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Away from the headlines, the talk shows and the increasingly hysterical public discourse, work is underway that may ultimately lead to more grown-up government in Northern Ireland.

Modern economics is hampered by politics. This has huge ramifications for Covid-19 recovery and, longer-term, for society, poverty and the third sector.

This week marked a commemoration for all those who have lost their lives in the Covid-19 pandemic. At the time it took place the total was 126,284 across the UK of which 2,107 were from Northern Ireland.

New research from the Red Cross lays bare how, for many people, coronavirus has led to loneliness. The root causes cut across every aspect of the pandemic.

One of the most frustrating paradoxes of life in Northern Ireland is that we are surrounded by great beauty but have precious little access to it.

Journalism is in crisis. Its weakness is part of something wider that is undermining society. Financing independent reporting is necessary – but not sufficient – to steer away from disaster. Journalism also needs public confidence.

There is nothing more powerful than an idea whose time has come.

New research from the Carnegie Trust has laid out a path for Northern Ireland to become a place that puts the genuine needs and wants of its people first.

Northern Ireland's powers to raise it own revenues are so limited that it is almost entirely dependent on the British Treasury via the Block Grant for the monies it can spend. 

Before Covid-19, reform of Health and Social Care was the biggest challenge facing Stormont. That challenge remains, but the ability to meet it may be diminished.

A review of Northern Ireland’s education system is due to get under way later this year.

Numbers can enhance narratives and even tell tales of their own. Scope speaks with Dr Donna Kernaghan, founder of Stats & Stories, about how data can help organisations improve services and secure funding.

The pandemic has led to severe curtailment of our freedoms. Recovering from it should not just involve restoring but enhancing them. It is time to put people in the lead.

Charities, departments and the civil service could work together better. NICVA’s new manifesto is a great starting point for developing a new relationship – and is out for consultation.

Department for Communities Minister Deirdre Hargey outlines her plans to tackle poverty. 

It might be a matter of months before vaccines bring Covid-19 under control. It will take 10-15 years for individuals and communities to recover from the disaster, according to the health think tank The King’s Fund.

The new Dormant Accounts Fund aims to boost third sector sustainability. Scope speaks with Kate Beggs, Director of the National Lottery Community Fund NI, about charities becoming more robust.

Before lockdown the cost of clearing up litter in Northern Ireland was estimated at £29 million.

In Northern Ireland, young people’s rights are underdeveloped. Scope talks with Children’s Commissioner Koulla Yiasouma about why this is – and what should be done.

The pandemic has had a devastating impact on young people, with more than a quarter saying it has left them unable to cope with life.