WISCONSIN— Wisconsinites tackled a year like never before and Spectrum News 1 was there to tell their stories.
We take a look back on the events that not only shaped our perspectives as human beings, but the world as a whole.
Coronavirus
The global pandemic that began in 2019 continued to impact all corners of Wisconsin through 2021, despite high hopes at the dawn of the new year.
Widespread vaccination really ramped up in January, at first being limited to health care workers and vulnerable Wisconsinites. Now, kids as young as 5 can get the COVID-19 shot.
Wisconsin closed 2021 with a grim statistic: More than 10,000 Wisconsinites have died, with more than 4,000 lost this year. Wisconsin has reported about 500,000 more positive cases this year.
Election reviews
As the pandemic fight raged on, so did a fight over election results in Wisconsin. Court cases and recounts both nationwide and in Wisconsin have repeatedly confirmed President Joe Biden's election; he beat former President Donald Trump by more than 20,000 votes in Wisconsin.
Republican Assembly Speaker Robin Vos funded a nearly $700,000 election review, headed by former Wisconsin Supreme Court Justice Michael Gabelman. The review is continuing into next year.
Rittenhouse trial
In November, all eyes were on Kenosha, Wisconsin as now 18-year-old Kyle Rittenhouse went on trial. Rittenhouse shot three men, killing two, in Kenosha during riots and unrest in the summer of 2020.
The teenager claimed self-defense and was acquitted on all charges.
Waukesha tragedy
Just days after the Rittenhouse verdict, six people were killed at a Christmas parade in Waukesha, Wisconsin, with more than 60 other injured.
Police said that they suspect Darrel Brooks was racing away from a domestic disturbance when he allegedly drove an SUV into the crowd. Brooks is now facing six counts of intentional, first-degree homicide.
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Tornadoes
In late July, Gov. Tony Evers declared a state of emergency after 13 tornadoes and powerful winds knocked out power for roughly 100,000 Wisconsinites, leaving some in the dark for days on end. Another five tornadoes hit the Badger State on Aug. 11.
But the year did not end quietly. Eight more tornadoes touched Wisconsin ground in December.
Milwaukee Bucks championship
2021 was also a year of triumphs. After a half-century sans titles, Giannis Antentekounmpo, Khris Middleton and Jrue Holiday lead the Milwaukee Bucks to victory. The Bucks beat the Phoenix Suns in the finals in July, claiming the championship title. It was indeed, BUCKS IN SIX.
The city and state celebrated with an unforgettable parade in downtown Milwaukee a few days later.
Badgers volleyball
And the state celebrated another championship when the UW women's volleyball team beat Nebraska for the team's first-ever NCAA championship win.
Ryder Cup
While Wisconsin saw state victories, it also hosted an international sporting sensation: The Ryder Cup.
One year after the pandemic forced a delay, the Ryder Cup teed off at Whistling Straits in September, bringing a U.S. win.
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Milwaukee Brewers
Meanwhile, the Milwaukee Brewers did what many other teams, venues and events did in 2021: Welcomed fans back to the stands.
Outside the newly named American Family Field, fans were ecstatic to tailgate before heading to their seats. While the team's World Series dreams didn't become reality, Corbin Brunes won the National League Cy Young Award, bringing home a victory.
Green Bay Packers
Last season's Super Bowl hopes for the Green Bay Packers also fizzled out early this year, but the team is ending 2021 on a high note. The Packers are at the top of the NFC, 12-3.
Packers' MVP quarterback Aaron Rodgers found himself at the center of many news stories. In February, he announced his engagement to actress Shailene Woodley. While he was being questioned about his return to the football field, he held a brief stint as the host of Jeopardy. While he was on the roster for most of the season, he contracted COVID-19, sidelining him for a time. His diagnosis came amid controversy about his "misleading" comments on his immunization status. Rodgers rounded out the year with a broken toe and a broken record, throwing a 400, 43rd touchdown pass.
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