Bel Air, MD|News|
3rd Of 4 Supermoons Rises Ahead Of Storied Geminids: What To Know In MD
The full cold moon is the last chance in 2025 to see a supermoon in Maryland.
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
Across Virginia, VA|News|
'Trashed Panda' That Ransacked VA Liquor Store Immortalized On T-Shirt
Virginia's internet-famous drunk raccoon isn't just a viral sensation. Now, his intoxicated antics are raising money for a good cause.
Megan VerHelst, Patch Staff
Old Town Alexandria, VA|News|
Winter Storm Could Drop First Measurable Snow On NoVA: Timing, What To Expect
Ahead of the storm, the National Weather Service issued a potential winter commuting hazard alert for the entire region.
Megan VerHelst, Patch Staff
Baltimore, MD|News|
Winter Storm Could Drop Snow, Ice On MD: Timing, What To Expect
Ahead of the storm, the National Weather Service issued a potential winter commuting hazard alert for the Baltimore-DC region.
Megan VerHelst, Patch Staff
Washington DC|News|
NoVA Man Accused In DC Pipe Bomb Plot Charged With Explosives Offense
A NoVA man is charged with the use of an explosive device after the FBI said he planted pipe bombs in DC ahead of the 2021 Capitol riot.
Megan VerHelst, Patch Staff
Silver Spring, MD|News|
Man Dies Months After He's Injured In Silver Spring Shooting
Prosecutors are deciding whether to pursue first-degree murder charges after police said the man was shot by his girlfriend's son.
Megan VerHelst, Patch Staff
Fredericksburg, VA|News|
New Details On $1K 'Trump Accounts' For Virginia Babies
Here’s what Virginia parents need to know about the Trump Accounts and how to claim them.
Megan VerHelst, Patch Staff
Annapolis, MD|News|
New Details On $1K 'Trump Accounts' For Maryland Babies
Here’s what Maryland parents need to know about the Trump Accounts and how to claim them.
Megan VerHelst, Patch Staff
Bowie, MD|News|
1 Dead In Shooting At MGM National Harbor
Prince George's County police said the man was shot while ordering food. A suspect is still on the loose.
Megan VerHelst, Patch Staff
Bethesda-Chevy Chase, MD|News|
Bethesda Volunteer Firefighter Charged With Possession Of Child Porn
The 18-year-old firefighter is facing 10 charges following a months-long investigation, police said.
Megan VerHelst, Patch Staff
Across Virginia, VA|News|
'Very Intoxicated' Raccoon Ransacks VA Store In Liquor-Fueled Rampage
"This raccoon heard 'drunk as a skunk' and said 'hold my beer,'" said a social media comment about a VA raccoon on a rampage.
Megan VerHelst, Patch Staff
Across Virginia, VA|News|
Massive Cheese Recall Includes Products Sold In VA: What To Know
The products were sold at several major retailers in Virginia, including Target, Walmart and Aldi.
Megan VerHelst, Patch Staff
Germantown, MD|News|
Germantown Teen Facing Manslaughter Charge After Deadly Crash
The 18-year-old turned himself in to authorities after he was charged, police said.
Megan VerHelst, Patch Staff
Fredericksburg, VA|News|
National Retailer Closing 20 Locations, Laying Off 900 Workers: What It Means For VA
Twelve stores in Virginia could be affected by the closures, which the company said is a cost-cutting move.
Megan VerHelst, Patch Staff
Bel Air, MD|News|
National Retailer Closing 20 Locations, Laying Off 900 Workers: What It Means For MD
Ten stores in Maryland could be affected by the closures, which the company said is a cost-cutting move.
Megan VerHelst, Patch Staff
Washington DC|News|
Man Accused In DC National Guard Shooting Charged With Murder, Other Offenses: Reports
Rahmanullah Lakanwal is accused of killing U.S. Army Spc. Sarah Beckstrom and injuring U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Andrew Wolfe.
Megan VerHelst, Patch Staff
Old Town Alexandria, VA|News|
Polar Vortex Could Bring Snow, Freezing Rain To NoVA This Week: See Timing, Forecast
Rain was falling across much of the area on Tuesday and was expected to taper off by mid-afternoon, forecasters said.
Megan VerHelst, Patch Staff
Annapolis, MD|News|
Polar Vortex Could Bring Snow, Wintry Mix To MD This Week: See Timing, Forecast
Rain was falling across much of the area on Tuesday and was expected to taper off by mid-afternoon, forecasters said.
Megan VerHelst, Patch Staff
Germantown, MD|News|
Germantown Man Killed In Single-Car Crash In Damascus
Montgomery County police said the collision occurred shortly after 4 a.m. Sunday.
Megan VerHelst, Patch Staff
Banning-Beaumont, CA|News|
Identity Of Woman Found Dead On SoCal Mountainside Sought By Police
The woman's body was found on Nov. 18 near Highway 138 and Crestline Road, authorities said.
Megan VerHelst, Patch Staff
