Bonnie & Friends

WDAY Radio - AM 970 and FM 93.1

Join Bonnie Amistadi and guests every weekday from 5am to 8:30am on AM 970 and FM 93.1 WDAY for local news, weather, and conversation done right!

Episodes

  1. 3d ago

    Bonnie & Friends: Chilly Mornings, Crime Tech, and Homecoming Hype

    Bonnie and Jace kick off a brisk Friday morning live from the Corwin Subaru Studios with a look at the Red River Valley's crisp fall weather and major news headlines. This episode highlights local police defending advanced license plate reader technology, updates on regional legal challenges, and key community fundraisers. Plus, the hosts break down the Minnesota Wild's season-opening victory, high school volleyball thrillers, and upcoming college homecoming matchups across the region. Key Moments Local Crime Tech Success: Fargo police defend their use of automated license plate reading (ALPR) technology, which helped locate a homicide suspect out-of-state in just five hours. Legislative Push for Traffic Safety: Following recent reckless driving incidents, law enforcement plans to advocate for tougher legislative penalties against dangerous driving and fleeing officers. Regional Legal Updates: The Minnesota Supreme Court refuses to review an appeal in a fatal 2023 Moorhead stabbing, while a preliminary hearing for a 1981 Barnes County cold case murder is delayed for a fourth time. Community Fundraisers: Local organizations host upcoming charity events, including the Purses and Pistols Bingo for custom children's wheelchairs and the FM Legion Riders fall breakfast benefiting Patriot Assistance Dogs. Wild Win Season Opener: The Minnesota Wild open their regular season with a 3-1 victory over the Nashville Predators, powered by two first-period goals. College Football & Homecoming: Highlighting a busy weekend of college football, including NDSU hosting Wyoming for homecoming, UND facing Murray State, and MSUM traveling to Minot State. Bizarre & Unique Stories: A look at interesting headlines, including the Japanese workplace custom of "inemuri" (napping on the job) and a 58-year-old man who discovered through a DNA test that his biological father is a famous Grammy-winning musician.

  2. 4d ago

    Bonnie & Friends: Frost Warnings, Retail Lawsuits, and Homecoming Energy

    Brace yourselves for a chilly drop in temperatures as Bonnie and Jace return on Bonnie & Friends! In this episode, the hosts bring you the latest regional news, from an EEOC age-discrimination lawsuit against a retail giant to major local crime updates and district-wide school alert glitches. They also dive into downtown Moorhead development milestones, NDSU homecoming parade prep, final seasonal lawn care advice, and a full slate of regional sports action. Key Moments Frost Advisory Issued: Temperatures are expected to plunge into the mid-30s overnight, prompting a frost advisory across the Red River Valley. Homicide Arrest in Nebraska: Fargo police coordinate with Nebraska authorities to arrest a suspect fleeing in his mother's car following a fatal homicide. Federal Age-Discrimination Suit Against Scheels: The EEOC files a federal lawsuit against Scheels over employee stock ownership policies that allegedly penalized workers aged 40 and older. Fargo Schools Alert Glitch: A system error sends a district-wide emergency alert to all Fargo Public Schools families instead of just the six schools affected by nearby police activity. Downtown Moorhead Groundbreaking: Essentia Health breaks ground on a new clinic designed to serve as a community care hub in downtown Moorhead. NDSU Homecoming Parade Closures: University Drive and 12th Avenue North prepare for road closures ahead of the Friday evening homecoming parade. Final Seasonal Gardening Tips: A breakdown of fall lawn care, frost protection for tender plants, and preparing yards for the winter transition. Sports Beat: Highlights from the Class B North Dakota Girls State Golf Tournament, the Minnesota Wild's season opener, MLB Wild Card play, and upcoming weekend high school and college football matchups.

  3. 5d ago

    Bonnie & Friends: Red-Dyed Diesel Relief, Overtime Thrillers, and a 9/11 Story of Hope

    Join Bonnie Amistadi and Jace Denman on Bonnie & Friends for a packed Wednesday broadcast live from the Corwin Subaru Studios. The hosts break down breaking regional headlines, including an emergency order providing diesel fuel relief for North Dakota farmers, a sewer line break that shut down a local elementary school, and Cass County's push for tougher penalties against drivers who flee law enforcement. Over on the sports desk, Jace covers the end of the Minnesota Lynx's playoff run, a dramatic walk-off overtime upset for MSUM Dragons football, and the Minnesota Vikings trading away quarterback J.J. McCarthy. Plus, the show previews Stage West's new production of Come From Away and reveals the initial 2027 artist lineup for WE Fest. Key Moments State of Emergency Declared for Diesel Fuel: Governor Kelly Armstrong issues an executive order temporarily expanding the allowed uses of red-dyed diesel fuel to provide relief for North Dakota farmers during harvest season. Fargo Homicide Suspect Arrested in Nebraska: Authorities apprehend 42-year-old Brandon George near Lincoln, Nebraska, following a high-speed chase linked to a Fargo homicide investigation. Osgood Elementary School Closure: Classes are canceled at Osgood Elementary after custodial staff discover a sewer line break beneath the building requiring water shut-off and repairs. Sheriff Pushes for Stiffer Fleeing Penalties: Cass County Sheriff Jesse Johnner advocates for legislative action to increase accountability and penalties for individuals fleeing law enforcement. WE Fest 2027 Lineup Unveiled: Organizers announce Tim McGraw, The Red Clay Strays, and Riley Green as headliners for the August 2027 festival at Soo Pass Ranch. MSUM Dragons Pull Off Overtime Upset: MSUM Dragons football claims a dramatic 23-20 walk-off overtime victory over 13th-ranked Minnesota Duluth. Vikings Trade J.J. McCarthy: The Minnesota Vikings agree to trade quarterback J.J. McCarthy to the New York Giants in exchange for a 2027 fifth-round draft pick. Stage West Presents Come From Away: Local director Daniel Damico discusses the upcoming Stage West production of Come From Away, telling the inspiring true story of 7,000 stranded airline passengers hosted in Gander, Newfoundland, following 9/11.

  4. 6d ago

    Bonnie & Friends: Soaking Rains, Trophy Bits, and a Crosswalk-Using Moose!

    Join Bonnie Amistadi and Jace Denman for a packed edition of Bonnie & Friends on WDAY Radio! In this episode, the hosts cover a long-awaited rainstorm that brought heavy soaking across the region, leading to field delays and localized power outages. The duo breaks down top community news, including Fargo's approved 2027 municipal budget, a high school security response, and major regional sports updates. Plus, hear about a newly unveiled college football rivalry trophy, a big NFL quarterback trade, and a local moose making a remarkably law-abiding street crossing! Key Moments Heavy Rain Soaks the Region: A massive rain system dumps over an inch and a half of rain across the Fargo-Moorhead metro—and up to nearly six inches in surrounding counties—causing minor street flooding, harvest delays, and temporary power outages for over 2,800 local residents. Fargo Approves 2027 Municipal Budget: The Fargo City Commission unanimously approves the final 2027 city budget, securing funding for eight new police officers, a 3% cost-of-living adjustment for staff, and investments in public works. Fargo North High Security Incident: Police detain a student who brought a BB gun to Fargo North High School without incident, leading to an indefinite suspension in accordance with district policy. Sanford & Air National Guard Partnership: Sanford Fargo and the 119th North Dakota Air National Guard announce a clinical training agreement allowing military medical personnel to fulfill annual training requirements at Sanford's Level 1 trauma center. "Battle of the Basins" Trophy Unveiled: NDSU and the University of Wyoming introduce a new traveling football rivalry trophy featuring a 10-inch replica drill bit to honor the rich petroleum industry heritage of both states. Vikings Trade Quarterback J.J. McCarthy: The Minnesota Vikings trade quarterback J.J. McCarthy to the New York Giants in exchange for a 2027 fifth-round draft pick following a season-ending injury to Giants starter Jackson Dart. Fargo Faceoff Youth Hockey Tournament: Nearly 1,100 young players from across the U.S. and Canada descend on Fargo-Moorhead rinks for a massive youth hockey tournament featuring giant medals, local vendors, and mascot Jimmy Pucks. Moose Obeys Traffic Laws: A moose on the loose in West Fargo goes viral after video footage captures it carefully using a pedestrian crosswalk near South Elementary.

  5. Sep 28

    Bonnie & Friends: Surveillance Debates, Chart-Topping Anthems, and Postseason Positioning

    Welcome into Bonnie & Friends on WDAY Radio, coming to you live from the Corwin Subaru Studios with hosts Bonnie Amistadi and Jace Denman! This episode covers major regional developments, including local municipal votes on surveillance technology, construction progress at the North Dakota State Hospital, and an emotional airport homecoming for area veterans. On the sports and pop culture front, the show highlights high school volleyball thrillers, postseason seeds in women's basketball, major front-office news in professional hockey, and a historic milestone on the national music charts. Key Moments Horace Votes to Remove Surveillance Cameras: The Horace City Council votes to remove Flock Safety cameras from the community following debates regarding privacy and oversight. State Hospital Construction Milestone: State leaders gather in Jamestown to sign the final structural beam for the new $300 million, 140-bed North Dakota State Hospital. Honor Flight Welcomes Home 200+ Veterans: Over 200 Korean and Vietnam War veterans return to a supportive crowd at Hector International Airport following their trip to Washington, D.C. Lynx Secure Number One Seed: The Minnesota Lynx officially clinch the top seed in the WNBA playoffs following favorable postseason results across the league. Historic Chart Run for "Choosin' Texas": Country artist Ella Langley's single "Choosin' Texas" sets a new record as the longest-running number one single on the U.S. music charts. Local Production of "Come From Away" Announced: Stage West prepares to host Come From Away in West Fargo, bringing to life the true story of 7,000 diverted passengers hosted in Gander, Newfoundland, following 9/11. Packers Win 5-Set Volleyball Thriller: Piper Luegge delivers 14 kills to lead the West Fargo High Packers to a fifth-set victory over Grand Forks Red River. Minnesota Wild Extend Bill Guerin: The Minnesota Wild secure long-term front-office stability by signing General Manager Bill Guerin to a multi-year contract extension. State Probes Consumer Protection Matter: North Dakota Attorney General Drew Wrigley prepares a briefing at the Cass County Courthouse regarding an investigation into the Fargo-based e5 nonprofit. Exploring Favorite Ethnic Cuisines: Listeners and hosts share their top heritage dishes on the "Question of the Morn," highlighting everything from lefse and pierogies to lumpia and chicken tikka.

  6. Sep 23

    Bonnie & Friends: The 429-Foot Slim Jim, Geyser Treasures, and WNBA Playoff Seeding

    Join Bonnie Amistadi and Jace Denman on WDAY Radio as they tackle a brisk, cloudy morning across the Red River Valley, tracking evening thunderstorm chances and a stretch of much-needed rain. This episode brings essential regional news, including a consumer protection probe in Fargo, a local city council voting to remove surveillance cameras over privacy concerns, and a major construction milestone for the new North Dakota State Hospital. On the sports desk, Jace breaks down high school volleyball thriller finishes, the Minnesota Lynx clinching the WNBA's top postseason seed, and the Minnesota Wild extending their front-office leadership. Plus, the duo dives into the world's longest meat stick record, bizarre items retrieved from Yellowstone's geysers, and a lively debate on favorite ethnic dishes. Key Moments Horace Removes Surveillance Cameras: The Horace City Council votes to remove its Flock Safety surveillance cameras following community debates regarding privacy and oversight. State Hospital Reaches Construction Milestone: State leaders mark a major milestone by signing the final structural beam for the new $300 million behavioral health facility in Jamestown. Honor Flight Welcome Home: Over 200 Korean and Vietnam War veterans return to a crowd of supporters at Hector International Airport following their trip to Washington, D.C. Minnesota Lynx Lock In Top Seed: Despite a tough loss to Indiana, the Minnesota Lynx officially clinch the number one overall seed for the upcoming WNBA playoffs. World's Longest Meat Stick Record: Conagra Brands sets a new Guinness World Record in Omaha by unspooling a 429-foot Slim Jim. Bizarre Yellowstone Geyser Retrievals: Yellowstone National Park officials reveal the odd assortment of items pulled from geysers this year, including 280 hats, coins, retainers, and even a single Uno card. 32nd Avenue South Reopening: The multi-year reconstruction project along 32nd Avenue South in Fargo reaches completion, reopening major intersections to traffic. Chart-Topping Country Record: Ella Langley and Miranda Lambert make music history as their hit single breaks the record for the longest-running number one song on the U.S. charts. Favorite Ethnic Dishes Debate: On the "Question of the Morn," hosts and callers share their favorite culinary comfort foods, ranging from homemade perogies and Irish stew to tamales and Filipino delicacies.

  7. Sep 22

    Bonnie & Friends: Autumn Kickoffs, Swatting Hoaxes, and Farm-to-Future Missions

    In this episode of Bonnie & Friends, hosts Bonnie Amistadi and Jace Denman welcome the official arrival of fall on WDAY Radio, covering everything from crisp 47-degree morning temperatures to seasonal community traditions across the Red River Valley. The show dives into major regional headlines, including a high-stakes swatting hoax in Wahpeton, an evidentiary court challenge in a Moorhead THC candy case, and the depletion of North Dakota's $4.1 million drought relief fund for ranchers. Over on the sports desk, Jace breaks down the Minnesota Twins' official elimination from postseason contention, Kyler Murray clearing concussion protocol for the Minnesota Vikings, and NDSU Bison football players sweeping Mountain West weekly honors. Plus, the episode highlights community welcome-home plans for 247 returning war veterans, a bizarre birthday sinkhole survival story in New York, and seasonal updates on Harvest Hope Farm. Key Moments Official Arrival of Fall: The hosts break down crisp autumn weather, local church turkey dinners, peak leaf-viewing maps, and the official 7:05 PM start of the fall season. Wahpeton Swatting Incident: A major law enforcement response and shelter-in-place order in Wahpeton end safely after a hoax 911 call reporting a shooting turns out to be a swatting prank. Moorhead THC Candy Case Evidence Challenge: Defense attorneys for a Moorhead couple argue that police conducted an unlawful search of their home without probable cause following an incident at Horizon Middle School. North Dakota Drought Livestock Relief Fund Depleted: State officials report that $4.1 million in emergency drought relief funding has been fully exhausted after supporting 470 water projects for 369 ranchers. Harvest Hope Farm "Farm to Future" Event: Overview of the upcoming family-friendly fundraiser in North Moorhead supporting hands-on agricultural education for local elementary students and vital Huntington's disease research alongside Lynn Kotrba. Veterans Honor Flight Welcome Home: Hector International Airport prepares to welcome home two flights carrying 247 Korean and Vietnam War veterans from their trip to Washington, D.C. Twins Postseason Elimination & Vikings Quarterback News: The Minnesota Twins are officially eliminated from playoff contention after a 5-2 loss to the Giants, while Vikings quarterback Kyler Murray clears concussion protocol ahead of the Tampa Bay matchup. Long Island Birthday Sinkhole Rescue: A 47-year-old New York woman survives plunging eight feet into an old covered well sinkhole in her backyard on her birthday before being rescued by firefighters.

  8. Sep 21

    Bonnie & Friends: The Swatting Hoax, Off-Grid Flight Delays, and The Backyard Birthday Sinkhole

    Bonnie Amistadi and Jace Denman welcome the official arrival of autumn on WDAY Radio's Bonnie & Friends, navigating crisp morning temperatures, regional headlines, and major sports updates. This episode covers an alarming false 911 swatting hoax in Wahpeton, an evidentiary challenge in a Moorhead middle school THC candy case, the exhaustion of North Dakota's $4.1 million drought relief fund, and widespread flight disruptions caused by a severed network cable. On the sports desk, the Minnesota Twins are officially eliminated from postseason contention, while Vikings quarterback Kyler Murray clears concussion protocol. Plus, the hosts highlight the return of 247 war veterans on the Veterans Honor Flight and share the bizarre story of a birthday sinkhole rescue. Key Moments Swatting Hoax Triggers Shelter-in-Place: Richland County dispatch receives a false 911 report of a shooting in Wahpeton, leading to a heavy law enforcement response before a juvenile girl emerges unharmed and confirms she is alone. Moorhead THC Candy Search Challenged: Defense attorneys for a Moorhead couple charged after a student allegedly received THC-laced candy at Horizon Middle School ask a judge to suppress evidence, arguing police lacked probable cause for a home search. Drought Disaster Relief Fund Depleted: North Dakota's $4.1 million livestock drought relief program completely runs out of funds after aiding 369 ranchers with 470 water projects across drought-stricken counties. Severed Network Cable Causes Flight Chaos: A cut fiber optic cable in Philadelphia triggers widespread flight delays and cancellations across major East Coast airport hubs. Honor Flight Welcomes Back 247 Veterans: Two flights carrying 247 Korean and Vietnam War veterans return home to Hector International Airport for a community celebration. Twins Eliminated as Vikings Regain Starting QB: The Minnesota Twins fall 5-2 to the San Francisco Giants and are officially eliminated from playoff contention, while Vikings quarterback Kyler Murray clears concussion protocol ahead of the Tampa Bay matchup. Property Insurance Rates Surge Across North Dakota: State Insurance Commissioner John Godfrey urges risk prevention and damage-resistant building techniques at a Bismarck roundtable as rising material costs and weather push rates higher. 4-H Prepares Open House Kickoff: Cass County 4-H announces an October 4th open house at the Red River Valley Fairgrounds to introduce local families to youth programming. Woman Rescued From 8-Foot Birthday Sinkhole: A Long Island woman celebrating her 47th birthday plunges eight feet into an old covered well in her backyard and is safely rescued after neighbors hear her screams.

  9. Sep 18

    Bonnie & Friends: Flood Watches, $6 Diesel, and the First Day of Fall

    Hosts Bonnie Amistadi and Jace Denman welcome listeners to a breezy Friday edition of Bonnie & Friends on WDAY Radio, broadcasting live from the Corwin Subaru Studios! The duo recaps recent regional developments, explores shifting late-summer weather patterns, and covers local crime and community updates across the Red River Valley. Key Moments: Fargo High-Speed Pursuit Crash Victims Identified: State Troopers identify 24-year-old Elijah Baumann of Moorhead, who passed away from injuries sustained after fleeing deputies at 120 mph and colliding with a motorcycle on South University Drive. The 19-year-old motorcyclist, Isaac Putney, suffered life-threatening injuries. Moorhead Budget Post Controversy: Moorhead Mayor Shelley Carlson faces public scrutiny after deleting a social media post that pushed back against a city council proposal to end subsidies for local municipal golf courses, raising transparency questions regarding Minnesota's open meetings law. South Fargo 32nd Avenue Reconstruction Reopens: City crews complete a multi-year corridor rebuilding project along 32nd Avenue South, fully reopening the final stretch to traffic alongside upgraded intersections and ADA-compliant sidewalks. North Dakota Supreme Court Upholds Transgender Youth Care Ban: Justices affirm state law restricting gender-affirming medical treatments for minors, ruling that state constitutional rights do not guarantee specific medical courses for youth. Record $6 Harvest Diesel Fuel Prices: Soaring global energy conflicts push regional diesel fuel prices over $6 per gallon, doubling input costs for North Dakota crop producers during peak harvest season. The World's Largest Wooden Corn Maze Opens: Kathy Johnson's The Great Maze officially opens for its fourth season in the West Acres Mall parking lot, featuring two and a half miles of cedar plank walkways, photo-op areas, and upcoming haunted events. Minnesota High School Football Weather Reschedules: Heavy rainfall forecasts of three to six inches across southern and southeastern Minnesota prompt regional athletic directors to reschedule three dozen Friday night football games. Bow Hunting Season Kicks Off: Outdoor expert Steve Carney joins the show to share early-season archery tips as Minnesota's deer bow hunting season officially opens. Sports Beat: On the ice, the Fargo Force capture their first win of the season with a 2-1 victory over Green Bay. In baseball, the Fargo-Moorhead Red Hawks fall 7-3 to Kansas City in Game 3 of their West Division Championship Series, while the Minnesota Twins drop a 5-4 extra-inning game to the Angels.

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
2 Ratings

About

Join Bonnie Amistadi and guests every weekday from 5am to 8:30am on AM 970 and FM 93.1 WDAY for local news, weather, and conversation done right!