When we take a walk through the year in photos, we can pause to take stock of the highs and lows we’ve lived through here in the North Star State: family and joy at the State Fair, the tragedy of first responders killed in the line of duty. Minnesota Star Tribune photographers captured society’s failures and human adversity: a cycle of homeless encampments; a day in the ER; a battle with cancer. And they also captured the everyday beauty around us: an ancient tree in the Boundary Waters, a high school football player who’s also a Buddhist leader, farm life, a community supporting a friend in need. Tap the link in our bio to see all the photos and read their stories. Featuring photos by: @boyle1960 @rtsongphoto @adlavinsky @alexkormann12 @jeffersonwheeler @reneejonesschneider @lizrflores @angelinakatsanis @ayrton_breck @sharilgross @carlosgphoto @anthonysouffle @glenstubbe @leilanavidi