Reston, VA|News|
50 MPH Winds Possible As Advisories Issued Across NoVA
A gale warning is also in effect for some waterways, the National Weather Service said Tuesday.
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
Baltimore, MD|News|
50 MPH Winds Possible As Advisories Issued In 9 MD Counties
A gale warning is also in effect for all Maryland waterways, the National Weather Service said Tuesday.
Megan VerHelst, Patch Staff
Silver Spring, MD|News|
Silver Spring Woman Killed In Weekend Car Crash
Police said the crash happened shortly after 10:40 p.m. Sunday in the 10400 block of Colesville Road.
Megan VerHelst, Patch Staff
Annapolis, MD|News|
Here’s Where MD Residents Have Seen Hummingbirds This Spring
Have hummingbirds arrived in Maryland? What to know as these tiny, energetic birds make their way north.
Megan VerHelst, Patch Staff
Annapolis, MD|News|
Here’s Where NoVA Residents Have Seen Hummingbirds This Spring
Have hummingbirds arrived in Northern Virginia? What to know as these tiny, energetic birds make their way north.
Megan VerHelst, Patch Staff
Annapolis, MD|News|
MD Black Bears Back Emerging For 2025: What You Need To Know
Black bears are waking up from hibernation and they're hungry. Here's how Marylanders can co-exist peacefully with them.
Megan VerHelst, Patch Staff
Across New Jersey, NJ|News|
4 NJ Counties Designated Disaster Areas Over Drought Damage
The designation will allow the USDA to extend "much-needed emergency credit" to producers recovering from drought.
Megan VerHelst, Patch Staff
Lawrenceville, GA|News|
Grand Jury Decides Fate Of Hamilton Cops Who Fatally Shot Man
Vincent Correa, 44, was killed on March 8, 2024, while exchanging gunfire with two Hamilton police officers.
Megan VerHelst, Patch Staff
Across California, CA|News|
Winter's Weak La Niña Is Over: What That Means For CA
After just a few short months of La Niña conditions, forecasters have declared the weather phenomenon is over.
Megan VerHelst, Patch Staff
Gaithersburg, MD|News|
Jury Delivers Verdict For Man Who Ran Over MoCo Cop: Report
Sgt. Patrick Kepp had both legs amputated in October 2023 after a driver hit him with a car on Interstate 270.
Megan VerHelst, Patch Staff
Annapolis, MD|News|
Retailer JCPenney To Close MD Location In 2025
The round of closures is the latest announced by the troubled retailer after it filed for bankruptcy and shuttered more than 200 locations.
Megan VerHelst, Patch Staff
Potomac, MD|News|
MoCo Student Had List Of People 'They Thought Should Be Harmed'
The principal of a Montgomery County elementary school told the community a student kept a list of the people they thought should be harmed.
Megan VerHelst, Patch Staff
Gaithersburg, MD|News|
Trial Begins For Man Accused Of Hitting MoCo Cop With Car
Sgt. Patrick Kepp had both legs amputated in October 2023 after a driver hit him with a car on Interstate 270.
Megan VerHelst, Patch Staff
Across New Jersey, NJ|News|
Lyrid, Eta Aquariid Meteors, NASA Challenge: April Skywatching In NJ
Meteor showers return to the skies over New Jersey in April, providing hours of nighttime enjoyment as spring temperatures arrive.
Megan VerHelst, Patch Staff
Bradenton, FL|News|
Worst States To Drive In: See Where FL Ranked
WalletHub ranked each state to determine where driving conditions are the best. See how Florida fared.
Megan VerHelst, Patch Staff
St. Pete, FL|News|
FL Among Most Luxury-Obsessed States, New Analysis Says
A recent study by gaming website Slot.Day determined the U.S. states where people are most into luxury living. See where FL ranked.
Megan VerHelst, Patch Staff
Across Virginia, VA|News|
Virginia Among The Happiest States In The U.S., Ranking Says
A new analysis by WalletHub revealed the state in which you live may have an impact on how happy you are. See how Virginia fared.
Megan VerHelst, Patch Staff
Annapolis, MD|News|
$100K Doesn't Go As Far As You Think In MD, New Study Reveals
A new study by SEOSpace revealed how far a $100,000 salary will stretch in 2025 across all U.S. states.
Megan VerHelst, Patch Staff
Upper East Side, NY|News|
Ahead Of Hearing, Feds Say Mahmoud Khalil Can Be Deported Over Beliefs
Columbia University activist Mahmoud Khalil was arrested last month in a Trump administration crackdown on pro-Palestinian protestors.
Megan VerHelst, Patch Staff
Fredericksburg, VA|News|
Escalating Trade War With China Puts These Key VA Exports At Risk
President Donald Trump’s escalating trade war against China could put thousands of Maryland jobs on the line.
Megan VerHelst, Patch Staff
