MANITOWOC – The Clipper City Chordsmen recently participated in the Land O’ Lakes District Barbershop Convention and Competition in Minneapolis.

The event, held Oct. 10-11, drew more than 500 barbershop enthusiasts from parts of five states and three Canadian provinces, according to a community announcement. A total of 382 participants from 15 choruses competed, along with 34 quartets.

Chordsmen performed songs from ‘Toy Story’

Twenty-four members of the Manitowoc-based Clipper City Chordsmen and their quartet, Quandary, took part in the competition.

Another quartet, Lake Effect, did not compete but received three hours of intensive coaching in performance, musicality and singing.

Teachers in one of Minnesota’s largest school districts say they’re ready to take a strike vote this week without a new contract.

Minneapolis Federation of Educators leaders will be back at the bargaining table on Tuesday. Teachers say the mediation session is the last chance to come to an agreement before a strike vote. 

The union says talks with the Minneapolis school district have stalled. Among the sticking points: pay and class sizes. The Minneapolis Federation of Educators says they’re also fighting for the expansion of special education and English language learners resources. 

Voting could start as soon as Thursday. 

In a statement, Minneapolis Public Schools said in part, “While the district’s budget is tighter than ever due to the historic underfunding of public education and expenses outpacing our revenue, we hope to reach an agreement that is fair, student-centered, and ensures the district can thrive even if there are state and federal funding cuts.”

Last year, Minneapolis teachers averted a strike after working 300 days without a contract. In 2022, teachers did strike, leaving students out of the classroom for three weeks and delaying the start to summer vacation. 

MINNEAPOLIS (FOX 9) – The Minnesota Timberwolves open the 2025-26 regular season Wednesday night at the Portland Trail Blazers.

Monday, the Timberwolves unveiled Prince-themed City Edition purple jerseys that they’ll wear for select games this season.

Prince-themed jerseys

What we know:

The “Purple Rain” style jerseys were first introduced in 2018 and quickly became among the team’s most popular. They were made to celebrate the life, legacy and sound of Prince.

The team offered details on what the jersey will look like:

• A paisley detail in the left short vent, nodding to Prince’s creative sanctuary, Paisley Park.
• Faux studded pattern on the right shoulder that echoes the iconic jacket worn during his Purple Rain performance.
• “MPLS” on the left leg to represent the Minneapolis Sound Prince pioneered.
• Tonal purple Timberwolves logos on the leg and waistband, stylized “Wolves” chest mark inspired by Purple Rain, and custom number set that plays homage to his iconic Love Symbol.

Prince nights at Target Center

Why you should care:

The Prince-inspired jersey rollout also will include a custom court design at Target Center, featuring his Love Symbol at center court. There are also in-arena performances planned by artists who worked closely with Prince.

The Timberwolves will debut the purple jerseys this year on Saturday, Nov. 15 at Target Center. That’s their first Prince-themed night at Target Center. The Timberwolves will wear the jerseys for seven home games.

Timberwolves Black Tree uniforms

Dig deeper:

Back in September, the Timberwolves unveiled “Black Tree” style uniforms that they will wear this season to pay tribute to the teams that regularly made the Western Conference Playoffs. That was a time when Kevin Garnett led the franchise. They’ll wear the uniforms for 21 home games.

Timberwolves season starts

What’s next:

The Timberwolves open the regular season with a pair of late night West Coast games. They’re at the Trail Blazers Wednesday night, then at the L.A. Lakers Friday night. The Timberwolves host the Indiana Pacers for their home opener on Sunday, Oct. 26.

The Timberwolves are coming off a second straight run to the Western Conference Finals.