On this Labor Day 2010, organized labor looks a lot different than it did just a couple decades ago. Minnesota labor historian Hy Berman says factory and other production workers were once the backbone of unions - but no longer. He says today's labor movement consists mainly of low-level social service workers, government employees and teachers. (MNN)

The election is two months away - so don't make too much of political polls. That advice from U of M political science professor Kathryn Pearson. She points to a recent poll showing the Minnesota governor's race a toss-up between Mark Dayton and Tom Emmer, and nearly every other poll that has shown Dayton ahead of Emmer. Horner is the Independence Party candidate for governor. Political watchers are debating whether he will pull more votes from Republican Emmer or Democrat Dayton. Horner was a longtime Republican before winning the I-P endorsement. Many political watchers believe Republicans will ride a national conservative tide this fall and regain control of the U.S. House. Pearson says that's a possibility, but look what happened in 1994. Pearson says seven of Minnesota's eight U.S. House members look like easy winners this November. She says only First District Democrat Tim Walz may be vulnerable - although he does have considerable support in the historically-Republican district. Pearson believes Democrats will keep control of the U.S. Senate. (MNN)

It will be a windy Labor Day for much of the state of Minnesota. The National Weather Service has issued a Wind Advisory for much of western and southern Minnesota for today. The advisory region is south of a line from Morris to Mankato to Owatonna. Strong westerly winds with sustained winds of 30- to 35-miles per hour with gusts up to 50-miles-per-hour will be felt in the impacted area. Driving could be difficult in high profile vehicles, so drivers are urged to use caution when operating vehicles. There is a slight chance for some thunderstorms over parts of south-central Minnesota this afternoon and tonight. The National Weather Service has not issued any watches or warnings for Minnesota, but did release a statement saying severe weather is a possibility with the greatest threat coming in southeast Minnesota. A low pressure system is expected to reach the state today which could help produce thunderstorms. (MNN)

The state patrol is investigating a fatal crash in Isanti County over the weekend. It happened Saturday night at 8:41 p.m. at the intersection of Highways 47 and 95. One person was killed and 2 others were injured. The name of the person killed has not yet been released. We now know the name of the 36-year-old woman who died in a crash north of Hibbing on Saturday morning. Julie Cloud of Hibbing was a passenger in an S-U-V that rolled over on Highway 169 around 3:30 Saturday morning. She was ejected from the vehicle during the accident. The driver of the vehicle suffered non-life-threatening injuries. An East Grand Forks man was killed in a Saturday afternoon crash when he went through a stop sign and his vehicle was broadsided by an S-U-V near Euclid. 64-year-old Lloyd Ovnan was eastbound on County Road 21 when he failed to stop at the stop sign and crossed onto Highway 75 where his car was struck in the passenger side. The driver and passenger of the S-U-V were both treated for their injuries and released.

The Willmar Shelter House has officially changed it's name. According to a news release they are now called Safe Avenues. The news release says they carefully considered issues like the importance of branding and marketing and support for the old name, and say the greatest contributing factor to the change has been the risk of injury or life to a victim due to a misconception of services because of the name. They say "Shelter House" has caused victims to refrain from accessing help because the name implied "residence" or "facility" to them rather than service. Safe Avenues officials say the name change gives them the opportunity to again market the "life-saving services they provide and inform our community members of the variety of programs we offer to crime victims and people at risk of abuse. " They say they are confident the name Shelter House will continue to remain strong and associated with the agency for a long time, and have gained the rights to continue to use it for their shelter program.

The BOLD School Board has changed it's administrative structure. Superintendent Tom Farrell says instead of having an elementary school principal and a high school principal, there will now be just one principal for all the grades. Kip Link was formerly the elementary school princpal. Gauer, of Willmar, had been employed at Pact-4 Families Collaborative. Farrell says Gauer will have a lot of day-to-day contact with students. The changes were made after BOLD High School Principal John Double resigned last month to take a job with the Albert Lea School District.

School starts tomorrow in most Minnesota school districts. Parents, children and motorists are reminded to be aware of school buses and excited kids who will be waiting for them and walking to their bus stops. The Minnesota Department of Transportation says 72 percent of the nation's school bus fatalities take place outside the bus. Willmar Police Chief Dave Wyffels says everyone needs to know school bus laws and common ways to prevent school bus accidents. Benson Police Chief Jim Crace says the most common violation is driving through an extended bus stop arm and driving around the right side of a bus when it's stopping. Both are punishable with a fine of up to $1000 and 90 days in jail. Parents are urged to talk to their children about school bus safety, whether children ride the bus, walk or take their bikes.