Mitch Hearts Pork: A story in today’s New York Times highlights the vast amount of federal dollars Sen. Mitch McConnell, R-Ky, has raked into western Kentucky (including a hefty chunk of change to spruce up “McConnell Plaza” in Owensboro).

False Alarm: Responding to a bogus 911 call, Western Kentucky University officials issued a warning that shots had been fired on campus. Chaos ensued, with students crying and hysterical parents driving 90 minutes to check on their spawn. The C-J reports that two hours later WKU officials issued the all-clear, saying they received “invalid” information. Whoops.

Oh Sarah: If you missed Brian Williams’ interview with Sarah Palin on NBC last night, Wonkette provides a recap and some awkward video. The Maverick joined her for the interview, keeping his running mate on a short leash.

Doom and Gloom on the Job Front: In light of a sucky economy, employers are axing workers at fast and furious rates. The Washington Post reports that last month, there were more mass lay-offs than in any month since September 2001.