Scott Gordon

In many ways, campaigns to improve literacy are more sophisticated than ever. In many ways, campaigns to improve literacy are more sophisticated than ever.

U.S. farmers embraced nitrogen-based fertilizer at a dramatic pace during the 1960s and '70s. Since then, its use has played a key role in boosting agricultural productivity. But as a consequence, nitrogen's more soluble form, nitrate, has become a common drinking water contaminant, in Wisconsin and around the country.

Last week, the Wisconsin Assembly Speaker Robin Vos said the chamber would conclude its work for the 2015-2016 legislative session. But it wasn't easy to keep track of all of the bills under consideration.