Germantown, MD|News|
1 Killed, 5 Injured In 2-Car Crash Near Damascus: Police
A man was killed and five others, including a child, were hospitalized after a Saturday morning crash near Damascus.
Megan VerHelst, Patch Staff
Megan VerHelst, Patch Staff
- Washington DC
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.
Posting Activity
Southwest Minneapolis, MN|News|
Man Found Fatally Shot Inside Vehicle In South Minneapolis
Minneapolis police found a man in his 30s suffering from gunshot wounds inside a vehicle Friday night. No arrests have been made.
Megan VerHelst, Patch Staff
Perry Hall, MD|News|
Baltimore County Man Admits Stealing Funds Intended For Key Bridge Workers
The Windsor Mill man admitted to bribery, procurement fraud, and theft schemes involving state contracts and Key Bridge relief funds.
Megan VerHelst, Patch Staff
St. Pete, FL|News|
Woman Killed In St. Petersburg Hit-And-Run, Police Searching For Driver
A 47-year-old woman was struck in a marked crosswalk early Saturday before the driver fled, St. Petersburg police said.
Megan VerHelst, Patch Staff
Across Virginia, VA|News|
VA Blood Donors Urgently Needed As Red Cross Declares National Crisis
The American Red Cross has declared a national blood supply crisis and is urging eligible people in Virginia to donate.
Megan VerHelst, Patch Staff
Across Maryland, MD|News|
MD Blood Donors Urgently Needed As Red Cross Declares National Crisis
The American Red Cross has declared a national blood supply crisis and is urging eligible people in Maryland to donate.
Megan VerHelst, Patch Staff
Across Virginia, VA|News|
Marine One, Flight Mishap | Former Lawmaker Dies | VSP Targets Drugged Driving: VA Top News
Commanders Score Diggs | Teen Builds AI Job Program | Child Injured In Hit-And-Run | School Resource Officer Decertified | Lawmaker Dies
Megan VerHelst, Patch Staff
Across Maryland, MD|News|
Vulture Feeding Proves Costly | 2nd Beaver Attacks | Robbery Kitten Adopted: MD Top News
Redistricting Heads To Ballot | Preakness Date Change | Sewage Spill Worsens | Church Deacon Charged | Teen Killed On Beltway
Megan VerHelst, Patch Staff
Across Virginia, VA|News|
Hail, Damaging Winds Possible As Severe Storm Watch Issued In VA
Damaging winds, heavy rain and frequent lightning are expected Friday, with another round of storms possible Saturday, forecasters said.
Megan VerHelst, Patch Staff
Across Maryland, MD|News|
Hail, Damaging Winds Possible As Severe Storm Watch Issued In MD
Damaging winds, heavy rain and frequent lightning are expected Friday, with another round of storms possible Saturday, forecasters said.
Megan VerHelst, Patch Staff
Across Virginia, VA|News|
Pay No Tax On These Items During 2026 VA Sales Tax Holiday
Shoppers won't pay sales tax on certain items during VA's three-day sales tax holiday this weekend. Here's what the tax waiver applies to.
Megan VerHelst, Patch Staff
Arlington, VA|News|
Thunderstorms Disrupt Flights At Reagan National, Dulles Airports
Thunderstorms prompted delays at Reagan National and a temporary ground stop at Dulles, according to FAA traffic advisories.
Megan VerHelst, Patch Staff
Across Maryland, MD|News|
Maryland Tax-Free Week Starts Soon: Here's What Qualifies
Maryland shoppers can save on clothing, shoes and backpacks during the state's annual sales tax holiday in August.
Megan VerHelst, Patch Staff
Across Virginia, VA|News|
Severe Storms Target VA After Sizzling 100-Degree Heat: See Forecast
A heat index near 100 degrees will give way to severe storms in NoVA, with damaging wind gusts the main threat through Thursday night.
Megan VerHelst, Patch Staff
Across Virginia, VA|News|
Virginia Targets Drugged Driving With New Statewide Cannabis Campaign
The statewide "Relaxxxxx, Don't Drive High" campaign aims to reduce cannabis-impaired driving ahead of Labor Day.
Megan VerHelst, Patch Staff
Across Virginia, VA|News|
Mizusawa Projected Winner Of VA Republican Primary For U.S. Senate
Bert Mizusawa advances to the November general election to challenge Democratic Sen. Mark Warner in one of VA's most closely watched races.
Megan VerHelst, Patch Staff
Across Georgia, GA|News|
Nearly 12M Bottles Of Popular Eye Drops Recalled: What To Know In GA
The FDA issued a Class II voluntary recall for the eyedrops, which were distributed and sold nationwide.
Megan VerHelst, Patch Staff
Across Florida, FL|News|
Nearly 12M Bottles Of Popular Eye Drops Recalled: What To Know In FL
The FDA issued a Class II voluntary recall for the eyedrops, which were distributed and sold nationwide.
Megan VerHelst, Patch Staff
Across Michigan, MI|News|
Nearly 12M Bottles Of Popular Eye Drops Recalled: What To Know In MI
The FDA issued a Class II voluntary recall for the eyedrops, which were distributed and sold nationwide.
Megan VerHelst, Patch Staff
Across Minnesota, MN|News|
Nearly 12M Bottles Of Popular Eye Drops Recalled: What To Know In MN
The FDA issued a Class II voluntary recall for the eyedrops, which were distributed and sold nationwide.
Megan VerHelst, Patch Staff