College Vows Never Again After Cops Use Bathroom: Patch PM

Today is Thursday, June 11.

The number of new coronavirus cases reported in Thursday's update nearly doubled from the previous day, despite testing only seeing a small increase.

There were 519 new cases in the Department of Public Health's report, a day after 267 were reported. The number of tests increased from 10,034 to 10,833. There were 38 new deaths related to COVID-19, eight fewer than in Wednesday's report.

It's not yet known whether the spike in confirmed cases is a blip or the beginning of a larger trend following the relaxation of social distancing guidelines. Many states across the country are reporting sharp increases in cases.

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The Berklee College of Music's Public Safety Department said it is "deeply sorry" after allowing Boston police officers to use the Berklee Performance Center restrooms during a May 31 protest at the State House.

In a letter signed by Berklee President Roger Brown, the school said allowing officers to use the restrooms does not undermine its support for Black Lives Matter.

"Let us assure you, this should not have happened, and going forward, it will not happen again," the letter said.

The Templeton woman who died after a tire hit her windshield along Route 2 on Wednesday has been identified as a longtime Hudson teacher, according to state police.

Erin Beth MacKay, 42, was driving westbound along Route 2 in Fitchburg at about 1 p.m. when a tire flew off a vehicle and smashed into the windshield of her Jeep.

State lawmakers are working on police reform legislation that would outlaw chokeholds and require officers to be certified. Gov. Charlie Baker is also working on legislation to establish a certification process for police officers, according to The Boston Globe. The Globe said Massachusetts is one of only a few states without such a process.

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