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
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
New Haven, CT|News|
Human Remains Found In Wooded Area In New Haven
Police are investigating after human remains were found in a wooded area behind a New Haven home.
Megan VerHelst, Patch Staff
Stamford, CT|News|
Man Attempting To Lure Girls In Stamford Under Investigation, Cops Say
The incidents were both reported on Friday but happened in different neighborhoods, according to Stamford police.
Megan VerHelst, Patch Staff
Parsippany, NJ|News|
Another Sinkhole Closes 2 Lanes — This Time On Route 287
Multiple lanes are closed after the newest sinkhole opened in Morris County, New Jersey transportation officials said.
Megan VerHelst, Patch Staff
Bel Air, MD|News|
Harford Man Who Fatally Stabbed Ex's Grandma Sentenced To Prison
Prosecutors said the man picked up his girlfriend and went to get his taxes done immediately after the murder.
Megan VerHelst, Patch Staff
Columbia, MD|News|
Fourth Person Arrested In January Fatal Shooting In Columbia
Police are still searching for Jemik Parker, who they say fatally shot 17-year-old Lance Carrington while he sat in a car.
Megan VerHelst, Patch Staff
Bowie, MD|News|
Confirmed Measles Case Found At PG County School
In a letter to families, Superintendent Millard House II said the last known exposure on campus occurred March 12.
Megan VerHelst, Patch Staff
Bel Air, MD|News|
Firefighter Among 2 Injured In Harford County House Fire
Two dogs also died in the Thursday night fire in Aberdeen, state officials said.
Megan VerHelst, Patch Staff
Bowie, MD|News|
Man Charged After Recording Device Found In UMD Dorm Bathroom
University of Maryland police said the device was found inside a bathroom at Johnson-Whittle Hall.
Megan VerHelst, Patch Staff
North Baltimore, MD|News|
MDTA Faults Ship Owner For Key Bridge Collapse, Disputes NTSB Report
A new report from the NTSB said Maryland officials could have prevented the March 2024 bridge collapse that killed six highway workers.
Megan VerHelst, Patch Staff
Rockville, MD|News|
MoCo Student Charged In School Shooting Threat
A 13-year-old boy is facing charges in connection with a shooting threat, which prompted two schools to shelter in place Monday.
Megan VerHelst, Patch Staff
Newark, NJ|News|
Newark Woman Punched 76-Year-Old At Bus Stop, Police Say
Police said the victim was waiting at a Long Island bus stop when the woman struck her multiple times with a closed fist.
Megan VerHelst and Lisa Finn, Patch Staff
Across Virginia, VA|News|
George Bell, America's Tallest Man, Dead At 67
George Bell, a Guinness World Record holder and former Norfolk, VA, sheriff's deputy, stood at a towering 7 feet, 8 inches tall.
Megan VerHelst, Patch Staff
Bowie, MD|News|
Giant Food To Open New Store In Bowie
The new Giant grocery store will include a Starbucks, Ledo Pizza, and full-service meat and seafood departments, the company said.
Megan VerHelst, Patch Staff
Manassas Park, VA|News|
Mamta Kafle Bhatt's Remains 'May Never Be Found', Police Chief Says
Manassas Park police said they have conducted dozens of searches to locate the remains of Mamta Kafle Bhatt, who was last seen in July.
Megan VerHelst, Patch Staff
Fredericksburg, VA|News|
Trump To Sign Order Closing Dept. Of Education: See VA Impacts
The order fulfills a campaign promise to eliminate an agency that President Donald Trump has decried as wasteful.
Megan VerHelst, Patch Staff
Bel Air, MD|News|
Trump To Sign Order Closing Dept. Of Education: See MD Impacts
The order fulfills a campaign promise to eliminate an agency that President Donald Trump has decried as wasteful.
Megan VerHelst, Patch Staff
Across New Jersey, NJ|News|
This NJ Waterway Voted A Top Spot For Polar Plunges
A recent survey revealed the best places across the U.S. for cold-water plunging. See which NJ waterway made the list.
Megan VerHelst, Patch Staff
Gaithersburg, MD|News|
3 Teens Charged After Robberies At MoCo McDonald's, Harris Teeter
A 15-year-old and two 16-year-olds are facing charges following the robberies that occurred in February and earlier this month.
Megan VerHelst, Patch Staff
Ellicott City, MD|News|
Trump Puts New Limits On Social Security: What To Know In MD
The changes, intended to reduce fraud, potentially affect about 72.5 million Americans, including retirees and children.
Megan VerHelst, Patch Staff
