THE OMICRON variant is the cause of most new cases of coronavirus, appears to have a milder impact on children (Shutterstock).

The Omicron variant of the coronavirus is the main force behind the steep increases in new COVID-19 cases, say public health officials.

But, according to The New York Times, while this version of the virus seems to be more easily transmissible, its effects may be milder. There’s been a marked increase in cases among children – one of the least vaccinated parts of the population – but the effects appear to be less dangerous.

“The risk for significant severe disease seems to be lower,” said a researcher at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia.

The Times also reported that the infections among children were almost all among those “unvaccinated or undervaccinated.”

5 dead, 3 hurt in Colorado shooting

A gunman in the Denver suburb of Lakewood, Colorado fatally shot five people Monday night and wounded three others.

According to United Press International, the suspect – who was not immediately identified – died of a gunshot wound after his rampage, but it was unclear if he had been shot by police.

Motivation for the incident is being investigated.

Sports: John Madden is dead at 85

JOHN MADDEN (Wikipedia)

A Hall of Fame coach, popular sportscaster and videogame icon, John Madden has died at the age of 85. According to the Associated Press, his death was unexpected and no cause has been announced.

In his coaching career he led the Oakland Raiders to seven AFC titles and one Super Bowl crown. After retiring at 42, he became a color commentary broadcaster for NFL telecasts, winning 16 Emmy awards.

The football video game carrying his name is considered the gold standard of computer sports games.

• The Holiday Bowl game between UCLA and North Carolina State scheduled for today (Tuesday) was cancelled because of COVID-19 issues with the Bruins.

Weather: Singing in the rain

Wet weather is in the forecast for the next few days for the West Orange County area. Wednesday should see rain most of the day, with a daytime high of 56 (overnight low of 54), followed more rain on Thursday (58/47). The skies should clear a bit on Friday and there should be sunny weather over the coming weekend.

Finance: Two of three ain’t happy

The Dow Jones Average had another good day on Wall Street on Tuesday, but the other two major stock indexes ended the day in negative territory. The Dow was up 95.83 points to 36,398.21, but the S&P 500 retreated a little from Monday’s record high, losing 4.84 points to 4,786.35.

Nasdaq took the biggest hit, shedding 89.54 points to close at 15,781.72.