THE OMICRON variant is the cause of most new cases of coronavirus, but its effects are somewhat more mild (Shutterstock).

The Omircron variant of the coronavirus is fueling a comeback of COVID-19 across the U.S. and the world, but the effects of the pandemic appear to be much milder than in previous waves.

According to The New York Times, new cases – over a 14-day period – rose by 13 percent in Sunday’s calculations for the U.S.  Hospitalizations are up 11 percent and deaths by 24 percent.

Worldwide, cases rose by 7 percent across the world, but deaths are down by 4 percent, according to United Press International.

Even so, the numbers are the lowest since the start of the pandemic in early 2020.

So far, 6.34 million people have died from the virus, reports the John Hopkins University. Of those, 1 million are Americans.

Sports: Angels set a (bad) strikeout record

The Los Angeles Angels set a record for futility Sunday in losing 4-2 to the Astros in Houston. The Halos not only blew an early two-run lead, their batters struck out 20 times, a new team high.

Mike Trout, considered by many to be the best player in Major League Baseball, struck out 11 times in three games as the Angels lost their third straight contest to the Astros.

Despite that, the Angels (37-44) had a chance to win. With the game tied 2-2 in the bottom of the ninth Jeremy Pena hit a two-run homer to settle the matter.

The Los Angeles Dodgers are hosting the San Diego Padres and are leading 1-0 in the seventh inning. Check back for the final score.

Weather: A pleasant Fourth of July

The West Orange County area should enjoy a mild Independence Day, not including the fireworks exploding all around your neighborhood. The forecast calls for a daytime high of 77 with an overnight low of 64 under partly cloudy skies. Tuesday should be slightly warmer with a high of 80 and a low of 64. Wednesday will continue with similar weather and a high of 78 (63).