The long standing Oscar Mayer plant in Madison recently closed its doors. A former employee joins us to remember the community of workers at the plant and what's being lost as it shuts down. We also talk about the top political stories of the week, including a challenge to President Trump's ban on new transgender soldiers in the military.

Recent psychological research has treated loneliness as a public health hazard. We talk to a psychologist about the connections between social and physical health. We also learn about a new character joining Thomas the Train and Friends who has traits that resemble those on the autism spectrum. Plus, we talk to two state lawmakers about a bill they're sponsoring to close the "dark store loophole."

With more patients and families choosing home hospice care and an end of life option, leftover opioid painkillers are increasingly the target of theft from family members or caregivers. We learn about the scope of the problem and calls for oversight. President Trump visits Texas today to view the destruction left by Hurricane Harvey. We hear how the public has responded to the actions of past presidents on hurricanes and how the Trump Administration is handling things. Also, a preview of "Los Dells" an innovative Latin music festival happening in the Wisconsin Dells!

The state legislature's budget committee is taking up the issue of education this week and is expected to approve a major increase for K-12 school funding. Our state capitol reporter brings us up to speed on the committee's negotiations. From Wonder Woman to Stranger Things , more women and girls are being written in as heroes. We discuss why it's happening now and what impact the representation could have. Plus, a look at how UW-Green Bay is using a series of day trips to expose students to other cultures.

Workers on federally-funded construction projects are guaranteed certain wages, but a new report finds that contractors commonly shortchange their employees. We find out how they manage to do so and how the Labor Department is responding. We also talk with a guest who thinks that America's thin social safety net leads many to view marriage through an economic lens. Plus, we talk to a Wisconsin political reporter about what economists and state leaders are saying about the Foxconn incentive package's long-term effects on the state budget.

President Trump pardoned former Arizona Sheriff Joe Arpaio over the weekend. Our guest political scientist joins us to look at the political implications of this decision. Huntington's disease is incurable and passed down genetically. We talk with a guest about her husband getting tested for the disease, and how it's affecting their decision about having children. With The Village Voice announcing it will stop print production, we reflect on the value of alternative weekly papers and ask if they're on the way out. A top news story gets a close look as well.

Hurricane Harvey is expected to be one of the most severe storms to hit the United States in 12 years. A meterologist tells us how it could affect Americans living in the Gulf of Mexico and beyond. Witness intimidation is one of the biggest challenges facing Milwaukee police investigating violent crime. We talk to the author of a series in the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel telling the story of one of the city's most brazen and deadly efforts to silence witnesses. And during Food Friday, we learn some tips on making our favorite sandwiches more exciting and tasty.

As boxing gears up for another prime time bout, the competitors have hurled vulgar and racist insults at each other. We talk to an ESPN writer who says boxing should encourage a higher level of sportsmanship. We also check in on the top Wisconsin stories of the week, including the State Superintendent of Public Instruction announcing plans to run for governor. Plus, we look at the future of national monuments under the Trump administration.

A statewide coalition of business groups came out in support of the Foxconn incentive package today. We find out why they think it's a worthwhile investment for Wisconsin. Young people today may be the first generation to spend their lives dealing with the threatening effects of climate change. We hear how millennials are approaching and combating the problem of a changing environment. We also talk with a scientist about new research on the the effect of air pollution on birds.

The Kohler Company is hoping to build a new golf course in Sheboygan, and the city's common council recently voted to annex land from the nearby Town of Wilson for the project. A WPR reporter discusses the vote, as well as a hearing on environmental concerns happening today. We also chat with a Wisconsin historian hired by the Pentagon to research the history of counter-terrorism operations. Plus, the United Nations issued a warning to the United States over recent events in Charlottesville. We find out about their statement and whether it could impact decision making in Washington.