Dozens of people were killed last weekend after a tornado outbreak flattened homes and businesses across eight states in the Midwest and South.

Many of the victims were in western Kentucky, and US President Joe Biden traveled to the state on Wednesday to survey the damage.

"The scope and scale of this destruction is almost beyond belief. ... These tornadoes devoured everything in their path," Biden said while visiting Dawson Springs, Kentucky.

He announced that the federal government would cover 100% of the costs of emergency work for the first 30 days. That coverage includes shelter, debris removal and the cost of overtime for law enforcement and emergency personnel.

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

NBA star Stephen Curry hugs Hall of Famer Ray Allen on Tuesday, December 14, after <a href="index.php?page=&url=https%3A%2F%2Fbleacherreport.com%2Farticles%2F10020876-steph-curry-breaks-nba-3-point-record-as-warriors-take-down-knicks-at-msg" target="_blank" target="_blank">he broke Allen's record for most 3-pointers in league history.</a> Curry's Golden State Warriors were playing the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden, and the game was temporarily stopped to acknowledge the historic moment.
NBA star Stephen Curry hugs Hall of Famer Ray Allen on Tuesday, December 14, after he broke Allen's record for most 3-pointers in league history. Curry's Golden State Warriors were playing the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden, and the game was temporarily stopped to acknowledge the historic moment.
Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE/Getty Images
Hundreds of people line up at a vaccination center in Bristol, England, on Tuesday, December 14. Long lines formed across England as the government urged people to protect themselves against <a href="index.php?page=&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.cnn.com%2F2021%2F12%2F14%2Fuk%2Fuk-covid-omicron-booster-shots-tests-gbr-intl%2Findex.html" target="_blank">the Omicron coronavirus variant.</a>
Hundreds of people line up at a vaccination center in Bristol, England, on Tuesday, December 14. Long lines formed across England as the government urged people to protect themselves against the Omicron coronavirus variant.
Ben Birchall/PA/AP
People in New York City attend SantaCon, a Christmas-themed pub crawl that raises money for charity, on Saturday, December 11. SantaCon was canceled last year because of Covid-19.
People in New York City attend SantaCon, a Christmas-themed pub crawl that raises money for charity, on Saturday, December 11. SantaCon was canceled last year because of Covid-19.
David Dee Delgado/Getty Images
The setting moon is framed by Christmas lights in Lenexa, Kansas, on Thursday, December 9.
The setting moon is framed by Christmas lights in Lenexa, Kansas, on Thursday, December 9.
Charlie Riedel/AP
Smoke comes out of a house in Cap-Haitien, Haiti, after <a href="index.php?page=&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.cnn.com%2F2021%2F12%2F14%2Famericas%2Fhaiti-gasoline-tanker-explosion-intl%2Findex.html" target="_blank">a tanker carrying gasoline exploded</a> on Tuesday, December 14. At least 71 people were killed and dozens were injured. Deputy Mayor Patrick Almonor said the fuel tanker exploded after it had stopped due to mechanical issues and began leaking gas.
Smoke comes out of a house in Cap-Haitien, Haiti, after a tanker carrying gasoline exploded on Tuesday, December 14. At least 71 people were killed and dozens were injured. Deputy Mayor Patrick Almonor said the fuel tanker exploded after it had stopped due to mechanical issues and began leaking gas.
Richard Pierrin/AFP/Getty Images
Michael Strahan, the former football star who co-anchors "Good Morning America," laughs with Laura Shepard Churchley, the daughter of famous astronaut <a href="index.php?page=&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.cnn.com%2F2016%2F05%2F05%2Fus%2Fgallery%2Ftbt-alan-shepard%2Findex.html" target="_blank">Alan Shepard,</a> after <a href="index.php?page=&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.cnn.com%2Fbusiness%2Flive-news%2Fmichael-strahan-blue-origin-flight%2Findex.html" target="_blank">they flew to the edge</a> of space aboard a Blue Origin rocket on Saturday, December 11. Four paying customers joined them on the flight.
Michael Strahan, the former football star who co-anchors "Good Morning America," laughs with Laura Shepard Churchley, the daughter of famous astronaut Alan Shepard, after they flew to the edge of space aboard a Blue Origin rocket on Saturday, December 11. Four paying customers joined them on the flight.
Mario Tama/Getty Images
Bob Dole's casket is carried out of the Washington National Cathedral at the end of <a href="index.php?page=&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.cnn.com%2F2021%2F12%2F10%2Fpolitics%2Fgallery%2Fbob-dole-funeral%2Findex.html" target="_blank">his funeral service</a> on Friday, December 10. <a href="index.php?page=&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.cnn.com%2F2021%2F12%2F05%2Fpolitics%2Fgallery%2Fbob-dole%2Findex.html" target="_blank">Dole,</a> a former US senator and presidential candidate, was a Republican Party stalwart who espoused a brand of plain-spoken conservatism. He was one of Washington's most recognizable political figures throughout the latter half of the 20th century.
Bob Dole's casket is carried out of the Washington National Cathedral at the end of his funeral service on Friday, December 10. Dole, a former US senator and presidential candidate, was a Republican Party stalwart who espoused a brand of plain-spoken conservatism. He was one of Washington's most recognizable political figures throughout the latter half of the 20th century.
Stephen Voss for CNN
Tears stream down Shirley Raines' face after she was named the <a href="index.php?page=&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.cnn.com%2F2021%2F12%2F12%2Fus%2Fshirley-raines-2021-cnn-hero-of-the-year%2Findex.html" target="_blank">CNN Hero of the Year</a> on Sunday, December 12. Raines and her nonprofit <a href="index.php?page=&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.beauty2thestreetz.org%2F" target="_blank" target="_blank">Beauty 2 the Streetz</a> have been a mainstay on Los Angeles' Skid Row for the past six years, providing food, clothing, and hair and makeup services to thousands of people.
Tears stream down Shirley Raines' face after she was named the CNN Hero of the Year on Sunday, December 12. Raines and her nonprofit Beauty 2 the Streetz have been a mainstay on Los Angeles' Skid Row for the past six years, providing food, clothing, and hair and makeup services to thousands of people.
Mike Coppola/Getty Images
Formula One driver Max Verstappen, left, celebrates with his team after <a href="index.php?page=&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.cnn.com%2F2021%2F12%2F12%2Fmotorsport%2Fmax-verstappen-win-formula-1-world-title-spt-intl%2Findex.html" target="_blank">winning the world championship</a> in a dramatic — and controversial — finale on Sunday, December 12. It is the first F1 title for Verstappen, who passed Lewis Hamilton on the last lap to win. Hamilton had won the previous four championships.
Formula One driver Max Verstappen, left, celebrates with his team after winning the world championship in a dramatic — and controversial — finale on Sunday, December 12. It is the first F1 title for Verstappen, who passed Lewis Hamilton on the last lap to win. Hamilton had won the previous four championships.
Remko De Waal/ANP Sport/Getty Images
Joanna Martinez, a funeral home worker, transports a Covid-19 victim from a mobile refrigeration unit in Farmington, New Mexico, on Tuesday, December 14. <a href="index.php?page=&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.cnn.com%2Finteractive%2F2020%2Fhealth%2Fcoronavirus-maps-and-cases%2F" target="_blank">The country's Covid-19 death toll</a> just passed 800,000 people.
Joanna Martinez, a funeral home worker, transports a Covid-19 victim from a mobile refrigeration unit in Farmington, New Mexico, on Tuesday, December 14. The country's Covid-19 death toll just passed 800,000 people.
Shannon Stapleton/Reuters
Spain's Sarah Loinaz takes part in the national costume show of the Miss Universe pageant on Friday, December 10.
Spain's Sarah Loinaz takes part in the national costume show of the Miss Universe pageant on Friday, December 10.
Ariel Schalit/AP
A large pile of secondhand clothing covers the sand near the La Mula neighborhood in Alto Hospicio, Chile, on Monday, December 13. Chile is a big importer of secondhand clothing, and unsold items are dumped here.
A large pile of secondhand clothing covers the sand near the La Mula neighborhood in Alto Hospicio, Chile, on Monday, December 13. Chile is a big importer of secondhand clothing, and unsold items are dumped here.
Matias Delacroix/AP
St. Louis' Dakota Joshua falls into the net as he scores a goal against Montreal during an NHL game on Saturday, December 11.
St. Louis' Dakota Joshua falls into the net as he scores a goal against Montreal during an NHL game on Saturday, December 11.
Scott Rovak/NHLI/Getty Images
Brazilian surfer Lucas "Chumbo" Chianca rides a massive wave during a competition he won in Nazare, Portugal, on Monday, December 13.
Brazilian surfer Lucas "Chumbo" Chianca rides a massive wave during a competition he won in Nazare, Portugal, on Monday, December 13.
Octavio Passos/Getty Images
Acrobats dressed as comic book characters Deadpool and Spider-Man scale down a wall of the San Paolo hospital to surprise young patients at their windows on Wednesday, December 15, in Milan, Italy.
Acrobats dressed as comic book characters Deadpool and Spider-Man scale down a wall of the San Paolo hospital to surprise young patients at their windows on Wednesday, December 15, in Milan, Italy.
Luca Bruno/AP
Sophie Matterson and her five camels walk on the beach at Australia's Byron Bay on Friday, December 10. They had traveled across the country from its westernmost point in Shark Bay to its easternmost point in Byron Bay.
Sophie Matterson and her five camels walk on the beach at Australia's Byron Bay on Friday, December 10. They had traveled across the country from its westernmost point in Shark Bay to its easternmost point in Byron Bay.
Brook Mitchell/Getty Images
Andrew Humphrey, left, and his brothers clear debris from their destroyed home in Dawson Springs, Kentucky, on Tuesday, December 14. It was four days after <a href="index.php?page=&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.cnn.com%2F2021%2F12%2F11%2Fweather%2Fgallery%2Fmidwest-tornadoes-damage%2Findex.html" target="_blank">tornadoes devastated the area.</a>
Andrew Humphrey, left, and his brothers clear debris from their destroyed home in Dawson Springs, Kentucky, on Tuesday, December 14. It was four days after tornadoes devastated the area.
Chandan Khanna/AFP/Getty Images
Formula One driver Lewis Hamilton <a href="index.php?page=&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.cnn.com%2F2021%2F12%2F15%2Fmotorsport%2Fsir-lewis-hamilton-knighthood-f1-spt-intl%2Findex.html" target="_blank">is knighted by Britain's Prince Charles</a> at Windsor Castle on Wednesday, December 15. Hamilton, a seven-time F1 champion, was honored for his services to motorsport.
Formula One driver Lewis Hamilton is knighted by Britain's Prince Charles at Windsor Castle on Wednesday, December 15. Hamilton, a seven-time F1 champion, was honored for his services to motorsport.
Dominic Lipinski/PA/AP
A dust storm is seen in Niwot, Colorado, on Wednesday, December 15. <a href="index.php?page=&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.cnn.com%2F2021%2F12%2F15%2Fweather%2Fus-weather-wednesday%2Findex.html" target="_blank">An intense storm system</a> was moving from the Rockies into the Plains, producing severe weather, tornadoes and extreme fire danger while also bringing widespread damaging winds.
A dust storm is seen in Niwot, Colorado, on Wednesday, December 15. An intense storm system was moving from the Rockies into the Plains, producing severe weather, tornadoes and extreme fire danger while also bringing widespread damaging winds.
Kirk Fischer
Pittsburgh wide receiver Chase Claypool catches a pass over Minnesota's Patrick Peterson during an NFL game in Minneapolis on Thursday, December 9.
Pittsburgh wide receiver Chase Claypool catches a pass over Minnesota's Patrick Peterson during an NFL game in Minneapolis on Thursday, December 9.
Brace Hemmelgarn/USA TODAY Sports/Reuters
People pray by the body of police officer Rameez Ahmad during his funeral in Indian-controlled Kashmir on Tuesday, December 14. Ahmad and two other police officers were killed when gunmen fired on a bus carrying police on the outskirts of Srinagar.
People pray by the body of police officer Rameez Ahmad during his funeral in Indian-controlled Kashmir on Tuesday, December 14. Ahmad and two other police officers were killed when gunmen fired on a bus carrying police on the outskirts of Srinagar.
Dar Yasin/AP
A pedestrian walks past holiday decorations at Moscow's Zaryadye Park on Wednesday, December 15.
A pedestrian walks past holiday decorations at Moscow's Zaryadye Park on Wednesday, December 15.
Yuri Kadobnov/AFP/Getty Images
South Korean badminton players Shin Seung-chan, right, and Lee So-hee compete in a doubles match at the World Championships in Huelva, Spain, on Wednesday, December 15.
South Korean badminton players Shin Seung-chan, right, and Lee So-hee compete in a doubles match at the World Championships in Huelva, Spain, on Wednesday, December 15.
Manu Fernandez/AP
Sandile Cele, a researcher at the Africa Health Research Institute in Durban, South Africa, works on the Omicron coronavirus variant on Wednesday, December 15. <a href="index.php?page=&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.cnn.com%2F2021%2F12%2F16%2Fworld%2Fcovid-omicron-global-spread-thursday-intl%2Findex.html" target="_blank">The rapid spread of Omicron</a> has broken pandemic records and shuttered borders in several parts of the world.
Sandile Cele, a researcher at the Africa Health Research Institute in Durban, South Africa, works on the Omicron coronavirus variant on Wednesday, December 15. The rapid spread of Omicron has broken pandemic records and shuttered borders in several parts of the world.
Jerome Delay/AP
Quarterback Teddy Bridgewater kneels during a tribute to Demaryius Thomas before an NFL game in Denver on Sunday, December 12. Thomas, 33, was a former Denver wide receiver <a href="index.php?page=&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.cnn.com%2F2021%2F12%2F10%2Fus%2Fdemaryius-thomas-nfl-wide-receiver-dies%2Findex.html" target="_blank">who was found dead at his home</a> last week in Roswell, Georgia. Based on preliminary information, his death stemmed from a medical issue, Officer Tim Lupo of the Roswell Police Department said in an email to CNN.
Quarterback Teddy Bridgewater kneels during a tribute to Demaryius Thomas before an NFL game in Denver on Sunday, December 12. Thomas, 33, was a former Denver wide receiver who was found dead at his home last week in Roswell, Georgia. Based on preliminary information, his death stemmed from a medical issue, Officer Tim Lupo of the Roswell Police Department said in an email to CNN.
Matthew Stockman/Getty Images
Britain's Prince William and his wife, Catherine, vacation in Jordan along with their three children — from left, Charlotte, Louis and George. The photo, released by Kensington Palace on Friday, December 10, <a href="index.php?page=&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.cnn.com%2F2021%2F12%2F10%2Fuk%2Froyal-christmas-card-release-intl-scli-gbr%2Findex.html" target="_blank">is what the family used for this year's official Christmas card.</a>
Britain's Prince William and his wife, Catherine, vacation in Jordan along with their three children — from left, Charlotte, Louis and George. The photo, released by Kensington Palace on Friday, December 10, is what the family used for this year's official Christmas card.
The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge Handout
A US Marine and a Secret Service agent brace themselves as President Joe Biden's helicopter arrives in Wilmington, Delaware, on Friday, December 10.
A US Marine and a Secret Service agent brace themselves as President Joe Biden's helicopter arrives in Wilmington, Delaware, on Friday, December 10.
Tom Brenner/The New York Times/Redux
Bill the Goat, the mascot of the US Naval Academy, takes a midshipman's hat before Navy's college football game against Army on Saturday, December 11.
Bill the Goat, the mascot of the US Naval Academy, takes a midshipman's hat before Navy's college football game against Army on Saturday, December 11.
Matt Rourke/AP
Miami's Dewayne Dedmon dunks the ball during an NBA game in Philadelphia on Wednesday, December 15.
Miami's Dewayne Dedmon dunks the ball during an NBA game in Philadelphia on Wednesday, December 15.
Chris Szagola/AP
A Ukrainian serviceman walks out of a dugout on the front line with Russia-backed separatists near the village of Pesky on Tuesday, December 14. <a href="index.php?page=&url=http%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 at their highest in years.
A Ukrainian serviceman walks out of a dugout on the front line with Russia-backed separatists near the village of Pesky on Tuesday, December 14. Tensions between Ukraine and Russia are at their highest in years.
Anatolii Stepanov/AFP/Getty Images
Swiss skier Corinne Suter competes in a super-G race during a World Cup event in St. Moritz, Switzerland, on Sunday, December 12.
Swiss skier Corinne Suter competes in a super-G race during a World Cup event in St. Moritz, Switzerland, on Sunday, December 12.
Fabrice Coffrini/AFP/Getty Images
People watch a traditional mud-wrestling bout in Kabul, Afghanistan, on Friday, December 10.
People watch a traditional mud-wrestling bout in Kabul, Afghanistan, on Friday, December 10.
Ahmad Sahel Arman/AFP/Getty Images
Nic Maddinson, a cricketer with the Melbourne Renegades, drops a catch during a Big Bash League match against the Brisbane Heat on Monday, December 13.
Nic Maddinson, a cricketer with the Melbourne Renegades, drops a catch during a Big Bash League match against the Brisbane Heat on Monday, December 13.
Chris Hyde/Getty Images
Anti-vaccination demonstrators stand in front of a water cannon during clashes with police in Luxembourg on Saturday, December 11.
Anti-vaccination demonstrators stand in front of a water cannon during clashes with police in Luxembourg on Saturday, December 11.
Aris Oikonomou/AFP/Getty Images
William Henley hugs his 3-year-old granddaughter, Anna Faith Cissell, on Wednesday, December 15. It was their first hug since a tornado devastated the Kentucky town of Mayfield last week.
William Henley hugs his 3-year-old granddaughter, Anna Faith Cissell, on Wednesday, December 15. It was their first hug since a tornado devastated the Kentucky town of Mayfield last week.
Adrees Latif/Reuters
This aerial photo, taken on Saturday, December 11, shows a car driving to the Vizzavona mountain pass on the French Mediterranean island of Corsica. <a href="index.php?page=&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.cnn.com%2F2021%2F12%2F09%2Fworld%2Fgallery%2Fphotos-this-week-december-2-december-9%2Findex.html" target="_blank">See last week in 31 photos.</a>
This aerial photo, taken on Saturday, December 11, shows a car driving to the Vizzavona mountain pass on the French Mediterranean island of Corsica. See last week in 31 photos.
Pascal Pochard-Casabianca/AFP/Getty Images