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.
A GOP lawmaker blasted New Jersey officials after an analysis showed the Garden State has the lowest REAL ID compliance rate in the nation.
With just two weeks before enforcement begins, millions of Virginia residents still don't have their REAL ID.
Food writers at Lovefood curated a list of the most charming restaurants in each state. See which New Jersey eatery made the cut.
Prince William County police said the incident happened Saturday at the Westminster at Lake Ridge Senior Living home in Woodbridge.
The system will move ashore through Saturday, bringing the potential for thunderstorms and heavy snow to some parts of the state.
The threat was discovered Friday afternoon at St. Petersburg-Clearwater International Airport, authorities said.
Authorities said the men used stolen credit card information to purchase items at Target in Rockville.
The spiking rates of two diseases could be signaling a return of childhood illnesses, according to a new ProPublica report.
The spiking rates of two diseases could be signaling a return of childhood illnesses, according to a new ProPublica report.
Court documents said the Gaithersburg man raised money for militias overseas, called for the murder and kidnapping of Cameroonian civilians.
Two Florida pizzerias were honored among the world's best at the recent International Pizza Challenge in Las Vegas.
NOAA’s Climate Prediction Center, The Old Farmer’s Almanac, and The Farmers’ Almanac share predictions for summer weather in NJ.
Residents of western Morris County have been coping with delays and traffic since several sinkholes damaged parts of Interstate 80.
A D.C. pizzeria was honored among the world's best at the recent International Pizza Challenge in Las Vegas.
With just two weeks before enforcement begins, millions of Garden State residents still don't have their REAL ID.
A Baltimore pizzeria was honored among the world's best at the recent International Pizza Challenge in Las Vegas.
Police said the fatal collision happened Thursday near northbound Shady Grove Road and Blackwell Road.
A judge referenced the case of Kilmar Abrego Garcia before ordering federal officials to facilitate the second man's return to the U.S.
Josh Fitzpatrick was arrested this week and charged with felony sexual extortion, according to the Albemarle County Police Department.
A Denville man was found dead Wednesday after his kayak capsized on a Morris County lake.
