This week, we talk about:

Peloton Flaw Allows Hackers to Watch Users

The Peloton Bike+ is vulnerable and users were recently warned of a security threat that allows hackers to control the touchscreen, steal information and even watch riders as they sit and spin.

40 Cows Escape Slaughterhouse

A gate at a meat packing facility was accidentally left open and 40 cows made a run for it into the L.A. suburbs. Oddly enough, this isn't the first great cow escape and it could save at least one from slaughter.

SpaceX Warned About Breaking Laws in Texas

In South Texas, SpaceX was warned that it could be violating state laws by shutting down public beaches and using unlicensed security guards to clear roads.

Union Leader Killed by Truck Driving Through Picket Line

The leader of a labor union was killed in northern Italy after he was hit by a truck that broke through a picket line outside a warehouse facility.

Shocking Development in Weed-Killing Business

Small Robot Company has three new robots: Tom, Dick and Harry. The robots eliminate weeds with fewer chemicals and improve soil quality by zapping weeds to death.

In Case You Missed It

Smart Thermostats Manipulated on Unknowing Customers

After ERCOT asked residents to take it easy on the AC, many didn't listen. That's when residents noticed that their "smart" thermostats were turned up without their knowledge.

Some Used Vehicles Now Cost More than Original Sticker Price

The pandemic and a global chip shortage have pushed car prices to record levels.

Lego Makes Experimental Brick from Recycled Plastic Bottles

Lego revealed prototype bricks made out of recycled bottles.

Please make sure to like, subscribe and share the podcast. You could also help us out a lot by giving the podcast a positive review . To email the podcast, you can reach any of us at Jeff, Anna or David @ien.com, with “Email the Podcast” in the subject line.

Welcome to the Today in Manufacturing Podcast, a new podcast brought to you by the editors from Manufacturing.net and Industrial Equipment News (IEN).

In each episode, we discuss the five biggest stories in manufacturing, and the implications they have on the industry moving forward. This week, we talk about:

Reshoring Surges to Record High

The number of U.S. manufacturing jobs created by reshoring activities and foreign direct investment increased in 2020 – hitting a total of 160,649 – according to the Reshoring Initiative’s 2020 Data Report.

Stellantis Brands Charged with Fraud

Two divisions of Stellantis face fraud charges in a sweeping investigation into the manipulation of diesel vehicles in emissions testing.

Explosion Rocks Illinois Plant, May Burn for Days

On Monday, June 14, an explosion at Chemtool’s northern Illinois chemical plant sparked massive fires that sent flames and huge plumes of thick black smoke high into the air and debris raining onto the ground, prompting the evacuation of about 1,000 local residents.

Scientist from '50s Predicted 'Elon' Would Lead Humans to Mars

A 1953 book entitled Mars Project: A Technical Tale by a German American astronautical engineer named Wernher Von Braun describes an elected official carrying the title of Elon would lead humans to Mars.

Recall Urged After Carcinogens Found in 40 Sunscreens

A recent investigation by the online pharmacy and laboratory, Valisure, has identified the chemical benzene in sunscreen lotions and sprays from popular brands including Neutrogena and Banana Boat.

In Case You Missed It:

Insider Trading at Amazon and Eastman Kodak

Viky Bohra, the husband of a former Amazon employee, was sentenced to 26 months in prison after pleading guilty in November to insider trading. And the CEO and general counsel of Eastman Kodak must both testify under oath as part of an investigation into possible insider trading.

Volvo Building Polestar SUV in South Carolina

Volvo Cars will invest $118 million into its plant in Ridgeville to build Polestar 3 electric vehicles.

The German Military’s Beer Logistics Battle

There is a surplus of 340 bottles of wine and 65,000 cans of beer at a German base.

Please make sure to like, subscribe and share the podcast. You could also help us out a lot by giving the podcast a positive review.

IBM Says Semiconductor Maker Owes it $2.5B

Tech giant IBM wants GlobalFoundries, a major semiconductor manufacturer, to pay $2.5 billion for violating the terms of a 2014 deal. Six years ago, GlobalFoundries bought IBM’s chip business for $1.5 billion. IBM says GlobalFoundries agreed to continue making chips for them as part of the deal, but in 2018 GlobalFoundries abandoned advanced chipmaking technology due to outrageous R&D costs.

'Smelly Nuisance' Chicken Plant Blocked

A court has blocked the construction of a Pilgrim’s Pride plant in Gadsden, Alabama that would render dead chickens and chicken parts into animal feed. The plant has received a lot of “vocal community opposition” because the plant will be “a smelly, dangerous nuisance" located near homes, schools and a church.

Why Walmart Is Giving 740K Workers Free Smartphones

Walmart has announced plans to provide 740,000 workers with their own smartphones. The Samsung Galaxy XCover Pro retails for $499 and Walmart says workers can use them as their personal mobile device. But there is a caveat, a new app called Me@Walmart.

Lordstown Motors Warns it May Not Stay in Business

Lordstown Motors said it may not be in business a year from now. Apparently the $587 million it had on hand as of March 31 isn't enough to start commercial production and begin selling the full-size pickup, called the Endurance. 

Widow Receives $222M After Husband Killed in Plant Accident

In June 2018, 45-year-old Jesse Henson was killed while working at the Westar Energy’s Jeffrey Energy Center near St. Marys, Kansas. Henson was on the 14th floor of the power plant, investigating a loss of steam with another worker, Damien Burchett. When the elevator door opened on the floor, they were engulfed in superheated steam and sustained fatal burn injuries. 

Also:

Onstar Isn’t Just for GM Drivers Anymore

10 of the Worst Cyberattacks Against Manufacturers

Amazon May Be Helping Itself to your Bandwidth

Please make sure to like, subscribe and share the podcast. To email the podcast, you can reach any of us at Jeff, Anna or David @ien.com, with “Email the Podcast” in the subject line.

Welcome to the Today in Manufacturing Podcast, a new podcast brought to you by the editors from Manufacturing.net and Industrial Equipment News (IEN).

In each episode, we discuss the five biggest stories in manufacturing, and the implications they have on the industry moving forward. This week, we talk about:

The Highest-Paid CEOs by State

The Associated Press and data firm Equilar recently announced the top-paid CEOs by state for 2020. Median pay was $12.7 million last year.

Sri Lanka Braces for Environmental Disaster as Ship Sinks

Two weeks ago the ship was on fire. Last week, after burning for 12 days, the MV X-Press Pearl started sinking off the coast of Sri Lanka and local authorities fear that it could become an environmental disaster.

Ford Cutting F-150, Mustang, Bronco Production

Ford recently announced plans to temporarily close eight factories in June, some closures will last into July. The closures stem from the global semiconductor chip shortage and it means production cuts for three iconic vehicles: the F-150, the Bronco Sport SUV and the Mustang.

US Soldiers Accidentally Invade Factory

On May 11, a group of U.S. soldiers were on a Nato training exercise in Bulgaria when a mistake sent them off course. The soldiers stormed an operating sunflower oil factory with weapons drawn, seizing and clearing the premises, including the workers.

Report: Rogue Drone Hunted Human

According to a report from New Scientist, there is evidence that a weaponized drone went on a rogue mission last year, and it hunted a human target.

In Case You Missed It

Stories that weren't the most popular on the sites last week, but still stand to make a significant impact on the industry.

Smithfield Workers Consider Strike 

Workers at a South Dakota meatpacking plant are considering a strike after contract negotiations stalled. The proposed contract starts employees off at $18 an hour and cuts a 15-minute break period. The union wants $19 an hour and no increases to health insurance premiums.

Bill Gates Builds Reactor at Coal Plant

A next-generation nuclear plant will be built in Wyoming. The plant features a sodium reactor and molten salt energy storage system.

United Airlines Sees a Supersonic Future

On Thursday, United Airlines announced plans to buy 15 jets from startup Boom Supersonic with an option for 35 more. The deal was worth $3 billion, or $200 million per plane.

Please make sure to like, subscribe and share the podcast.

Editor's note: Download and listen to the audio version below and click here to subscribe to the podcast.

Welcome to the Today in Manufacturing Podcast, a new podcast brought to you by the editors from Manufacturing.net and Industrial Equipment News (IEN).

In each episode, we discuss the five biggest stories in manufacturing, and the implications they have on the industry moving forward. This week, we talk about:

US Orders Water Recall After Illness, Death

Last week, federal authorities ordered a complete recall and ordered the Las Vegas-based brand Real Water to surrender records, stop production and distribution and require the company to recall and destroy all the product produced before May 26. The company also has to turn over records about processing, bottling and distribution; and to submit to unannounced FDA inspections of company facilities.

Factory Boss Defiant as Sanctions Bite in China's Xinjiang

Reports of forced labor and other abuses of the largely Muslim Uyghur ethnic group in Xinjiang is taking a toll on China's cotton industry, but will the pressure compel the government or companies to change their ways.

Ship Fire Rages for 6th Day

Crews from Europe and Sri Lanka battled a fire on board a container ship for more than a week. The chemical fire aboard the MV X-Press Pearl has caused a large number of containers to tumble into the sea.

Tesla Fined for Limiting Battery Range

A court in Norway found Tesla guilty of throttling charging speeds and battery capacity.  As a result, the company was ordered to pay 30 plaintiffs $16,000 each.

Supersonic Jet Maker Abruptly Shuts Down

Aerion Supersonic was an ambitious plane maker, backed by Boeing, the company wanted to create "boomless" supersonic passenger jets by the mid-2020s. Then they closed, likely because they are out of money. What happened?

In Case You Missed It:

Navy Vows New Course After Ship Design, Maintenance Problems

Littoral combat ships have propulsion failures; guns on the stealthy destroyer have expensive ammo and the newest aircraft carrier has problems launching aircraft.

At Least 2 Exxon Board Members Lose Seats in Climate Fight

Shareholders have voted to replace at least two of Exxon Mobil's 12 board members with directors who are better suited to fight climate change.

Quantum Apocalypse/Quantum Computing Series

Quantum computing is the combination of quantum physics and computing. In just a few years, it will have tremendous potential to solve problems faster than traditional computers could ever work. Some say this is just a lot of Y2K smoke, others say that we could wind up back in the early 1980s when everything was done via phone, fax and Fedex.

Welcome to the Today in Manufacturing Podcast, a new podcast brought to you by the editors from Manufacturing.net and Industrial Equipment News (IEN).

In each episode, we discuss the five biggest stories in manufacturing, and the implications they have on the industry moving forward. This week, we talk about:

Pandemic Claims Another Manufacturer

Ecolab manufactures infection prevention solutions to more than 40 industries — everything from food processing plants to hospitals. This week, the St. Paul, Minnesota-based company announced plans to shutter its plant in Columbus, Mississippi.

Autonomous Van Rescued After Traffic Cone-Induced Meltdown

A Waymo One driverless van recently panicked when it encountered some traffic cones. The technology still has some gaps.

Mexico City is Sinking

Geologists think areas of the world’s second largest city could sink as much as 100 feet over the next 150 years.

Employee Dies in Accident at Mattress Factory

Anita Irene Coester was a 51-year-old maintenance worker at Purple Mattress in Grantsville, Utah. On May 13th, she was injured while performing a repair and died as a result of her injuries.

1,600 Layoffs Coming to Jeep Plant

The fallout from the global computer chip shortage continues. Jeep is one of Stellantis's top-selling brands. Despite their popularity, 1,641 workers making Jeep Cherokees in Belvidere, IL could lose their jobs.

In Case You Missed It:

Shaking 1,000-Foot Skyscraper Evacuated

A 70-story skyscraper in the southern Chinese tech center of Shenzhen was evacuated after it began swaying.

Nikola Tesla's Valve Could Have Applications Today

Nikola Tesla invented the valvular conduit about 100 years ago, but researchers from New York University's Courant Institute of Mathematical Sciences found that the valve is not only more functional than previously realized, but has potential applications today.

First Long-Haul Flight with Eco-Fuel

The plane is using petroleum mixed with a synthetic jet fuel made from waste cooking oils.

Please make sure to like, subscribe and share the podcast. You could also help us out a lot by giving the podcast a positive review on Apple podcast or whatever platform you use. Finally, to email the podcast, you can reach any of us at Jeff, Anna or David @ien.com, with “Email the Podcast” in the subject line.

Welcome to the Today in Manufacturing Podcast, a new podcast brought to you by the editors from Manufacturing.net and Industrial Equipment News (IEN).

In each episode, we discuss the five biggest stories in manufacturing, and the implications they have on the industry moving forward. This week, we talk about:

Shuttered Remington Gun Plant Reopens

Gunmaker Remington filed for bankruptcy in July 2020 after 200 years in business. Roundhill Group bought a part of the business for $13 million, which included Remington’s factory in Ilion, New York. Roundhill recently called 230 workers back to the factory.

Tesla Driver Arrested for Riding in Backseat

A 25 year-old man was arrested after riding in the backseat of a Tesla traveling on a San Francisco Bay Area freeway. He said riding in the backseat isn’t dangerous and he will continue to do it.

Tesla Sued Over Breach of Contract

A Pennsylvania couple is taking Tesla's Solar Roof to court. The couple agreed to pay $46,000 for a solar roof, six months later, they received a notice saying the price jumped more than $30,000.

3-Wheeled Car Factory Coming to U.S.

ElectraMeccanica made a tiny, single passenger, three-wheeled electric car called the SOLO. This week, the company chose Mesa, Arizona, as the location for its U.S. assembly and engineering plant.

Crack Closes Interstate Bridge

A crack was found in the Interstate 40 bridge that links Arkansas and Tennessee during a routine inspection. Inspectors found a “significant fracture” in one of two 900-foot horizontal steel beams that are crucial for the bridge’s integrity.

In Case You Missed It:

Spot Robot Dog Gets Fired from NYPD

The robot, which the police force dubbed “Digidog,” was going to be used to inspect dangerous areas and help keep officers safe, but public outcry forced the NYPD to cancel the $94,000 contract and returning the robot to Boston Dynamics.

DARPA Selects Teams to Create Personalized Protective Biosystems

DARPA recently awarded contracts to FLIR Systems, Leidos, and Charles River Analytics to develop lightweight materials and adaptable, tissue-protective countermeasures to provide on-demand, broad spectrum, and rapid long-term protection.

Implant Could End Jet Lag, Food Poisoning

In April 2020, DARPA introduced the ADvanced Acclimation and Protection Tool for Environmental Readiness program. ADAPTER aims to create new systems that give soldiers control over their bodies. 

Please make sure to like, subscribe and share the podcast.

Welcome to the Today in Manufacturing Podcast, a new podcast brought to you by the editors from Manufacturing.net and Industrial Equipment News (IEN).

In each episode, we discuss the five biggest stories in manufacturing, and the implications they have on the industry moving forward. This week, we talk about:

How Tesla Helped Solve a Hate Crime

Dushko Valchev was arrested last month and charged with setting fire to Martin Luther King Jr. Community Presbyterian Church in Springfield, Massachusetts. He was linked to four fires at the church after getting caught by Tesla's Sentry Mode when slashing tires in the area.

3M Loses First of Many Earplug Lawsuits

A jury awarded three veterans a total of $7.1 million in a case against 3M went to trial. They determined that 3M failed to warn users of product defects relating to its earplugs. Combat Arms earplugs are designed for soldiers, and 3M acquired the line from another manufacturer in 2007.

Jet Suit Helps Marines Board Ships

Last week, Gravity Industries posted a video of a recent test with the Royal Marines, the U.K.'s commando force and the Royal Navy's amphibious troops. The footage is incredible.

Multiple Dead After Overpass Collapse

The Mexico City elevated subway line collapsed last week, 25 people, including children, were killed. The line was plagued with problems and poorly designed from day one in 2012.

Single Screw Causes $2.2M in Damage

On July 5, 2020, at about 2:50 in the morning, the 736-foot-long Atlantic Huron self-unloading bulk carrier struck a pier in the Soo Locks in Michigan. No one was injured, but the accident caused $2.2 million in damage. The accident was traced back to a single screw.

In Case You Missed It:

Wine that Went to Space Gets $1M Price Tag

A Pétrus 2000 was sent into space in November 2019 to explore the potential for extraterrestrial agriculture. It returned 14 months later subtly altered.

SpaceX Launches, Lands Starship in 1st Successful Flight

The victories are never as popular as the failures. Since we've covered the four previous Starship test explosions, we should take a moment and applaud SpaceX for its first successful test.

NASCAR unveils Next-Gen Car

NASCAR's new race car is here with hope that it will revolutionize the stock car series.

Please make sure to like, subscribe and share the podcast. You could also help us out a lot by giving the podcast a positive review .

Welcome to the Today in Manufacturing Podcast, a new podcast brought to you by the editors from Manufacturing.net and Industrial Equipment News (IEN).

In each episode, we discuss the five biggest stories in manufacturing, and the implications they have on the industry moving forward. This week, we talk about:

Gas Shortages Could Be Coming

According to a new report, the U.S. is facing a significant gas shortage. The problem isn't the supply, but rather the number of fuel truck drivers.

Manager Charged with Stealing from Cable Manufacturer

Stephen Golas, the former operations manager of Pennsylvania cable manufacturer MegaPhase, has been accused of stealing $675,000.

World's Largest Firefighting Plane May Be Sold for COVID-19 Response

After investing tens of millions into upgrading the Global SuperTanker, the world’s largest firefighting plane, the revenue didn't produce enough profit for Alterna Capital Partners to continue funding the tanker.

Late Taxes a Troubling Sign for Automaker

Lordstown Motors, an Ohio-based electric truck startup, failed to pay $570,000 in real estate taxes due in early March. It's another troubling sign for a troubled company.

Beavers Wipe Out Town’s Internet

Last Saturday, residents of Tumbler Ridge, British Columbia woke up to find their internet, cable TV and cell service were all knocked out. The culprit? Beavers.

In Case You Missed It

Taco Bell Wants to Give Old Sauce Packets New Life

Taco Bell hands out 8.2 billion sauce packets every year. The packets aren't recyclable, but the company recently announced a new partnership with TerraCycle in an attempt to recycle the flexible film packets.

Elon Musk to Host SNL

Elon Musk has a new job as host of “Saturday Night Live."

Girl Scout Cookies Delivered by Drones

A company is using drones to deliver Girl Scout cookies in Virginia.

Please make sure to like, subscribe and share the podcast. You could also help us out a lot by giving the podcast a positive review.

Editor's note: Download and listen to the audio version below and click here to subscribe to the podcast. 

Welcome to the Today in Manufacturing Podcast, a new podcast brought to you by the editors from Manufacturing.net and Industrial Equipment News (IEN).

In each episode, we discuss the five biggest stories in manufacturing, and the implications they have on the industry moving forward. This week, we talk about:

Busch is Hiring a Dog Beer Tester

Last year, Busch released Busch Dog Brew, an alcohol-free bone broth that sold out within 24 hours. Now, the beverage company is looking to expand on the brand and needs the help of a dog for taste testing. The Anheuser-Busch company has created a new job position for a dog in product development.

Arson Blamed for Portland Factory Fire

The Portland Garment Factory has made a name for itself for sustainability and ethical labor. Owner and founder Britt Howard created zero waste design and fabrication services used by Adidas, Nike and Levi’s. This week, its facility was burned down and the plant was a total loss. Security footage shows an unidentified person set fire to a dumpster on the property and then walk away. 

Stolen Crypto Cards Lead to High-Speed Boat Chase

Customs agents in Hong Kong recently busted a fishing boat that was part of a smuggling ring transporting 300 Nvidia CMP 30HX graphics cards. The authorities pursued the smugglers in a 2:00 am high speed boat chase. 

Harley Faces Steep Tariff Hike

In 2018, the European Union imposed new tariffs on U.S. motorcycles, but Harley was protected. Those protections have been revoked and will raise the tariff from 6% to 31%. 

Spanish Police Bust Gun 3D Printing Workshop

Spanish police uncovered the first workshop using a 3D printer to make illegal firearms in the country. One person was arrested in the Canary Islands after being linked to the workshop where the suspect allegedly made 3D-printed assault weapons.

In Case You Missed It:

Scrutiny of Tesla Crash Could Trigger Regulation

The fiery crash of a Tesla near Houston with no one behind the wheel is drawing scrutiny from two federal agencies that could bring new regulation of electronic systems that take on some driving tasks.

Amazon’s Pay by Palm

Amazon is offering pay-by-palm at Whole Foods grocery stores near its headquarters.

Lab-Grown Embryos & Human-Monkey Hybrids

In March, an Israeli team of researchers grew mouse embryos in artificial wombs that were essentially bottles. Legitimate test tube babies. Grew for 11 days, which was the longest a mammal embryo outside a womb. In April, a U.S. and Chinese team successfully grew embryos that included both human and monkey cells in plates to a stage where organs began to form.

Please make sure to like, subscribe and share the podcast. You could also help us out a lot by giving the podcast a positive review on Apple podcast or whatever platform you use.