Photos of the week: 1/1 to 1/8

As we reach the end of the first week of 2016, take some time to look back at the biggest stories from the past seven days.

This week, we saw the escalation of the standoff situation at Malheur National Wildlife Refuge in Oregon, as well as the effects of El Nino on typically-dry California, and various New Year's Day celebrations from around the world. Click through the slideshow above to see photos from all of these stories and more, and be sure to check back next weekend to see our selection of the best photos from the next seven days.

More on AOL.com:
Californians finally see sun after series of El Nino storms
Officials ready to drop manatee from U.S. endangered species list
Stunning images from the world's coolest ice and snow festival