Chicago, IL|News|
Man Dies In Apparent Fall From Chicago's Trump Tower
The incident happened in the 400 block of North Wabash Avenue, according to Chicago police.
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
Atlanta, GA|News|
CDC Gunman Spoke About Distrust Of COVID-19 Vaccines Before Shooting
Patrick Joseph White of Kennesaw opened fire near the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention on Friday. One officer was killed.
Megan VerHelst, Patch Staff
Atlanta, GA|News|
Shooter, Officer Dead Near CDC And Emory University, Police Say
The college confirmed there was an active shooter on campus shortly after 5 p.m. Friday. One police officer was killed; the gunman is dead.
Megan VerHelst, Patch Staff
Across Virginia, VA|News|
VA Boar's Head Plant To Reopen After Deadly Deli Meat Listeria Outbreak
The VA deli meat plant linked to last year's listeria outbreak that killed 10 people and sickened more than 60 others is set to reopen.
Megan VerHelst, Patch Staff
Germantown, MD|News|
Missing Child With Autism Found Alive In Germantown Pond
The child was reported missing on Wednesday after he wandered away from his home, police said.
Megan VerHelst, Patch Staff
Wheaton, MD|News|
Suspect Sought In Wheaton Department Store Robbery
According to police, the incident happened Sunday around 4:35 p.m.
Megan VerHelst, Patch Staff
Annapolis, MD|News|
Is Crime Up Or Down In Maryland? Here’s What FBI Data Shows
Crime plunged nationwide in 2024, according to new data from the FBI. Here's a look at Maryland statistics.
Megan VerHelst, Patch Staff
Old Town Alexandria, VA|News|
Is Crime Up Or Down In Virginia? Here’s What FBI Data Shows
Crime plunged nationwide in 2024, according to new data from the FBI. Here's a look at Virginia statistics.
Megan VerHelst, Patch Staff
Perry Hall, MD|News|
Neo-Nazi Sentenced For Plotting To Destroy Baltimore Power Grid
In February, the Orlando man was found guilty of conspiracy to damage an energy facility in Maryland after a six-day trial.
Megan VerHelst, Patch Staff
Fredericksburg, VA|News|
Where VA Ranks Among States With The Most Underprivileged Kids
A new ranking by WalletHub shows some states address the issues faced by underprivileged children more effectively than others.
Megan VerHelst, Patch Staff
Old Town Alexandria, VA|News|
How Shifting Vaccine Policy Could Affect VA School-Age Children
Shifts in federal health policy could affect the number of school-aged children in Virginia receiving required vaccinations.
Megan VerHelst, Patch Staff
Annapolis, MD|News|
How Shifting Vaccine Policy Could Affect MD School-Age Children
Shifts in federal health policy could affect the number of school-aged children in Maryland receiving required vaccinations.
Megan VerHelst, Patch Staff
Chicago, IL|News|
Chicago Man Indicted For Hate Crime In Shooting Of Israeli Embassy Staffers
Yaron Lischinsky and Sarah Milgrim were gunned down as they were leaving an event at the Capital Jewish Museum in Washington, D.C.
Megan VerHelst, Patch Staff
Washington DC|News|
Man Indicted For Hate Crime, Murder In Shooting Of Israeli Embassy Staffers
Yaron Lischinsky and Sarah Milgrim were gunned down as they were leaving an event at the Capital Jewish Museum in Washington, D.C.
Megan VerHelst, Patch Staff
Columbia, MD|News|
Police ID Columbia Man Killed In Montgomery County Crash
Police said the crash happened shortly after 3:20 a.m. on Sandy Spring Road in Montgomery County.
Megan VerHelst, Patch Staff
Across New Jersey, NJ|News|
Where NJ Ranks Among States With The Most Underprivileged Kids
A new ranking by WalletHub shows some states address the issues faced by underprivileged children more effectively than others.
Megan VerHelst, Patch Staff
Bel Air, MD|News|
Spotted Lanternfly Surge In MD: What To Expect, How To Spot Them
Spotted lanternflies were first found in Maryland in 2018. The invasive pest has since spread to 20 counties and Baltimore City.
Megan VerHelst, Patch Staff
Bethesda-Chevy Chase, MD|News|
Laurel Man Arrested In 1995 Death Of DC Cop From Montgomery County
The D.C. Metropolitan Police officer was fatally shot five times in her Montgomery County apartment. An arrest has been made after 30 years.
Megan VerHelst, Patch Staff
Bethesda-Chevy Chase, MD|News|
Man Dead Following 2-Car Crash In Montgomery County
Police said the crash happened shortly after 3:20 a.m. on Wednesday.
Megan VerHelst, Patch Staff
Annapolis, MD|News|
This Is When Fall Will Arrive In Maryland This Year, Forecasters Say
Accuweather's new fall forecast predicts when summer warmth and humidity will give way to crisp, cooler temperatures in Maryland.
Megan VerHelst, Patch Staff
