Bonnie & Friends

Welcome into a packed September 1st episode of Bonnie & Friends on WDAY Radio, coming live from the Corwin Subaru Studios! Bonnie Amistadi and Jace Denman kick off the show celebrating the start of "Jay's Birthday Month" while staring down a late-summer heatwave that threatens to bring multiple 90-degree days to the Red River Valley. This episode covers major local news, including a guilty verdict in a high-profile 2025 Fargo murder trial, a new alcohol ordinance moving forward at Hector International Airport, and the staggering $232,000 local price tag for Flock Safety license plate readers. Over on the sports desk, the Minnesota Twins bounce back with an 11-1 blowout over the Detroit Tigers, and local college stars sweep the Mountain West weekly honors following the NDSU Bison’s dominant FBS debut. Plus, the duo dives into an epic debate over things that will be obsolete in 20 years, a bizarre UK festival drug bust, and the return of 1970s slang. Key Moments Jay's Birthday Month & Late-Summer Heat: Jace and Bonnie kick off September by previewing a stretch of late-summer heat, with forecasts calling for high temperatures creeping back up toward 90 degrees heading into Labor Day weekend. Guilty Verdict in 2025 Fargo Murder: A Cass County jury finds 25-year-old Levi Larte guilty of murder and reckless endangerment in the October 2025 shooting death of 25-year-old Nadine Corey. New Liquor License for Hector Airport: Fargo City Commissioners vote unanimously to advance a new liquor license classification that will allow airport travelers to carry alcoholic beverages to designated terminal waiting areas and gates. Fargo & West Fargo LPR Expenses: Public records reveal that Fargo and West Fargo spent a combined $232,500 on Flock Safety license plate reading camera technology in 2025 alone, prompting ongoing local privacy debates. Bison Sweep Mountain West Honors: Following a 33-7 FBS opening victory over Jacksonville State, NDSU players sweep the Mountain West weekly awards, led by quarterback Nate Hayes (Offensive Player of the Week) and linebacker Donovan Woolen (Defensive Player of the Week). Twins Crush Tigers 11-1: Taj Bradley strikes out nine batters over seven dominant innings, while Ryan Jeffers hits two home runs to lead the Minnesota Twins in an 11-1 rout of Detroit. Obsolete in 20 Years?: On the "Question of the Morn," Jace, Bonnie, and callers debate what will vanish over the next two decades, targeting paper checks, physical keys, rotary phone remnants, and…

Welcome back to Bonnie & Friends on WDAY Radio, broadcasting live from the Corwin Subaru Studios! Hosts Bonnie Amistadi and Jace Denman kick off a fresh week covering a mix of regional news, sports updates, and fun community conversations. This episode features updates on a fatal high-speed pursuit crash south of Fargo, extreme drought conditions forcing early dock removals in Otter Tail County, and North Dakota State University preparing for its upcoming season opener amid national transfer rule debates. Over in sports, Jace tracks the Minnesota Twins' road struggles in San Diego, the Fargo-Moorhead Red Hawks' hot streak against Kansas City, and the Minnesota Lynx clinching a WNBA playoff berth behind a historic 10-three-pointer performance from Kayla McBride. Plus, the duo discusses secret food stashes, 27-year-old college athletes, and a massive Airstream trailer gathering in Minot. Key Moments Fatal High-Speed Chase South of Fargo: A 49-year-old Christine man was killed early Sunday when a fleeing 19-year-old driver traveling at 109 mph ran a stop sign and T-boned his vehicle at Cass County Roads 81 and 14. Hazmat Response in West Fargo: West Fargo firefighters and Fargo's hazmat team ventilated a commercial warehouse on 29th Court Northwest after detecting high levels of carbon monoxide and other chemicals. Extreme Drought Forces Early Dock Removals: Otter Tail County dock and lift crews report pulling equipment out of area lakes as much as a month early due to water levels dropping one to two feet below normal. NDSU Athletics Focuses on Current Roster: NDSU Athletic Director Matt Larson addresses shifting national eligibility rules, stating the Bison remain focused on their current team rather than former pro athletes attempting to return to college sports. Kayla McBride Sets WNBA Record: Kayla McBride drops 43 points and sets a new WNBA single-game record with 10 three-pointers in a 103-90 Lynx victory over the Dallas Wings, helping Minnesota clinch a postseason berth. Twins Swept in San Diego: The Minnesota Twins fall 8-1 to the Padres in their series finale, dropping out of a wildcard spot as Fernando Tatis Jr. launches two home runs. Secret Food and Money Stashes: On the "Question of the Morn," listeners and hosts confess to hiding Girl Scout cookies, candy bars, and cash in nightstands, freezers, and garages to keep them away from family members. Airstream International Rally Hits Minot: Over 2,000 visitors and 350 vintage silver Airstream travel trailers gather at the North…

In this episode of Bonnie & Friends, Jace Denman and Big Game James McCarty step in for Bonnie Amistadi while she's away on leave. The duo tracks much-needed rainfall moving across the Red River Valley, breaking a months-long drought and bringing relief to local lawns and crops. The show delivers a massive slate of local headlines, high-stakes sports news, and unbelievable national stories. Topics range from a 30-year-old fertility scandal involving a UND department chair to a loaded revolver brought into a county courthouse and an astonishing survival story of a hiker walking 10 miles while impaled on a 44-inch walking stick. On the sports desk, the hosts cover Royce Lewis's ninth-inning walk-off heroics for the Minnesota Twins, Jose Sermo's record-shattering 170th career home run, and an impressive 10-game winning streak for the Minnesota Lynx. Key Moments 10-Mile Hike with an Impaled Pole: A nurse hiking Montana's Granite Peak survives a freak accident after falling and getting impaled under the armpit by a 44-inch steel-tipped hiking pole—then remarkably hikes 10 miles over six hours to reach the trailhead for help. 30-Year-Old UND Fertility Scandal: Dr. Dennis Lutz, chair of the UND Obstetrics and Gynecology department, faces a civil lawsuit alleging he substituted his own sperm during a patient's 1980s fertility treatments at a Minot clinic, resulting in two biological daughters. Loaded Gun Brought to Clay County Courthouse: A 41-year-old Moorhead man faces four felony charges after bringing a loaded revolver into the Clay County Courthouse during a hearing and threatening staff that he knew where the presiding judge lived. Royce Lewis Delivers Ninth-Inning Walk-Off: The Minnesota Twins rally past the Kansas City Royals with a thrilling two-out, two-run walk-off triple by Royce Lewis in the bottom of the ninth to secure a 3-2 victory. Jose Sermo Sets American Association HR Record: Fargo-Moorhead Red Hawks slugger Jose Sermo launches his 170th career American Association home run, officially surpassing Jabari Henry for the most in league history. Grand Forks SWAT Standoff: Police use chemical munitions to flush out a 56-year-old man who barricaded himself inside his apartment and threatened to shoot officers following an argument with a juvenile. Dormant Lawn Survival & Tree Care: NDSU Extension Horticulturist Don Kinsler explains how Kentucky bluegrass lawns hunker down during drought and why dormant grass needs at least a quarter-inch of water every four to six weeks to keep the crown alive. Zack Brown’s $40…

Join Bonnie Amistadi and Jace Denman on WDAY Radio as they break down the latest news, local sports, and bizarre headlines across the Red River Valley. The hosts kick off Tuesday morning celebrating a brief overnight shower that finally wet the pavement, while Chief Meteorologist Dean Wysocki breaks down the week's upcoming forecast and the historical rainfall patterns heading into fall. This jam-packed episode features crucial regional headlines, including a local public health appointment for former Mayor Dr. Tim Mahoney, an emergency 30-day Kratom ban in North Dakota, and a $20,000 donation to the Red River Valley SWAT team. Over on the sports desk, the Minnesota Twins bounce back with a win against Atlanta, the Red Hawks continue their homestand, and local college football products make waves in the NFL preseason. Plus, the duo explores the "Question of the Morn" with hilarious road-hazard stories and sits down with down-home mission leaders to discuss their upcoming 9th Annual Hoe Down. Key Moments Overnight Rain Relief: Jace and Bonnie track brief overnight showers that brought much-needed moisture to parts of West Fargo and the metro, with Dean Wysocki weighing in on the upcoming late-August weather patterns. Dr. Tim Mahoney's New Role: Former Fargo Mayor Dr. Tim Mahoney steps back into local government after being appointed as the new Health Officer for Fargo Cass Public Health. North Dakota Kratom Ban Scramble: Business owners scramble as North Dakota's emergency 30-day Kratom ban takes effect, forcing local retailers to move inventory out of state ahead of an upcoming special legislative session. Twins Snap Losing Streak: The Minnesota Twins break their slump with a 4-2 victory over the Atlanta Braves, backed by a four-run first inning and strong relief pitching. Local Standouts in the NFL Preseason: Former MSUM Dragon quarterback Jack Strand scores a rushing touchdown for the Atlanta Falcons, while former NDSU running back Barika Kpeenu signs with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Flying Road Hazards: On the "Question of the Morn," listeners and hosts share wild stories of items flying off moving vehicles, ranging from T-tops and propane tanks to a 2.4-pound gummy worm feast. 9th Annual Down Home Hoe Down: Shane Carlson from Western Products and Emily Kaiser from Down Home drop by the studio to preview the upcoming 9th Annual Hoe Down fundraiser in Davenport, supporting families emerging from homelessness. Supercars Seized in London: Police in London enforce strict anti-social driving laws by…

Join Bonnie Amistadi, Jace Denman, and Big Game James McCarty in the Corwin Subaru Studios as they tackle a packed Monday broadcast covering regional news, sports, and unique community highlights. The hosts break down lingering drought conditions and low river levels, local city commission votes, and NFL preseason debuts for several regional stars. Key Moments Red River Emergency Search: Emergency crews in Moorhead deployed water rescue teams and drones to search the Red River after a person went missing near River Oaks Point. Low Water Uncovers Stolen Vehicle: Dropping river levels near Halstad allowed a kayaker to spot a submerged 2009 Honda Pilot that had been reported stolen in 2023. Fargo City Commission Actions: Commissioners vote on accepting a $20,000 donation from the Wrigley family for Red River Valley SWAT sniper equipment upgrades alongside federal transit grant allocations. State & Regional Updates: Legislative leaders review 20 proposed bill drafts ahead of a North Dakota special session, while Minnesota health officials confirm the state's first equine West Nile virus case of the year in Polk County. NFL Preseason Local Highlights: Former MSUM Dragon quarterback Jack Strand scored a rushing touchdown for the Atlanta Falcons, with teammate Tua Tagovailoa retrieving the ball for him, while former NDSU running back Brica Pinnoo signed with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Recovered Picasso Artwork: A rare Picasso print valued at roughly $50,000 that was stolen from a Milwaukee gallery in 2018 was recovered after a landlord found it left behind in an evicted tenant's apartment. Ag & Farm Safety: WDAY Ag Director Bridget Riedel emphasizes fire prevention strategies during dry harvest conditions and addresses complex estate planning challenges for multi-generational farm families. Memory Cafe Expansion & Car Show: Maggie Ness details Memory Cafe's 4,400-square-foot community room addition and dementia-friendly walking path in Fargo, while promoting their 2nd Annual Car Show at Hope Lutheran South.

Bonnie Amistadi and Jace Denman are back in the Corwin Subaru Studios for a action-packed Tuesday edition of Bonnie & Friends. The duo recaps overnight weather, prepares voters for Minnesota's primary election day, and covers a busy local news cycle involving stolen veteran trailers, jailhouse attacks, and daycare license suspensions. Over in sports, the Minnesota Twins bounce back with a victory over the Baltimore Orioles, while local news breaks down Banana Ball appearances at Target Field and injury updates for Byron Buxton and Joe Ryan. Plus, the show takes a nostalgic deep dive into childhood TV favorites, checks in on 701 Boutique and Antiques in Hankinson, and breaks down the upcoming "Cookies, Corks, and Brews" Girl Scout fundraiser. Key Moments Primary Election Day in Minnesota: Polling locations open across Clay County and Moorhead as Secretary of State Steve Simon reports a record-breaking non-presidential primary turnout of over 206,000 early ballots. Honor Flight Trailer Theft Charges: A Staples man faces multiple felony charges after stealing and returning a trailer belonging to the Honor Flight of North Dakota and Minnesota, resulting in $30,000 worth of destroyed merchandise. Daycare Emergency Suspension: Regulators issue an emergency license suspension for a Moorhead family daycare provider after a child in her care was discovered wandering outside completely unattended. Jailhouse Attack Charges: A Fargo murder suspect awaiting trial faces new felony assault and terrorizing charges after throwing a food tray and swinging a metal bed frame at a Cass County deputy. Twins Topple Orioles: A five-run seventh inning propels the Minnesota Twins to a 9-5 win over Baltimore, backed by a strong performance from pitcher Dean Kramer against his former club and a three-run homer from Josh Bell. Child Star Dreams: On the "Question of the Morn," Bonnie and Jace discuss which TV shows they would have loved to star in as kids, highlighting classics like Silver Spoons, The Brady Bunch, Gilligan's Island, and Dennis the Menace. 701 Boutique and Antiques Spotlight: Shannon Lugar, owner of 701 Boutique and Antiques in Hankinson, details her shop's one-year anniversary and its mission supporting over 30 local vendors under one roof. Cookies, Corks, and Brews Preview: Shirley Lipon from Girl Scouts Dakota Horizons stops by to share details on the 5th annual fundraiser at the Armory Events Center in Moorhead, featuring local chefs pairing custom desserts with Girl Scout cookies. The 53-Year-Old Message in a Bottle: A wetland cleanup volunteer…

Bonnie Amistadi and Jace Denman run through a high-energy Tuesday morning broadcast following a small sprinkle of rain across the Fargo-Moorhead metro. The hosts deliver crucial regional updates, including a special city commission vote in Fargo regarding a potential ward-based council model, state-level Kratom bans, and a major biotech investment heading to town. Over on the sports desk, Jace tracks the Minnesota Twins' late-stage trade deadline moves, a Little League World Series victory for the Fargo all-stars, and a dominant 10-game win streak for the Minnesota Lynx. Plus, the hosts unpack a bizarre 200-gummy-worm dog emergency, cycling equipment scandals involving padded bras, and the viral debut of Kwik Trip's new Spamwiches. Key Moments Fargo Ward-Based Election: The Fargo City Commission officially approves an October 6th special election date allowing residents to vote on transitioning from an at-large commission to a mayor-and-six-ward council structure. North Dakota Bans Kratom: Governor Armstrong declares a public health emergency to remove all unregulated Kratom products from state shelves ahead of a special legislative session. Fargo Little Leaguers Advance: Fargo’s Central Region representatives capture a 7-5 victory over Louisiana in the Intermediate Little League World Series behind a massive six-run third inning. Twins Trade Deadline Moves: The Minnesota Twins bulk up their pitching staff by acquiring reliever Jeff Hoffman from the Blue Jays, along with earlier additions A.J. Minter and Dean Kremer. The 10-Game WNBA Streak: Behind Kayla McBride's historic 10-three-pointer performance and Olivia Miles' 28 points, the Minnesota Lynx clinch a playoff berth while riding a 10-game winning streak. The Kwik Trip Spamwich Trial: Bonnie and Jace dive into the "Question of the Morn," debating Kwik Trip's new Spam-and-egg croissant and Western omelet breakfast sandwiches. Scooter the Beagle’s 200-Gummy-Worm Feast: A vet clinic in Australia induces vomiting after a Beagle named Scooter downs 2.4 pounds—over 200 individual candies—of gummy worms in one sitting. Aerodynamic Bra Cycling Scandal: The hosts break down accusations from the Women's Tour de France, where teams were called out for using oversized padded bras as chest fairings to cut wind resistance and shave split seconds off time trials. Flesh-Eating Bacteria Warnings: Health officials issue urgent warnings for coastal travelers after Louisiana reports five deaths from brackish water Vibrio vulnificus infections. 10-Year-Old College Professor Record: The crew spotlights 18-year-old Nathan Thomas, who made the Guinness World Records as the youngest male college professor after enrolling in higher education at age 10 and…

Jace Denman and Big Game James McCarty take over the mic on a crisp, cool Wednesday morning on Bonnie & Friends, opening the show with a special congratulations to host Bonnie Amistadi, who officially welcomed a healthy new grandchild. The hosts dive into a wide-ranging show packed with local headlines, high-stakes sports news, market insights, and hilarious offbeat stories. The episode features practical tree care guidance from Evan Amundsen, financial market analysis with Brian Cronk, and an agricultural tech update from Bridget Riedel. From Zack Brown’s multi-million-dollar fan giveaway to a theater-clearing movie incident, this jam-packed show covers all the bases for the Red River Valley. Key Moments Grandma Amistadi's Big News: The show opens with Jace and James celebrating Bonnie's absence as she welcomes a new, healthy grandchild into her family. Market Momentum & SpaceX Analysis: Financial expert Brian Cronk breaks down a three-day rally across major stock indexes, explaining the difference between cap-weighted and equal-weighted S&P 500 indexes and unpacking SpaceX's latest earnings report. Tree Stress & Structural Pruning: Evan Amundsen, owner of Cars Tree Service, offers essential advice on identifying drought stress in local trees, inspecting trunks for damage, and explaining why fast-growing species like Autumn Blaze maples require regular structural pruning. High School Basketball Schedule Shift: James reports on a major scheduling conflict for the 2027 Minnesota State High School Basketball Tournaments, which will push the events back a week due to NCAA tournament bookings at Williams Arena and Target Center. Plant Wearables and Pumpkin Plastic: Ag Director Bridget Riedel highlights cutting-edge agricultural tech, including leaf tattoo sensors that track plant moisture and innovative eco-packaging made from synthesized pumpkin peels. Zack Brown’s $40 Million Fan Cruise: The hosts react to country star Zack Brown surprising 37,000 concertgoers at Fenway Park with free cruise vacations for two. The Foul Odor Theater Exodus: A funny bizarre news segment details how a screening of the new Spider-Man movie in Colombia was temporarily evacuated due to an unidentified, overwhelming odor that sent patrons scrambling for the exits. The Koi Pond Dispute: The duo covers a bizarre neighborhood feud in London where a 76-year-old man was ordered to pay damages after pouring motor oil and detergent into his neighbor’s koi pond to quiet a noisy water pump.

Join Bonnie Amistadi and Jace Denman for a lively Tuesday edition of Bonnie & Friends, broadcasting live from the Corwin Subaru Studios. The hosts welcome a refreshing cool-down as morning temperatures dip into the 50s following a long stretch of oppressive July heat. This packed episode features major regional political news—including Fargo setting an October special election for a proposed ward-based city council—and crucial trade deadline updates for the Minnesota Twins. On the lighter side, the hosts break down bizarre national stories: an 18-year-old college professor, a lawn-spike trap scandal, a dog's massive 2.4-pound gummy worm feast, and aerodynamic cheating accusations in women's cycling. Plus, Burley Drummond, drummer for the Zmed Brothers, drops by to talk about their upcoming Everly Brothers tribute concert in Pelican Rapids. Key Moments A Break in the Summer Heat: Bonnie and Jace enjoy a crisp 55°F morning start, celebrating a brief dip into the 70s before high temperatures creep back toward the 90s later in the week. Fargo Special Election Set: Fargo City Commission votes to hold a special election on October 6th to let voters decide whether to transition from an at-large commission to a mayor and six ward-based council members. North Dakota Bans Kratom: Governor Armstrong declares a public health emergency, initiating a statewide ban to remove unregulated Kratom products from store shelves ahead of a special legislative session. Twins Trade Deadline Moves: Jace breaks down the Minnesota Twins' deadline deals, acquiring reliever Jeff Hoffman from the Toronto Blue Jays to bolster their bullpen for a postseason push. The 18-Year-Old College Professor: The hosts highlight Nathan Thomas, who entered the Guinness World Records as the youngest male college professor at age 18 after earning his bachelor's and master's degrees in electrical engineering. Lawn Spike Trap Arrest: A 38-year-old man in Wyoming, Minnesota, faces charges after embedding 43 three-inch screws into a plastic board hidden in his grass to pop the tires of neighborhood kids biking across his yard. Impaled Hiker’s 10-Mile Self-Rescue: A nurse hiking Montana's Granite Peak survives being impaled under the armpit by a 44-inch steel-tipped hiking pole—and remarkably hikes 10 miles over six hours to reach help. Aerodynamic Padded Bra Scandal: The crew discusses controversy in the Women's Tour de France, where cycling teams were accused of wearing oversized padded bras as "chest fairings" to cut wind drag and shave off critical seconds. Scooter the Beagle's 200-Gummy-Worm Binge: A vet…

Jace Denman and Big Game James McCarty take the reins in the Corwin Subaru Studios while Bonnie is away on leave. On a sticky August morning, the guys break down much-needed rain moving across the region, crucial health and safety news, and an action-packed weekend in sports. From regulatory crackdowns on unregulated substances at the state Capitol to a wild legal battle over squatter disputes on farmland, this episode delivers a high-energy mix of local headlines, bizarre mishaps, and community goodwill. Key Moments: Regional Headlines: Trollwood Performing Arts School cancels its final performance of Disney's Frozen due to high winds. Meanwhile, Cass County Vector Control identifies a third mosquito positive for West Nile virus despite overall populations remaining at historic lows. At the state Capitol, Governor Armstrong and Attorney General Drew Wrigley prepare to announce new regulations targeting Kratom and its compound 7-OH. High-Stakes Mishaps & Viral Bizarre News: A 21-year-old man in Lincoln, Nebraska, accidentally shoots himself in the leg in a Scheels parking lot while filming an instructional video for social media with his newly purchased handgun. Out in Colorado, a foreclosure listing goes viral on Zillow featuring a seller who explicitly refuses to leave the premises. Ag Updates & Farmland Disputes: WDAY Ag Director Bridget Riedel breaks down a legal battle in New York where a neighbor's garden and greenhouse invaded 60 feet into a 300-acre farm, sparking a $75,000 court fight over squatters' rights. She also discusses devastating heat losses that claimed over 1,000 head of cattle in South Dakota. The Great Spamwich Debate: The Question of the Morn explores Kwik Trip's new Spamwiches, available as a classic brunch croissant or a Western omelet on a burger bun. Callers and hosts debate whether the canned delicacy is a delicious treat or a high-sodium hard pass. Weekend Sports Beat: The Minnesota Lynx extend their winning streak to 10 games with a high-scoring 108-100 victory over the Indiana Fever, powered by Olivia Miles' 28 points. In golf, 24-year-old Michael Thorbjornsen claims his first PGA Tour victory at the Rocket Classic, while Moorhead hockey star Joey Cullen verbally commits to the University of Minnesota. Community Goodwill: Virginia Crowshire from Fargo Post 2 American Legion drops by to launch the 6th Annual Food Drive in partnership with local VFWs and Amvets, raising essential funds and non-perishable goods for the Great Plains Food Bank.