of Man Armed With Crossbow Near Potomac Mills Ruled Justified
Harrison Deppe of Woodbridge was armed with a crossbow when he was fatally shot by police in July.
Megan VerHelst, Patch Staff
Fredericksburg, VA|News|
VA Democrats Push To Redraw House Maps To Gain More Seats: Reports
The VA redistricting move could give Democrats two or three more seats in the U.S. House of Representatives, according to a report.
Megan VerHelst, Patch Staff
Bowie, MD|News|
Beltsville Man Arrested For Impersonating A Cop: Police
Police found handguns, handcuffs, and several badges in an accused police impersonator's car during a traffic stop, officials said.
Megan VerHelst, Patch Staff
Potomac, MD|News|
Bomb Threat In Potomac Was Unfounded, Police Say
The threat was initially reported shortly after 10:40 a.m. Thursday, police said.
Megan VerHelst, Patch Staff
Silver Spring, MD|News|
Police Arrest Man Accused Of Attempted Murder In Silver Spring
Deondray Osborne was taken into custody in connection with the July shooting, police said.
Megan VerHelst, Patch Staff
Across Virginia, VA|News|
University Of Virginia Reaches Deal To Pause Federal Investigations
The deal was announced by the Justice Department, which began reviewing the admissions process at UVA's Charlottesville campus in April.
Megan VerHelst, Patch Staff
Old Town Alexandria, VA|News|
These Beloved Retailers Permanently Closed In VA In 2025
Holiday shopping is almost here, but several retailers and chains have closed over the past year in Virginia.
Megan VerHelst and Beth Dalbey, Patch Staff
Annapolis, MD|News|
These Beloved Retailers Permanently Closed In MD In 2025
Holiday shopping is almost here, but several retailers and chains have closed over the past year in Maryland.
Megan VerHelst and Beth Dalbey, Patch Staff
Across Virginia, VA|News|
Vultures Are Dying Across VA: Here's Why, According To Officials
The Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources has received reports of groups of dead black vultures across the state, possibly from a virus.
Megan VerHelst, Patch Staff
Baltimore, MD|News|
Man Who Messaged 'So I Raped You' To Victim Sentenced To Prison
Ian Cleary, who has ties to Baltimore, was sentenced for sexual assault nearly 12 years after his victim first went to police.
Megan VerHelst, Patch Staff
Silver Spring, MD|News|
Police Seek Public's Help Locating Attempted Murder Suspect
The 33-year-old man is wanted in connection with an attempted first-degree murder in Silver Spring, police said.
Megan VerHelst, Patch Staff
Annapolis, MD|News|
Winning Scratch-Off Ticket Worth $1M Sold In Annapolis
A winning $2 million ticket was also sold at a Baltimore County grocery store, Maryland Lottery officials said.
Megan VerHelst, Patch Staff
Fredericksburg, VA|News|
SNAP Benefits Halted In VA Due To Government Shutdown
Millions of Americans will not receive SNAP benefits until the federal government shutdown ends. Here's what that means for Virginia.
Megan VerHelst, Patch Staff
