I'm the 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.
This week's top headlines include a school shooting, a khat seizure at a NoVA airport and the latest on the cyclospora outbreak.
This week's top headlines include a decision on redistricting, a cop accused of child sex abuse and the latest on the cyclospora outbreak.
The purse-sized Chihuahua is the top dog nationwide but doesn’t crack the top three in Virginia. Here's the state's favorite breed.
A Wytheville institution was selected as Virginia's entry on a list of 50 iconic hot dogs worth a road trip.
A Glen Burnie institution was selected as Maryland’s entry on a list of 50 iconic hot dogs worth a road trip.
Virginia State Police will increase patrols over Labor Day weekend, with Friday and Monday expected to be the busiest travel days.
Severe storms could hit the D.C. region on Thursday, with another round Friday before better weather arrives for Labor Day weekend.
Severe storms could hit Maryland on Thursday, with another round Friday before better weather arrives for Labor Day weekend.
The Maryland State Fair begins its second weekend Thursday with rides, racing, animals, food, entertainment and nighttime drone shows.
A puncture exposing rebar in an I-95 bridge deck prompted emergency repairs and major southbound delays near Laurel.
A VA girl's parents are accused of putting her at risk before she disappeared and was found dead near Pawleys Island, South Carolina.
Police said a 19-year-old man forced his way into a Waynesboro elementary school before he was found dead in the library.
Much of Northern Virginia is under a severe thunderstorm watch as multiple rounds of storms move through the region.
Mourning dove and Canada goose hunting began Sept. 1 in Maryland, with teal and woodcock seasons opening later.
Two men face murder charges in the death of a 5-year-old girl in Linkwood, while a Cambridge woman is accused of helping one evade police.
Vienna and Herndon police are teaming up for a free family bike rodeo featuring a cone course, helmet fittings and safety tips.
Alexandria residents and workers now have until Sept. 4 to apply for a free nine-week program offering a behind-the-scenes look at policing.
Loudoun's FY 2027 budget funds 188 new positions, a $4.3 billion capital plan and expanded investments in housing and public services.
Unexpected asbestos pushed back the start of the Alexandria City Hall renovation by 10 weeks, delaying its completion to fall 2028.
Police recovered stolen credit cards and thousands of dollars in merchandise after investigating suspicious purchases at a local store.
