Bel Air, MD|News|
Popular Deli Brand Recalling Cheese In MD Over Listeria Risk Just Before Thanksgiving
The recall notice, issued Monday by the company, said two cheese products were affected by the recall.
Megan VerHelst and Karen Wall, 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
Towson, MD|News|
Baltimore County Woman Wins $50K Playing MD Lottery Game
The woman said a dream inspired her to pick the numbers that later won her $50,000.
Megan VerHelst, Patch Staff
Takoma Park, MD|News|
Suspects Sought In Armed Carjacking In Takoma Park
Police said the carjacking occurred on Thursday afternoon in the 7700 block of Eastern Avenue.
Megan VerHelst, Patch Staff
Fredericksburg, VA|News|
Tariff Changes In VA Ahead Of Holiday Shopping: What To Know
Some items are causing sticker shock for Virginia consumers as Thanksgiving kicks off weeks of holiday celebrations centered around food.
Megan VerHelst, Patch Staff
Annapolis, MD|News|
Tariff Changes In MD Ahead Of Holiday Shopping: What To Know
Some items are causing sticker shock for Maryland consumers as Thanksgiving kicks off weeks of holiday celebrations centered around food.
Megan VerHelst, Patch Staff
Across Virginia, VA|News|
Missing VA Football Coach Now Wanted On Child Porn, Solicitation Charges
Virginia State Police said Travis Turner, who has been missing since Thursday, is now considered a fugitive.
Megan VerHelst, Patch Staff
Gaithersburg, MD|News|
Police ID Driver Killed In Single-Car Crash In Montgomery County
Police said the crash occurred on westbound Cherry Hill Road near O’Fallon Street.
Megan VerHelst, Patch Staff
Tampa, FL|News|
Student Charged After Bringing Gun To Plant City Middle School
Detectives later learned the teen had been suspended from school on Wednesday and was not allowed on campus.
Megan VerHelst, Patch Staff
Oak Park-River Forest, IL|News|
MMA Fighter Dies During Competition At Cicero Stadium: Report
Emergency responders were called to the stadium shortly before 8:40 p.m. Friday, the report said.
Megan VerHelst, Patch Staff
Across Virginia, VA|News|
Former UVA Student Sentenced In Shooting That Killed 3 Football Players
Christopher Darnell Jones was previously convicted of killing three football players when he opened fire inside a charter bus in 2022.
Megan VerHelst, Patch Staff
Silver Spring, MD|News|
Police ID Man Killed In Silver Spring Shooting, 1 In Custody
Police said the shooting happened shortly before 2:10 p.m. Friday.
Megan VerHelst, Patch Staff
Los Angeles, CA|News|
Massive Container Ship Fire Near LA Continues To Burn
The fire on the ship One Henry Hudson was first reported shortly before 6:40 p.m. Friday, according to the Los Angeles Fire Department.
Megan VerHelst, Patch Staff
Cartersville, GA|News|
Here Are The Odds Of Hitting A Deer In GA In 2025
Most animal-involved crashes occur in the fall. A 2025 State Farm analysis shares the odds of drivers hitting a deer in Georgia.
Megan VerHelst, Patch Staff
Tampa, FL|News|
This FL Dish Voted One Of America's Favorite Fall Foods
A survey of 3,000 self-described food lovers asked one simple question: Which dish would you most like to enjoy with family this fall?
Megan VerHelst, Patch Staff
Tampa, FL|News|
Could FL Have A White Christmas? Here’s What The Old Farmer’s Almanac Predicts
The Old Farmer’s Almanac released its annual forecast predicting which parts of the U.S. will see a white Christmas.
Megan VerHelst, Patch Staff
Fredericksburg, VA|News|
Where To Find The Best Local Butcher Shops In VA Ahead Of Thanksgiving
Even in an era of supermarket convenience, Virginians still place deep trust in their neighborhood butchers, a new survey revealed.
Megan VerHelst, Patch Staff
Across Virginia, VA|News|
This Thanksgiving Dinner Staple Is The Top Side Dish On VA Tables
Campbell's recently released its State of the Sides Report, which showcases the iconic side dishes most likely to appear on VA tables.
Megan VerHelst, Patch Staff
Fredericksburg, VA|News|
3 VA Spots Among America’s Most Coveted Fall Cabin Retreats
A recent survey asked 3,000 people where they would most like to own or rent a cabin to experience the fall colors this season.
Megan VerHelst, Patch Staff
Catonsville, MD|News|
Where To Find The Best Local Butcher Shops In MD Ahead Of Thanksgiving
Even in an era of supermarket convenience, Marylanders still place deep trust in their neighborhood butchers, a new survey revealed.
Megan VerHelst, Patch Staff
Bel Air, MD|News|
These Thanksgiving Dinner Staples Are The Top Side Dishes On MD Tables
Campbell's recently released its State of the Sides Report, which showcases the iconic side dishes most likely to appear on MD tables.
Megan VerHelst, Patch Staff