Dallasite and Former Afghan Baktash Haidari Welcomes Refugees

Good morning, Dallas! It's Monday, Aug. 30.

Your Headlines: A former Afghan now living in Dallas as interpreter says he's both surprised and disappointed in the fall of his native country to the Taliban. And he as a few words of welcome for the refugees who will soon be his neighbors.

Texas musicians and music lovers reflect on the gentleman drummer of The Rolling Stones — Charlie Watts — whodied earlier this week.

And finally, here's the latest in the ongoing tug-of-war over mask mandates in Texas schools.

Now today's weather: Humid throughout the day. High: 94 Low: 77.

Here are the top stories today in Dallas:

1. A missing 55-year-old man was last seen Friday in west Oak Cliff. Where is he now? (The Dallas Morning News)
2. Here's how you can find a home — with an East Dallas expert. (The Dallas Morning News)
3. The Dallas Comedy Club returns with a new look and hopes to brings smiles to Deep Ellum. (candysdirt.com)
4. Dallas has 5 options for the future of I-345, but only one makes sense (The Dallas Morning News)
5. Isn't it time to change the narrative around homelessness in Dallas? (The Dallas Morning News)
6. A Hurricane Katrina survivor living in Dallas reflects on that experience nearly 20 years ago.(WFAA.com)

Today in Dallas

• Homecoming Week Dress Up Days - Billie Stevenson Elementary (Noon).
• CTE Mock Interviews - Bonham Early Education School (Noon).
• Cyber Safety Week - Nita Pearson El (Noon).
• COVID-19 vaccination clinic at North Garland HS (8:00 am).
• Open House/Meet the Teacher - Keller MS (4:45 pm).

Dallas Patch Notebook

• Dallas Cowboys: "Thinking of everyone in the path of Hurricane Ida @salvationarmyus is preparing to meet immediate needs through feeding, sheltering, emotional care, & other services for those affected." (Instagram)
• Dallas Park and Recreation Department: "Reverchon Rec. Center is hosting a #LGBTQIA+ health fair Saturday, Sept. 18 from 10am-2:30pm. This health fair will provide needed information, resources, & services for the LGBTQIA+ community." (Facebook)
• JCC Dallas: "Shana Tova! Rosh Hashanah is here and that means it’s time to celebrate the new year! You and your child/grandchild are invited to join the Play on Wheels Studio for some Rosh Hashanah inspired art and sensory fun!" (Facebook)
• The Dallas Institute of Humanities and Culture: "How does the city both enable and inhibit true vision? ⁠ ⁠Chaplin's silent masterpiece "City Lights" engages a gentle lyricism against a backdrop of a sometimes harsh cityscape." (Facebook)
• JCC Dallas: "Feel like a star in your own music video! Students will lip sync and learn killer dance moves to two amazing songs. The final edited videos will be showcased on the last week of class with a dance party to celebrate!" (Facebook)

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You're officially in the loop for today. See you all tomorrow for another update! If you're liking these newsletters, consider bringing some of your friends and neighbors along for the ride. You can send them this link to subscribe.

— Kevin Phinney

About me: Kevin Phinney has lived and worked as a writer and editor in Austin, Los Angeles, New Orleans, Seattle and New York City. He was born in Brooklyn, New York and was raised in El Paso. Phinney attended college in Austin. He has done television work as a reporter and commentator, and is a former host of a weekday drive-time radio show called "Kevin & Kevin in the Morning" on KGSR-FM (now known as Austin City Limits Radio). He is also the author of "Souled American, " a book tracking race relations in America through music. It was published by BILLBOARD Books, and is often used in college classrooms across the country.

Have a news tip or suggestion for an upcoming Dallas Daily? You can contact me at kevin.phinney@patch.com.