Acadia tourists / Hampden trash plant inquiry / Old Town toddler death

Today is Tuesday. It will be in the high to mid-80s from north to south, with mostly sunny skies throughout the state. Here’s what we’re talking about in Maine today.

Here’s the latest on the coronavirus in Maine

Another 30 coronavirus cases were reported across the state on Monday, according to the Maine Center for Disease Control and Prevention. No new deaths were reported, leaving the statewide death toll at 839. Check out our COVID-19 Tracker for more information.

The number of patients hospitalized with coronavirus in Maine fell to the lowest level since early November, the Maine Center for Disease Control and Prevention reported Monday. As of Monday, 58 patients were hospitalized with the virus in Maine, down from 120 two weeks ago and 131 a month ago.

With travel demands building, Acadia braces for record visits

In this Aug. 2, 2020, file photo, cars back up on the Park Loop Road in Acadia National Park as visitors wait in line to drive through the fee station near Sand Beach. Credit: Bill Trotter

On the heels of its busiest winter ever and an unusually busy Memorial Day weekend, Acadia National Park could be on pace to set a record in 2021 as tourists resume traveling.

Industry groups look to blunt recycling bill’s momentum in Maine Legislature

In this July 2016 file photo, Pedra So-Melony guides cans and bottles onto an automated sorting machine at Clynk, a supermarket based recycling company in South Portland. Credit: Troy R. Bennett / BDN

Business interests are trying to stall the momentum of a first-in-the-nation bill that would shift recycling costs to producers, citing a new study that found it would raise grocery bills.

Last-minute effort to gain more information about company buying Hampden trash plant fails

Robert Van Naarden, center, CEO of Delta Thermo Energy, is seated at a borough council meeting in Muncy, Pennsylvania in 2016. Credit: Courtesy of Williamsport Sun-Gazette

While there was never any likelihood that the inquiry would halt the Delta Thermo deal, it had the potential to further draw out a months-long process that Municipal Review Committee officials have tried hard to close.

Mother accused of killing her 3-year-old daughter in Old Town

This apartment on Center Street in Old Town is the center of an investigation into the death of a toddler. Credit: Sawyer Loftus / Penobscot Times

Hillary Goding, 28, of Old Town was arrested Sunday, and charged with manslaughter according to Maine State Police. Goding called 911 late Friday to report her daughter, Hailey Anne Goding, was unresponsive and not breathing.

Maine Senate unanimously backs bill to provide meals free to K-12 students

In March 10, 2021, file photo, Senate President Troy Jackson, D-Allagash, covers his heart while reciting the Pledge of Allegiance at the Augusta Civic Center. Credit: Robert F. Bukaty / AP

The bill would require the state to pay for the cost of breakfast and lunch served at schools regardless of a child’s economic status.

Unity residents vote in favor of spending $50,000 on proposed library

Organizers want to open the new Unity Public Library in this building at 38 School St. in Unity. Credit: Abigail Curtis / BDN

The motion to spend $50,000 from the community’s Tax Increment Financing district on the proposed Unity Public Library passed easily, Jean Bourg, a key proponent of the endeavor, said Monday. She estimated that about 60 people were in favor, with about 30 opposed.