Opening statements began this morning in the rape trial of Alvin Campbell Jr. — and the case carries weight that extends well beyond the courtroom. Campbell, 45, is accused of sexually assaulting nine women between 2017 and 2019, often by posing as a rideshare driver and targeting women leaving Boston bars. He has pleaded not guilty to rape, kidnapping, and indecent assault and battery charges, among others. His initial arrest came in January 2020, meaning survivors have been waiting more than six years to see this go to trial.

The unavoidable context: Campbell is the elder brother of Massachusetts Attorney General Andrea Campbell. She has said she is “praying for the survivors and all those affected,” adding that she carries the weight of the situation “including in my prayers for my brother.” That’s a genuinely difficult position, and Campbell has handled it with measured language — but the trial’s prominence is going to make this a sustained news story for the AG’s office whether she wants it to be or not.

What happens next: jury selection is complete and opening statements are underway today. The prosecution will need to build its case across nine alleged victims, which means this trial could run for weeks. Watch for how the defense frames the rideshare angle — and whether the AG’s office faces any pressure to make a public posture beyond what Campbell has already said.

Full story at Boston.com →

Commissioner Michael Cox is publicly raising alarms about a prior sentencing in the case of Tyler E. Brown IV, who allegedly opened fire on motorists along Memorial Drive earlier this month. Brown had previously received a five-year sentence after prosecutors said he fired at Boston police officers in 2020 — and was released last year. “It doesn’t seem like the sentence matches the seriousness of the offense in any way, shape, or form,” Cox said Sunday. Cox stopped short of naming the judge, but the message was clear.

Boston Globe →

The Gloucester community gathered Sunday to honor the seven crew members lost when the fishing vessel Lily Jean sank in January — a tragedy that still has no final resolution, with investigation ongoing and some victims not yet recovered. Governor Maura Healey and state Sen. Bruce Tarr have asked the U.S. Navy to assess whether recovery of the vessel is even possible. The fundraiser brought together families still processing unimaginable grief alongside neighbors showing up in force. “It’s been paralyzing for 3.5 months not knowing how I feel, and I still feel numb,” said Dean DeCoste, a relative of two victims.

WBZ / CBS Boston →

The Plymouth Select Board voted 3-1 to sell the historic Simes House on Manomet Point Road for just $40,000 — a property that opponents say is worth closer to $1 million. Dissenting board member Bill Keohan called it giving away a municipal asset for “pennies on the dollar” and argued the town should have pursued a long-term lease instead. The vote drew sharp public pushback, and this one is likely to keep echoing at town meetings.

South Shore News →

The Scituate Select Board unanimously approved a fuel storage license for 8,500 gallons of underground propane at a 40B affordable housing development on Old Oaken Bucket Road, even as neighbors packed the room calling the tanks a potential “bomb” next to their yards. Board members said their hands were legally tied by Chapter 40B, the state’s affordable housing law that sharply limits local zoning authority. It’s a preview of fights you’ll see playing out in towns across the state as 40B projects accelerate.

South Shore News →

After a glorious weekend — Boston hit 90 degrees Sunday, the first of the year — the good news fades fast. WCVB has declared Wednesday an “impact weather day,” with heat, humidity, and a real risk of severe thunderstorms arriving late in the day. Enjoy today’s sunshine; it’s going to get interesting by midweek.

WCVB →

Rep. Seth Moulton has made veteran-candidate endorsements a cornerstone of his political identity — and his Senate campaign pitch. So it’s raised eyebrows that he has yet to back Graham Platner, a fellow Marine running against Sen. Susan Collins in Maine in what’s considered Democrats’ best Senate pickup opportunity this fall. Both men are 40-something Marines running on generational change. Moulton says he’s “considering it.” The clock is ticking.

Boston Globe →

Lakeville pipe bomb investigation ongoing — State Police safely disposed of a PVC pipe bomb found Saturday near Egger Bog Pond; anyone with information should contact Lakeville Police Detective Robert Schiffer at 508-947-4422. Boston.com →

Norwell School Committee results are in — Jana McCarthy and Elizabeth Bersell won two open seats in Saturday’s election, while voters rejected ballot questions that would have eliminated or reduced the town’s 3% Community Preservation Act surcharge. WATD →

Company Theatre’s “Scene, Song, and Sip” is June 5 — The Norwell theater is hosting an interactive fundraiser night where audience members can join performers on stage; it’s a cash bar, Mad Libs, and live theater all at once, supporting stage restoration. South Shore Times →

Full budget details →

Yesterday's Biggest Contributions

Data from the MA Office of Campaign & Political Finance

Full hearing schedule →

Recent filings with the Massachusetts Office of Campaign and Political Finance:

Candidates

• Leslie St.George — City Councilor, New Bedford — Filed: 5/15/2026
• Tony Rodrigues (Democratic) — House, 10th Plymouth — Filed: 5/13/2026

OCPF →

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