Lawsuit Targets Tennessee Ban on Land Ownership by Foreign Nationals

Issue #274

17 Nov

In this What’s Up Columbia issue…

🗓 List of Upcoming Events

⛅️ Columbia Weather - Partly cloudy with a high of 70

📰 Lawsuit Targets Tennessee Ban on Land Ownership by Foreign Nationals

🚒 MCFD Performs Two Vehicle Extractions With at Least Two Injured

🎁 11/30: Shop With A Cop Fundraiser

🎬 VidAngel’s Black Friday Offer - Watch More Stuff w/o The Bad Stuff!

🎵 Today’s Live Music

⛑ Looking For Ways to Help Victims of Hurricane Helene? Click Here

🗓 Know of Some Local Events Not Listed? Send us the Details!

Upcoming Local Events

🗓 Have an event to add? Send us the Details!

Sunday, November 17th

Monday, November 18th

Tuesday, November 19th

Wednesday, November 20th

Thursday, November 21st

*More events coming soon!

Lawsuit Targets Tennessee Ban on Land Ownership by Foreign Nationals

A group of foreign investors has filed a lawsuit against a Tennessee state law set to take effect on January 1, which bans individuals from certain foreign countries from owning land in the state. The law applies to residents of nations such as China, Iran, and North Korea, as well as other countries under the International Traffic in Arms Regulations.

Under the law, foreign landowners must divest their Tennessee property by the start of 2024 or face legal consequences, including potential criminal prosecution, civil penalties, and forfeiture of the land without compensation. The plaintiffs argue this measure violates their rights and risks significant financial losses.

The lawsuit, filed on October 31, includes Walton Tennessee, a company holding over 1,200 acres across the state, and three individual investors: a U.S. citizen based in Shanghai, an Italian citizen residing in Hong Kong, and a U.S. citizen in South Carolina. According to the suit, the law would force them to relinquish property collectively valued at over $100 million.

Walton Tennessee’s domestic investors also claim they could face harm due to the involvement of foreign stakeholders prohibited by the new law. One of the plaintiffs, Jason Vance, is among the U.S.-based investors concerned about the impact on their shared interests.

This legislation is part of a growing national trend targeting foreign land ownership, often focused on countries like China. Supporters argue it protects national security, while critics warn it could result in economic harm and legal challenges.

The company became a focus earlier this year in Loudon County, where local leaders and state lawmakers raised concerns about its sale of land parcels to foreign investors, describing it as a potential "shell company."

MCFD Performs Two Vehicle Extractions With at Least Two Injured

On Friday, MCFD performed two vehicle extrications. The first incident occurred on Theta Pike at 8:42am and only involved removing a windshield to free an occupant. 

The second incident was located on Double Branch Rd at 11:15 PM. Rescue 21 and Deputy 20 arrived to find two occupants with one heavily entrapped and went to work freeing the passenger. Both occupants were transported by Maury Regional Emergency Medical Services (EMS) to Vanderbilt Medical Center. Special thanks to FF Bizwell with Franklin FD who heard the wreck from his home and assisted on the incident. The accident is being investigated by THP. 

11/30: Shop With A Cop Fundraiser

The Fraternal Order of Police and Associates James K. Polk Lodge 26 is organizing their annual Shop With A Cop event to help underprivileged children in the area. They will be hosting a pancake breakfast fundraiser for the cause on 11/30. Pancake Breakfast Tickets will be available Monday.

Why is Shop with a Cop important?

The Shop with a Cop program allows children to become familiar with police and feel comfortable in their presence. It teaches the children that police officers are individuals who have unique interests, goals, and families of their own and that they are here to help. Children get to pick out items they want or need without hesitation due to the costs and, in some cases, children have selected things like space heaters or food because it may not be available at home. Shop with a Cop is a charitable program that helps connect police officers with children in their community. The program helps families in need and allows children to see a positive side to law enforcement, while building strong community ties. (Criminal Justice Evolution, CJE 2019)

Saturday, November 30th
9 AM - 12 PM
308 West 7th st., Columbia

Stay tuned to the Columbia Police Department Facebook page (or reach out to them) for how kids can participate in the Shop With A Cop program.

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🎵 Today’s Live Music

Sunday, November 17th

TBD, Natchez Hills Vineyard, 1-4 PM
Kenny Durham, Puckett's, 6-7:30 PM
Nicholas Duhe, The Rebel, 4 PM

👇 Click the Links to Learn About our Local Business Sponsors! 👇

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