The Morning Cram [end of the world as we know it edition]

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From NPR: David Greene gets to the bottom of the Mayan calendar with archaeologist David Stuart. Stuart’s not worried about the world ending tomorrow, and he says you shouldn’t either. Apparently, the Mayan calendar still has a long way to go.

Kentucky: A new study shows overdose deaths in Kentucky increased almost 300 percent in the past two years. Secretary of State Alison Lundergan Grimes is planning to explore early voting in Kentucky.

Tennessee: Brent Leatherwood of Chattanooga will replace Adam Nickas as the Tennessee GOP executive director. Democratic Rep. Joe Armstrong was chosen to be the president of the National Black Caucus of State Legislators for the next two years. A program affiliated with Vanderbilt Hospital is encouraging parents to buy their children helmets in addition to the bicycles and skateboards already sitting under many Christmas trees.

Illinois: Lt. Gov. Sheila Simon encourages the people of Illinois to help curb hunger by volunteering this holiday season.