Beacon Hill Basic
Formal legislative sessions in Massachusetts end automatically on this date in even-numbered years.
What is July 31?
“Boston Declares ‘National Dunkin’ Day’ to Celebrate Local Coffee Legacy.”
What is Hot Mess?
This cabinet secretary oversees MassDOT, the MBTA, and Registry of Motor Vehicles.
Who is the Secretary of Transportation?
Founded in 1635, this Boston institution is the oldest public school in the United States.
What is Boston Latin School?
This cocktail is made with vodka, cranberry juice, and lime.
What is a Cape Codder?
This parliamentary motion allows lawmakers to suspend the rules to take up a bill immediately.
What is a motion to suspend the rules?
“Massachusetts Allows Pharmacists to Prescribe Paxlovid Without a Doctor Visit.”
What is Headline?
This official appoints judges in Massachusetts, subject to Governor’s Council confirmation.
Who is the Governor?
This neighborhood was created largely through landfill expansion in the 19th century and is known for its brownstones.
What is the Back Bay?
This classic cocktail combines bourbon, sugar, bitters, and an orange twist.
What is an Old Fashioned?
This constitutional officer presides over the Massachusetts Senate but only votes in the case of a tie.
Who is the Lieutenant Governor?
“Boston Installs AI Traffic Cameras to Automatically Ticket Jaywalkers.”
What is Hot Mess?
This body confirms gubernatorial appointments including judges and notaries.
What is the Governor’s Council?
This famous Boston Landmark opened the same week that the Titanic sunk.
What is Fenway Park? (or America's Cathedral)
This cocktail traditionally uses rye whiskey, sweet vermouth, and bitters.
What is a Manhattan?
This joint committee reviews state regulations before they take effect.
“State Proposes Licensing Requirement for Influencers Promoting Health Products.”
What is Hot Mess?
This constitutional officer audits state finances and agency performance.
Who is the State Auditor?
This Boston-based political news outlet was founded by James Pindell and focuses heavily on Massachusetts government.
What is CommonWealth Beacon? (Formerly CommonWealth Magazine — accept either.)
This distilled spirit must be aged in new charred oak barrels under U.S. law.
What is bourbon?
This formal meeting reconciles differences between House and Senate versions of a bill.
What is a conference committee?
“Massachusetts Requires Carbon Reporting for Large Private Employers by 2026.”
What is Headline?
This Agency promotes and protects health and wellness and prevents injury and illness for all people.
What is the Department of Public Health?
This square was once a cow pasture and is now a major transit hub.
What is Boylston Street?
This Greek Liqueur is flavored with anise, a Mediterranean plant.
What is Ouzo?