News

Message to Clippers: Grizz 'don't bluff'

Submitted by Carrie Anderson on Thursday, May 2nd, 4:11 pm

MEMPHIS, TN- (WMC-TV) - The Grizzlies new growl towels were revealed Thursday. They are in place for fans who will soon take over the FedExForum for game six of the series against the Los Angeles Clippers.

The message being sent to the Clippers: "We don't bluff."

The Grizzlies have had a few days since their last game to think about the upcoming game.

It's just another game. We got to go play, we got to play well, we got to execute, do all the things that won us three games to win one more," said Grizzlies Head Coach Lionel Hollins.

"We understand how big of a game it is for both teams and the sense of urgency that both teams will play with," said guard Mike Conley. "We love big games so we're just looking forward to it."

Tipoff is at 8:30 p.m. Friday at FedExForum.

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I-55 reopens after massive solution spill

Submitted by WMCTV Web Staff

Thursday, May 2nd, 2013, 12:14pm

MEMPHIS, TN- (WMC-TV) - Northbound I-55 at Crump is open again after a hazmat crew spent Wednesday night and early Thursday morning cleaning a chemical spill.

One lane of the ramp at Riverside Drive remains closed, but is expected to reopen soon.

A tractor trailer hauling 14, 500 gallon containers of Cobalt Nitrate Solution, a liquid commonly used as an industrial cleaner, overturned Wednesday night on the I-55 ramp off Riverside Drive heading towards Arkansas.

Nine of the containers ruptured, spilling the solution onto the roadway.

Police first reported the liquid was nitric acid.

Fire firefighters and hazardous materials workers were able to contain the solution. As a result, none of it went into any drainage or sewage areas, according to the Memphis Fire Department.

There were no injuries. The spill is not likely to affect Memphis in May festivities at nearby Tom Lee Park.

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Group backs out of Beale Street Landing restaurant project

Submitted by Jason Miles, Reporter

Monday, April 29th, 2013, 4:21pm

MEMPHIS, TN- (WMC-TV) - With a lot of work already done, the group behind a restaurant at the new Beale Street Landing are backing out. This news is just the latest in a series of setbacks for the Beale Street Landing project.

In a sneak peek at the restaurant, Action News 5 showed viewers the custom-made ship's wheel table and a huge bar. But now, the Riverfront Development Corporation confirms the restaurant group, which also owns Blues City Cafe, is no longer interested in leasing the landing space.

It was the only company to respond to the initial request for proposals.

"I'm not a restaurant owner type, so I don't know what it takes to make it in that business," said Memphis resident Jack Briscoe. "But you can see it's set up and somebody will take advantage of it would be my guess."

Bud Chittom is one of the owners of the restaurant group. He is not yet willing to comment on the record about the failed deal.

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Forecast moves Southern Hot Wing Festival to Sunday

Submitted by Andy Wise, Chief Consumer Investigator/Andy's Restaurant Scorecard

Saturday, April 27th, 2013, 8:31am

Forecast moves Southern Hot Wing Festival to Sunday

The threat of rain has moved the weekend's 11th Annual Southern Hot Wing Festival from Saturday to Sunday.

Gates will now open 11 a.m. Sunday, April 28, at the Tennessee Visitors Center on Riverside Dr. Bands will rock and cooking teams will compete for best hot wing recipe honors. Proceeds benefit Ronald McDonald House Charities.

For maps, ticket prices and festival details, please visit the festival's website.

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Car sharing zips to Memphis

Submitted by Justin Hanson, West Tennessee Reporter

Thursday, April 25th, 2013, 5:58pm

Meet Woodrow and Beverly, two of the city's new Zipcars. And now, they are available for you to drive.

MEMPHIS, TN- (WMC-TV) - The City of Memphis has partnered with Zipcar to provide four new cars for residents to use at their discretion.

These cars are permanently parked downtown at two separate locations. All you have to do is become a member, get your Zipcar Card, and drive away.

For a small fee, these Zipcars can be yours for the day or longer.

They operate just like a regular car. If you ride public transportation and do not have a car of your own, you can now have access to a car should you need one.

"I think they'll love the idea. I think it's a great idea," said Johnnie Willis who works downtown.

These Zipcars are, in essence, on demand transportation.

"You don't have to pay for parking, pay to clean the car, pay to fix the car," said Paul Morris with the Downtown Memphis Commission.

To be able to drive these Zipcars, all you have to do is pay a $25 application fee and $60 a year to join.

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Memphis in May officials take security seriously

Submitted by Justin Hanson, West Tennessee Reporter

Tuesday, April 23rd, 2013, 9:27am

MEMPHIS, TN- (WMC-TV) - The bombings at the Boston Marathon prompted authorities around the world to double and triple check security for upcoming events.

With Memphis in May right around the corner, Vice President Diane Hampton says the organization is doing everything in its power to keep the nearly quarter of a million people safe during the month-long event.

"With Memphis in May, we're always planning and looking at security," Hampton said.

In three weeks, thousands will descend on downtown Memphis for the Beale Street Music Festival.

This three day music event kicks off the Memphis in May celebrations and Hampton wants to make sure everyone is safe.

"All packages, purses, bags are subject to search...backpacks that come into the festival can be no larger than 12 inches by 12 inches," Hampton added.

During the month of May, Tom Lee Park becomes the fourth largest city in Tennessee.

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Family, fans root for Memphis 'The Voice' contestant

Submitted by Lindsey Brown on Sunday, April 21st, 10:42 pm

(WMC-TV) - Memphis has a voice and contestant Grace Askew is gaining fans across the country.

Grace has made it through the first battle round with her parents rooting her on as she sing on national television.

"It's phenomenal. We are in total shock. We really are," said mother Becky Askew.

Grace has the whole package. A sultry voice and show stealing looks, but when her parents watch her they see so much more.

Becky said it all started when Grace was 13-years-old asking for a guitar.

"It's a scary idea but as a parent you want your children to follow their dreams and I would say we were in that mode. We wanted Grace to follow this dream she had as a musician," said father Mark Askew. "Grace has made some phenomenal connections there and some great friends in the other contestants, and the people on "The Voice' are so encouraging and nurturing."

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