NEW JERSEY

House explodes, killing two people

NEWFIELD, N.J. — A two-story house exploded in Newfield early Saturday, killing two people. Officials said foul play is not suspected. The cause has not been determined, but utility workers shut off gas in the area. The 6:15 a.m. blast reduced the house to rubble. It also broke windows in the area and scattered debris over several blocks. The names of the victims and other details were not immediately available. (AP)

CALIFORNIA

Calmer conditions aid wildfire battle

GOLETA — Southern California firefighters took advantage of reduced winds Saturday to attack a wildfire in the Santa Barbara County community of Goleta, one of many conflagrations burning in the hot and dry West. The Goleta blaze consumed about 20 homes and businesses. A fire in Hornbrook, Calif., near the Oregon line, has destroyed 40 buildings and one person was found dead there Friday. (AP)

MARYLAND

Slain journalist honored at service

ANNAPOLIS — A memorial service was held in Annapolis on Saturday for reporter Wendi Winters, one of five Maryland newspaper employees killed in a shooting last week. Winters wrote a wide variety of local news stories for The Capital. Her contributions included columns such as ‘‘Teen of the Week’’ and ‘‘Home of the Week.’’ She joined the newspaper’s staff in May 2013. (AP)

MICHIGAN

State’s high court to hear voting case

LANSING — The Michigan Supreme Court will hold a rare summer session July 18 to determine whether voters will get a chance to change the way legislative districts are created. The Legislature now draws congressional and legislative districts every 10 years. But critics have proposed a November referendum to change the state Constitution and give the job to a 13-member commission. (AP)