The US job market will be in focus this week.

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The US job market will be in focus this week.

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Sunday 01.30.22

The winter storm that hit the Northeast could result in higher heating bills. Demand for natural gas, one of the most popular ways to heat homes in the US, likely rose as people cranked up their heat. And with natural gas production maxed out, prices have no where to go but up. Here's what you need to know to Start Your Week Smart.

By Alexandra Meeks

People shoveling outside of the Davis Square MBTA station in Somerville, Massachusetts.

The worst of the nor'easter that dumped record snowfall in parts of the East Coast has passed, but "dangerously cold" wind chills were set to stick around in some areas this morning. More than 3,500 flights were canceled yesterday and thousands remain without power.
North Korea fired what is presumed to be its longest range ballistic missile since 2017, an escalation of its weapons program and a possible sign of larger tests to come.
Former President Donald Trump teased a 2024 presidential run during a rally in Texas yesterday and said he would consider pardoning those who were charged in connection with the deadly attack on the US Capitol if he wins the White House again.
The US has seen indications that Russia has positioned blood supplies near Ukraine's borders, two senior US defense officials told CNN yesterday, as part of its accumulation of medical supplies, troops and military equipment in the area that could signal plans for an invasion.
Ashleigh Barty won the Australian Open women's final yesterday to become the first Australian to win the women's singles title since 1978. (The men's final between Rafael Nadal and Daniil Medvedev was still being played at the time this newsletter was sent.)

TUESDAY

Happy Lunar New Year! Today is China's biggest holiday. Every year, hundreds of millions of people pour onto trains, buses and planes to see their families. And yet again, Covid-19 restrictions are making travel difficult, with officials discouraging such trips to curb the spread of the virus.

Today also marks the beginning of Black History Month, a federally recognized holiday in the US honoring the contributions and achievements of Black people in history.

WEDNESDAY

Today is Groundhog Day – the day Punxsutawney Phil in Pennsylvania makes his prediction for the arrival of spring. According to the tradition, If Phil sees his shadow when he emerges, there will be six more weeks of winter. If he doesn't, spring will arrive soon. After the weekend the Northeast has had, let's hope Phil has a shadow-free morning.

THURSDAY

A 555.55-carat black diamond believed to have come from space is going up for auction today at Sotheby's in Dubai. The rare gem, dubbed "The Enigma," is believed to have been created by a meteoric impact or from a diamond-bearing asteroid that collided with Earth. The auction house is expecting it to fetch as much as $6.8 million.

FRIDAY

Wall Street will be closely watching the January employment report today. The US added just 199,000 jobs in December -- the fewest of any month in 2021 -- sparking fears that the jobs recovery may be losing steam.

Today is also World Cancer Day, a global initiative that brings together individuals, organizations and governments around the world in an effort to create awareness and help close the gap in cancer care.

Want more 5 Things? This week on the Sunday edition of the 5 Things podcast, CNN International Correspondent Selina Wang previews the Winter Olympics in Beijing, which is set to get underway this week amid ongoing Omicron fears and geopolitical tensions. Listen here!

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The Rev. Canon Michael Smith lights candles in York, England, last week in preparation for Holocaust Memorial Day. Check out more moving, fascinating and thought-provoking images from the week that was, curated by CNN Photos.

David Letterman set to return to 'Late Night'

Current host Seth Myers says Letterman is returning to the show he launched back in 1982 for its 40th anniversary. Letterman is scheduled to appear on Tuesday, February 1.

'Janet Jackson' airs on Lifetime and A&E
A new Janet Jackson documentary premiered over the weekend, and while the singer gave a documentary crew access for five years, CNN's Brian Lowery says the end result "feels too conspicuously like a licensed product," that addresses some uncomfortable parts of her biography while sidestepping others.

The NFL conference championships kick off later today

The Cincinnati Bengals take on the Kansas City Chiefs at 3 p.m. ET today in the AFC Championship Game.

The San Francisco 49ers will face the Los Angeles Rams at 6:30 p.m. ET in the NFC Championship Game.

Winners go to Super Bowl LVI in Los Angeles on Sunday, February 13.

Light the Torch!
The Winter Olympics in Beijing begin on Friday with the opening ceremonies. Nearly 3,000 athletes will compete in 15 disciplines across 109 events, lasting until the closing ceremonies on February 20. Organizers have set an extremely strict standard of Covid-19 prevention and control measures, most notably a "closed loop system" -- a bubble completely cut off from the rest of the city.

Take CNN's weekly news quiz to see how much you remember from the week that was! So far, 40% of fellow quiz fans have gotten an 8 out of 10 or better this week. How well can you do?

Brought to you by CNN Underscored

20 things our editors tested and loved in January

Our team of shopping experts is constantly testing out the newest tech, the latest lifestyle gear, trending beauty launches and more. But in the last month, these are the 20 products that we tested and absolutely loved.

Adele does it again.

This chaotic yet insanely elegant music video set to her new song "Oh My God" is a masterpiece and a whirlwind of emotions. See for yourself. (Click here to view)

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