Mount Semeru, one of Indonesia's most active volcanoes, erupted on Saturday, December 4, shooting out smoldering hot ash in East Java's Lumajang district.

Rescue workers are still digging through thick layers of ash and debris to find survivors. Dozens of people have died, according to emergency responders, and thousands have been displaced.

Here are some of the other stories that made headlines over the past week, as well as some photos that caught our eye.

Elizabeth Dole, a former US senator and Bob Dole's widow, lays her head on the casket of her husband as he <a href="index.php?page=&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.cnn.com%2F2021%2F12%2F09%2Fpolitics%2Fgallery%2Fbob-dole-lies-in-state%2Findex.html" target="_blank">lies in state</a> in the Rotunda of the US Capitol on Thursday, December 9. <a href="index.php?page=&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.cnn.com%2F2021%2F12%2F05%2Fpolitics%2Fgallery%2Fbob-dole%2Findex.html" target="_blank">Bob Dole,</a> a former Senate majority leader and 1996 Republican presidential nominee, died Sunday, December 5. He was 98.
Elizabeth Dole, a former US senator and Bob Dole's widow, lays her head on the casket of her husband as he lies in state in the Rotunda of the US Capitol on Thursday, December 9. Bob Dole, a former Senate majority leader and 1996 Republican presidential nominee, died Sunday, December 5. He was 98.
Andrew Harnik/Pool/AP
A Ukrainian soldier uses a hand-held periscope to view the positions of Russian-backed forces from a building on the front line in Marinka, Ukraine, on Wednesday, December 8. <a href="index.php?page=&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.cnn.com%2F2021%2F12%2F09%2Fworld%2Fgallery%2Frussia-ukraine-border-tension%2Findex.html" target="_blank">Tensions between Ukraine and Russia</a> are high, with reports of a Russian troop build-up at the border fueling fears over Moscow's intentions.
A Ukrainian soldier uses a hand-held periscope to view the positions of Russian-backed forces from a building on the front line in Marinka, Ukraine, on Wednesday, December 8. Tensions between Ukraine and Russia are high, with reports of a Russian troop build-up at the border fueling fears over Moscow's intentions.
Brendan Hoffman/Getty Images
Abandoned cats wander in search of food at a road covered by ash and blocked by lava near a volcano on the Canary island of La Palma, Spain, on Friday, December 3.<br />
Abandoned cats wander in search of food at a road covered by ash and blocked by lava near a volcano on the Canary island of La Palma, Spain, on Friday, December 3.
Emilio Morenatti/AP
Ash Foster and his brother Cru carry their freshly harvested Christmas tree at the Sorghum Mill Christmas Tree Farm in Edmond, Oklahoma, on Saturday, December 4.
Ash Foster and his brother Cru carry their freshly harvested Christmas tree at the Sorghum Mill Christmas Tree Farm in Edmond, Oklahoma, on Saturday, December 4.
Nick Oxford/Reuters
Pope Francis celebrates Mass at GSP Stadium in Nicosia, Cyprus, on Friday, December 3. Francis is on <a href="index.php?page=&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.cnn.com%2F2021%2F12%2F02%2Feurope%2Fpope-cyprus-visit-migrants-intl%2Findex.html" target="_blank">a five-day trip</a> to Cyprus and Greece. He called on residents in Cyprus to "welcome and integrate one another," referencing the divisions that the migrant crisis has sowed on the island nation.
Pope Francis celebrates Mass at GSP Stadium in Nicosia, Cyprus, on Friday, December 3. Francis is on a five-day trip to Cyprus and Greece. He called on residents in Cyprus to "welcome and integrate one another," referencing the divisions that the migrant crisis has sowed on the island nation.
Alessandra Tarantino/AP
Former German Chancellor <a href="index.php?page=&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.cnn.com%2F2013%2F09%2F19%2Feurope%2Fgallery%2Fangela-merkel-career%2Findex.html" target="_blank">Angela Merkel</a> holds flowers as she <a href="index.php?page=&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.cnn.com%2F2021%2F12%2F08%2Feurope%2Fgermany-olaf-scholz-chancellor-inauguration-intl%2Findex.html" target="_blank">hands over the chancellery</a> to her successor, Olaf Scholz, on Wednesday, December 8, in Berlin. Merkel was Germany's first female chancellor and has dominated European politics for much of this century. But she did not seek a fifth term, and has now been replaced after 16 years in office.
Former German Chancellor Angela Merkel holds flowers as she hands over the chancellery to her successor, Olaf Scholz, on Wednesday, December 8, in Berlin. Merkel was Germany's first female chancellor and has dominated European politics for much of this century. But she did not seek a fifth term, and has now been replaced after 16 years in office.
Fabrizio Bensch/Reuters
Seattle Seahawks safety Jamal Adams is introduced before the game against the San Francisco 49ers at Lumen Field in Seattle on Sunday, December 5.
Seattle Seahawks safety Jamal Adams is introduced before the game against the San Francisco 49ers at Lumen Field in Seattle on Sunday, December 5.
Steph Chambers/Getty Images
Russian President Vladimir Putin attends <a href="index.php?page=&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.cnn.com%2Fpolitics%2Flive-news%2Fbiden-putin-call-ukraine-russia%2Findex.html" target="_blank">a virtual meeting</a> with US President Joe Biden on Tuesday, December 7, to discuss <a href="index.php?page=&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.cnn.com%2F2021%2F12%2F09%2Fworld%2Fgallery%2Frussia-ukraine-border-tension%2Findex.html" target="_blank">the escalating tensions</a> between Ukraine and Russia.
Russian President Vladimir Putin attends a virtual meeting with US President Joe Biden on Tuesday, December 7, to discuss the escalating tensions between Ukraine and Russia.
Mikhail Metzel/Sputnik/AFP/Getty Images
Jussie Smollett leaves the courthouse after his trial in Chicago on Wednesday, December 8. He is surrounded by his mother, Janet Smollett, left, and sister Jurnee Smollett. The former "Empire" actor has been <a href="index.php?page=&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.cnn.com%2Fus%2Flive-news%2Fjussie-smollett-trial-verdict-watch-12-09-21%2Findex.html" target="_blank">found guilty</a> of five counts of disorderly conduct for making false reports to police. He was acquitted on one count of felony disorderly conduct. Smollett has repeatedly denied staging an attack on himself in 2019, when he told police he was the victim of a racist and homophobic attack.
Jussie Smollett leaves the courthouse after his trial in Chicago on Wednesday, December 8. He is surrounded by his mother, Janet Smollett, left, and sister Jurnee Smollett. The former "Empire" actor has been found guilty of five counts of disorderly conduct for making false reports to police. He was acquitted on one count of felony disorderly conduct. Smollett has repeatedly denied staging an attack on himself in 2019, when he told police he was the victim of a racist and homophobic attack.
Kamil Krzaczynski/AFP/Getty Images
Athletes compete in the bike course at the Ironman 70.3 in Indian Wells, California, on Sunday, December 5.
Athletes compete in the bike course at the Ironman 70.3 in Indian Wells, California, on Sunday, December 5.
Meg Oliphant/Getty Images
Leanna Arcila, 7, is licked by Watson, a therapy dog with the Pawtucket Police Department, as she receives her Covid-19 vaccination from Eugenio Fernandez at Nathanael Greene Elementary School in Pawtucket, Rhode Island, on Tuesday, December 7.
Leanna Arcila, 7, is licked by Watson, a therapy dog with the Pawtucket Police Department, as she receives her Covid-19 vaccination from Eugenio Fernandez at Nathanael Greene Elementary School in Pawtucket, Rhode Island, on Tuesday, December 7.
David Goldman/AP
Entertainer LL Cool J points the way to US President Joe Biden at the National Christmas Tree lighting ceremony in Washington, DC, on Thursday, December 2.
Entertainer LL Cool J points the way to US President Joe Biden at the National Christmas Tree lighting ceremony in Washington, DC, on Thursday, December 2.
Andrew Caballero-Reynolds/AFP/Getty Images
Rita Sturmane sleeves red poinsettias at the Uniplumo Wyestown Nursery in Dublin, Ireland, on Friday, December 3. The traditional Christmas plants have been growing for six months and will be sold wholesale.
Rita Sturmane sleeves red poinsettias at the Uniplumo Wyestown Nursery in Dublin, Ireland, on Friday, December 3. The traditional Christmas plants have been growing for six months and will be sold wholesale.
Clodagh Kilcoyne/Reuters
At least 49 people were killed when a trailer collided with a truck and overturned in southern Mexico on Thursday, December 9, with most of the victims believed to be migrants, according to local authorities. The Civil Protection service of Chiapas state, which borders Guatemala, said at least 58 people were injured in the accident, three of them seriously.
At least 49 people were killed when a trailer collided with a truck and overturned in southern Mexico on Thursday, December 9, with most of the victims believed to be migrants, according to local authorities. The Civil Protection service of Chiapas state, which borders Guatemala, said at least 58 people were injured in the accident, three of them seriously.
Carlos Lopez/EPA-EFE/Shutterstock
A seagull feeds at a beach north of Kuwait City on Sunday, December 5.
A seagull feeds at a beach north of Kuwait City on Sunday, December 5.
Yasser Al-Zayyat/AFP/Getty Images
Mathew Barzal of the New York Islanders tosses a puck to fans during warmups before a game against the San Jose Sharks at UBS Arena in Elmont, New York, on Thursday, December 2.
Mathew Barzal of the New York Islanders tosses a puck to fans during warmups before a game against the San Jose Sharks at UBS Arena in Elmont, New York, on Thursday, December 2.
Mike Stobe/NHLI/Getty Images
A vehicle is submerged in rapids just yards from the brink of American Falls, one of three waterfalls that make up Niagara Falls, on Wednesday, December 8. An unnamed local woman in her 60s who was <a href="index.php?page=&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.cnn.com%2F2021%2F12%2F09%2Fus%2Fniagara-falls-woman-rescue%2Findex.html" target="_blank">pulled from the submerged car</a> died, New York State Park Police said.
A vehicle is submerged in rapids just yards from the brink of American Falls, one of three waterfalls that make up Niagara Falls, on Wednesday, December 8. An unnamed local woman in her 60s who was pulled from the submerged car died, New York State Park Police said.
Jeffrey T. Barnes/AP
French far-right media pundit and 2022 presidential candidate Eric Zemmour delivers a speech to supporters during a campaign rally in Villepinte, France, on Sunday, December 5.
French far-right media pundit and 2022 presidential candidate Eric Zemmour delivers a speech to supporters during a campaign rally in Villepinte, France, on Sunday, December 5.
Julien De Rosa/AFP/Getty Images
Alabama Crimson Tide quarterback Bryce Young celebrates with teammate Evan Neal after scoring a touchdown in the second quarter of the SEC Championship game at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta on Saturday, December 4. Alabama will make its seventh appearance in the <a href="index.php?page=&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.cnn.com%2F2021%2F12%2F05%2Ffootball%2Fcollege-football-playoff-teams%2Findex.html" target="_blank">College Football Playoff</a> after defeating top-ranked Georgia 41-24. Under coach Nick Saban, the Crimson Tide rolled past Ohio State last year in the national title game, earning Alabama its sixth title in 12 seasons.
Alabama Crimson Tide quarterback Bryce Young celebrates with teammate Evan Neal after scoring a touchdown in the second quarter of the SEC Championship game at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta on Saturday, December 4. Alabama will make its seventh appearance in the College Football Playoff after defeating top-ranked Georgia 41-24. Under coach Nick Saban, the Crimson Tide rolled past Ohio State last year in the national title game, earning Alabama its sixth title in 12 seasons.
Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images
A woman is vaccinated against Covid-19 at the Hillbrow Clinic in Johannesburg on Monday December 6. South African doctors say the rapid increase in Covid-19 cases attributed to the new <a href="index.php?page=&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.cnn.com%2F2021%2F12%2F07%2Fhealth%2Fomicron-variant-milder-not-yet%2Findex.html" target="_blank">Omicron variant</a> is resulting in mostly mild symptoms.
A woman is vaccinated against Covid-19 at the Hillbrow Clinic in Johannesburg on Monday December 6. South African doctors say the rapid increase in Covid-19 cases attributed to the new Omicron variant is resulting in mostly mild symptoms.
Shiraaz Mohamed/AP
A model walks the runway as the Dior Men's fashion collection is presented in London on Thursday, December 9.
A model walks the runway as the Dior Men's fashion collection is presented in London on Thursday, December 9.
Vianney Le Caer/Invision/AP
Nobel Peace Prize laureate and Filipino journalist <a href="index.php?page=&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.cnn.com%2F2020%2F06%2F17%2Fworld%2Fgallery%2Fmaria-ressa%2Findex.html" target="_blank">Maria Ressa</a> takes a selfie with the Nobel Committee and co-prize winner <a href="index.php?page=&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.cnn.com%2F2021%2F10%2F08%2Fworld%2Fgallery%2Fdmitry-muratov%2Findex.html" target="_blank">Dimitrij Muratov</a>, a Russian newspaper editor, after a news conference in Oslo on Thursday, December 9, the day before the award ceremony.
Nobel Peace Prize laureate and Filipino journalist Maria Ressa takes a selfie with the Nobel Committee and co-prize winner Dimitrij Muratov, a Russian newspaper editor, after a news conference in Oslo on Thursday, December 9, the day before the award ceremony.
Torstein Bøe/NTB/AFP/Getty Images
Young men rear their horses as they ride during stormy weather along a beach by the Mediterranean Sea in Gaza City on Wednesday, December 8.
Young men rear their horses as they ride during stormy weather along a beach by the Mediterranean Sea in Gaza City on Wednesday, December 8.
Mohammed Abed/AFP/Getty Images
Jarell Martin of the Sydney Kings is challenged by Brad Newley of Melbourne United during a National Basketball League game at Qudos Bank Arena in Sydney on Sunday, December 5.
Jarell Martin of the Sydney Kings is challenged by Brad Newley of Melbourne United during a National Basketball League game at Qudos Bank Arena in Sydney on Sunday, December 5.
Matt King/Getty Images
Surfers compete in the World Surf League Haleiwa Challenger series in Haleiwa, Hawaii, on Saturday, December 4.
Surfers compete in the World Surf League Haleiwa Challenger series in Haleiwa, Hawaii, on Saturday, December 4.
Brian Bielmann/AFP/Getty Images
Kyuta Kumagai reacts after losing in a tournament to Hisatsugu Sasaki during the All-Japan Elementary School Sumo Championship in Tokyo on Sunday, December 5.
Kyuta Kumagai reacts after losing in a tournament to Hisatsugu Sasaki during the All-Japan Elementary School Sumo Championship in Tokyo on Sunday, December 5.
Kim Kyung-Hoon/Reuters
A woman holds a photograph of Thailand's late King Bhumibol Adulyadej while waiting to catch a glimpse of King Maha Vajiralongkorn at a groundbreaking ceremony for a monument of his father in Bangkok, Thailand, on Sunday, December 5.
A woman holds a photograph of Thailand's late King Bhumibol Adulyadej while waiting to catch a glimpse of King Maha Vajiralongkorn at a groundbreaking ceremony for a monument of his father in Bangkok, Thailand, on Sunday, December 5.
Jack Taylor/AFP/Getty Images
A woman swims in the icy waters of the Irtysh River on the opening day of the winter swimming season in Omsk, Russia, on Sunday, December 5.
A woman swims in the icy waters of the Irtysh River on the opening day of the winter swimming season in Omsk, Russia, on Sunday, December 5.
Alexey Malgavko/Reuters
The Rev. Gina Stewart, left, a senior pastor at Christ Missionary Baptist Church, comforts Hatshepsut Bandele during a service in Memphis, Tennessee, on Sunday, December 5. Earlier this year, Stewart became <a href="index.php?page=&url=https%3A%2F%2Fapnews.com%2Farticle%2Freligion-1675b593ac48cd40fd15304a59ba9e1b" target="_blank" target="_blank">the first female president</a> of a major Black Baptist organization, the Lott Carey Baptist Foreign Mission Society. "Whenever a woman is placed in a role that is traditionally male, there's always some negativity that surrounds it," Stewart said, but in her first 90 days as president, she has received congratulatory calls from some male denominational leaders and support from her male predecessors, without encountering "any major resistance."
The Rev. Gina Stewart, left, a senior pastor at Christ Missionary Baptist Church, comforts Hatshepsut Bandele during a service in Memphis, Tennessee, on Sunday, December 5. Earlier this year, Stewart became the first female president of a major Black Baptist organization, the Lott Carey Baptist Foreign Mission Society. "Whenever a woman is placed in a role that is traditionally male, there's always some negativity that surrounds it," Stewart said, but in her first 90 days as president, she has received congratulatory calls from some male denominational leaders and support from her male predecessors, without encountering "any major resistance."
Karen Pulfer Focht/AP
Revelers perform during the Myths and Legends parade in Medellin, Colombia, on Wednesday, December 8.
Revelers perform during the Myths and Legends parade in Medellin, Colombia, on Wednesday, December 8.
Joaquin Sarmien/AFP/Getty Images