Wildfires continue to rage across parts of the western United States Wednesday with winds projected to carry the fire into new areas.

In California, strong winds from the north and south have stoked fires to grow expansively.

In Washington, more acres burned Monday than firefighters usually see all year.

60 degree temperatures lessened the wildfires that bled into neighboring states, such as Colorado and Montana.

Minnesota schools began their adapted approach for the academic year and COVID-19 Tuesday.

State Education Commissioner Mary Cathryn Ricker said, “While today is the traditional first day of school in Minnesota, we all know there is nothing traditional about this school year.”

63% of the 426 districts and charter schools that reported their plans to state education officials started the year with a hybrid model, where students spend part of the week at home and the remainder in a socially distanced school setting.

St. Thomas President Julie Sullivan gave the university’s first virtual convocation address Tuesday.

Sullivan showed her gratitude for the work and sacrifice faculty members have demonstrated during the COVID-19 pandemic.

“The 2020-21 academic year will likely go down as one of the most challenging, yet most fulfilling years to launch in our 135-year history,” Sullivan said.

Joey Swanson can be reached at swan5350@stthomas.edu.