ROBERT F. KENNEDY Jr,, while campaigning earlier this year (Shutterstock).

The man who has been among the most vocal against the use of vaccines in prevention of diseases – including the coronavirus – has been appointed to run the federal Department of Health and Human Services.
Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., the son of Senator Robert “Bobby” Kennedy, has been chosen by President-elect Donald Trump for that post.

According to the Associated Press, Trump posted on his Truth Social network, ““For too long, Americans have been crushed by the industrial food complex and drug companies who have engaged in deception, misinformation, and disinformation when it comes to Public Health.” Kennedy ran an independent campaign for president before ending it and throwing his support to Trump.

Also on Thursday, Trump announced that he had appointed Doug Collins, an Air Force Reserve chaplain and former Congressman, to run the Department of Veterans Affairs. These appointments must be confirmed by the Senate, where Republicans are in the majority.

Republicans retain control of House

With the addition of several more victories, Republicans have successfully defended their control over the House of Representatives. The New York Times reports that the GOP now holds 218 seats (of 435) in the lower house, enough to form a majority. Democrats have won 209 seats with eight House races – mostly in California – yet to be decided.

Sports: Fans will have to wait until Friday

None of our local LA-OC pro teams are in action, Thursday night. However, on Friday, the Lakers will visit the San Antonio Spurs, the Clippers will visit the Houston Rockets and the Anaheim Ducks will host the Detroit Red Wings.

Weather: Autumn is finally here

Daytime temperatures in the 60s; nighttime lows in the 40s. It looks like autumn is now fully in charge in our West Orange County cities. The forecast for Friday calls for a high of 65 with a low of 44 under partly cloudy skies, and a 15 percent chance of rain. Sunny skies will return through Sunday, but Saturday will rise to 66 (43), then again to 69 (46) on Sunday but then dip to 66 (46) on Monday with partly cloudy conditions.