Annapolis, MD|News|
Severe Thunderstorm Watch Issued For 10 MD Counties: Latest Forecast
Parts of Maryland could see damaging winds, large hail and isolated tornadoes as a storm system moves through the state.
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
Tewksbury, MA|News|
Motorcyclist Hospitalized After Crash In Tewksbury
Authorities said the crash happened Friday night on Rogers Street in Tewksbury.
Megan VerHelst, Patch Staff
Reading, MA|News|
1 Killed, 2 Injured In 4-Car Crash In Reading
Police said the crash happened shortly after 10 p.m. at the intersection of Main and Hopkins streets.
Megan VerHelst, Patch Staff
Tampa, FL|News|
Interstate 75 Reopens In Hillsborough County After Fatal Crash
Authorities said the crash happened Saturday near Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard.
Megan VerHelst, Patch Staff
Across Pennsylvania, PA|News|
Tornadoes, Hail Possible As Storms Move Into PA: See Latest Timing
Showers and thunderstorms are expected to move into Pennsylvania on Saturday. See the latest timing and impacts.
Megan VerHelst, Patch Staff
Woodbridge, VA|News|
Parents Charged In 2-Year-Old's Death At Dumfries Hotel
Authorities were called to the Red Roof Inn in Dumfries last month, where they found the toddler's body, police said.
Megan VerHelst, Patch Staff
Across New Jersey, NJ|News|
Tornadoes, Hail Possible As Storms Move Into NJ: See Latest Timing
Showers and thunderstorms are expected to move into the Garden State on Saturday. See the latest timing and impacts.
Megan VerHelst, Patch Staff
Frankfort, IL|News|
Man Charged After Barricade Incident At 'Uninhabitable' Frankfort Home
Two pets were later removed from the home due to hazardous living conditions, authorities said.
Megan VerHelst, Patch Staff
New Haven, CT|News|
Body Found In New Haven Cemetery, Prompting Investigation
Police responded to a cemetery on Ella Grasso Boulevard after receiving a call about a suspicious death, reports said.
Megan VerHelst, Patch Staff
Shelton-Derby, CT|News|
Crews Battle House Fire In Shelton
The fire broke out Friday at a home on Waverly Road, according to the Shelton Fire Department.
Megan VerHelst, Patch Staff
Old Town Alexandria, VA|News|
Rounds Of Storms, Some Severe, Target NoVA In Latest Forecast
A few of the incoming storms may be severe, with damaging winds and large hail in Northern Virginia, forecasters said.
Megan VerHelst, Patch Staff
Bel Air, MD|News|
Rounds Of Storms, Some Severe, Target MD In Latest Forecast
A few of the weekend storms may be severe with damaging winds and large hail in Maryland, forecasters said.
Megan VerHelst, Patch Staff
Hackettstown, NJ|News|
Route 46 Wildfire Contained, Officials Say; Roads Reopen
The Route 46 Wildfire broke out Friday afternoon near Hackettstown, according to the New Jersey Forest Fire Service.
Megan VerHelst, Patch Staff
Across New Jersey, NJ|News|
This NJ Amusement Park Was Just Named Among Best In US
One of the 20 best amusement parks in the country is close to home in New Jersey, according to a recent U.S. News & World Report ranking.
Megan VerHelst, Patch Staff
Across New Jersey, NJ|News|
This Childhood Illness Increased 1,500% Nationwide: See NJ Data
The spiking rates of two diseases could be signaling a return of childhood illnesses, according to a new ProPublica report.
Megan VerHelst, Patch Staff
Fredericksburg, VA|News|
Trump Executive Order To Impact 43 Virginia TV, Radio Stations
President Donald Trump signed the executive order on funding for NPR, PBS to stop what he called “biased and partisan news coverage.”
Megan VerHelst, Patch Staff
Annapolis, MD|News|
Trump Executive Order To Impact 17 MD TV, Radio Stations
President Donald Trump signed the executive order to stop what he called “biased and partisan news coverage.”
Megan VerHelst, Patch Staff
Across New Jersey, NJ|News|
Murphy Condemns Trump Cuts To School-Based Mental Health Grants
States were notified Tuesday that the Trump administration plans to cancel $1 billion in mental health grants for schools.
Megan VerHelst, Patch Staff
Across Maryland, MD|News|
Best Brunch Spots An Easy Drive For MD Diners: OpenTable
It's almost Mother's Day. These five restaurants near Maryland are serving some of the best brunch, according to OpenTable.
Megan VerHelst, Patch Staff
Across Virginia, VA|News|
6 VA, DC Eateries Among 2025’s Top 100 Brunch Restaurants
It's almost Mother's Day. These 6 restaurants in Virginia and Washington, D.C. are serving some of the best brunch, according to OpenTable.
Megan VerHelst, Patch Staff