Dean Foods Settles with Local Farmers

(DALLAS) -- Dean Foods has reached a settlement of $140 million with farmers in the south east who had filed a lawsuit claiming unfair practices by the Dallas-based company.

Local farmers in several south eastern states brought the suit against Dean Foods, Dairy Farmers of America and others saying they colluded with each other to not compete in buying milk from the farmers resulting in falling prices.

The settlement is pending approval in a Tennessee District Court. In a statement, officials at Dean Foods said the money would be distributed through a fund over four years or five years.

"We continue to be confident that we have operated lawfully and fairly at all times in the Southeast," said Gregg Engles, Dean Foods Chairman and CEO. "Settling this case allows us to focus on the business challenges that we face, and to continue to take costs out of our operations while avoiding the expense, uncertainty and distraction of a protracted litigation and the likelihood of a lengthy appeals process."

Copyright 2011 ABC News Radio

Disabled Residents Sue the State

(NASHVILLE, Tenn.) -- A group of 39 disabled Tennesseans have filed a lawsuit against the state regarding cuts to medical assistants.

The lawsuit attempts to block cuts to Tennessee's in-home nursing services.

Disabled Tennesseans involved in the suit say the elimination of funds will force them away from their homes and families and into group homes.

Copyright 2011 ABC News Radio

Titans Receiver Kenny Britt Pleads Not Guilty to Charges

(HOBOKEN, N.J.) -- Tennessee Titans wide receiver Kenny Britt pleaded not guilty to three disorderly persons offenses Tuesday, stemming from an incident last month in Hoboken, N.J.

Britt, 22, was arrested June 8 after police originally charged him with tampering of evidence, obstruction, and resisting arrest. Police say Britt destroyed a cigar allegedly containing marijuana during the arrest. The three charges were downgraded to disorderly persons offenses last month.

A trial date for Britt is scheduled for Sept. 20 at 10 a.m. in a Hoboken court. If convicted, Britt faces up to six months in jail, three years probation, and a $1,000 fine.

Copyright 2011 ABC News Radio

White House Launches Strong Cities, Strong Communities Initiative

(WASHINGTON) -- The White House announced a new program called Strong Cities, Strong Communities (SC2) on Monday.

In a statement, Director of the White House Domestic Policy Council Melody Barnes said that 14 federal agencies will provide technical assistance to six cities. The cities earmarked for assistance are Chester, Pennsylvania; Cleveland, Ohio; Detroit, Michigan; Fresno, California; Memphis, Tennessee; and New Orleans, Louisiana.

The program will offer federal support and collaboration for the growth of the SC2 communities for a period of 12 months. No financial assistance will be provided, though the federal employees will assist the communities in applying for and using funding opportunities.

The SC2 program may expand to other cities at a later date.

Copyright 2011 ABC News Radio

Tennessee Lawmakers Say They Support "Caylee's Law"

(NASHVILLE, Tenn.) -- Democratic and Republican state lawmakers have declared their support for implementing "Caylee's Law" in Tennessee.

The proposed law was inspired from a highly publicized Florida case involving mother Casey Anthony, who didn't report her dead 2-year-old daughter, Caylee, missing for 31 days after she was last seen alive.

Lawmakers say they would like to push forward "Caylee's Law" in Tennessee to enforce guardian's legal obligation to report when they have reason to believe that a child in their care or custody is missing.

Copyright 2011 ABC News Radio