January 13, 2026
Latest Inflation Data Comes in Slightly Under Expectations
“We’ve seen this movie before — inflation isn’t reheating, but it remains above target.”
Chief economic strategist at Morgan Stanley, Ellen Zentner, after the latest Consumer Price Index report showed U.S. inflation rose 2.7% year–over-year, matching the prior month’s pace and coming in slightly under expectations. Core CPI, which excludes food and energy, increased 2.6% year-over-year, also slightly under expectations.
The Consumer Price Index (CPI) tracks changes in the prices of goods and services in the U.S. — serving as a key measure of inflation. December’s data showed that the largest price increases came from shelter and food, though egg prices continued to fall. Recreation prices climbed 1.2% in December, its largest monthly increase since records began in 1993.
Learn More:
- Read the full report here
- December core consumer prices rose at a 2.6% annual rate, less than expected (CNBC)
Apple Taps Google AI for Siri Upgrades
“After careful evaluation, Apple determined that Google’s Al technology provides the most capable foundation for Apple Foundation Models.”
Apple and Google in a joint statement Monday announcing a multiyear partnership to use Google’s artificial intelligence model, Gemini, to “power future Apple Intelligence features, including a more personalized Siri.”
“The deal is another major indicator of growing trust in Google’s accelerating AI agenda and comeback against OpenAI. In 2025, the search giant logged its best year since 2009 and surpassed Apple in market capitalization last week for the first time since 2019.” (CNBC)
Learn More:
- Apple picks Google’s Gemini to run AI-powered Siri coming this year (CNBC)
- Apple picks Google to make Siri smarter (Axios)
Rare Comic Book Sells for $15 Million
“This is among the Holy Grail of comic books.”
Metropolis Collectibles/ComicConnect President Vincent Zurzolo on a rare comic book from June 1938 that introduced Superman to the world. According to The New York Times, “Action Comics No. 1 is widely considered to be the first American comic book to include superheroes and contributed to a rapid increase in the genre’s popularity in the mid-20th century.”
“Action Comics No. 1” sold for $15 million Friday to a private collector. While about 100 copies of this comic book are known to exist, thieves once stole this specific copy from the home of actor Nicolas Cage.
Learn More: Rare copy of the comic book that introduced the world to Superman sells for $15 million (Associated Press)
by Stephanie Wagner, based in Florida
