Annapolis, MD|News|
Education Dept. To Cut Half Its Staff: See Possible MD Impacts
About 1,300 U.S. Department of Education employees will be laid off, the agency announced. This is how the cuts could affect MD.
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
Bel Air, MD|News|
MD Urges REAL ID Compliance Ahead Of May 7 Deadline
State officials on Tuesday said 99 percent of Marylanders are now REAL ID compliant. Here's how to obtain one if you haven't already.
Megan VerHelst, Patch Staff
Old Town Alexandria, VA|News|
Will IRS Layoffs Affect Tax Refund Timing? How To Track Status In VA
With DOGE cutting thousands of probationary employees from the IRS, you may be wondering if your tax refund will be delayed this year.
Megan VerHelst and Michelle Rotuno-Johnson, Patch Staff
Annapolis, MD|News|
Will IRS Layoffs Affect Tax Refund Timing? How To Track Status In MD
With DOGE cutting thousands of probationary employees from the IRS, you may be wondering if your tax refund will be delayed this year.
Megan VerHelst and Michelle Rotuno-Johnson, Patch Staff
Ashburn, VA|News|
FBI Joins Search For Missing Pitt Student From Virginia
Sudiksha Konanki of Loudoun County, VA, and student at Pitt, was reported missing Thursday while on a trip to the Dominican Republic.
Megan VerHelst, Patch Staff
Across Virginia, VA|News|
VA Track Runner Injured After Opponent Hits Her With Baton: Reports
Kaelen Tucker suffered a concussion when she was hit with a baton while running the 4x200 relay state finals. She says it was deliberate.
Megan VerHelst, Patch Staff
Baltimore, MD|News|
This MD College Could Face Antisemitism Penalties, Feds Say
The Trump administration said schools could face penalties if they fail to protect Jewish students from antisemitism during protests.
Megan VerHelst, Patch Staff
Silver Spring, MD|News|
Homicide In Silver Spring Under Investigation
Montgomery County police said the shooting happened Saturday in the 2700 block of Fairdale Terrace.
Megan VerHelst, Patch Staff
Rochester-Rochester Hills, MI|News|
2 Found Dead At Oakland County Hotel In Apparent Murder-Suicide
Police said the shooting happened Friday night at a hotel in Auburn Hills as officers responded to a domestic dispute call.
Megan VerHelst, Patch Staff
Morristown, NJ|News|
Murphy Seeking Federal Funds To Fix I-80 Sinkhole Issues
Gov. Phil Murphy declared a state of emergency during a Saturday visit to the Interstate 80 sinkhole site in Morris County.
Megan VerHelst, Patch Staff
Falls Church, VA|News|
Falls Church Man Convicted Of Hate Crime In Attempted Church Shooting
Rui Jiang was carrying a gun and ammunition when he was found by police at a Haymarket church in 2023, authorities said.
Megan VerHelst, Patch Staff
Bowie, MD|News|
2 PG County Students Die From Flu, Superintendent Says
The deaths come amid one of the worst flu seasons the United States has seen in a decade.
Megan VerHelst, Patch Staff
Bethesda-Chevy Chase, MD|News|
Layoffs Spiked 245% In February: See MD Impact
Job cuts soared across the government sector in February, with retailers and pharmaceutical companies also cutting positions.
Megan VerHelst, Patch Staff
Old Town Alexandria, VA|News|
Layoffs Spiked 245% In February: See VA Impact
Job cuts soared across the government sector in February, with retailers and pharmaceutical companies also cutting positions.
Megan VerHelst, Patch Staff
Across New Jersey, NJ|News|
$100K Doesn't Go As Far As You Think In NJ, 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
Across New Jersey, NJ|News|
3 NJ Drives Among Nation's Best Winter Road Trips
Some of the most beautiful spots and routes for a road trip can be found right here in the Garden State, according to a new survey.
Megan VerHelst, Patch Staff
Across New Jersey, NJ|News|
These 4 NJ Neighborhoods Among Most Creative In 2025
A recent survey asked people to identify the most exciting creative neighborhoods in the United States. These four in NJ made the list.
Megan VerHelst, Patch Staff
Fredericksburg, VA|News|
AL Man Arrested In Double Murder Of Spotsylvania Couple
Danny Hale Sr. of Opelika, Alabama, was arrested Thursday and charged with two counts of second-degree murder.
Megan VerHelst, Patch Staff
Baltimore, MD|News|
Baltimore Customs Officers Seize $72K In Counterfeit Flooring
Authorities said the shipment from China was seized on Feb. 25 after officers confirmed the flooring was counterfeit.
Megan VerHelst, Patch Staff
Bethesda-Chevy Chase, MD|News|
Shooting At Wheaton Sports Bar Under Investigation
Police are asking for the public's help locating the shooter following the incident at Unplugged Restaurant & Sports Bar in Wheaton.
Megan VerHelst, Patch Staff
