New Port Richey, FL|News|
Teen Brought A Gun To Pasco County School, Authorities Say
The school was briefly placed on lockdown during the incident, authorities said.
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
Bowie, MD|News|
Bowie Man Accused Of Pulling Gun During Road Rage Incident: Police
Maryland State Police said the road rage encounter occurred earlier this month. A Bowie man faces multiple charges in the case.
Megan VerHelst, Patch Staff
Gaithersburg, MD|News|
Man Who Ran Over MoCo Cop Receives Maximum Sentence: Report
Sgt. Patrick Kepp had both legs amputated in October 2023 after a driver hit him with a car on Interstate 270.
Megan VerHelst, Patch Staff
Across Virginia, VA|News|
13 VA Colleges Among 500 ‘That Shine’ With Top Salaries For Grads: Forbes
The Forbes ranking “showcases 500 colleges that produce successful, high-earning and influential graduates from all economic backgrounds."
Megan VerHelst, Patch Staff
Bowie, MD|News|
This MD College Among 10 ‘That Shine’ With Top Salaries For Grads: Forbes
The Forbes ranking “showcases 500 colleges that produce successful, high-earning and influential graduates from all economic backgrounds."
Megan VerHelst, Patch Staff
Baltimore, MD|News|
$500,000 Powerball Ticket Sold In MD, Jackpot Soars To $815 Million
The Powerball jackpot jumped to $815 million following Monday night's drawing after no ticket matched all six numbers drawn.
Megan VerHelst, Patch Staff
Bel Air, MD|News|
What Marylanders Should Know Before Traveling This Labor Day Weekend
Squeezing in the last trip of summer over Labor Day weekend? Here's what Maryland travelers should know.
Megan VerHelst, Patch Staff
Highland Park, IL|News|
Swimmer Missing Following Rescue Attempt In Lake Michigan
Members of the public should avoid the area during the ongoing search, officials said.
Megan VerHelst, Patch Staff
Temecula, CA|News|
Brush Fire That Broke Out East Of Temecula Now 90 Percent Contained
The blaze — dubbed the Vail Fire — was first reported at 8:30 a.m. Saturday.
Megan VerHelst, Patch Staff
Across New Jersey, NJ|News|
3 NJ Residents Among 5 Killed In New York Tour Bus Crash
The bus was returning from Niagara Falls on Friday when the crash occurred, authorities said.
Megan VerHelst, Patch Staff
New York City, NY|News|
Police ID 5 People Killed In NYC-Bound Tour Bus Crash
The bus was returning from Niagara Falls on Friday when the crash occurred, authorities said.
Megan VerHelst, Patch Staff
Pittsburgh, PA|News|
21 Injured In School Bus Crash In Beaver County: Reports
Reports said the bus was transporting football players from Aliquippa Junior High School.
Megan VerHelst, Patch Staff
Annapolis, MD|News|
First Human West Nile Virus Case Of 2025 Confirmed In MD
West Nile is transmitted to humans via mosquitoes infected by feeding on birds that have the virus.
Megan VerHelst, Patch Staff
Napa Valley, CA|News|
Pickett Fire Now 11 Percent Contained With 5,863 Acres Impacted: Officials
On Saturday, more than 1,200 personnel were battling the blaze in California's Napa Valley, according to officials.
Megan VerHelst, Patch Staff
Tampa, FL|News|
2 Injured In Fiery Dump Truck Crash In Hillsborough County
Florida Highway Patrol said the crash occurred Saturday morning on US-301.
Megan VerHelst, Patch Staff
Fredericksburg, VA|News|
Missing 16-Year-Old Boy Found Safe, Police Say
Police said the boy was last seen on Friday in Fredericksburg.
Megan VerHelst, Patch Staff
Silver Spring, MD|News|
Police Release Name Of Teen Fatally Shot In Silver Spring
The shooting happened Tuesday in the 700 block of University Boulevard East, police said.
Megan VerHelst, Patch Staff
Radnor, PA|News|
Active Shooter Report Was Hoax, Villanova University Says
The university in a statement said the report of an active shooter was a hoax and that there was never a firearm on campus or any injuries.
Megan VerHelst and Max Bennett, Patch Staff
Across New Jersey, NJ|News|
Trump Loyalist Unlawfully Serving As NJ’s Top Prosecutor, Judge Rules
A judge found that President Trump's personal attorney is "not statutorily eligible to perform the duties of the office."
Megan VerHelst, Patch Staff
St. Pete, FL|News|
How To Check If Florida Owes You Money In 2025
The Florida state treasury says 1 in 5 residents has unclaimed money or property. Here's how to search for and claim your money.
Megan VerHelst, Patch Staff
