Cross Country Checkupwith Duncan McCue

On Christmas Day, the three-month anniversary of his mother's death, Arne Sahlen began documenting his mother's history. Going through his family's artifacts, he uncovered things he never knew.

Adam Young hadn't written much original music until 2017, but in a spontaneous decision on New Year's Day last year, the Cape Breton pianist decided that he wouldn't go to sleep each night until he wrote at least a few bars.

This is the time of year you make promises to break a bad habit or improve your life, but in recent years, the anti-resolution movement has picked up steam. Advocates say the focus shouldn't be on setting goals — it should be about making immediate changes.

In a year that saw U.S. President Donald Trump continue his verbal attacks on certain news agencies, a high-profile journalist who was imprisoned in Egypt for more than a year says he's not optimistic about what the new year may hold for the industry.

Market volatility, rising authoritarianism and ecological nightmares — 2018 was a tough year. But we're still looking on the bright side as we head into a new one.

It's the season for family gatherings, but many — either because of distance or estrangement — can't spend the holidays with their blood relatives.

While chosen family doesn't exist only in LGBTQ communities, the concept has particular significance for gay and transgender people. Despite greater acceptance, some LGBTQ folks face familial rejection and search for love and support in friends.

As the definition of family becomes harder to pin down, friends, neighbours and even random strangers can end up with a place in your life.

Two decades ago, Saskatchewan's police services came under fire for bias and discrimination against Indigenous people. Sunday on Checkup, he reflected on what's changed — and what needs to be done.

Three reports released this week find that systemic bias against black and Indigenous communities is prevalent in the Toronto and Thunder Bay police departments. Can anti-racism training fix it? Experts say it's tricky.

Three shocking reports published this week give us a glimpse into the issue of racism in two Canadian police forces.

Making ends meet as a student in Toronto, Edith Wilson avoided grocery stores for her daily meals. The sociology student turned to 'good food' she found in dumpsters — and only spent $20 a month at the supermarket.

Food banks are predicting more demand next year as food prices are expected to increase by up to 3.5 per cent, according to a Dalhousie University and University of Guelph report.

Food is going to get more expensive next year, according to Canada's Food Price Report 2019.

Avoid the fads. Quality, multi-purpose toys can make Christmas a little more accessible, these minimalist parents told Cross Country Checkup.

Myriad minimalist home products promise to soothe your soul. Does that go against the idea of having less?

Some believe that 'less is more' is the way to happiness, while critics label minimalism as a cult. Meanwhile, brands and marketers are also jumping on the bandwagon, trying to capitalize on the trend.

In a study released this summer, two-thirds of Canadian varsity athletes reported that they've experienced hazing. Researchers also found that women athletes are more likely to report hazing compared to men.

Again and again, hazing incidents keep happening to teenagers, college students, and young athletes. Is it hitting close to home? Can it be stopped?

While it might seem like a sensible option, quitting sports after a concussion can be a challenge due to stigma, one former athlete tells Checkup.

The former hockey all-star says that he suffers from dizziness and memory loss as a result of multiple head injuries sustained during his time as an NHL player.

The NHL this week reached a tentative deal with more than 300 players who have suffered concussions — without acknowledging liability.