I'm a deputy manager for the D.C. region, which includes Patch sites in Northern Virginia and Maryland. Before that, I spent several years in breaking news roles, providing support at a national level and in several states, including New Jersey, Pennsylvania, New York City, Florida and Washington, D.C.
I re-joined Patch in 2019 as a roving editor, then moved 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 worked 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.
Federal authorities accused a Pulaski Town Council member of receiving and distributing AI-generated child sexual abuse material.
A five-alarm blaze spread to three buildings in Queens on Saturday, injuring 21 people, including multiple firefighters, FDNY said.
A man accused of killing a St. Petersburg sanitation worker now faces murder and additional charges, authorities said.
Hillsborough deputies are investigating a fatal shooting outside El Diamante nightclub in Plant City early Friday.
Authorities in western Michigan are calling the incident suspicious after some victims were found with gunshot wounds.
Man Charged In Infant Daughter's Death | Middle School Teacher Charged | Bank Robbery Suspect Nabbed | Suspected Trail Attacker Charged
Skeletal Remains ID'd | Olympian's Trial Date | Boater's Body Recovered | New State Park | Parasite Cases Increase | Former EMT Charged
Police said a driver was killed in an early-morning crash after traveling the wrong way on Prince William Parkway.
A U.S. News & World Report analysis provides a glimpse at each state's most popular dog names.
A U.S. News & World Report analysis provides a glimpse at each state's most popular dog names.
Pet owners can fill prescriptions for select pet-only medications, including antibiotics, allergy, flea and tick control, the company said.
Prince George's County police said 32-year-old Leonel Rodriguez was found dead after disappearing in Brandywine.
The MD Medical Examiner's Office released Kaylee Hottle's cause of death a day after she was killed in a car crash in Frederick County.
Deputies say a 4-year-old was found locked in a closet in St. Mary's County, leading to child abuse and neglect charges for the parents.
Police say a Virginia property line dispute ended with a hammer, leaf blower and severe injuries to a 73-year-old man.
Boyz II Men and Case will headline Baltimore's free Charm City Live festival on Sept. 5 at War Memorial Plaza.
Maryland's newest state park will make Wicomico County the last county to gain a state park when it opens.
At least 11 people were evaluated by first responders after a school bus crashed into a building in Baltimore County.
Kaylee Hottle, the deaf actress known for the "Godzilla" films, was killed in a Maryland car crash at age 18.
Ten people were injured after a moving truck crashed into at least 10 vehicles on Columbia Pike in Montgomery County.
