Restaurants are third spaces, places where people can gather, socialize and connect outside their homes or work. But that can put restaurants — especially local restaurants — in a precarious position when politics come into play, whether or not restaurateurs want them to.

Today, editorial director Mary Cashiola and food writer Ellen Chamberlain talk about how the local restaurant industry has been impacted by the Memphis Safe Task Force surge.

Plus:

• The immigration enforcement surge brings fear and absences to some schools
• Tennessee's graduation rate improves for the third straight year
• Halbert is likely to go to the Tennessee Supreme Court on a revived ouster complaint
• Another National Guard resolution has been delayed at the County Commission
• A restaurant is opening in Downtown's former Tamp & Tap location