Fredericksburg, VA|News|
La Niña Winter Likely: Here's What It Means For VA
There's a chance of a La Niña winter this year, according to climate experts. Here's how it could impact Virginia.
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
Fredericksburg, VA|News|
These Are Virginia's Most Liberal And Most Conservative Colleges
Niche ranked the most liberal and most conservative colleges in Virginia for 2026, based on student surveys.
Megan VerHelst, Patch Staff
Old Town Alexandria, VA|News|
Fall Foliage Forecast: Here's How Vibrant The Leaves Will Be In VA
AccuWeather has released its fall foliage forecast for 2025. See when peak autumn colors will arrive in Virginia.
Megan VerHelst, Patch Staff
Bel Air, MD|News|
Fall Foliage Forecast: Here's How Vibrant The Leaves Will Be In MD
AccuWeather has released its fall foliage forecast for 2025. See when peak autumn colors will arrive in Maryland.
Megan VerHelst, Patch Staff
Miami, FL|News|
These FL Destinations Among Top 10 U.S. Party Beaches
Hotels.com recently compiled a list of the top 10 party beaches in the United States. See which Florida beaches earned a spot.
Megan VerHelst, Patch Staff
Arlington, VA|News|
These Are The Top 25 Places To Raise A Family In Virginia
Report cards for each community were compiled based on factors including public schools, higher education rate, cost of living and crime.
Megan VerHelst, Patch Staff
Annapolis, MD|News|
These Are The Top 25 Places To Raise A Family In Maryland
Report cards for each community were compiled based on factors including public schools, higher education rate, cost of living and crime.
Megan VerHelst, Patch Staff
Tampa, FL|News|
These Are The Top 25 Places To Raise A Family In Florida
Report cards for each community were compiled based on factors including public schools, higher education rate, cost of living and crime.
Megan VerHelst, Patch Staff
Atlanta, GA|News|
Here's Where GA Ranks In Distracted Driving Deaths
A new analysis determined which states had the most and least distracted driving deaths. See where Georgia ranked.
Megan VerHelst, Patch Staff
Across Virginia, VA|News|
This VA BBQ Restaurant Named Among Best In The U.S.
Travel website OnlyInYourState.com compiled a list featuring the 50 best barbecue spots across the United States. See where to dine in VA.
Megan VerHelst, Patch Staff
Across Maryland, MD|News|
This MD BBQ Restaurant Named Among Best In The U.S.
Travel website OnlyInYourState.com compiled a list featuring the 50 best barbecue spots across the United States. See where to dine in MD.
Megan VerHelst, Patch Staff
Gaithersburg, MD|News|
MoCo Man Arrested For Impersonating Police Officer
The man was also cited for the unlawful use of red and blue flashing lights following the Aug. 29 incident, Montgomery County police said.
Megan VerHelst, Patch Staff
Tampa, FL|News|
$1M Winning Powerball Ticket Sold In FL, Jackpot Surges To $1.7 Billion
Nobody hit all six numbers for the $1.4 billion jackpot, but one person in FL won $1 million. The next drawing is worth $1.7 million.
Megan VerHelst, Patch Staff
Towson, MD|News|
Maryland State Fair 2025 Enters Final Weekend: Dates, Events, Shows
There's one weekend left to head out to the Maryland State Fair and enjoy new attractions, concerts, horse racing and more.
Megan VerHelst, Patch Staff
New York City, NY|News|
Trump Admin Discussing Job For Adams If He Drops Out Of NYC Mayor's Race
The conversations have also involved finding a place in the Trump administration for Republican candidate Curtis Sliwa, a report said.
Megan VerHelst, Patch Staff
Gaithersburg, MD|News|
3 Shootings Reported In Montgomery County In Less Than 24 Hours
At least one person was injured in a shooting that occurred early Wednesday morning in Gaithersburg, police said.
Megan VerHelst, Patch Staff
Silver Spring, MD|News|
Man Arrested In Connection With 2022 Homicide In Silver Spring
Nathaniel Potts, 29, died following a shooting on Dec. 2, 2022, in Silver Spring.
Megan VerHelst, Patch Staff
St. Pete, FL|News|
Powerball Jackpot Surges To $1.4B: How, When To Play In FL
The last time a jackpot-winning Powerball ticket was sold in Florida was in 2021. Here's what to know about Wednesday's drawing.
Megan VerHelst, Patch Staff
Fredericksburg, VA|News|
Powerball Jackpot Surges To $1.4B: How, When To Play In VA
The last time a jackpot-winning Powerball ticket was sold in Virginia was in 2023. Here's what to know about Wednesday's drawing.
Megan VerHelst, Patch Staff
Livingston, NJ|News|
NJ Parents Welcome Quadruplets Born In Essex County: 'Completely Unexpected Blessing'
The likelihood of conceiving quadruplets naturally is around 1 in 700,000, according to doctors at Cooperman Barnabas Medical Center.
Megan VerHelst, Patch Staff
