Residents across mid-Michigan could see another round of severe weather Tuesday as recovery efforts continue from Monday’s storms that knocked out power to thousands across the state.

The Storm Prediction Center has placed most of the Lansing region under a marginal risk for severe weather, classified as level one out of five. Forecasters say the strongest storms are expected during the afternoon hours. Southeast Michigan faces a slightly higher threat level, with a slight risk designation, or level two out of five.

Utility crews continue working to restore electricity after Monday’s severe weather outbreak brought down trees and power lines throughout the region. As of early Tuesday morning, more than 20,000 Consumers Energy customers statewide remained without power. A few hundred customers served by the Lansing Board of Water & Light were also still without electricity.

Lansing Approves $307 Million Budget

The Lansing City Council approved Mayor Andy Schor’s proposed $307.2 million budget during Monday night’s meeting.

The spending plan includes $182 million for the city’s general fund and more than $41 million dedicated to road improvements.

Council Member Adam Hussain highlighted the city’s increased investment in sidewalk improvements, which totals $1.5 million in the proposed budget.

“When I first was on council, my first year, we were putting $200,000 into sidewalk,” Hussain said during the meeting. “Certainly not enough for all 600 miles of sidewalk in terms of restoration, gap closure, and ADA accessibility, but I think that’s one example where we’re kind of marching the ball down the field.”

Michigan Governor Candidates Debate PAC Money

The United Auto Workers hosted a gubernatorial forum Monday in Dearborn, where candidates discussed campaign financing and corporate PAC contributions.

Jocelyn Benson, a Democratic candidate for governor, said she has rejected corporate PAC money.

“I have not taken a dime of corporate PAC money in my campaign because I think the fundamental question facing voters this year is who does your governor work for,” Benson said.

Former Mike Duggan, running as an independent candidate, defended his support from both business and labor groups.

“I am getting support from both business and labor,” Duggan said. “I’m proud of the differences.”

Meanwhile, Chris Swanson said he has also refused contributions from several major corporations.

GOP Senate Leader Calls for Federal Investigation

Aric Nesbitt is calling on the U.S. Department of Justice to investigate Governor Gretchen Whitmer’s administration following a state grant scandal.

Nesbitt sent a letter Monday to Acting U.S. Attorney General Todd Blanche requesting a federal investigation related to a 16-count indictment filed by Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel against businesswoman Fay Beydoun.

Beydoun is accused of misusing state grant money. Nesbitt argues that Beydoun’s alleged ties to Whitmer and Nessel create what he calls a “crisis of oversight” warranting federal scrutiny.

Michigan Health Officials Warn of Salmonella Outbreaks

Michigan health officials are also warning residents about salmonella outbreaks linked to backyard poultry.

The state has reported 21 infections connected primarily to baby chicks and ducklings. Nationwide, 184 cases across 31 states have been linked to the outbreaks.