Fredericksburg, VA|News|
‘Brutally Humid’ Summer Ahead In Virginia, Forecasts Predict
NOAA’s Climate Prediction Center, The Old Farmer’s Almanac and The Farmers’ Almanac share predictions for summer weather in 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
Annapolis, MD|News|
‘Broiling’ Summer Ahead In Maryland, Forecasts Predict
NOAA’s Climate Prediction Center, The Old Farmer’s Almanac and The Farmers’ Almanac share predictions for summer weather in Maryland.
Megan VerHelst, Patch Staff
Fredericksburg, VA|News|
These Are The Most Expensive Restaurants In Virginia
A list by Love Food includes some of the most upscale restaurants in every state. See which Virginia eateries made the list.
Megan VerHelst, Patch Staff
Baltimore, MD|News|
This Baltimore Restaurant Is The Most Expensive In Maryland
The list by Love Food includes some of the most upscale restaurants in every state. See which Maryland eatery made the list.
Megan VerHelst, Patch Staff
Gaithersburg, MD|News|
Rockville Woman Dies Days After Crash, DUI Suspected
The fatal crash involving two vehicles happened shortly after 8:30 a.m. Saturday, police said. One driver was arrested on suspicion of DUI.
Megan VerHelst, Patch Staff
Ellicott City, MD|News|
The Noisy Periodical Cicadas Are Emerging: Where To See, Hear Them In MD
Millions of Brood XIV 17-year periodical cicadas are tunneling up from their underground homes and serenading states, including Maryland.
Megan VerHelst, Patch Staff
Across New Jersey, NJ|News|
Murphy Announces Relief Plan Amid Massive Electric Rate Hike
The new initiative will go into effect next month, Gov. Phil Murphy said.
Megan VerHelst, Patch Staff
Towson, MD|News|
Human Remains Discovered At Patapsco Valley State Park
Human remains were found by a hiker on Wednesday in Patapsco Valley State Park, authorities said.
Megan VerHelst, Patch Staff
Across Virginia, VA|News|
VA Hunter Sentenced For Poisoning Bald Eagles, Beating Hawk
The man admitted to killing more than 20 raptors on his Accomack County property, officials said.
Megan VerHelst, Patch Staff
Rockville, MD|News|
Man Killed In Collision With Tractor-Trailer In Montgomery County
Authorities said the crash that killed a Ford Fusion driver who collided with a tractor-trailer happened just before 11:30 a.m. Wednesday.
Megan VerHelst, Patch Staff
Annapolis, MD|News|
Annapolis Man Convicted Of Dozens Of Thefts Across 5 Counties
The 57-year-old man pleaded guilty to one count of theft scheme after targeting retail stores across Maryland.
Megan VerHelst, Patch Staff
Annapolis, MD|News|
Moments Before Key Bridge Collapse Revealed In New Transcripts
A new report by the National Transportation Safety Board offers a look at recordings from the hours before the deadly Key Bridge collapse.
Megan VerHelst, Patch Staff
Falls Church, VA|News|
Body Found In 1993 Identified As Fairfax County Man
On Nov. 29, 1993, police discovered the Fairfax County man's body floating near the east side of the Clearwater Pass bridge in Florida.
Megan VerHelst, Patch Staff
Gaithersburg, MD|News|
Man Charged After Woman's Kidnapping In Montgomery County
Police said the kidnapping happened Sunday near Wexhall Drive and Greencastle Road in Montgomery County.
Megan VerHelst, Patch Staff
Ashburn, VA|News|
VA Sending Loudoun County Transgender Locker Room Incident To Feds
The case will now move to the U.S. Departments of Education and Justice for further investigation, Attorney General Jason Miyares said.
Megan VerHelst, Patch Staff
Washington DC|News|
10 DC Restaurants Among Best For Outdoor Dining, New List Says
The list compiled by OpenTable highlights some of the top outdoor dining venues favored by diners for 2025.
Megan VerHelst, Patch Staff
Gaithersburg, MD|News|
2 Injured In Crash On Sam Eig Highway In Gaithersburg
Authorities closed a portion of Sam Eig Highway following the collision.
Megan VerHelst, Patch Staff
Homewood-Flossmoor, IL|News|
Motorcyclist Killed In Saturday Crash In Homewood
Police said the crash happened near the 1200 block of 183rd Street.
Megan VerHelst, Patch Staff
Bowie, MD|News|
Man Shot In Targeted Attack Outside CVS In Prince George's County
Surveillance video showed the suspect and victim shaking hands before the suspect opened fire, a report said.
Megan VerHelst, Patch Staff
Tampa, FL|News|
Man Fatally Shot Inside Car In Tampa, Suspect At Large
Authorities said the shooting happened Friday at Progress Boulevard and South 82nd Street in Tampa.
Megan VerHelst, Patch Staff
