A note from the editor: returning to our roots at 1690 Media

Investigation and analysis of crime, power, and ethics

When I launched this publication last December, I named it 1690 Media after Publick Occurrences, the first multi-page American newspaper published in 1690. It lasted only four days before the British Crown shut it down, destroyed the copies, and cancelled the publisher, Benjamin Harris.

1690 Media was founded in the spirit of free speech to publish investigations into crime, power, and ethics. Historical precedent is used to contextualize the analyses.

Along the way, I took a detour. I started writing pieces on healthcare, aligning with my healthcare expertise. There was a problem with that pivot: It lacked the systemic fire that drives my work and passion.

Returning to our origins with greater determination.

1690 Media is returning to its original mandate. We are providing rigorous, historically grounded, investigative analysis of current affairs, especially crime and punishment. There will be no crime voyeurism or sensationalism, but rather factual, pointed discussion.

We will return to publishing weekly beginning Tuesday, June 2, 2026 (after Memorial Day). We will also soon incorporate video briefings, as well.

Thank you to subscribers who have been here since day one (and a special thank you to my two paid subscribers).

J. Steven Bromwich

Founder, 1690 Media

J. Steven Bromwich is a criminal defense investigator and ethicist, with advanced training in history and diplomatic studies. Leveraging his extensive healthcare and investigative background, he writes about culture, crime, and human nature to help readers navigate modern problems through historical perspective and first principles.