19 Maine News Stories That Went National in the Last 20 Years

Living in Maine is always an adventure, and sometimes those adventures capture the eyes of a nation.

Maine is Called Vacationland, But It's Not All We Do Here

I'm amazed by how little people in other states know about Maine. Truthfully, have you ever been asked if Maine is part of Canada? I have, more than once.

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People think we're all about lobster boats and rocky coastlines and that it's vacation here 24/7. Then again, our license plates do say Vacationland, so maybe we perpetuate that ideology.

Maine Has Garnered National Attention for Everything From Academics to the Arts

What they don't expect is the first-round draft pick in the NBA being a kid from Maine. Or an amazing singer who rocked an Aretha Franklin song on her American Idol audition.

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They know that Stephen King is from Maine, but people from away probably don't realize Patrick Dempsey, Anna Kendrick, Ms. Rachel, and so many others are from the Pine Tree State.

I think it's good that Maine is often in the national news headlines, so people can peek behind the facade and see all that the state has to offer. Of course, those are the good stories. And with good, there has to be some bad. Maine has scored some sad and/or controversial headlines, as well, in recent years.

In Two Decades, Maine Has Hit the National Headlines Many Times

As I looked back over the past 20 years, I found many stories that grabbed national attention, many of which were less-than-positive. But among the typical negative news, there were bright lights that demonstrate the best of Maine.

Talented musicians, actors, and singers. A married couple who turned a restaurant's commercial shoot into a hilarious moment. And so much more.

Let's hope that in the coming year, more national news out of Maine is positive to show what an incredible place this is to live.