Remember the drama, thrills of 2021 through the Idaho Statesman’s top photos of year

Idaho Statesman reporters present the news as it unfolds, but often it’s the visual reporting — photos and video — that creates long-lasting memories. It’s why we look back each year and remember our best photos.

Visual journalist Sarah A. Miller and I looked through our photographs and chose our favorite images of 2021. Some of the photos are presented with this article, but be sure to check out each of our video slideshows at IdahoStatesman.com.

The recurring theme in our photos from 2021 shows an attempt to return to normal after the previous year of shutdowns and isolation during the coronavirus pandemic. Students returned to in-person learning at school, while stadiums and other sporting venues filled with people eager to witness the action again — even with COVID-19 still a concern.

Conflicts continued in the political arena, with ethics hearings and task forces. Protests and demonstrations boiled over into 2021 with familiar themes of opposition to public health measures such as mask and vaccine mandates.

In October, the violence of a shooting at Boise Towne Square mall left Idahoans in shock.

Boise State football fans returned to Albertsons Stadium for a complete season, and high school sports returned in stride.

We also remembered those who are no longer with us. On a foggy Sept. 11 morning, first responders remembered the events and sacrifices on the 20th anniversary of 9/11.