Annapolis, MD|News|
Feds Cut $1B In Food Aid, Impacting MD Food Banks, Farmers
The USDA is dismantling a pair of pandemic-era programs that provided more than $1 billion to local food banks. See MD impacts.
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
Across Florida, FL|News|
10 FL Beaches Are Most Dangerous In U.S.
A new study by weather website Tides Chart analyzed 528 beaches across the United States. Here's how Florida beaches ranked.
Megan VerHelst, Patch Staff
Tampa, FL|News|
Tampa Man Accused Of Armed Robbery Of A Gas Station
Federal prosecutors said the man was arrested through the Department of Justice's "Operation Take Back America" initiative.
Megan VerHelst, Patch Staff
Bel Air, MD|News|
Red Flag Warning Issued For MD Due To Strong Winds
The combination of strong winds and low humidity could contribute to the rapid spread of fires Wednesday in Maryland, forecasters said.
Megan VerHelst, Patch Staff
Sarasota, FL|News|
Pedestrian Fatally Struck By Truck In Sarasota
The collision happened Tuesday shortly after 10:30 p.m. near the intersection of State Road 776 and Cowles Street.
Megan VerHelst, Patch Staff
New York City, NY|News|
Cause Of Death Of Ex-Yankees Player's Son Remains A Mystery
Authorities previously said they suspected he died from possible asphyxiation from food intoxication but hours later reversed that theory.
Megan VerHelst, Patch Staff
Fredericksburg, VA|News|
Trump Signs Order Changing Election Rules: What That Means For VA
President Donald Trump on Tuesday signed a sweeping executive order overhauling U.S. elections. See how the order affects Virginians.
Megan VerHelst, Patch Staff
Annapolis, MD|News|
Trump Signs Order Changing Election Rules: What That Means For MD
President Donald Trump on Tuesday signed a sweeping executive order overhauling U.S. elections. See how the order affects Marylanders.
Megan VerHelst, Patch Staff
Across Florida, FL|News|
See The New 'American Dream' Incomes For FL's Largest Cities
How much does it take to live comfortably in Florida these days? It's much more than it has been in recent years.
Megan VerHelst, Patch Staff
Baltimore, MD|News|
$140K Becomes New 'American Dream' Income For Baltimore Residents
How much does it take to live comfortably in Baltimore these days? It's much more than it has been in recent years.
Megan VerHelst and Amie Schaenzer, Patch Staff
Old Town Alexandria, VA|News|
See The New 'American Dream' Incomes For These VA Cities
How much does it take to live comfortably in Virginia these days? It's much more than it has been in recent years.
Megan VerHelst and Amie Schaenzer, Patch Staff
Washington DC|News|
Person With Measles Visited Multiple DC Locations, Officials Warn
D.C. health officials are warning those who may have been exposed to the infected person.
Megan VerHelst, Patch Staff
Annapolis, MD|News|
MD Studied Bay Bridge Vulnerability After Key Bridge Disaster: Report
The discovery comes on the heels of two recently-released reports calling on the state to assess the vulnerability of the Bay Bridge.
Megan VerHelst, Patch Staff
Towson, MD|News|
Truck Overturns On I-695, Spilling 6,000 Gallons Of Milk
The wreck happened Saturday near Exit 24, according to the Maryland Department of the Environment.
Megan VerHelst, Patch Staff
Anne Arundel, MD|News|
1 Dead In House Fire In Anne Arundel County
Authorities said the fatal blaze was reported shortly before 12:30 a.m. Tuesday in Pasadena.
Megan VerHelst, Patch Staff
Annapolis, MD|News|
Fatal Shooting At Annapolis Bus Stop Stemmed From Bullying Dispute
The wife of John Simms Jr. said he was fatally shot last week after the couple confronted the accused shooter about a bullying incident.
Megan VerHelst, Patch Staff
Upper West Side, NY|News|
Columbia Student Who Sued Trump Can't Be Detained, Judge Rules
Yunseo Chung, a junior at Columbia, said the government wants to deport her because she participated in pro-Palestinian protests on campus.
Megan VerHelst, Patch Staff
New York City, NY|News|
Asphyxiation Ruled Out In Death Of Ex-NY Yankees Player's Son
Brett and Jessica Gardner said their son, Miller, died in his sleep Friday morning after he and several other family members became ill.
Megan VerHelst, Patch Staff
Across Pennsylvania, PA|News|
Hundreds Of PA Campsites To Close Indefinitely Amid DOGE Cuts
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers announced that several PA campgrounds and beaches will close for the 2025 season due to staffing shortages.
Megan VerHelst, Patch Staff
Philadelphia, PA|News|
2 NJ Brothers Killed When Car Plunges Off I-95
Police said a Mazda carrying four brothers from New Jersey was racing another car when the crash happened.
Megan VerHelst, Patch Staff
