Zinta Aistars
@zintaaistars.bsky.social
Z Word, LLC, creative director of writing and editing service; host of Story Beat radio show on WMUK 102.1; and living in denial on Z Acres
Pinned
Andy Robins, who led WMUK's newsroom for more than 20 years, dies at 69
Robins continued to advocate for the station, public broadcasting and local journalism in retirement.
www.wmuk.org
Breaks my heart. Andy was not only a friend, but my radio mentor. He brought me into Arts & More, then Between the Lines, then Art Beat, now Story Beat. We will miss you, Andy. 💔
www.wmuk.org/wmuk-news/2025-12-08/andy-robins-who-led-wmuks-newsroom-for-more-than-20-years-dies-at-69
www.wmuk.org/wmuk-news/2025-12-08/andy-robins-who-led-wmuks-newsroom-for-more-than-20-years-dies-at-69
Breaks my heart. Andy was not only a friend, but my radio mentor. He brought me into Arts & More, then Between the Lines, then Art Beat, now Story Beat. We will miss you, Andy. 💔
www.wmuk.org/wmuk-news/2025-12-08/andy-robins-who-led-wmuks-newsroom-for-more-than-20-years-dies-at-69
www.wmuk.org/wmuk-news/2025-12-08/andy-robins-who-led-wmuks-newsroom-for-more-than-20-years-dies-at-69
Andy Robins, who led WMUK's newsroom for more than 20 years, dies at 69
Robins continued to advocate for the station, public broadcasting and local journalism in retirement.
www.wmuk.org
December 8, 2025 at 11:54 PM
Breaks my heart. Andy was not only a friend, but my radio mentor. He brought me into Arts & More, then Between the Lines, then Art Beat, now Story Beat. We will miss you, Andy. 💔
www.wmuk.org/wmuk-news/2025-12-08/andy-robins-who-led-wmuks-newsroom-for-more-than-20-years-dies-at-69
www.wmuk.org/wmuk-news/2025-12-08/andy-robins-who-led-wmuks-newsroom-for-more-than-20-years-dies-at-69
Reposted by Zinta Aistars
#GVerse 🚨 #BreakingNews: ICE/Border Patrol just illegally pepper-sprayed a sitting member of congress in Tucson, Arizona.
December 5, 2025 at 11:46 PM
#GVerse 🚨 #BreakingNews: ICE/Border Patrol just illegally pepper-sprayed a sitting member of congress in Tucson, Arizona.
Reposted by Zinta Aistars
It's unbelievable how corrupt the Supreme Court is. It's insane that we are letting them get away with it. They are taking away all of our rights.
December 5, 2025 at 3:24 AM
It's unbelievable how corrupt the Supreme Court is. It's insane that we are letting them get away with it. They are taking away all of our rights.
My conversation on this week's Story Beat on WMUK 102.1 FM is with Amanda Stewart, CEO of Pretty Lake Camp in Mattawan, Michigan.
www.wmuk.org/wmuk-news/2025-12-04/story-beat-more-than-a-camp
www.wmuk.org/wmuk-news/2025-12-04/story-beat-more-than-a-camp
Story Beat: More than a camp
Story Beat with Amanda Stewart
www.wmuk.org
December 4, 2025 at 9:08 PM
My conversation on this week's Story Beat on WMUK 102.1 FM is with Amanda Stewart, CEO of Pretty Lake Camp in Mattawan, Michigan.
www.wmuk.org/wmuk-news/2025-12-04/story-beat-more-than-a-camp
www.wmuk.org/wmuk-news/2025-12-04/story-beat-more-than-a-camp
Reposted by Zinta Aistars
Last week, ICE arrested and separated a father and son after a routine check-in. Six-year-old Yuanxin had just enrolled in the first grade at an elementary school in Astoria. Now he's in custody, alone. ICE won't say where. This cruelty serves no one. It must end.
December 2, 2025 at 9:16 PM
Last week, ICE arrested and separated a father and son after a routine check-in. Six-year-old Yuanxin had just enrolled in the first grade at an elementary school in Astoria. Now he's in custody, alone. ICE won't say where. This cruelty serves no one. It must end.
Reposted by Zinta Aistars
Tonight, we did something everyone counted out. We proved to a nation that states like Tennessee are still worth fighting for. The margin was close, and that can only be attributed to the thousands of volunteers who showed out. This is just the beginning.
December 3, 2025 at 3:46 AM
Tonight, we did something everyone counted out. We proved to a nation that states like Tennessee are still worth fighting for. The margin was close, and that can only be attributed to the thousands of volunteers who showed out. This is just the beginning.
Reposted by Zinta Aistars
🔥 AL GORE: “We already have way too many subservient cowards in Congress, the last thing we need is to send another one (Van Epps 🤖) — you can make tomorrow the turning point for our country by getting out and voting for Rep. @aftynbehn.bsky.social .” #TN7
Full: www.threads.com/@thetnholler...
Full: www.threads.com/@thetnholler...
December 2, 2025 at 3:26 AM
🔥 AL GORE: “We already have way too many subservient cowards in Congress, the last thing we need is to send another one (Van Epps 🤖) — you can make tomorrow the turning point for our country by getting out and voting for Rep. @aftynbehn.bsky.social .” #TN7
Full: www.threads.com/@thetnholler...
Full: www.threads.com/@thetnholler...
Reposted by Zinta Aistars
While "peace" negotiations continue, remember that Russia could simply stop the war at any time.
December 2, 2025 at 2:04 PM
While "peace" negotiations continue, remember that Russia could simply stop the war at any time.
Reposted by Zinta Aistars
It's great that reporting on the double tap has spotlighted the abject criminality of this Administration.
But don't forget: Venezuela is not waging war on America or Americans, and the men killed were not combatants.
The first strike was every bit as illegal as the second.
But don't forget: Venezuela is not waging war on America or Americans, and the men killed were not combatants.
The first strike was every bit as illegal as the second.
December 2, 2025 at 1:22 PM
It's great that reporting on the double tap has spotlighted the abject criminality of this Administration.
But don't forget: Venezuela is not waging war on America or Americans, and the men killed were not combatants.
The first strike was every bit as illegal as the second.
But don't forget: Venezuela is not waging war on America or Americans, and the men killed were not combatants.
The first strike was every bit as illegal as the second.
Reposted by Zinta Aistars
RFK Jr: "Two weeks ago we ended, under your leadership, a twenty year war on women".
Three out of five men in this shot have been accused of sexual misconduct, harassment or abusive behaviour towards women. A fourth signed into law a near-total abortion ban in his state as governor.
Three out of five men in this shot have been accused of sexual misconduct, harassment or abusive behaviour towards women. A fourth signed into law a near-total abortion ban in his state as governor.
December 2, 2025 at 6:46 PM
RFK Jr: "Two weeks ago we ended, under your leadership, a twenty year war on women".
Three out of five men in this shot have been accused of sexual misconduct, harassment or abusive behaviour towards women. A fourth signed into law a near-total abortion ban in his state as governor.
Three out of five men in this shot have been accused of sexual misconduct, harassment or abusive behaviour towards women. A fourth signed into law a near-total abortion ban in his state as governor.
My conversation on this week's Story Beat on WMUK 102.1 FM is with Nicole Najar about mindful meditation.
www.wmuk.org/wmuk-news/2025-11-27/story-beat-quieting-the-mind
www.wmuk.org/wmuk-news/2025-11-27/story-beat-quieting-the-mind
Story Beat: Quieting the mind
Story Beat with Nicole Najar
www.wmuk.org
November 29, 2025 at 4:59 AM
My conversation on this week's Story Beat on WMUK 102.1 FM is with Nicole Najar about mindful meditation.
www.wmuk.org/wmuk-news/2025-11-27/story-beat-quieting-the-mind
www.wmuk.org/wmuk-news/2025-11-27/story-beat-quieting-the-mind
My December 2025 column in the Good News newspaper.
goodnews-paper.com/home-1
goodnews-paper.com/home-1
November 23, 2025 at 1:33 AM
My December 2025 column in the Good News newspaper.
goodnews-paper.com/home-1
goodnews-paper.com/home-1
My conversation on this week's Story Beat on WMUK 102.1 FM is with artist Jason Reicherts.
www.wmuk.org/wmuk-news/2025-11-20/story-beat-from-doodle-into-art
www.wmuk.org/wmuk-news/2025-11-20/story-beat-from-doodle-into-art
Story Beat: From doodle into art
Story Beat with Jason Reicherts
www.wmuk.org
November 20, 2025 at 8:12 PM
My conversation on this week's Story Beat on WMUK 102.1 FM is with artist Jason Reicherts.
www.wmuk.org/wmuk-news/2025-11-20/story-beat-from-doodle-into-art
www.wmuk.org/wmuk-news/2025-11-20/story-beat-from-doodle-into-art
Fetzer Institute gathered writers from across the globe to write stories about spirituality. This was one of my contributions.
fetzer.org/case-study/praying-wellness/
fetzer.org/case-study/praying-wellness/
Praying Wellness
fetzer.org
November 19, 2025 at 7:10 PM
Fetzer Institute gathered writers from across the globe to write stories about spirituality. This was one of my contributions.
fetzer.org/case-study/praying-wellness/
fetzer.org/case-study/praying-wellness/
Reposted by Zinta Aistars
Epstein survivor: "Today we stand in a moment that will decide whether our government still belongs to the American people or to those who prey on them."
November 18, 2025 at 2:51 PM
Epstein survivor: "Today we stand in a moment that will decide whether our government still belongs to the American people or to those who prey on them."
Fetzer Institute gathered writers from across the world to write stories. I contributed 4. This one, about immigrant and refugee women at Treetops Collective, may have been the one closest to my heart.
fetzer.org/case-study/a-blessing-in-unity-the-need-for-support-not-hostility-toward-refugees/
fetzer.org/case-study/a-blessing-in-unity-the-need-for-support-not-hostility-toward-refugees/
A Blessing in Unity: The Need for Support (Not Hostility) Toward Refugees
fetzer.org
November 19, 2025 at 12:50 AM
Fetzer Institute gathered writers from across the world to write stories. I contributed 4. This one, about immigrant and refugee women at Treetops Collective, may have been the one closest to my heart.
fetzer.org/case-study/a-blessing-in-unity-the-need-for-support-not-hostility-toward-refugees/
fetzer.org/case-study/a-blessing-in-unity-the-need-for-support-not-hostility-toward-refugees/
My conversation on this week's Story Beat on WMUK 102.1 FM is with Jim Van Tuinen about Kalamazoo Valley Gleaners.
www.wmuk.org/wmuk-news/2025-11-13/story-beat-gleaning-good
www.wmuk.org/wmuk-news/2025-11-13/story-beat-gleaning-good
Story Beat: Gleaning good
Story Beat with Jim Van Tuinen
www.wmuk.org
November 13, 2025 at 8:07 PM
My conversation on this week's Story Beat on WMUK 102.1 FM is with Jim Van Tuinen about Kalamazoo Valley Gleaners.
www.wmuk.org/wmuk-news/2025-11-13/story-beat-gleaning-good
www.wmuk.org/wmuk-news/2025-11-13/story-beat-gleaning-good
As posted by my editor Jackie. Much appreciated. 🥰
November 13, 2025 at 2:32 AM
As posted by my editor Jackie. Much appreciated. 🥰
My conversation on WMUK 102.1 FM's Story Beat is with Gail Walter about bird safety. I immediately took my bird feeder down.
www.wmuk.org/wmuk-news/2025-11-06/story-beat-taking-flight-with-bird-safety
www.wmuk.org/wmuk-news/2025-11-06/story-beat-taking-flight-with-bird-safety
Story Beat: Taking flight with bird safety
Story Beat with Gail Walter
www.wmuk.org
November 11, 2025 at 11:04 PM
My conversation on WMUK 102.1 FM's Story Beat is with Gail Walter about bird safety. I immediately took my bird feeder down.
www.wmuk.org/wmuk-news/2025-11-06/story-beat-taking-flight-with-bird-safety
www.wmuk.org/wmuk-news/2025-11-06/story-beat-taking-flight-with-bird-safety
Reposted by Zinta Aistars
A real president does this.
Thank you to every veteran who’s worn the uniform and carried the weight for the rest of us — just respect 🇺🇸
Thank you to every veteran who’s worn the uniform and carried the weight for the rest of us — just respect 🇺🇸
November 11, 2025 at 7:26 PM
A real president does this.
Thank you to every veteran who’s worn the uniform and carried the weight for the rest of us — just respect 🇺🇸
Thank you to every veteran who’s worn the uniform and carried the weight for the rest of us — just respect 🇺🇸
Reposted by Zinta Aistars
BIG NEWS: Congresswoman-elect Adelita Grijalva will finally be sworn in as a member of Congress tomorrow.
She is likely to be the 218th vote on the Epstein discharge petition, which would force a full vote to release the Epstein files in their entirety.
She is likely to be the 218th vote on the Epstein discharge petition, which would force a full vote to release the Epstein files in their entirety.
November 11, 2025 at 7:40 PM
BIG NEWS: Congresswoman-elect Adelita Grijalva will finally be sworn in as a member of Congress tomorrow.
She is likely to be the 218th vote on the Epstein discharge petition, which would force a full vote to release the Epstein files in their entirety.
She is likely to be the 218th vote on the Epstein discharge petition, which would force a full vote to release the Epstein files in their entirety.
Reposted by Zinta Aistars
I’ve never seen an American elected official fight so hard to starve people.
November 8, 2025 at 12:23 AM
I’ve never seen an American elected official fight so hard to starve people.
Reposted by Zinta Aistars
Nearly half of America’s children—48.9%—now grow up in families considered poor, according to Oxfam’s 2025 inequality report. It’s a statistic that should shake the nation to its core: in the wealthiest country in human history, almost one in two kids are struggling to meet basic needs.
November 3, 2025 at 9:18 PM
Nearly half of America’s children—48.9%—now grow up in families considered poor, according to Oxfam’s 2025 inequality report. It’s a statistic that should shake the nation to its core: in the wealthiest country in human history, almost one in two kids are struggling to meet basic needs.
Reposted by Zinta Aistars
If nothing else, the last nine months should have made it clear that elections matter. But what’s remarkable about America is that we have the power, as citizens, to change this country by voting. Go to IWillVote.com.
November 4, 2025 at 4:34 PM
If nothing else, the last nine months should have made it clear that elections matter. But what’s remarkable about America is that we have the power, as citizens, to change this country by voting. Go to IWillVote.com.