Online poker players in New Jersey and Michigan will be able to compete against each other starting Jan. 1 as a long-sought effort by gambling companies and their regulators to expand interstate play takes effect.

WHITE LAKE TOWNSHIP, Mich. Police in southeastern Michigan are investigating the death of a professional poker player whose burned body was found in a recreational area a month after she returned from Los Angeles to live with family. The death of 33-year-old Susie Zhao, who was known as Susie Q to other players, could be related to her travels on the poker circuit, said Det. Lt. Chris Hild, of the White Lake Township police. She had winnings of at least $187,441, according to the World Series of Poker website, including $73,805 at an event in 2012. Meredith Rogowski, who has known Zhao since they were teens in suburban Detroit, said her friend followed her dreams.