Colts Neck Murders (UPDATE) / House Blows Up / Santa's Fake?

Check out the top news that made headlines this week across the Patch network in New Jersey:

Colts Neck Murders (UPDATE)

The man accused of killing his brother and his entire family in Colts Neck appeared in court on Friday for the first time. This is what happened.>>>Read more here.

House Explodes Near NJ School, Rocks Parts Of NJ (VIDEO)

A video shows what happened to the school. The explosion led to a "total loss," officials said. The school was closed.

Santa Isn't Real, NJ Substitute Teacher Tells First Graders

The substitute teacher told the class of first graders this week what she said was the truth behind Santa Claus. And the Tooth Fairy. And the Easter Bunny.

NJ Lawmakers Make Big Decision On Marijuana Legalization

WATCH: New Jersey held its first votes on marijuana legalization this week. Here is what happened.

3 Babies Die After Bacterial Outbreak At NJ Hospital: DOH

A pair of premature infants died last week after contracting a bacterial infection in the neonatal intensive care unit.

Details Revealed On Fatal Carbon Monoxide Incident In NJ: Police

A deadly carbon monoxide incident took place in New Jersey this week, police said. A victim was identified.

NJ Town Cracking Down On Christmas Light Display, Owner Says

The owners of the display say they were even called to police headquarters and told to pay $2,000 per day.

Oprah, Michelle Obama Surprise West Orange Students

They walked into the room to talk about the midterm election. What awaited was just as climactic: Oprah Winfrey and Michelle Obama.

Mysterious 'Polio-Like' Illnesses Expand In New Jersey: CDC

The CDC says it's concerned about a sharp uptick in cases of a "polio-like" illness that's appeared in at least 31 states, including NJ.

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