Republican U-S Senator John Kennedy will be sworn into office today. Kennedy says one of the biggest things he will try to do is get flood relief here quickly….
cut 9 (09) “…still affordable”
Kennedy also expects a push by Republicans to repeal Obamacare and replace it with what he believes is a better health care system.

Once Kennedy is sworn in, he will step down as the state’s treasurer. There will be an election in the fall to fill the remainder of his term. Political analyst Bernie Pinsonat says it will be our only statewide election this year and there will be several people who will run…
cut 6 (10) “…made Kennedy popular”
Governor John Bel Edwards will have to name interim Treasurer until an election is held.

Louisiana was able to avoid fatalities or major injuries from yesterday’s round of severe weather. A Wal-Mart in Marksville suffered roof damage. There were also damage reports in Allen and Beauregard Parishes. Reeves Police Chief Waylon Bertrand says several homes and vehicles sustained damage as a result of strong winds. Five people were killed across the South from the severe storms.

Southeastern Louisiana University is collecting discarded Christmas trees to help build up the Pass Manchac marsh land that has been impacted by coastal erosion. Rob Moreau is managing the program and he says they are collecting trees at several places in Tangipahoa Parish…
cut 11(11)….restaurants”
He says they believe the old Christmas trees can protect against shoreline erosion, build up the land and provide new habitats for plants and animals.