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.
Eight people died when a tractor-trailer struck a van, which caused a chain reaction crash involving the van and four additional vehicles.
Police responded to the apartment complex after receiving a call about a person with a gun.
The ongoing federal government shutdown is affecting how Maryland’s Social Security recipients do business with the agency.
The ongoing federal government shutdown is affecting how Virginia's Social Security recipients do business with the agency.
Police said the suspect forced his way into the homes and stole property before fleeing.
A second series of “No Kings” protests against the Trump administration will take place nationwide on Saturday, Oct. 18.
A second series of “No Kings” protests against the Trump administration will take place nationwide on Saturday.
Keaton, an actress who starred in "The Godfather" and "Annie Hall", died at her home in California, according to a family spokesperson.
Among those found dead in San Francisco's Westwood Highlands neighborhood were two children, ages 9 and 12, according to a report.
The Florida Highway Patrol said the crash happened Saturday around 10:15 a.m.
State police said the driver was unconscious when the vehicle burst into flames.
Departures at Atlanta's Hartsfield-Jackson Airport were grounded early Friday evening, but were later lifted, the FAA's website said.
Police said the school bus was transporting children home from Earle B. Wood Middle School when the collision occurred.
A second man wanted in connection with the fatal shooting remains at large, police said.
A recent survey asked just over 3,000 respondents where residents of their state prefer to get their true “fall fix.” Here's what FL said.
The 2025-2026 Best Children’s Hospitals report released Tuesday includes both national and state and regional rankings.
The 2025-2026 Best Children’s Hospitals report released Tuesday includes both national and state and regional rankings.
A new list compiled by Family Vacations U.S. highlights the best German restaurant in every state.
The writers at Lovefood curated a list highlighting where to get the best bowls of chili in every state.
Challenger, Grey & Christmas recently released job and unemployment figures for August 2025. The numbers paint a grim picture for NJ.
