It’s back-to-school season, but not everyone has the time and budget for new backpacks or a stop at the barber shop. One solution: Host an event that brings the two together, make it free and make it fun.

The National Black Police Association of Minnesota, Black Firefighters United and others partnered with The Sanneh Foundation, Greater Twin Cities United Way to host the 10th annual Backpacks and Barbers event Monday at the the Conway Recreation Center in St. Paul, providing children with free haircuts, backpacks, school supplies, food and more.

Cousins Lanu and Tami show off the new backpacks they received Monday. (Talia McWright / Pioneer Press)

“It helps them to be able to take some of that burden off of their families,” Sanneh Foundation marketing coordinator Sophia Hayden said. “And everybody needs a fresh haircut. You look good, you feel good. So we want to get those kids ready to have their first day of school.”

Another hope for the event is that while officers engage with community and show them they care, some of the kids, especially those from underrepresented communities, will be inspired to see law enforcement as a career path in the future.

“Representation is very important for the Black Police Association, so kids in the community can look up and say, ‘Hey, these people can do it. You know what, I can do it too,’ because we’re actually really underrepresented in Minnesota,” Association President and St. Paul Officer Brad Chin said.

According to the association, 273 out of the total 10,505 police officers in Minnesota are Black. Chin said the association wants to change this to better serve their communities.

First time attendee and mother of six Dominiques Perkins brought her two boys, fifth-grader Damari and third-grader Dontrez, out on Tuesday. The event was an opportunity to save some money and be surrounded by community members, she said, looking at the rows of young kids getting their hair cut by professional local barbers.

Another first timer, Akona Joaj, a special education educator, brought two young family members who are refugees from South Sudan and had never before had their hair cut, she said. The two boys came to Minnesota early this year and were all smiles as they sat across from each other.

“It brings the community together and is so helpful for kids,” Joaj said. “Even if you can’t afford it, you still deserve to feel good and look good for school.”

Related Articles

72nd Princess Kay of the Milky Way crowned as MN State Fair begins

Serious Minnesota knitters wanted for project supporting breast cancer survivors

MPR parent company lays off 30 employees following federal, state cuts

St. Croix River Historic Cruise to raise money for historical society

10th annual Philando Castile event raises scholarship money in his name

I swear every year I spend a little more time at the Minnesota State Fair.

It’s a fun addiction! This year, besides the first two days, when we review all the new food and beverages, I went to the Atmosphere concert on Saturday and sneaked back for a quick dinner and Arrested Development at the Bandshell.

This year, I decided to focus on Fair classics that I’ve never tasted and under-the-radar foods suggested by readers — with the exception of the pickle pizza from Rick’s Pizza, because the ever-popular stand has added another location this year, and there was virtually no line!

And bonus, Jared Kaufman tried an “unofficial” new food that he said was worth noting.

Jalapeno Cheese on a Stick at Fresh Lemonade – Cheese on a Stick, $8

West side of Nelson St. between Dan Patch and Carnes avenues

If you can believe it, I had never tried this State Fair staple before this week. I enjoyed the slightly sweet breading and oozy cheese, but wanted more spice. Although that wish is what fellow reporter Jared Kaufman calls a “classic Jess” wish. I do like it spicy! 8/10, would definitely eat it again.

Onion Rings at Danielson & Daughters, $9

Onion Rings at Danielson & Daughters at the 2025 Minnesota State Fair. (Jess Fleming / Pioneer Press)

Between Underwood and Cooper streets, outside south side of the Food Building

These lightly breaded rings don’t look like much — in fact, before I dug in, I predicted they’d be overly greasy. But I was totally wrong. Crisp, oniony deliciousness, and bonus: There’s a coupon for $3 off in this year’s Blue Ribbon Book! 8/10, would eat again, though the portion is pretty small for the price without the coupon.

Wild Rice Burger at Wild Rice Specialties, $10

The Wild Rice Burger at Wild Rice Specialties at the 2025 Minnesota State Fair. (Jess Fleming / Pioneer Press)

In the Food Building, northeast section

I’ve been hearing about this burger for years and finally got around to trying it. Though the bun looks too big and dry, I’m here to tell you that this is one juicy, flavorful burger. (It’s not vegetarian; it’s beef and wild rice.) The rice gives it a slightly nutty flavor and makes it a bit lighter than a regular burger. 7/10, will eat again.

Messy Giuseppe at Mancini’s al Fresco, $10

The Messy Giuseppe at Mancini’s al Fresco at the 2025 Minnesota State Fair. (Jess Fleming / Pioneer Press)

North side of Carnes Avenue between Nelson and Underwood streets

A reader suggested I try this Italian version of a sloppy joe, and what a suggestion! I don’t know that my husband will go to the Fair without ordering one again. The focaccia bun is slathered with garlic butter and toasted, and the messy filling is basically meat and a bright, tasty marinara. 9/10, will probably eat every year from now on.

Chocolate-Covered Nut Roll on a Stick at Fresh Made Nut Rolls, $9

A Chocolate-Covered Nut Roll at Fresh Made Nut Rolls at the 2025 Minnesota State Fair. (Jess Fleming / Pioneer Press)

Northeast corner of Dan Patch Avenue Underwood Street

Although this impossible-to-photograph version of the ever-popular Salted Nut Roll isn’t much to look at, the peanuts, nougat, caramel and dark chocolate are a perfect combo. My only complaint is that $9 is pretty steep for a smallish candy bar. 7/10, would eat if someone else paid for it.

Pork Chop on a Stick at Peterson’s Pork Chops, $13

The Pork Chop on a Stick at Peterson’s Pork Chops at the 2025 Minnesota State Fair. (Jess Fleming / Pioneer Press)

South side of Judson Avenue between Nelson and Underwood streets

I have spent 14 years walking past this stand, which is perched just beyond the media parking lot, without ordering a pork chop. That ended this week, and I have few regrets. Salty, meaty, grill-kissed goodness, though there was a little too much char on one half of it for me. Still, this thing is popular for a reason. 8/10, will eat again.

Grilled Peach with Honey-Herb Goat Cheese at The Produce Exchange, $8

The Grilled Peach with Herbed Goat Cheese and Honey at The Produce Exchange at the 2025 Minnesota State Fair. (Jess Fleming / Pioneer Press)

Northwest corner of Carnes Avenue and Underwood Street

I cannot believe it took me this long to try this simple, gorgeous dish of summer. A peach, grilled to perfection, paired with an herb-infused goat cheese and drizzled with honey. I love a good sweet/salty pairing, and in-season peaches are one of life’s greatest pleasures. 10/10, will probably have another one when I go back later this week.

Pickle Pizza at Rick’s Pizza, $9

Pickle Pizza at Rick’s Pizza at the 2025 Minnesota State Fair. (Jess Fleming / Pioneer Press)

Two locations: West side of Cosgrove Street between Wright and Dan Patch avenues and west side of Cooper Street between Murphy and Lee avenues

OK, I have had the pickle pizza before and I have loved it. But I haven’t returned for a few years, because it’s my fervent belief that no Fair food is worth a line longer than 20 minutes, and the lines had been ridiculously long. But this year, Rick’s wisely added a second location, and there was virtually no line on Sunday evening. So I couldn’t resist this floppy-crewy-crusted, extra cheesy, pickle-y deliciousness. If you, too, had avoided it because of the line, this is your year! 10/10, will eat every time there’s a short line.

Dan Patch Dip at Hamline Church Dining Hall, $11

Dan Patch Dip is held up in front of the Hamline Church Dining Hall on the Minnesota State Fairgrounds on Aug. 24, 2025. (Jared Kaufman / Pioneer Press)

North side of Dan Patch Ave. between Underwood & Cooper streets

This year’s new offering at the oldest Fairgrounds restaurant didn’t make the “Official New Foods” list, but we wanted to try it anyway. The creamy corn dip itself is quite flavorful, and the pineapple-and-onion slaw on top gives it a tangy, punchy freshness. This is a little pricey, but it’s a perfect reprieve from heavy fried fare.

— Jared Kaufman

Related Articles

Matcha madness leaves Japan’s tea ceremony pros skeptical

So much fruit, so little beer-flavored beer. The Minnesota State Fair’s 2025 new beverages, reviewed

How 17 Minnesota third graders made blueberry the state muffin

The good, the bad and the questionable: The 2025 new Minnesota State Fair foods, ranked

Gretchen’s table: Bucatini with burst cherry tomatoes and fried caper crumbs offers ample flavor

By WILL WEISSERT

WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump on Monday marked the fourth anniversary of the suicide bombing that killed 13 U.S. service members during the chaotic withdrawal at the end of the Afghanistan War by signing a proclamation honoring the fallen.

Related Articles

New top admiral takes over the US Navy amid military firings

Maine clinics denied Medicaid funds during lawsuit after Trump cuts to abortion providers

House committee subpoenas Epstein’s estate for documents, including birthday book and contacts

What to know about cashless bail after Trump’s executive order

Trump moves to ban flag burning despite Supreme Court ruling that Constitution allows it

Surrounded by about 35 family members of those killed, including one wearing a “Make America Great Again” cap, Trump used the somber occasion to decry his predecessor, Democratic President Joe Biden, for allowing the attack to happen.

Tuesday is the anniversary of the bombing that also killed more than 100 Afghans at Abbey Gate outside the Kabul airport on Aug. 26, 2021. Trump called it “one of the dumbest days in the history of our country by the previous administration.”

“That was a terrible day,” Trump said. “And I think it was the worst day, and in many ways the most embarrassing day, in the history of our country.”

Biden’s White House was following a withdrawal commitment and timeline that the Trump administration had negotiated with the Taliban in 2020. A 2022 review by a government-appointed special investigator concluded decisions made by both Trump and Biden were the key factors leading to the rapid collapse of Afghanistan’s military and the Taliban takeover.

Trump made the suicide bombing and Biden’s handling of it a frequent topic as he campaigned for president. The relatives of some of the U.S. service members killed also appeared on stage at the Republican National Convention in July 2024.

On the third anniversary of the attack, Trump was invited by family members of some suicide bombing victims to Arlington National Cemetery’s Section 60, a hallowed section where U.S. forces killed in the Iraq and Afghanistan wars are buried.

That became a flashpoint after a staffer from Trump’s campaign reportedly shoved a cemetery employee who was trying to prevent the photographing of a ceremony honoring the service members killed in the Afghanistan War withdrawal. Federal law prohibits campaign or election-related activities within Army national military cemeteries.

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, right, speaks alongside family members of soldiers killed in Afghanistan at the attack at Abbey Gate, during an event where President Donald Trump signs a proclamation honoring the fourth anniversary of the attack, in the Oval Office of the White House, Monday, Aug. 25, 2025, in Washington. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)

In a statement marking the third anniversary of the attack, Biden called the 13 Americans who died “patriots in the highest sense” who “embodied the very best of who we are as a nation: brave, committed, selfless.”

“Ever since I became Vice President, I carried a card with me every day that listed the exact number of American service members who were killed in Iraq and Afghanistan — including Taylor, Johanny, Nicole, Hunter, Daegan, Humberto, David, Jared, Rylee, Dylan, Kareem, Maxton, and Ryan,” Biden said in a statement in August 2024.

Also on hand for Monday’s proclamation signing were Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and Vice President JD Vance, who told victims’ relatives that Trump’s action was “a rectification of a wrong” because Biden “lost your loved ones through incompetence” and his government “never actually put pen to paper to say we’re grateful for your sacrifice.”

Trump has ordered a new Defense Department review of what occurred during the withdrawal of U.S. forces, and Hegseth said he expected that to be complete by the middle of next year.

“The military needs to answer for what happened in Afghanistan,” Hegseth said.

By KONSTANTIN TOROPIN

WASHINGTON (AP) — Adm. Daryl Caudle took over as the Navy’s highest-ranking officer Monday, ending a six-month vacancy created by the Trump administration’s firing of his predecessor.

Related Articles

Maine clinics denied Medicaid funds during lawsuit after Trump cuts to abortion providers

House committee subpoenas Epstein’s estate for documents, including birthday book and contacts

What to know about cashless bail after Trump’s executive order

Trump moves to ban flag burning despite Supreme Court ruling that Constitution allows it

Kennedy’s anti-vaccine strategy risks forcing shots off market, manufacturers warn

Caudle became chief of naval operations as Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has ousted a growing list of military leaders with little or no explanation. Remarks at a swearing-in ceremony at Washington Navy Yard offered several nods to the admiral being in close alignment with the Trump administration leaders above him.

In February, Hegseth fired Caudle’s predecessor, Adm. Lisa Franchetti, without explanation. Neither Caudle nor Navy Secretary John Phelan addressed the ouster at the ceremony Monday, though Franchetti was among several former chiefs of naval operations in attendance.

Franchetti had been the second woman ever to be promoted to four-star admiral and is among several female military leaders fired by the Trump administration. She was ousted the same day as Air Force Gen. CQ Brown Jr. as chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff.

Phelan, the Navy’s civilian leader, described the sea service as rife with issues like “decaying shipyards, inadequate maintenance, enormous cost overruns (and) delayed delivery and repair rates” and unspecified traditions that were stifling innovation.

“Admiral Caudle, together we must rebuild, reform and refocus on what matters — readiness, accountability and results — in order to execute President Trump’s mandate of peace through strength,” Phelan said.

Caudle was unequivocal in his agreement with the often-repeated Trump administration phrase, saying, “Peace through strength works.”

The admiral, who until the promotion was commanding U.S. Fleet Forces Command, said he wanted to be “judged by the results we achieved.”

Specifically, he cited the number of ships delivered and repaired on time, the number of ships that are fully manned, and ordinance production as meeting the Navy’s demands.

Phelan said Caudle’s success “is inextricably linked to my success as secretary of the Navy and vice versa.”