The 901: The top pitmaster contenders; where the Grizzlies now stand in playoff series

Good morning, Memphis, where the Grizzlies, after losing in Game 4 of the Western Conference semifinals, now face elimination in the playoff series if they don’t get it together and beat the Golden State Warriors tomorrow.

But, first, competition will be as fierce as ever in this year's Memphis in May World Championship Barbecue Cooking Contest as 215 teams battle for the title of Grand Champion this week, our Jennifer Chandler reports.

Some pitmasters have been featured on national TV shows, while others have their own line of sauces and some even have been inducted into the American Royal Barbecue Hall of Fame.

Jennifer goes over who the top contenders who are — those who are considered “barbecue royalty” ahead of the competition.

Fox13 investigates meteorologist Joey Sulipeck following controversial tweet

TV station Fox13 Memphis has announced an investigation will be launched into tweets sent by meteorologist Joey Sulipeck, our Gina Butkovich reports.

"During Saturday’s Memphis Grizzlies’ game, Meteorologist Joey Sulipeck tweeted a comment that does not reflect the values of FOX13," the station tweeted Monday. "We take this matter very seriously and will take appropriate action pending a full investigation."

"And chew on this: Draymond runs his knuckle-dragging open mouth ALL GAME LONG, but mild-mannered Kyle Anderson disputes one call and gets ejected?" Sulipeck tweeted Saturday. "Next level jackassery."

What to know about April’s real estate market report in Memphis

New factors like inflation could be influencing the local housing market in the Memphis area, our Omer Yusuf reports in his story for subscribers.

“The market is starting to reflect the impact of rising interest rates and inflation,” Memphis Area Association of Realtors’ President Bill Stewart said in a statement. “Inventory ticked up a bit, but it’s still very competitive when making an offer.”

Omer provides us with four things to know about the Memphis housing market from the association's latest report.

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What's included in Germantown’s proposed budget?

Germantown's proposed $201.2 million budget will run from July 2022-June 2023, and the city's $63 million general fund operating budget for 2023 is a $3 million increase from 2022, our Dima Amro reports.

The proposed budget includes no property tax increases, a bulk up in public safety and infrastructure work.

Dima gives us a look at what to know about Germantown’s FY23 budget.

How abortion rights advocates in the South are prepping for Roe’s possible fall

Reproductive rights advocates and abortion providers have been preparing for months for the possibility the U.S. Supreme Court might overturn Roe v. Wade, severely limiting or eliminating access to legal abortion care across much of the country, Maria Clark reports in her story for subscribers.

In the South, where five states — including Tennessee — have trigger bans in place to outlaw abortion if Roe is overturned, preparations include expanding access to contraceptives, comprehensive sexual education and family planning services.

Maria tells us what’s planned for places like Memphis and a look at abortion access in the South if the case is overturned.

Don’t make Grizzlies’ Game 4 loss more than it was

For all the bad shots Dillon Brooks took (and missed), for all the decisions Taylor Jenkins could have made differently, the Grizzlies are likely headed back to Memphis with a tied series if Ja Morant is healthy, our Mark Giannotto writes in his latest column after the Grizzlies lost 101-98 in Game 4 against Golden State.

Here’s an excerpt:

James Wiseman on returning to Memphis, recovering from knee injury

James Wiseman didn't feel like a stranger at FedExForum for the NBA playoffs. Yet it didn't fully feel like home sitting on the Golden State Warriors bench, our Evan Barnes reports.

There's mixed emotions with Wiseman back in familiar territory for the Western Conference semifinals. The former Memphis high school basketball standout got to enjoy spaghetti cooked by his mother Donzaleigh Artis but he'd also rather be playing in a series combining his two worlds.

Evan tell us everything Wiseman had to say about returning to Memphis as well as the IARP process and his knee injury.

The 901 is written by Ray Padilla, digital producer for The Commercial Appeal. He can be reached at raymond.padilla@commercialappeal.com or on Twitter @Ray_Padilla_.

This article originally appeared on Memphis Commercial Appeal: The 901: Top barbecue pitmasters compete in Memphis; Grizzlies updates