The 901: A look into Memphis’ housing market; Why it’s hard to prosecute drag racers

Good morning, Memphis, where we're expecting a cold front starting this afternoon after rain — causing a chance for freezing rain and sleet we’ve become accustomed to by now.

But, first, we're focusing the red-hot local housing market. Last year, 22,263 homes were on sale in Memphis. This is about a 13% increase from the the 19,698 homes sold in 2020.

The data comes from the Memphis Area Association of Realtors final market report for 2021.

The report provides a snapshot of where things stand at the end of 2021 and gives initial signs of what to expect in 2022, our Omer Yusuf reports.

He details three things to know about Memphis’ housing market for the new year.

Why it’s difficult to prosecute drag racers

Shelby County District Attorney General Amy Weirich appeared Tuesday before the Memphis City Council's public safety and homeland security committee to explain the most common outcomes for charges of drag racing and reckless driving.

"There are a whole host of reasons why we as prosecutors dismiss cases, whether it's drag racing, murder, or anything in between," she said in her statement to City Council. “The number one reason is a lack of evidence.

"Just because an arrest is made and someone is charged with a crime, doesn't automatically transfer into a situation where we are able to proceed further."

Currently, Weirich’s office has 56 pending drag racing cases compared to 1,044 reckless driving cases, our Micaela Watts reports.

pOpshelf coming to Germantown and Cordova

Dollar General's concept of pOpshelf will open in the coming months for Germantown and Cordova, our Dima Amro reports.

The new, affordable shopping options are currently under construction with plans to open in the spring. The stores will be located at 7706 Winchester Road and 2725 N. Germantown Parkway.

“At pOpshelf, there’s ever-changing fun in every find, happiness in the affordability and joy in the stress-free shopping experience we offer,” said Matt Frame, pOpshelf’s director of store operations. “We look forward to welcoming customers to our new store.”

Memphis actor stars in film ‘Alice’

The soon-to-be-released movie “Alice” was shot in Savannah, Georgia, with Kenneth Farmer of Memphis ranked at No. 6 among the actors listed on the “call sheet,” our John Beifuss reports in his story for subscribers.

The No. 1 film star was Keke Palmer, listed before rapper Common and actor Jonny Lee Miller.

"I'm Keke Palmer's father-in-law in the story," said Farmer, 59. "I'm the patriarch of the family."

"Alice" is one of the 80-plus feature films chosen from among some 4,000 submissions to have its world premiere during the 2022 Sundance Film Festival, set for Jan. 20-30.

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Redistricting bills could see Senate vote

Senate and House committees met Tuesday to consider the proposed state and congressional maps, which GOP lawmakers released just last week.

The proposed maps include a split in Tipton County, which was previously drawn with Shelby County into the 9th Congressional District, our Melissa Brown reports.

Charlane Oliver, co-director of the Equity Alliance, and others say the plans will significantly dilute the voting power of Black communities — calling the plan “discriminatory, divisive, anti-Democratic and blatantly racist.”

Grizzlies missing two key pieces in tonight's Bucks game

The Memphis Grizzlies will head into one of their toughest remaining stretches without two key players. Guard Desmond Bane and forward Kyle Anderson have entered health and safety protocols. Both players will be out Wednesday on the road against the Milwaukee Bucks, our Damichael Cole reports.

This is the second time Anderson has been in protocols this month. He previously entered on Jan. 2 and missed four games.

Bane has been one of the team's most consistent players. He's only missed one game and his shooting skills mixed with his cutting ability has made him a perfect pairing with point guard Ja Morant.

The 901 was written by Ray Padilla, the 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: Memphis' housing market report; Prosecution of drag racers