U.S. ARMY infantry marching in a operation in Poland (U.S. Army photo).

President Donald Trump continued to put his stamp on the federal government on Thursday, announcing his intention to rename the Department of Defense as “The Department of War.”

According to the Associated Press, he can’t change the name without the approval of Congress, which he is expected to request.

The department originated in 1789 as the Department of War, but it only presided over land forces such as the Army. There was a separate Navy Department. In 1947, to curb inter-service rivalries, the departments were merged into the Defense Department.

It now includes the Air Force, Army, Marine Corps (part of the Navy) and Space Corps. It also has jurisdiction over the National Guard.

RFK Jr. faces vaccine skepticism

In a Senate hearing on Thursday, Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. faced a barrage of questions from Senators, including skepticism from Republicans as well as Democrats.

VACCINE policy has been controversial (Shutterstock).

The New York Times is reporting that Kennedy blamed the agency for a rise in chronic disease and defended his controversial stands on vaccines.

“Effectively, we’re denying people vaccine,” said Republican Sen. Bill Cassidy of Lousiana, referring to a policy change when Kennedy announced that Covid shots were not recommended for healthy children and adults under 65.

Thad led to some medical insurers no longer paying such inoculations.

“I’m not taking vaccines away from anyone,” said Kennedy.

Sports: Angels lose a lead, lose 4-3

The Los Angeles Angels jumped out to a 3-0 lead in the first inning on a three-run home run by Luis Rengifo, but that was all the scoring the Halos could muster in Missouri, losing 4-3.

The Angels (66-74) remain in fourth place in the AL West. They’ll begin a three-game series with the Athletics on Friday in Anaheim.

Weather: Down to mid-80s

If the 90s were too much for you, you’ll be glad for the forecasts for our West Orange County cities for the next few days. Daily highs will be in the 83 to 86 range, with evening lows at 65 to 66. Skies will be partly cloudy.