DR. ANTHONY FAUCI (NIAID photo).

Dr. Anthony Fauci, the nation’s point man in the fight against the coronavirus pandemic, announced on Monday that he would be leaving his job as head of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases in December.

Fauci, 81, will be leaving service in the federal government after five decades, according to The Associated Press. He serves as chief medical adviser to President Joe Biden and was prominent in former president Donald Trump’s response to the COVID-19 crisis.

Fauci was a hero to many for his clear explanations of the situation and contradiction of some statements by Trump. He was criticized by some partisan observers as being an alarmist.

Arkansas cops suspended after beating

Three law enforcement officers in the Arkansas town of Mulberry were suspended Monday when a video showed two of them beating a man while a third held him in place.

The Associated Press is reporting that federal officials were investigating a possible civil rights violation, while the state police are also looking into the use of force.

All those involved appeared to be white.

A fight broke out between the officers and a 27-year-old man who was eventually arrested on several charges.

Sports: Angels are edged by Rays

The Los Angeles Angels had one of their increasingly typical one-run losses on Monday, falling 2-1 to the Tampa Bay Rays in Florida. Mike Trout drove in the sole Halo run.

Tucker Davidson (2-4) pitched fairly well for the Angels (52-70), lasting five innings and yielding six hits and two earned runs, including a solo home run to Randy Arozarena, his 17th of the season.

It was the Angels’ third consecutive loss and six in seven games.

The Dodgers are hosting the Milwaukee Brewers.

Weather: Here’s the warm-up …

Overcast skies brought cool-ish weather to West Orange County on Monday, but temperatures will rise to the mid-80s to the end of the work week. The forecast calls for a daytime high on Tuesday of 84, with an overnight low of 68. Skies will be cloudy in the morning and sunny in the afternoon. Wednesday will be similar; the sun will break through on Thursday with a high of 86 (58) and on Friday with 85 (67).