The week in politics and issues

A bit of advice for the new governor

Running for governor is one thing. Governing successfully is quite another. We asked some Beacon Hill experts for their best advice.

//c.o0bg.com/rf/image_90x90/Boston/2011-2020/2014/11/06/BostonGlobe.com/Metro/Images/baker150-8710.jpg Charlie Baker vows to tackle state?s opiate problem

?We have a prescription medication problem, which I think is where most of this starts,? the governor-elect said.

Phil Rudd attended a hearing in court in Tauranga, New Zealand.

Prosecutors drop charge against AC/DC?s Phil Rudd

New Zealand prosecutors have dropped a murder-for-hire charge due to issues with the sufficiency of evidence.

Evan Horowitz

Sometimes, Mass. looks like a pretty red state

The state breaks down into some very distinct regions, with differing political preferences and voting patterns.

Steward Health Care System, which acquired the Caritas chain of Catholic hospitals in 2010, took over the bankrupt Quincy Medical Center the following year.

Quincy Medical Center to close

The shutdown, to be completed by the end the year, marks the biggest hospital closing in Mass. in at least a decade.

?Simmons is aligning itself right now on the right side of history,? said Danny Boucher, a 21-year-old junior who was assigned as female at birth and now identifies as a transgender male.

Jessica Rinaldi/Globe Staff

Simmons College welcomes transgender students

The women?s college will accept students born female, regardless of current gender identity, and those born male who identify themselves as female.

Comedian Jim Breuer answers heartache with humor

Breuer, who postponed a Boston show after the death of his father in August, lost his sister weeks later. But he?s back on the road.

Robert O?Neill in Butte, Mont. in December 2013.

Ex-SEAL who killed Osama bin Laden reveals himself

Robert O?Neill, 38, said he decided to go public after becoming convinced his identity was about to be leaked by others.

***warning: image lo res, do not use for more than 1.5 columns *** 19wecalendar - NPR Tom Ashbrook of Newton will moderate a discussion on international conflict and peace-making at the JCC. (Handout)

Tom Ashbrook?s wife dies after battle with cancer

The news comes a day after the ?On Point? host announced he was taking an extended leave from the show.

Tom Brady throws at the Patriots? practice on Wednesday.

Tom Brady savors just being one of the guys

The football legend and supermodel?s husband said he strives to be the same person he was before he became famous.