CLEVELAND — Throughout 2021, 3News shared thousands of news stories with you. As 2022 approaches, we want to share some lighter and more personal stories from the WKYC Studios staff.
YEAR IN REVIEW: Some of the biggest moments of 2021
Take a look back at our favorite non-news moments in 2021:
Jim Donovan's historic call
With a 24-22 win over the Pittsburgh Steelers in the 2020-21 regular-season finale, the Browns ended their playoff hiatus that dated back to 2002. The only thing missing at their landmark victory was a packed house at FirstEnergy Stadium.
3News' own Jim Donovan was on the call for fans across Northeast Ohio on the Cleveland Browns Radio Network.
Returning to the Office
When the COVID-19 pandemic struck in March 2020, many of the anchors and reporters at WKYC went to their homes to deliver the news throughout the pandemic. For the first time in nearly 14 months, they returned to the newsroom at once again in 2021.
Special Announcements
Outside of the office, many 3News anchors delivered the exciting news of welcoming little ones into the world. Laura Caso and her husband welcomed a baby boy, and Sara Shookman announced she and her husband are expecting their second child in June of 2022.
Al Roker's Trip to Cleveland
We welcomed Al Roker to to the city for "Today's" "Reopening America" series over the summer. Roker's trip to Cleveland included many special events with the WKYC staff, such as a trip on the RTA with Leon Bibb, turning on the historic chandelier in Playhouse Square, and finally, the re-naming of the radar as the "Roker Tower" in honor of the Channel 3 alum.
Lester Holt Anchoring in Cleveland
Soon after Roker's visit, Lester Holt anchored NBC Nightly News live from East 4th Street as a part of his "Across America" series that showed how cities were adjusting to reopening. Russ Mitchell, Laura Caso, and Betsy Kling joined Holt behind the scenes for his newscast.
No-Shave November
Dave Chudowsky and Jay Crawford teamed up with A Special Wish Foundation and several local police departments to raise money for children in Northeast Ohio with life-threatening conditions. As part of No-Shave November, they raised thousands of dollars for charity before finally doing away with the facial hair live on television.
Despite the ups and downs everyone was faced with, 2021 was a memorable year for all of us at WKYC Studios. Many jokes and laughs were exchanged while bringing you all the news across Northeast Ohio. We hope that 2022 brings all our viewers a year of health, happiness, laughter and joy.