State, local coronavirus orders face challenges in Kansas

(AP) State and local orders aimed at checking the spread of the novel coronavirus in Kansas are facing challenges from the state’s attorney general and business owners. Republican Attorney General Derek Schmidt said Monday that he is reviewing whether it’s constitutional for people who violate Democratic Gov. Laura Kelly’s orders restricting business activities to face criminal charges.

Kelly lifted a statewide stay-at-home order May 4 but plans to keep some restrictions in place at least until June 15, and she is allowing local officials to impose tougher rules. She's faced criticism from the Republican-controlled Legislature for not reopening the economy quickly enough, and some GOP lawmaker want to curb the governor's power in emergencies.

“It's partly pent-up frustration,” Kelly said during a Statehouse news conference Monday. “Everybody is getting some coronavirus fatigue here.”