It's officially 2024 in the beginning of a big year in American politics.

How will the economy, immigration, abortion rights, two ongoing wars,

and looming criminal trials for the leading Republican

candidates shaped this year's presidential election. I'm Rob Schmitz and this is

up first from NPR News. The U.S. economy performed better last year than many people expected.

Economic forecasters now say slower growth and lower inflation is on the way.

If you're a long-term investor, it's braced for some volatility.

I think the market's naive.

How much stock should you put into this economic outlook for 2024?

Plus, many climate-focused companies that work on everything from detecting fires to looking

for lithium are embracing artificial intelligence.

How's it working so far?

Stay with us.

We'll give you the news you need to start your day. There is no doubt 2024 will be a consequential year in politics.

There's going to be a presidential election with starkly different visions for the country on how to

handle everything from the economy to immigration and abortion rights and

criminal trials are looming for one of those potential candidates here to walk us through the biggest political questions of 2024

is NPR Senior Political Editor and Correspondent Domenico Montonaro Hey

Dominico.

Hey Rob.

So let's start with the Republican primary. What will you be looking for as the nominating contest start?

Well, I mean the big question for me in this primary is whether Nicki Haley or Ron DeSantis can actually give former President Trump a real run for this

...