Board statement
The board of FairWarning, a nonprofit devoted to alerting the public to hazardous consumer products and unjust corporate practices, has decided to dissolve the charitable nonprofit as of Feb. 20, 2021. This step is taken with regret as the small journalism nonprofit has devoted the last 11 years to protecting the public from harms to their health and safety. Circumstances beyond the board’s control have unfairly damaged FairWarning’s reputation and made it difficult to carry on a small-budget news organization dependent on charitable donations.
The board wishes to thank the donors who kept this enterprise going for so long. We also wish to thank the many journalists who contributed their work to the site. We thank our founder and editor, Myron Levin, for his vision, professionalism, and fundraising expertise which sustained the organization since its inception.
FairWarning’s journalism covered auto safety, environmental hazards, health scams, the need for labor protection, fake medicines, pesticide dangers, and toys and equipment that sickened or killed children. Its focus on state and federal regulators’ lack of urgency to protect the public moved several to action, saving lives and preventing injuries. Its reports on severe burns suffered by toddlers from glass-front gas fireplaces helped push the industry to adopt a safety feature to prevent future injuries.
FairWarning was an early investigator of the cancer risks from talc powders; examined the racial politics of menthol cigarettes and told how giant tobacco companies use trade treaties to fight anti-smoking measures around the world. It revealed a disinformation campaign by the indoor tanning industry to hide the risk of skin cancer.
Also, FairWarning produced a path-breaking story on the immunity of small farms from OSHA investigations of worker deaths; regrettably, there have been many hundreds. It commissioned tests revealing that gas-powered leaf blowers are prolific polluters that may pose health risks to landscaping workers.
FairWarning showed how articles, ghostwritten by major drug companies, had corrupted medical literature and were used to boost drug sales or disparage rival medicines. Its investigation of contacts between a lobbying firm and the head of the Consumer Product Safety Commission sparked congressional inquiries followed by her departure.
Articles and op-eds based on FairWarning’s reporting appeared in outlets including NBC News, Mother Jones, The Atlantic, the McClatchy newspapers, The Oregonian, Salon, and many others. Leading foundations and individual donors supported the nonprofit.
The board is proud of the work that has been accomplished with a tiny staff and lean budgets. It is the board’s intention to work with another nonprofit to digitally house FairWarning’s archive so that past articles will continue to be accessible to the public.
Message from Myron Levin
Dear Reader,
Last fall, I brought before our board a plan to launch a search for a new executive director for FairWarning in 2021. After 50 years as a journalist and 11 years running FairWarning, I thought it was time for a new leader—someone with energy and vision who could raise the organization to a new level. I’m writing to you now because events of the last two weeks have changed the plan.
A lengthy Twitter thread by a job applicant who didn’t get the job accused me of making racist statements. It contained serious inaccuracies and distortions. Nonetheless, in response to the attack our two staff writers, including one who has worked here nearly three years, went on Twitter to publicly demand that our board force me to resign.
The board refused to do this, but we have been crippled. Hiring new staff and recruiting a strong new leader under these circumstances would be difficult, to say the least. And so, the board and I have decided that the best course is for FairWarning to shut down.
We’ll be winding things down over the next few weeks. We won’t be accepting new donations, and we plan to donate the balance of our funds to another worthwhile nonprofit news organization.
I’m sad to say goodbye, particularly under these circumstances. I’m proud of what we’ve accomplished, and deeply grateful to the readers and donors who, over the years, have advanced our mission of delivering strong watchdog reporting in the public interest. I’d also like to thank our board members for their service, and the nearly 200 online, print and broadcast media outlets who have co-published FairWarning stories.
Throughout my career, I’ve always taken to heart the old byword to afflict the comfortable and comfort the afflicted. That has been the animating spirit at FairWarning, too. We’ve punched above our weight and produced stories that mattered and might otherwise not been told. We’ve taken on issues of critical importance to the health and safety of the public. We’ve never branded ourselves as speaking for any particular group. But if you’ve been following us, you’ll have seen many stories about bad practices that disproportionately harm powerless people, including people of color and low-paid workers exposed to dangerous working conditions and to wage violations.
Thanks to all of you who have made it possible for us to do our work.
All the best,
Myron Levin
Founder and Editor
If it turns out that you are able to pass on what you have devoted your life to, please let us all know. It is obvious that there are many of us who would support an effort to carry on. There has to be someone that has the same standards as you do, who wants a voice in the news community. I am going to sign off using my email, so that if something happens or if you would be willing to recommend a news site with the same principles you operated under, you can reach me. I no longer watch tv as it was causing me anxiety and fear. I would love to be able to stay in touch without all the drama. Blessings, Maggie Carter email hidden; JavaScript is required
I like most of the people before me entered this site with a profound appreciation for ‘real, unbiased’ news. Too many of the honest places are forced to close due to the extremism in America today. Being politically correct is costing this nation many of its freedoms and I’m afraid we are on that river with no paddle. I wish I had known about your site sooner, if you do reconsider please let me know where I can donate to. Thank you for all that you’ve done and will do.
I just learned about your site after reading the book. I’m so sorry to see that y’all will be shutting down. Best of luck in the future
I just finished MC book and looked up your site. I had stopped reading or watching any news channels or papers after the biased reporting started with the election of Trump. I was hoping your site would be a breath of fresh air. It seems whiny “me too” folks took you down. Sad. I wish you the best and hope you reconsider. Thank you.
I too just finished MC’s book and learned too late of FairWarning. I wanted to add a comment to hopefully inspire the reigniting of this torch.
Charles Omalley
As a long time reader of MC. I was very sorry to read of the demise of Fair Warning. Having read the book I was looking forward to the real thing.. as an Irish man with family in Ca I look with horror at the course of things in the USA. IT APPEARS to me that the whole society is going to implode in an orgy of “MEISM”.
In Ireland we have an organisation/political party called Sinn Fein,(ourselves alone). In the US it increasingly appears to be “ME FEIN” (ME MYSELF)
I just want to add my name to the list of saddened readers. In the world of fake news, this sort of news outlet may be the only recourse for those looking for real information. If you can’t bring it back, can you let us know where we should go?
Thank you for your tireless efforts. Your service will be missed.
I just learned about FairWarning through reading Michael Connelly’s book with that title. I was looking forward to checking out the site. I am sorry to hear that it has been shut down. We have become a nation with the emotional mentality of adolescents. I salute the board for not caving in, and ironically the two staff writers who wanted Myron Levin fired ended up putting themselves out of work. I guess you could say, “What goes around, comes around.”
Michael Connelly did a wonderful job of getting out the word about FairWarning. I wish it had come sooner – not that I am blaming him, by any means! I simply wish I’d been able to come to this web site and read, and donate, rather than learning that the organization has been dissolved.
Just finished Michael Connelly’s book by the same name and loved that this site and its editor were real. I am so sorry that this has happened to you. I read further up that the person slinging accusations is a ‘pronoun person’: they are not the best of people in my experience. They preach acceptance and love but refuse to ever listen to others’ opinions and if they feel slighted in any way (normally by someone holding a different viewpoint) they will come after you with whatever they can, even when all they have is lies. The best of luck to you and the directors for the future.
I am sad to hear that you had to close. I was,going to donate after reading the Connelly book. We need more people like you and I thank you!!
I am sorry to hear about the end of FairWarning. I wish I had known of it sooner.
Thank you Levin, for providing journalism the way it was meant to be.
Thank you Connelly, for leading us to this site via the amazing backdrop that is your story.
I wish you all the best
Consumers need an advocate and by the time we realized your publication existed-by way of Mike Connelly’s book you had dissolved. This is very regrettable .
Where can I read more about what actually happened? It’s a very sad situation. And oh so human.
Isn’t there some other resolution possible Mr Levin? Fair Warning is an institution of importance You are a manager of great skill and great experience. I, like many of your readers, am in denial. Please reconsider, Mr Levin.
Please reconsider!!! We need more watchdogs, not less
Please, please reconsider. Don’t let someone who was an interviewee, has never worked there so doesn’t know the culture to do this, its more important than his/ her opinion! Some people feel they need to punish others for not getting their way.
I read Michael Connelly’s book and was unaware of this wonderful organization until now.
Let’s see if I have this summed up: There were a total of three staff writers, two of whom demanded the resignation of the founder because the small, three person newsroom didn’t have black people on staff and/or the news organization wasn’t going to perform a facade of D.I.E (Diversity, Inclusion, Equity) and would continue to serve the public, irrespective of immutable characteristics?
Why didn’t these two journalists offer up their jobs?
Note to others: This editor who didn’t get the job and went to Twitter to virtue signal, is a member of the pronoun religion. Before interviewing candidates, sniff out any hint of performative wokeness by checking for pronouns after a candidate’s name on their website, twitter bio, and elsewhere. You can also see what other topics they’ve reported on.
No good deed goes unpunished.
This is very sad. I just finished Michael Connelly’s book as well which highlighted very serious lack of supervision and regulation by the FDA. There are other issues out there that the FDA is not regulating like they should, such as medical devices and how they are approved, and allowing manufacturers to basically extort money from hospitals by not allowing them to repair their own equipment etc. Several of the articles I read here are very well reported and things that the public should know that the mainstream media tend to hide.
It seems our society is becoming increasingly immature. People don’t get what they want or are willing to put in the effort to earn it, so they ruin other hard-working and honest people’s live by screaming racist. Martin Luther King Jr. is turning in his grave. This goes against the harmony amongst races that he had envisioned.
I hope you keep reporting in other manners or at least keep inspiring up and coming reporters to fact check and report the truth no matter how hard it is. People still asleep need to be awakened by hard truths. They are awakening slowly due to sites like this one.
Levin’s legacy is not damaged.
That would be nigh impossible,
My gratitude to FairWarning for stellar expressions of a truly free and independent press.
I just finished Michael Connelly’s book and just found your site. How exceptionally sad that I will not be able to learn from the work you have done. The comments from others on this site speak to your integrity. Hopefully, you will find away to continue to educate the public. Thanks Michael Connelly for sharing Fair Warning with us.
Well like everyone else I am appalled that this has happened to a decent organisation that only tried to bring something beneficial to the world wide community. You know, there are some things humanity shouldn’t lose and your organisation is one of them. So from what I’ve read here, there’s some pretty savvy minds out there and undoubtedly some great financially viable ideas on how to get around this seemingly”no win scenario” So please , please hang in there and don’t throw the towel in just yet guys, we really do need you. Cheers from Aus.Joy
The internet brings enormous opportunity but it also enables the self consumed to seek to rewrite their world as they see it should be.
It is not that criticism is necessarily wrong but the medium is permitting gaps in justice to open up which masquerade under the plausible banner of a ‘minority right’.
Such rights exist and need to to be protected but the line is crossed when unfettered criticism destroys the good work and intentions of those with different priorities.
Oh no, I am so very sorry to hear this. I just finished Michael Connelly’s book last night, and was so thrilled to learn that Fair Warning and you are real. I was excited to find the website this morning, and now this. One more blow to bravery, one more assault on truth. At least they can’t rob you of all the good you have done all these years. I hope that is some comfort in the midst of this poisonous sorrow.
What a tragedy. We cannot afford to lose small, independent reporting organizations like this one.
Gut-wrenching news. A tragedy!!!
Well, this is disappointing. Just finished Connelly’s book, and I was searching to make a donation.
Mr. Levin, I just finished Michael Connelly’s fantastic audiobook and equally remarkable interview with you, and immediately went to your website to donate to FairWarning only to be stunned by the news of your closure!
I hope you will reconsider. This is such a shame! I wonder how your Twitter critic and not-so-loyal staff member feel now. That, too, is a shame … as in shameful.
We owe you an enormous debt of gratitude, Mr Levin, and I wish you a long and happy retirement, you’ve certainly earned it.
With respect,
Johnson W. Picoli
I hope that all of the messages you are receiving send a message that there is a need and a desire for the content that FairWarning has provided. If it is too late for FairWarning to be resurrected, I hope that someone else will carry on this mission.
Like many before me, I’m here after having read Connelly’s novel. I was wondering if this news was or not a “fake” one?… So sorry to see that it’s not. Sorry, too, for my bad English, as u know, French aren’t known for their language skills. Little more pessimistic in front of where our world is heading… So bad… Best wishes anyway from France.
Cancel culture will eventually cancel itself out. Sadly, freedom of speech is doing a nosedive and Congress is doing nothing to stop it. We can only hope that the Supreme Court steps up to the challenge, but it won’t if the Democrats pack the court. I am consistently distressed over the numerous old-school journalists who try to keep opinion out of their journalism being attacked for doing just that. The Woke want us all to have an opinion–theirs. I prefer my journalist straight, without opinion, but now we have nowhere to go. I wish you well and hope sincerely that you let us know who you believe has taken up your mantel.
Like several others, I visited your site after listening to Michael Connelly’s audiobook, “Fair Warning”.
I am so disappointed to learn that you have ceased operations – especially under such negative circumstances.
This planet needs a reboot.
Another Connelly fan. Absolute shame re your website. Getaway from it all. Come & stay in the beautiful Yarra Valley, Victoria, Australia when you get the opportunity. Home of the yellow helmeted Honeyeater and our Cottage.
There must be someone, somewhere willing to continue FairWarning’s work. Please let me know where it can be found. I am so sick of the reckless name-calling, false information, stories only for publicity’s sake, etc. that now abound. Donation ready to go from me to ????
I am so sorry this has come to an end. I too came to the site as a result of Michael Connelly’s book. I do not know the circumstances of this demise, but I do know how easy it is to slander someone nowadays and how difficult it can be to refute allegations made. I wish you all the best with your next venture, which I have no doubt will be a huge success.
I too come too late,after just finishing Michael Connelly’s book.
Am so sorry you are dismantling your organization.
We,the people, desperately need organizations like FairWarning!
Good luck in all your endeavours Mr. Levin.
I visited your site via Michael Connelly’s book, “Fair Warning”. I am very disappointed that the site is closing down. I implore you to fight for what is right. If you don’t, bullies win. You have been doing great work by keeping the public informed without bias or bigotry. YOUR WORK SHOULD NOT DISAPPEAR …
I just finished reading Michael Connelly’s book “Fair Warning” and was looking forward to learning about the part your group’s work did to add inspiration for his book. I am so sorry to read that as of February 2021 you are no longer an entity! Your work was vital and heroic – what a shame it had to end. I echo the sentiments of all the others who have written and wish you the best.
I just finished Michael Connelly’s book, and very much enjoyed the conversation between Connelly and Myron Levin in the Afterwards. Am very sorry to read of this development. I was looking forward to getting to know Fair Warning’s work. I wish you the best.
This is very sad news. I just finished the Michael Connelly book of the same name and looked forward to the website. Shame.
I’m never quite sure why the media is so reluctant to name names. They won’t name the various “Karens”, the neighbor who hangs the KKK flag in his window on the black neighbors side etc. not sure it can be called “investigative journalism” if the findings are never published. If you are confident of your facts, truth is an absolute defense.
At the risk of sounding like an echo. I also just discovered you through Connelly’s novel. It is a sad commentary on our society that a disgruntled sadistic little non-hire can cause this unwarranted outcome. I wish you would fight but can understand your reluctance to do so. So I will just say I wish I had known you sooner and better God speed.
I just discovered Fair Warning through listening to Michael Connelly’s wonderful novel, and his interview of Myron at the end. I went online to check it out and was very disappointed to see that you are closing. It seems a shame to let one overreactive twitter user cause the loss of such an important news organization. I wish you all the best.
Like Beth (earlier post) I learned of this site via the book of the same name, by Michael Connelly. I just finished listening to the audiobook version and was pleased to hear the ‘extra’ segment at the end where he interviewed Myron Levin….got me inspired to visit the site and to make a donation…but, alas, too late. Where does this leave us now?!?
We received a flood of responses to the shutdown announcement. Excerpts from some of the emails are here:
Joan Claybrook
This outrages me. I am so sorry. After all you have done to protect the public and the public
interest, FairWarning deserves to continue and serve the public…I know you have had a long, wonderful and productive career but the organization should continue with your help.
I hope those like me who admire your work will be informed about the next step for your
archive and resources. Many thanks for all you have done for all of us.
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Charles Lewis
You have so much to be very proud of…What you founded and what you have led and what you have published over 11 years and the remarkable following you developed of nearly 200 online, print and broadcast media outlets who have co-published FairWarning stories — it has all been outstanding and you should and you must be very proud of what you have accomplished.
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Bill Bronrott
The loss of FairWarning leaves a gaping hole in public interest journalism. Thank you for your decade of putting the spotlight on so many issues that rarely see the light of day on other news platforms. FairWarning’s reporting will be sorely missed.
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Heather Earl
No!.. .Your news has been exactly what I needed. Actual news: not slanted, always factual and relevant. As a safety profession.al, there were numerous enlightening stories on community and occupational safety. It was so refreshing compared to mainstream media. I don’t suppose there is any way to reverse this decision?
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Evie Marlin
Wow. So sorry to hear this. You have been doing such great work during this age of coverups, lies and general corruption with regard to the health and well-being of our planet, and its inhabitants.
What else to say? Good night and good luck, and remember, your honesty in journalism will always be appreciated by all FairWarning readers.
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Rob Cunningham
It was disappointing to see this news. I would like to acknowledge all of your work on so many issues of critical public interest, all on undoubtedly a very, very small budget.
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Jeanne OConnell
I’m so sorry to read your letter and learn of FairWarning shutting down. While I’ve only been aware of you for a relatively short time, I’ve enjoyed your publication and have always looked forward to reading it in full. When first exploring Fair Warning, I went back and read many of your stories and was appreciative of their balanced and informative nature. The world will be a smaller place without your publication.
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Cris Woodward
I am stunned by this news. I’ve been a supporter of Fair Warning for many years, and it is with a heavy heart that I say goodbye. I wish you all the best. I know you are a man of integrity and I’m sorry your legacy is being damaged.
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Jane Kay
This is a heart-breaking state of affairs. Anyone who has followed your courageous work on behalf of the powerless would never accuse you of racism. I cannot tell you how sorry I am that you have had to undergo this attack
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Dan Eyde
I am truly sad to see FairWarning end like this, another victim of the “Woke Left”. Frankly, I was not a fan of FairWarning…I did however believe 2 very important things; 1. You had personal integrity, and 2. Worked to fairly report on safety issues that should be recognized and addressed. You did not insert a lot of editorial comment and you documented where you got your information. With that you can have a useful discussion on the merits and science.
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Eric Bailey
I am so sad you are shutting down FairWarning. You and your team have truly produced outstanding — and racially and socioeconomically important — consumer and safety journalism for the past decade…Take care and be proud of all you have accomplished.
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Laura Gross
I am beyond sorry to hear this sad news…I’ve enjoyed reading your content, and have been so glad an organization like yours exists. Thanks for all you’ve done for truth and journalism
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Peter Francis
As a new FairWarning follower, I am very unhappy to see you bullied to shut down. And to silence a very important medium at this horrible time of hatred, dishonest criminal politicians. I thank you for sharing your knowledge and ask that you please reconsider the shutdown of a wonderful pipeline of valuable facts and help to followers of FairWarning.
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Words cannot describe how disappointing I found it to read the reasons for closing your news journal. To see such groundbreaking and important work disappear from the Nation’s discourse is infuriating…Your years of superb investigative journalism at FairWarning are a legacy that will shine for years to come.
I only came to Fair Warning through Michael Connelly’s book, and I find that I am too late. So sorry it ended this way.
“I felt it was important to let people know what bias — unconscious or otherwise — looks like.” (From a follow-up by the Twitter writer posted on journal-isms.com)
“FairWarning’s journalism covered auto safety, environmental hazards, health scams, the need for labor protection, fake medicines, pesticide dangers, and toys and equipment that sickened or killed children.” (From the Board statement above)
I’m sorry to make humor out of serious issues, but this situation is already worthy of a Tom Wolfe style novel.
RIP, FairWarning. You did a lot of great work.
So sorry this is happening. I wish you the best.