Briefs: Relatives mourn friends slain in home

Pontiac — Relatives Sunday were struggling to grasp why two longtime friends dedicated to helping others were fatally shot Friday at the home they shared.

Some Metro Detroit water hikes hit 30%

Detroit — Wholesale water rates for some suburban customers will hover around the average 8.5 percent increase reported Wednesday, but some residents can expect hefty increases of up to nearly 30 percent.

Results mixed on stricter MEAP tests

Lansing — After years of seeing inflated test scores on the Michigan Education Assessment Program, Michigan students now know the truth about their proficiency in basic subjects. And the verdict is mixed.

Howell Area Fire Authority seeks millage

Howell — The Howell Area Fire Authority will ask voters this month to approve a tax renewal that will include an increase for its fire millage.

Police: Fowlerville standoff ends in suicide

Fowlerville— Police have released the identity of a 47-year-old Fowlerville man who shot and killed himself after a police standoff at his home this morning.

Michigan, Pennsylvania put limits on families seeking food aid

Howell — The 2010 Buick Enclave parked in her garage kept Michigan resident Renee Moore from getting food stamps for two months last year, even though her family’s income had dropped to below the poverty level, her husband’s Ford Explorer had 300,000 miles on it and her family had less than $1,000 in the bank.

Woman arrested for child abuse, torture

Oceola Township-- A 34-year-old Oceola Township woman was arrested Friday on first degree child abuse and torture charges for the abuse of her 3-year-old stepgrandson.

‘Official’ Michigan groundhog Woody’s prediction: Early spring

Michigan’s official groundhog, Howell's Woody the woodchuck, predicted this morning that we're in for an early spring.

• Photos: Woody the Woodchuck calls for early spring