Just as now, some in the 1930s feared that unemployment would remain stubbornly high, permanently; the response 80 years ago was the New Deal.

Confronting Old Problem May Require a New Deal

Among the Super Bowl commercials is a sequel to a Cheerios ad that received baldly racist online condemnation for the interracial family at its heart.

An American Family Returns to the Table

The name identifies Turkey, Brazil, India, South Africa and Indonesia as economies too dependent on skittish foreign investment to finance their growth ambitions.

‘Fragile Five’ Is the Latest Club of Emerging Nations in Turmoil

Islamist rebels and extremists are using oil and gas proceeds to underwrite their fights against one another as well as President Bashar al-Assad, American officials said.

Rebels in Syria Claim Control of Resources

A unionization drive has drawn national attention as business groups worry about organized labor’s efforts to gain its first foothold at a foreign-owned automobile plant in the South.

Outsiders, Not Auto Plant, Battle U.A.W. in Tennessee

Mr. Seeger sang until his voice wore out, and then he kept on singing, decade upon decade.

Using His Voice to Bring Out a Nation’s

President Obama’s embrace of executive orders may be the only route available given deep hostility in Congress, but only so much can be delivered if legislation is not passed.

Hardened, Obama Strikes Tough Tone for Modest Agenda

France, known as a world capital of gastronomy, is considering a consumer protection law that would require restaurants to designate fresh dishes as homemade.

In France, a Battle to Keep Menus Fresh

The N.F.L. may have built a fan-dazzling roadway in Midtown Manhattan called Super Bowl Boulevard, but the big game, and some of the big names, remain west of the Hudson.

Super Bowl Fans, Do Not Forget: It’s New Jersey

The opera “Brokeback Mountain,” based on the short story by Annie Proulx, opened at the Teatro Real in Madrid.

Operatic Cowboys in Love, Onstage

President Obama began a two-day, four-state tour to build support for a series of executive actions on wages, retirement and education.

Touring States, Obama Pushes Modest Agenda

A race for governor has led to second-guessing over the candidate’s biographical omissions and has sparked a debate about a woman’s balance of work, ambition and parenthood.

Life Story of Wendy Davis Swings From Strength to Flash Point in Texas Campaign

In a unanimous decision, the Federal Reserve said it would pull back on its stimulus program by another $10 billion, pointing to an improving economy.

Citing Growth, Fed Again Cuts Monthly Bond Purchases

A restaurant crawl across the capital reveals a tasty mix of locally sourced ingredients, Irish classics and contemporary takes on the country’s cuisine.

Dining in Dublin, From Boxty to Blaa

Though not a total financial loss, the announced sale of the smartphone unit for $2.91 billion, less than two years after Google paid $12.5 billion for it, is a sign of fits and starts at the company in the mobile age.

After Big Bet, Google Is to Sell Motorola Unit

Book the Writer, a new service, brings authors to book clubs.

Be Careful at the Book Club, the Author Might Be There

Experts say the results of a major new study may reshape approaches to combating the nation’s obesity epidemic, suggesting that efforts must start much earlier and focus more on the children at greatest risk.

Obesity Is Found to Gain Its Hold in Earliest Years

The social networking giant reported that 53 percent of its advertising revenue in the fourth quarter came from mobile devices.

Big Profit at Facebook as It Tilts to Mobile

“American Idol,” now old enough to have the children of earlier contestants performing, tries to maintain its relevance and vitality.

‘American Idol,’ at 13, Is Trying to Stay Relevant

Emerging markets are heavily exposed to any economic slowdown in China, but the most vulnerable producers may be the mines and farms in China itself.

As China’s Economy Slows, the Pain Hits Home

Will Alfonso Cuarón’s deep dive into space, David O. Russell’s ’70s nostalgia or Steve McQueen’s history capture the Academy Award?

Which Vision for Oscar?

For those attending benefits, their sense of having arrived is seldom in doubt.

On Any Given Night Out

The Seahawks and the Broncos are carrying the flag for Nike in the Super Bowl. Here, Marshawn Lynch in a Seahawks uniform designed by Nike.

Anything but Uniform

The Force, new from Fitbit, opens a window on your exercise habits. But it still requires a good bit of work from you.

Personal Trainer, Worn on a Wrist

Quotation of the day for Wednesday, January 29, 2014.

Quotation of the Day for Wednesday, January 29, 2014

The Rojava Conflict, also known as the Rojava Revolution, is a political upheaval and military conflict taking place in northern Syria, known among Kurds as Western Kurdistan or Rojava.

Rojava conflict: The Afrin Canton declares its autonomy from the Syrian Arab Republic.

January 29, 2014

Headlines from January 29, 2014

Confronting Old Problem May Require a New Deal

An American Family Returns to the Table

‘Fragile Five’ Is the Latest Club of Emerging Nations in Turmoil

Rebels in Syria Claim Control of Resources

Outsiders, Not Auto Plant, Battle U.A.W. in Tennessee

Billboard 200

High Hopes

Frozen

Kidz Bop 25

Beyonce

That Girl

Historical Events

Historical Context for January 29, 2014