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.
Lt. Mark Dranbauer was battling a blaze when he suffered a medical emergency he won't recover from, the Baltimore City Fire Department said.
A new report said proposed cuts to Medicaid threaten to upend health care in the nation’s most vulnerable communities, including in VA.
New Jersey Republicans said they're also creating a questionnaire to hear from residents about how electric prices are affecting them.
The FAA recently learned a hotline to coordinate air traffic between Reagan Airport and the Pentagon didn't work for three years.
The health secretary's family took a dip in DC's Rock Creek, where swimming has long been banned for high bacteria levels and contamination.
Widespread rain on Tuesday brought dangerous flooding to parts of Maryland. See what Wednesday's forecast has in store for the state.
NJ Transit train service may stop as early as Friday due to failed contract negotiations between the agency and rail workers.
Gov. Phil Murphy's announcement comes less than a month before a statewide rate hike scheduled to begin on June 1.
A WARN notice filed with the state said one of the nation's largest banks will lay off dozens of people in the coming months.
Montgomery County police are asking for the public's help in identifying the man.
A system that brought days of rain and storms to southern states moved into Maryland on Tuesday. See the storm's predicted impacts.
A major pharmacy chain is closing dozens of stores across multiple states as it files for bankruptcy. See which VA locations are affected.
Newly released documents show federal officials may have known more than they claimed about drone sightings over New Jersey.
As Mother's Day approaches, a new ranking looks at which states offer the best support for moms. See where Virginia ranked.
As Mother's Day approaches, a new ranking looks at which states offer the best support for moms. See where Maryland ranked.
The Florida Highway Patrol said the crash happened shortly before 1:20 p.m. on Friday.
Police said the shooting happened in the 1900 block of Ray Leonard Road.
Prosecutors said the couple also forced victims to work for them without pay, telling them it was "God's will."
The arrest came two days after a 70-year-old woman was found stabbed to death inside a home, prosecutors said.
One person was injured in the explosion, which prompted the cancellation of the Main Street Festival parade.
