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Recognizing a critical lack of resources for this age group, Rimnac established "Turn a New Paige" to support those struggling with suicidal ideation and those grieving a loss. The group meets the third Tuesday of each month at the Riley Nilo Training Center — a facility also born from a suicide tragedy. It provides a safe community space at a time when national resources, such as the 988 lifeline, face significant federal funding uncertainty.

Rimnac’s mission is to ensure young people in Rock County and beyond realize they are not alone by offering the peer support and empathy she wished her daughter had accessed. As a subject, Rimnac stood out to me; her determination to effect change despite immense grief made me pause. I hope my coverage conveyed her bravery and properly highlighted her efforts to help incite change in our community.

Throughout the end of summer and beginning of fall, I had the opportunity to chronicle the months-long labor dispute at Mercyhealth East Clinic. More than 130 workers — including nurses, medical assistants, and maintenance staff represented by UAW Local 95 — went on strike beginning July 2, 2025.

The series of stories highlighted the "milestone" 100-day mark of the picket line, focusing on demands for enhanced security measures, fair wage increases to combat inflation, and a reduction in proposed health insurance premium hikes. The strike concluded in early November after a grueling 125-day walkout. On Nov. 4, 2025, UAW Local 95 announced a tentative agreement had been reached, and employees returned to work.

Covering the strike challenged me as a reporter. I wanted to provide a distinct view of each side of the line, though it was difficult when Mercyhealth declined to provide perspectives beyond their initial statement.

I also covered the Aug. 30, 2025, “No Kings” protest, where approximately 1,000 participants gathered at the Marvin W. Roth Pavilion. Part of a nationwide movement involving over 2,600 locations, the rally was directed at President Donald Trump’s governing style. Local speakers, including state Rep. Ann Roe, framed the event as a "patriotic" defense of democracy and a safe space for citizens to voice concerns over authoritarianism and the ongoing federal government shutdown.

While the event remained largely peaceful, a heavy law enforcement presence managed tensions. The day resulted in the arrest of one individual unaffiliated with the protest and a few heated verbal confrontations between demonstrators and a small group of "America First" counter protesters.

The Janesville rally mirrored a larger national divide. Republican leaders denounced the gatherings as "Hate America" rallies, while participants like military veteran Andy Vance argued that public assembly was a necessary tool to protect the Constitution from domestic threats.

This protest was exhilarating to cover. I strive for objective coverage, and this event provided a significant opportunity to do just that. It was fascinating to speak to both parties and hear why each believed they were fighting for the “right” cause.

I particularly noted the online response to the coverage. It was deeply divided; neither political side seemed to like what the other had to say in the article. To me, that indicated the story did not lean too heavily in either direction and accurately represented the events as they took place — which is always my goal.

This year challenged me to dive deeper into my stories and find the truth, regardless of whether it lies left, right, or sideways.