You can’t plan an accident. A staffer for Gov. Maura Healey was reminded of that fact during a press conference Thursday. Gov. Maura Healey was holding the press conference outside her office, calling on President Donald Trump to release Low Income Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) funding immediately, when she was interrupted mid-speech by a loud thud followed by collective gasps. At first, there was confusion among reporters and elected officials alike, with many concluding that someone standing way in the back of the room, behind all the cameras, reporters and equipment, had fainted hitting the ground hard enough to stop the entire event. When she realized the victim may be one of her staffers, Gov. Healey rushed from the podium, dashed through the collection of TV cameras and members of the media, and to the aide of her employee with genuine concern and a look of worry on her face. It really seemed like a serious medical situation was unfolding right in front of the governor and the media who covers her. But, thankfully, it all ended with a comedic sigh of relief when the unfortunate Healey staffer cried out that she was okay and just “took a digger” as she tripped over TV equipment. The press conference went on, and a slightly shaken, and perhaps mildly embarrassed staffer was left unscathed. Brian Shortsleeve wins another endorsement Republican gubernatorial candidate Brian Shortsleeve has picked up another early endorsement in his campaign for the state’s executive office. Shortsleeve announced Thursday that he’s earned the endorsement of state Rep. and House Republican WHIP Leader Brian Frost (R-Auburn), marking the second legislative endorsement for the candidate in as many weeks. “Every day at the State House and all across the Commonwealth, I see the need for new leadership in the Corner Office,” said Frost. “The Republican field for Governor has terrific people willing to step up to make a positive difference for Massachusetts and I strongly believe Brian Shortsleeve has the best chance to win in November against Maura Healey. I find his energy to communicate his message and relate to the voters refreshing.” Shortsleeve welcomed Frost’s endorsement, highlighting his “long record of public service.” “I’m honored to receive Representative Frost’s endorsement. He has been a longtime leader in the Massachusetts House, fighting for taxpayers across the Commonwealth,” Shortsleeve said. “Our team is growing every day. Representative Frost’s support is another major boost for our campaign.” Frost joins State Senator Peter Durant (R-Worcester) and State Reps Marc Lombardo (R-Billerica) and Nick Boldyga (R-Southwick) in endorsing Shortsleeve for governor. Congressman Stephen Lynch introduces bill for nationwide affordable housing Democratic Congressman Stephen Lynch (MA-08) joined Republican Congresswoman Lisa McClain (MI-09) and members of the House Financial Services Committee on Friday to introduce legislation that would create more access to affordable housing access across the country. A bi-partisan effort, the Modular Housing Production Act would facilitate the financing and construction of affordable housing nationwide. It would require the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to review all construction lending programs administered by the Federal Housing Administration (FHA) and promptly address barriers that currently limit construction financing for modular homes-highly-affordable single and multi-family dwellings that are built in sections and then assembled on a permanent site in accordance with state and local building codes. “Amid a national housing crisis that includes a severe shortage of more than 7 million affordable homes and single-family home prices that exceed the median household income five times over, the Modular Housing Production Act will better ensure that homeownership is attainable for America’s working families,” said Rep. Lynch. “I am proud to introduce this bipartisan legislation with my colleague Rep. McClain, and I am grateful to Ranking Member Maxine Waters and Chairman French Hill of the Financial Services Committee for their continued leadership in support of housing affordability.” The Modular Housing Production Act has also been introduced by Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D-MA) as part of the bipartisan Road to Housing Act that passed the U. S. Senate in October of 2025.
https://www.bostonherald.com/2025/11/23/pols-politics-healey-staffer-takes-a-digger/