About
TrueNorthBrief is a non-commercial reference site that answers direct questions with short, factual briefs. It is run by me, Sarah Mitchell, a research librarian and fact-checker in Ottawa, Ontario. I started this site because I was tired of seeing misinformation spread online, and I wanted to create a place where people could get reliable answers without wading through long articles or opinion pieces.
I have spent nearly a decade working as a research librarian, where I learned how to find accurate information quickly. I am also a certified fact-checker and have worked with newsrooms and publishers to verify claims before they go to print. That experience taught me the importance of checking sources and being transparent about what we know and what we don't. TrueNorthBrief is my way of putting those skills to use for the public good.
The site covers a wide range of topics, from people and places to things and culture. You'll also find briefs on history, sports, food, and language. Each entry is a compact, scannable brief that gives you the key facts you need, with links to sources for further reading. I write and edit every entry myself, drawing on my background and the latest research.
TrueNorthBrief is not a business. It does not run ads, and it does not accept sponsored content. I believe that reliable facts should be free and unobstructed, which is why the site is funded entirely out of my own pocket. Running the site costs money—for hosting, domain registration, and the tools I use to verify information. I also spend many hours each week researching and writing, time that I could otherwise spend on paid work. But I do it because I believe it matters.
I know that people are busy, and that's why I keep every brief short and to the point. Whether you're looking up a quick fact about a historical figure like Frances Farmer or a current event like Daredevil: Born Again, you can trust that the information has been checked and presented clearly. If you have a question that isn't covered, you can reach me directly at sarah@truenorthbrief.com, and I'll do my best to add it to the site.
I also want to be transparent about how I work. I have a strict method for researching and writing each brief, and I follow a clear sources policy. If I make a mistake, I correct it promptly, and you can see the details on my corrections page. Your privacy is important, so I don't track you or sell your data—you can read more on my privacy page. And if you have any questions about the site, the contact page has all the details.
TrueNorthBrief is a labour of love, and I'm grateful to everyone who reads it. My goal is to make accurate information accessible to everyone, without paywalls or ads. I hope you find the briefs useful, and I welcome your feedback.