Method
Every brief on TrueNorthBrief starts with a question, usually one I have seen asked repeatedly online or in conversation. From there, I work through a fixed process designed to produce a clear, accurate answer that you can check yourself. This page explains how that process works, so you know what to expect from the 983 entries across 8 sections.
Sources I use
I rely on primary sources wherever possible: official records, court documents, academic papers, and direct interviews. For topics like history or people, that often means archival material or contemporary reporting from established outlets. I also use reputable secondary sources, such as major news organizations and reference works, but I do not treat any single source as final. When two credible sources disagree, I note the discrepancy in the brief and explain what each side claims.
How claims are evidenced
Each factual claim in a brief is tied to a specific source. I do not include a fact unless I can point to where it came from. For example, a brief about Robert Wagner will cite the specific interviews or documents that support each detail about his career. I avoid vague attributions like “some say” or “it is believed” unless the uncertainty is part of the story itself. If a claim is widely repeated but unverified, I say so plainly.
When sources don’t answer
Sometimes the available sources do not provide a clear answer. In those cases, I do not guess. I write the brief to state what is known, what is unknown, and why the gap exists. For instance, a page about Jack Ryan might note that certain biographical details are contested because the original records are sealed or lost. This approach means some briefs are shorter than I would like, but accuracy matters more than completeness.
Re-checking facts
Facts change, and so do sources. I review every brief at least once every twelve months, and more often for topics that are in the news or that I know have new developments. When I update a page, I revise the text and note the date of the last check. If a source has been corrected or retracted, I remove the affected claim immediately. You can see the full list of my standards on the sources page, and you can always contact me at sarah@truenorthbrief.com if you spot something that needs a second look.