KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — It was an eventful week in East Tennessee. Here's what you missed.
Story 1
"Morristown company will need to pay around $300,000 for employing 10 minors who helped run heavy machinery"
The U.S. Department of Labor said a Morristown company will need to pay around $300,000 in civil money penalties and put aside $1.5 million to pay back any profits it made after employing ten minors, all under 18 years old.
The department said in a lawsuit filed on March 22 that the Tuff Torq Corporation employed the minors at a manufacturing facility. It also said, "at least one minor was observed operating a power-driven hoisting apparatus, an occupation that has been deemed particularly hazardous for minors."
It said that as a result, the company's goods were made with "unlawful and oppressive child labor," and so the company was prohibited from shipping the goods. The Tuff Torq Corporation makes a variety of products used inside equipment that clears snow, helps plow fields and finishes landscaping projects, according to its website.
Story 2
"KCSO: 23-year-old dies after wreck near Chapman Highway"
The Knox County Sheriff's Office said a 23-year-old is dead after being ejected from a car during a wreck.
The wreck happened on Sunday, March 24, at 231 Tipton Station Road off Chapman Highway, according to KCSO.
The driver was heading eastbound when they lost control. The car wrecked into a utility pole and then struck a tree. It came to its final resting point in the westbound lane, KCSO said.
Story 3
"APD identifies 19-year-old killed by 16-year-old driving stolen vehicle under the influence"
The Alcoa Police Department has identified the 19-year-old girl who died after a car wreck.
The crash happened at East Lincoln Road and Southbound Hall Road on March 22 around 5:45 a.m. Madison Hoese was killed after a 16-year-old driver, who was under the influence, ran a red light in a stolen Silverado and hit her vehicle, according to APD.
After the wreck, the Silverado driver and passenger fled the scene. APD apprehended them afterward.
Story 4
"Baltimore bridge collapses after ship hits it, sending vehicles into water"
All six workers missing after the Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore collapsed Tuesday are presumed dead, and the search for them has been suspended until Wednesday morning.
A cargo ship lost power and rammed into a major bridge in Baltimore early Tuesday, destroying the span in a matter of seconds and plunging it into the river in a terrifying collapse that could disrupt a vital shipping port for months.
The ship’s crew issued a mayday call moments before the crash took down the Francis Scott Key Bridge, enabling authorities to limit vehicle traffic on the span, Maryland’s governor said.
Story 5
"Just weeks left to apply for a share of Verizon's $100 million settlement"
Some Verizon wireless customers could soon be entitled to part of a proposed $100 million settlement that the company has agreed to pay to settle a class action lawsuit.
But in order to get any money, which could be up to $100 each but will likely be a lot less, you have to file a claim and now have less than a month to apply.
The case involves a lawsuit where customers claimed Verizon charged a monthly administration fee that "was unfair and not adequately disclosed," something the company has continued to deny, according to a claims website set up by a settlement administrator.