Week In Review: Pipeline, Weld To Lobby, Homelessness In The $100 Billion City

This week, a hot debate continued over New England's energy future and a proposed natural gas pipeline across the region.

"It's really about whether we need this natural gas infrastructure at a time when the state is trying to move away from fossil fuels," says Jamie Eldridge, state senator from the Middlesex and Worcester districts.

But backers say New England needs it.

"Natural gas is providing much of the energy supplies, not just for heating homes and businesses but for electricity," says Allen Fore, vice president of public affairs for energy company Kinder Morgan.

Also this week — Beacon Hill's revolving door. A former governor becomes a lobbyist as his protégé prepares to take over the corner office.

"Gov. Weld doesn't have my ear anymore than anyone who's known me for a really long time," says Gov.-elect Baker.

Meanwhile, Boston becomes a $100 billion city, even as it struggles to help its most vulnerable citizens.

"For the homeless population that's out there, on these cold nights that are coming, there's a place for them. There's a bed, so no one's left out on the street," says Mayor Walsh.

Plus, the upcoming Boston Marathon bombing trial.

Nancy Gertner, former Massachusetts federal judge and Harvard law professor.

Scot Lehigh, columnist for The Boston Globe. He tweets @GlobeScotLehigh.

Dueling violinists performed Michael Jackson's "Beat It" on the Mass. Ave. bridge this week: