Court system faces hiring freeze, travel restrictions

FRANKFORT, Ky. (AP) — Kentucky’s chief justice says the state’s court system will impose a statewide hiring freeze and suspend out-of-state travel. Chief Justice John D. Minton Jr. says the action is needed to reduce expenses as the coronavirus drives down state revenues. Minton said Thursday that the cost cutting is aimed at mitigating possible furloughs and layoffs in coming months. He says travel exceptions might be granted if paid for with federal funds or by an outside agency/association and if social distancing measures will be in place.