August 2023 in photos: Paste BN's most memorable images
On Aug. 8, the Hawaiian island of Maui suffered immeasurable losses as a wind-fueled wildfire broke out in the town of Lahaina, causing widespread destruction and claiming the lives of at least 98 people, becoming the deadliest wildfire in the U.S. in more than a century. Paste BN photographer Sandy Hooper traveled to Maui in the wake of the fire. "Since the Maui government put extreme restrictions on access to Lahaina and West Maui, I had to hitch rides in and out of town with locals who were running supplies and setting up distribution zones in neighborhoods," said Hooper. "As I was walking around, meeting people and hearing their stories of loss, I was struck by how positive and resilient the community was. Even though destruction was in every direction that you turned, neighbors were helping each other clean up and beginning the rebuilding process."
U.S. gymnastics star Simone Biles made her return to the sport, competing in the 2023 U.S. Classic in Chicago and the 2023 U.S. National Championships in San Jose, winning her eighth all-around national title and becoming the most decorated U.S. gymnast in history.