Happy Friday, muggles. Ever go searching for $2 billion that never existed? That’s what happened at digital payment company Wirecard. Prosecutors say company balance sheets were inflated to appeal to investors by former CEO Markus Braun, who was arrested in Germany this week.  Luckily for you, we found stories that do exist — and we're making sure they don’t vanish.

Deadly fungus threatens bananas’ global survival

Fri Jun 19

Turns out COVID-19 isn’t the only disease spreading without showing symptoms. 

Dubbed the “banana pandemic,” a banana-destroying fungus called Tropical Race 4 has been spreading through banana farms, now reaching at least 20 countries across Asia, the Middle East, Africa, and South America, which ships a lot of bananas to the U.S. Now, experts worry a banana shortage may be forthcoming. 

Has this happened before?

In short, yes.

• In the 1950s, Gros Michel bananas were the primary banana type until the Panama disease came and wiped them out. 
• Next came the Cavendish banana, which could withstand the disease. This is the banana you see and eat today; it’s popular because it can be transported when it’s green.
• Unfortunately, a new strain of the Panama Disease showed up in the 1990s and started wiping out even the Cavendish bananas.

What’s being done to save the bananas?

Scientists are working on two potential solutions: a genetically modified banana and a vaccine. Some research suggests that growing banana trees in organic soil with seasonal crops between rows could help fight off the disease, but would make bananas more expensive. In the meantime, the efforts are focused on isolating infected farms and disinfecting boots — the banana equivalent of hand washing and quarantining. 

Post office evacuated for a suspicious package of smelly fruit

Mon Jun 22

Twelve postal workers received medical treatment and around 60 people were evacuated after a pungent package arrived at a postal office in Germany. The Cause? Four Thai durian fruits, intended for a 50-year-old resident.

What is durian?

Durian is a tropical fruit that is popular in Southeast Asia, and probably unknown to most Germans. It can be smelly, but is also very nutritious. You can eat the creamy flesh and cook the seeds. Some describe it as cheese, garlic, almond, and caramel all at once.  

Is everyone okay?

Yes. Some workers who felt nauseous were taken to the hospital as a precaution. The fruit package was eventually delivered to the resident, but we have no idea if the recipient appreciated all the stink!

Children’s cough medicines recalled over overdose concerns

Fri Jun 19

Two children’s cough syrups are being voluntarily recalled for incorrect dosing cups: “Children’s Robitussin Honey Cough and Chest Congestions DM” and “Children’s Dimetapp Cold and Cough.” 

Why? The cups only had 20-millimeter markings and were missing the 5 and/or 10-millimeter marks. Possible symptoms from the overdose include:

• Seizure
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Dizziness
• Impaired coordination
• Hallucinations
• Diarrhea

Plants are absorbing plastic — which means we are too

Mon Jun 22

It feels like we’ve been talking about microplastics a lot on Below the Fold, but they just keep popping up everywhere! The latest finding is that plants can absorb these tiny plastics through their roots. 

Is this bad? Here’s what scientists have to say.

• The nanoplastics block plant roots from properly absorbing water, which then prevents plants from growing properly and harms seed development. 
• The plastics are altering the plant's genetic sequencing. 
• On top of all that, the plants studied are edible, which means we’re eating a lot more plastic than we might think. In fact, a study last year suggested we might be eating a credit card’s worth of microplastic a week.

In related plastic news: The coronavirus pandemic is causing a plastic boom. Single-use plastic that were being banned by cities and states are suddenly back in use at a lot of stores and restaurants. Still, some people are arguing there’s no evidence that using plastic is safer than reusable options — and the CDC is now saying close contact holds the greatest risk of transmission.

But head’s up, California: Your plastic bag ban is now back in effect. Gov. Gavin Newsom previously issued a 60-day executive order allowing single-use plastic bags during the pandemic, but that just expired. Businesses now have a few options, they could:

1. Allow reusable bags, and ask customers to bag their own groceries
2. Offer recycled paper bags (for a 10 cents fee)
3. Use thicker plastic bags (for a 10 cents fee)
   
   

New Jersey Governor supports strongest environmental justice bill in the country

Fri Jun 19

Research has proven how air pollution disproportionately affects low-income neighborhoods and is linked to premature death, among other health issues. Now, an environmental justice bill in New Jersey would make applicants filing for environmental permits consider their impact on these communities. 

The bill would...

• Require an environmental justice impact statement explaining the consequences
• Allow the state Dept. of Environmental Protection to reject an application that would cause harm to “overburdened communities”

What’s next?

The Senate Environment and Energy Committee approved the bill in January but it has not gone up for a full vote. There’s also an identical bill in the Assembly that has not had a hearing. A form of this bill has been around for more than a decade, but the hope is that the momentum over racial injustice paired with support from the Governor can push it forward now.  

• Check out brunchwork at home: interactive, virtual business events. Expect cutting-edge advice from top leaders (like Andrew Yang), curated breakout groups around an activity, and meaningful professional connections. A good place to start? Their weekly newsletter!
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That’s all for this week. Have a magical weekend.✨