Also. . .

The Senate overwhelmingly approved William Kennard, President Clinton’s nominee to head the Federal Communications Commission. . . . A New York state supreme court judge granted class-action status to lawsuits against the biggest U.S. cigarette makers: RJR Nabisco Holdings Corp., Philip Morris Cos., Loews Corp., Brown & Williamson Tobacco Corp. and two trade groups. A tentative trial date has been set for Feb. 3. Previously, only Louisiana and Florida had granted class-action status to such lawsuits.