Across Massachusetts, MA|News|
Woodpecker Targeted MA Neighborhood, Leaving Chaos In His Wake
Nearly two dozen car mirrors fell victim before residents of Rockport came together to solve the mystery, reports said.
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
Gaithersburg, MD|News|
2 Injured In 3 Separate Shootings In Montgomery County
Police are investigating after a series of shootings that happened within hours of each other, authorities said.
Megan VerHelst, Patch Staff
Bowie, MD|News|
3 MD Mexican Restaurants Among Best Around DC, New List Says
Eater DC's new list focuses on Mexican restaurants that showcase a "well-rounded variety of staples," according to the publication.
Megan VerHelst, Patch Staff
Across New Jersey, NJ|News|
These New Jersey Eateries Named 2025's Best Brunch Spots
From casual favorites to upscale comfort food, Best of NJ curated a list of the state's best brunch spots for 2025. See the list.
Megan VerHelst, Patch Staff
Old Town Alexandria, VA|News|
Rare Celestial 'Smiley Face' To Light Up VA Skies This Week
A rare triple celestial conjunction will "smile down" on Virginia. Here's what to know about the spectacle.
Megan VerHelst, Patch Staff
Baltimore, MD|News|
Rare Celestial 'Smiley Face' To Light Up MD Skies This Week
A rare triple celestial conjunction will "smile down" on Maryland. Here's what to know about the spectacle.
Megan VerHelst, Patch Staff
Wayne, NJ|News|
1 Dead, 1 Injured In Shooting At Paterson Park
The shooting happened Tuesday night at a park in Passaic County, authorities said.
Megan VerHelst, Patch Staff
Barnegat-Manahawkin, NJ|News|
NJ Farm Evacuates Multiple Horses As Jones Road Wildfire Burns: Report
The Jones Road Wildfire had burned 12,000 acres by Wednesday afternoon, prompting evacuations and road closures.
Megan VerHelst, Patch Staff
Barnegat-Manahawkin, NJ|News|
Jones Road Wildfire Prompts State Of Emergency In South Jersey
The governor's office declared a state of emergency in response to the Jones Road Wildfire, which has burned 12,000 acres in South Jersey.
Megan VerHelst, Patch Staff
Fredericksburg, VA|News|
Why Some Virginians Will Get 2 Social Security Checks In May
Some residents of Virginia will get a second payment from the Social Security Administration in May.
Megan VerHelst, Patch Staff
Annapolis, MD|News|
Why Some Marylanders Will Get 2 Social Security Checks In May
Some residents of Maryland will get a second payment from the Social Security Administration in May.
Megan VerHelst, Patch Staff
Bowie, MD|News|
VA Man Charged In Series Of Road Rage Incidents In MD
A man faces felony charges after authorities said he used a gun to threaten others during separate road rage incidents in Maryland.
Megan VerHelst, Patch Staff
Washington DC|News|
Homeland Security Secretary Noem's Purse Stolen At DC Restaurant
DHS Secretary Kristi Noem's purse contained about $3,000 in cash when it was stolen Sunday while she was guarded by Secret Service agents.
Megan VerHelst, Patch Staff
Across Maryland, MD|News|
Radio Shack To Close Its Last Remaining MD Location
The store will close after more than 40 years of operation, according to a report.
Megan VerHelst, Patch Staff
Across New Jersey, NJ|News|
NJ Won't Comply With Trump's Demand To End DEI In Public Schools
The NJ Department of Education sent a letter to federal officials, responding to their request that referenced "illegal DEI" in schools.
Megan VerHelst, Patch Staff
Across New Jersey, NJ|News|
Emergency REAL ID Appointments Available In NJ
The emergency program is being offered in addition to the continued issuance of REAL IDs at licensing centers and mobile units.
Megan VerHelst, Patch Staff
Fredericksburg, VA|News|
VA Confirms State's First Measles Case Of 2025
State health officials are working to identify anyone who might have been exposed.
Megan VerHelst, Patch Staff
Silver Spring, MD|News|
Silver Spring Man Charged In Sporting Goods Store Shooting
Montgomery County police said the shooting happened at Dick's Sporting Goods in Wheaton.
Megan VerHelst, Patch Staff
Crystal Lake-Cary, IL|News|
Human Remains Found In NC Identified As Missing Crystal Lake Woman
Caitlin Hodges, 29, was reported missing on July 25 in Goldsboro, North Carolina, according to police.
Megan VerHelst, Patch Staff
Sarasota, FL|News|
Bradenton Man Killed In Single-Car Crash In Sarasota County
Florida Highway Patrol said the crash happened around 2:45 a.m. Saturday.
Megan VerHelst, Patch Staff
