We kick off this week with many questions surfacing at The Daily Hampshire Gazette , based in Northampton. Its former executive editor says he was fired for speaking out for higher pay for female journalists, but a number of his former employees are questioning his commitment to the issue.

We're taking a look at Massachusetts Governor Charlie Baker's big week. With a re-election bid looming, he gave his State of the Commonwealth address on Tuesday, and a day later, released his budget proposal for the the next year .

Massachusetts Governor Charlie Baker pitched his newest opioid bill to state lawmakers this week. It calls for dozens of provisions to overhaul treatment, tightening restrictions on prescribing, with a focus on educating young people on the dangers of opioids.

The week included some big personal news for former Massachusetts Senate President Stan Rosenberg that could have big implications on his professional life. Rosenberg is now separated from his husband , Bryon Hefner, who is accused of sexually assaulting several men.

We lead off 2018 with news that U.S. Attorney General Jeff Sessions rescinded a policy that allowed states to go ahead with legalizing marijuana. So what will this mean for Massachusetts?

With the year drawing to a close, we asked our panelists to reflect on the big stories from western New England in 2017.

Our look at the week's news starts with some of the work done by the Massachusetts Cannabis Control Commission. The panel is charged with developing regulations for the state's marijuana industry, and began the process of setting policy, which could allow for cannabis cafes , and even home delivery.

The Short List: Bank Moves, Healey and Easthampton High, Grad Advice by NEPR-NEW ENGLAND PUBLIC RADIO

The Short List: Montague Mascot, Trump's Mass. Shadow, Looking At More Legalization by NEPR-NEW ENGLAND PUBLIC RADIO

The Short List: Hernandez Verdict Vacated, Confederate Controversy, Time Changes? by NEPR-NEW ENGLAND PUBLIC RADIO