Jennifer Rooks

Public Affairs Host and Producer at Maine Public Broadcasting Network

Executive Producer and Host at Maine Calling

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Articles

Religion & Politics

3 days ago | mainepublic.org | Jennifer Rooks |Jonathan Smith

We discuss the life and death of Pope Francis, and how his views had political repercussions. Religious beliefs affect important issues in U.S. ranging from reproductive rights to school vouchers, immigration and foreign policy. How does the Constitutional separation of church and state apply to politics and discourse today? Panelists:Tom Gjelten, research fellow in journalism, Georgetown University; NPR correspondent for almost 40 years, most recently reporting on religionRev.
U.S. Sen. Angus King

6 days ago | mainepublic.org | Jennifer Rooks |Jonathan Smith

Senator King joins us to discuss his views on the actions of the Trump administration and their effects on Maine. He’ll talk about which issues he is focusing on the most closely, and he’ll answer your questions. Panelist:Angus King, U.S. Senator for Maine since 2013; serves on four oversight committees—Veterans’ Affairs, Intelligence, Armed Services, and Energy and Natural Resources
Poetry: New Directions

1 week ago | mainepublic.org | Jennifer Rooks |Cindy Han

Maine's legacy of influential poets includes Henry Wadsworth Longfellow and Edna St. Vincent Millay. We celebrate National Poetry Month by highlighting some of today's poets with Maine ties who push boundaries and explore new directions in their work. Panelists:Maya Williams, Portland Poet Laureate Emeritus; author of three poetry collections, the most recent is What's So Wrong with a Pity Party Anyway?; involved with slam poetry; works with Maine TransNetTherí Alyce Pickens, Charles A.
Paul Revere: 250th Anniversary

1 week ago | mainepublic.org | Jennifer Rooks

A nationwide celebration of the 250th birthday—or Semiquincentennial—of the United States of America begins in April.
Students with Disabilities

1 week ago | mainepublic.org | Jennifer Rooks |Cindy Han

Students with disabilities face a range of obstacles in the classroom. These can include challenges with hearing, sight, mobility, and developmental disabilities. What services and programs do schools offer these students, and what happens when these are not available? We'll also find out how those who reach adulthood transition when services are no longer available.
U.S. Rep. Chellie Pingree

1 week ago | mainepublic.org | Jennifer Rooks

Maine’s 1st District Congresswoman Pingree joins us to discuss the latest news from the nation’s capital and how the policies of the Trump administration are affecting Maine’s people, businesses and institutions.
AI: Privacy & Security

2 weeks ago | mainepublic.org | Jennifer Rooks |Cindy Han

The presence of AI in our daily lives is growing exponentially, from facial recognition to customized medicine to self-driving cars. But AI also creates big questions about privacy and security. We learn about the dangers of AI—and what can be done to safeguard information.
Lessons from a Parakeet

2 weeks ago | mainepublic.org | Jennifer Rooks |Jonathan Smith

Gus was a pet parakeet that two Maine-based psychologists adopted and lived with for 5 years. They join us to share the story of how Gus’s remarkable ability to talk to humans taught his owners lessons about the value of communication and empathy. Panelists:David Bellows, retired clinical psychologist who practiced psychotherapy privately in Maine for over 30 years; author of Gus: A Bird's Life in His Own WordsBarbara Held, Barry N.
Maine's North Woods

1 month ago | mainepublic.org | Jennifer Rooks

In her new book, Loving the North Woods, Karin Tilberg writes about a remarkable period for land conservation in Maine. Over a 25-year period, from 1990 to 2015, millions of acres of Maine’s forestland came up for sale, and conservation groups rallied to protect them from development. Tilberg, former president of the Forest Society of Maine, recounts the forces and people behind this monumental shift in land ownership in Maine.
High School Quiz Show Maine

1 month ago | mainepublic.org | Jennifer Rooks

Since 2016, teams of high school students from all over Maine have gone head-to-head answering tough questions as part of a televised academic competition. Maine Public’s “High School Quiz Show” kicks off its 8th season premiere on March 20th. Find out how the show originally came together, how it has evolved, and what happens behind the scenes to bring the show to life.