Bel Air, MD|News|
MD Among Top 3 Most Educated U.S. States: WalletHub
WalletHub compared each state across several metrics to determine which were the most and least educated. See how MD ranked.
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
Fredericksburg, VA|News|
VA Among Top 10 Most Educated U.S. States: WalletHub
WalletHub compared each state across several metrics to determine which were the most and least educated. See how VA ranked.
Megan VerHelst, Patch Staff
Old Town Alexandria, VA|News|
$100K Doesn't Go As Far As You Think In VA, 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
St. Pete, FL|News|
Floridians Cheat At This Popular Game The Most
A new analysis also revealed that Florida residents are more likely to cheat than some other players when playing popular games.
Megan VerHelst, Patch Staff
Across New Jersey, NJ|News|
New Jerseyans Cheat At This Popular Game The Most
A new analysis revealed Garden State residents are also much more likely to cheat than others when playing popular games.
Megan VerHelst, Patch Staff
Reston, VA|News|
Reston Man Sentenced To Prison For Sexually Exploiting 3 Minor Girls
Xavier Dejuan Jackson, 28, was sentenced Thursday after pleading guilty to several charges.
Megan VerHelst, Patch Staff
Across New Jersey, NJ|News|
Impeachment Of NJ Attorney General Platkin Sought By NJGOP
The resolution introduced Thursday accuses Attorney General Matthew Platkin of "weaponizing his position" and failing to perform duties.
Megan VerHelst, Patch Staff
Parsippany, NJ|News|
'Significant' Cavity Found Under I-80 In Morris County: NJDOT
NJDOT officials said the void was discovered near a separate sinkhole that opened earlier this month.
Megan VerHelst, Patch Staff
Washington DC|News|
DC Cherry Blossoms To Hit Peak Bloom On These Dates
Here's when the NPS says to expect peak bloom for the 2025 National Cherry Blossom Festival, which will run from March 20 through April 14.
Megan VerHelst, Patch Staff
Baltimore, MD|News|
Judge Delays Ruling On Reducing Adnan Syed's Life Sentence: Reports
The Baltimore City State's Attorney on Tuesday announced he is no longer pursuing a motion to throw out Adnan Syed’s murder conviction.
Megan VerHelst, Patch Staff
Bethesda-Chevy Chase, MD|News|
MoCo High School Student Charged After Tuesday's Lockdown
A Bethesda high school was on lockdown Tuesday after a report of a possible gun on campus. A student has been charged, police said.
Megan VerHelst, Patch Staff
Silver Spring, MD|News|
Man Accused Of Ramming Police Car During Silver Spring Drug Bust
Two men are facing charges following the Tuesday bust in downtown Silver Spring, Montgomery County police said.
Megan VerHelst, Patch Staff
Rockville, MD|News|
Rockville Man Accused Of Raping Child, Police Seek Additional Victims
Wilmer Alvarado-Gomez, 37, was arrested Saturday and charged with two counts of rape, Montgomery County police said.
Megan VerHelst, Patch Staff
Bel Air, MD|News|
Trump Considering Big Changes For Postal Service: What To Know In MD
The president said he may take control of the U.S. Postal Service, which has operated independently of the federal government since 1970.
Megan VerHelst, Patch Staff
Fredericksburg, VA|News|
House Budget Plan Could Slash Medicaid: How VA Reps Voted
The GOP budget blueprint passed Tuesday evening calls for deep spending cuts, potentially including $880 billion to Medicaid.
Megan VerHelst, Patch Staff
Annapolis, MD|News|
House Budget Bill Could Slash Medicaid: How MD Reps Voted
The GOP budget blueprint passed Tuesday evening calls for deep spending cuts, potentially including $880 billion to Medicaid.
Megan VerHelst, Patch Staff
Old Town Alexandria, VA|News|
Trump Considering Big Changes For Postal Service: What To Know In VA
The president said he may take control of the U.S. Postal Service, which has operated independently of the federal government since 1970.
Megan VerHelst, Patch Staff
Annapolis, MD|News|
Joann Fabrics To Close 14 Remaining Locations In Maryland: See List
While Joann Fabrics previously announced some locations would close, other Maryland locations are now on the chopping block.
Megan VerHelst, Patch Staff
New Brunswick, NJ|News|
Driver Injured In Wrong-Way Crash On Route 130: Report
The collision happened shortly after 5:30 a.m. Sunday near Huff Road, according to a report.
Megan VerHelst, Patch Staff
Bethesda-Chevy Chase, MD|News|
Lockdown Lifted At MoCo High School After Weapon Reported On Campus
Montgomery County police reported the lockdown shortly after 10:30 a.m. Tuesday.
Megan VerHelst, Patch Staff
