Arlington, VA|News|
MD Man Accused Of Trying To Rob Arlington Bank
The man was arrested in Washington, D.C. on Friday and charged with attempted robbery, police 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
Gaithersburg, MD|News|
FL Man Accused Of Stealing $20K From Montgomery County Woman
Investigators believe there may be additional victims in the D.C., Maryland and Virginia area who were targeted by the man.
Megan VerHelst, Patch Staff
Anne Arundel, MD|News|
Jessup Pastor, Former Teacher Accused Of Sexually Abusing 5 Victims
Authorities said the man is accused of abusing at least two students at an Anne Arundel County Christian school.
Megan VerHelst, Patch Staff
Glen Burnie, MD|News|
Glen Burnie Woman Sentenced After Toddler Dies From Fentanyl Overdose
She also pleaded guilty to one count of first-degree child abuse on Thursday for the death of her 2-year-old daughter.
Megan VerHelst, Patch Staff
Fairfax City, VA|News|
These VA Colleges Earned Top Scores On New National Ranking
The colleges were named to Money's 2025 "Best Colleges In America" ratings, which focus on affordable institutions, academics and more.
Megan VerHelst, Patch Staff
Towson, MD|News|
These MD Colleges Earned Top Scores On New National Ranking
The colleges were named to Money's 2025 "Best Colleges In America" ratings, which focus on affordable institutions, academics and more.
Megan VerHelst, Patch Staff
Fairfax City, VA|News|
Masked Man Robs Woman In Tysons Before Her Boyfriend's Home Is Burglarized
A man is facing charges in connection with the burglary, Fairfax County police said.
Megan VerHelst, Patch Staff
Fredericksburg, VA|News|
10 Kinds Of Ice Cream Bars Sold In VA Recalled Due To Listeria Concerns
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration is warning consumers not to eat these 10 brands of ice cream bars.
Megan VerHelst, Patch Staff
Across New Jersey, NJ|News|
Food Writer Ranks 8 'Jersey' Subs From Famous Chain
Food Republic set out to determine which is the best sandwich at Jersey Mike's. See which sub earned the top spot.
Megan VerHelst, Patch Staff
Across New Jersey, NJ|News|
These Are The Top 3 Beaches In New Jersey, Report Says
As Garden State residents flock to the Jersey Shore this summer, these are the beaches at the top of travelers' lists.
Megan VerHelst, Patch Staff
St. Pete, FL|News|
Here's What Age Kids Can Stay Home Alone In FL
With school out for the summer, some Florida parents may be wondering if their kids are old enough to stay home alone.
Megan VerHelst, Patch Staff
Baltimore, MD|News|
Here's Where Baltimore Ranks Among Cities With The Worst Traffic
A new ranking from ConsumerAffairs looked at traffic data from the 50 biggest metropolitan areas to determine where traffic was the worst.
Megan VerHelst, Patch Staff
Anne Arundel, MD|News|
Here's Where To Find The Cheapest Groceries In MD, New Study Says
A new analysis compared prices at over 2,000 stores across the country to find out which chain is the most affordable.
Megan VerHelst, Patch Staff
Fredericksburg, VA|News|
Here's Where To Find The Cheapest Groceries In VA, New Study Says
A new analysis compared prices at over 2,000 stores across the country to find out which chain is the most affordable.
Megan VerHelst, Patch Staff
Old Town Alexandria, VA|News|
These VA, DC Hotel Restaurants Among The Best In U.S.
Five of the best hotel restaurants in the country are located in Virginia and Washington, D.C., according to OpenTable.
Megan VerHelst, Patch Staff
Annapolis, MD|News|
These MD, DC Hotel Restaurants Among The Best In U.S.
Three of the best hotel restaurants in the country are located in Maryland and Washington, D.C., according to OpenTable.
Megan VerHelst, Patch Staff
Bethesda-Chevy Chase, MD|News|
2 Teens Charged For Attempted Carjacking In Bethesda
A third suspect remains at large following the May incident, Montgomery County police said.
Megan VerHelst, Patch Staff
Westfield, NJ|News|
Fugitive Arrested After Barricading Himself Inside Elizabeth Motel Room: Police
Authorities said the man was wanted in connection with the armed robbery of a Rahway bank.
Megan VerHelst, Patch Staff
Gaithersburg, MD|News|
Man Dies After Drowning In Derwood, Authorities Say
Montgomery County fire and rescue officials said the drowning happened shortly before 7:30 a.m. Thursday.
Megan VerHelst, Patch Staff
Towson, MD|News|
Severe Storms, Extreme Heat Return To MD: Weather Forecast
Heat index values are expected to climb into the 100s on Friday, while storms could bring damaging winds to the Baltimore region.
Megan VerHelst, Patch Staff
