Beer Pong, Shark Attacks and Mallrats: The Top 17 Patch Stories From July 2015

Been away for part of July? We don’t blame you.

Summer vacation has been in full force, but our Patch staff has been working hard, bringing you the best local news in the country.

To get caught up, here are the 17 most-read stories across all of Patch from this month:

1. This New Beer Pong Invention Is A Game Changer

Five Brookfield, Connecticut brothers created a revolutionary new product to make beer pong cleaner and even more fun to play.

2. New Jersey: The Most Hated State In America, New Poll Says

“New Jersey is the only state in the country which people tend to have a negative opinion of,” YouGov said in its summary.

3. WATCH: Swarm Of Sharks Appear At Jersey Shore

Beachgoers capture sharks on video as they swim near the shoreline.

4. Lifetime Walmart Ban For North Jersey Woman Who Shoplifted

Hopatcong woman is no longer permitted to shop in any of the chain’s stores in the country.

5. Jay and Silent Bob Want You to Watch ‘Mallrats’ With Them in an Empty Brooklyn Lot

For free.

6. 4 Killed, Bride Seriously Injured When Drunk Driver Hits Limo in Cutchogue: Prosecutors

Limo had just left event at a vineyard. Truck driver charged with DWI.

7. Child Drowns At Disney World

The 3-year-old was separated from his parents.

8. Family Dogs Save Child From Backyard Bear

One canine sustains bite to face, leg after scaring off bruin in Long Valley, NJ.

9. Essex County Teacher Blames Brain Condition For Alleged Sex Crimes

Caldwell resident Nicole Dufault says “frontal lobe syndrome” was behind sex acts with six male students.

10. Couple Giving Away 35-Acre Virginia Farm in Essay Contest

More concerned with leaving the farm in caring hands, the couple is using the contest to determine who they can trust with their farm.

11. Police Seek Public’s Help in Finding Missing St. Charles Teen

Shortly after the girl went missing, she posted a message on a social media site that said she intended to hurt herself.

12. Missing St. Charles Girl Now Home Safe (UPDATED)

Emily Czajkowski, 14, was found by police at a friend’s home Wednesday morning.

13. Who’s Hiring: Kaiser Permanente Has 4,300 Openings

Not a doctor, nurse or other medical professional? There are jobs available from blue collar to the executive suite. And great benefits.

14. Kid Rock Tells Confederate Flag Protesters Where to Kiss Him

The defiant country-hip-hop-rock superstar has choice words for people demanding he renounce Confederate battle flag.

15. Watch: Homeless Piano Man Nails ‘Come Sail Away’

A video of the Sarasota man performing has gone viral.

16. 7-Month-Old Baby Found in Hot Car

The baby was taken to Advocate Christ Medical Center in critical condition Tuesday.

17. New Hampshire to Welfare Recipients: No More Pot, Tattoos Or Cigarettes

The new law goes into effect in two months.