The consumer price index rose 3.4% in April from a year ago, Labor Department data showed, as core prices, excluding volatile food and energy items, climbed 3.6%, the lowest increase since April 2021. Both results were in line with expectations. On a monthly basis, the CPI increased 0.3% from March, slightly below the Dow Jones estimate of 0.4%.

The National Association of Wholesaler-Distributors is among nearly a dozen trade associations that filed amicus briefs in support of a lawsuit challenging the Federal Trade Commission's noncompete clause ban. "The FTC's proposal ignores the fact that there are clear benefits to limited, targeted non-compete clauses for both employers and employees. Non-competes ensure wholesaler-distributors can protect proprietary information and important business relationships while investing in their workforce, providing upward mobility for employees, and ensuring high wages and generous benefits," says Alex Hendrie, NAW's associate vice president of government relations.

US retail sales were flat in April compared with the prior month, and the March sales data was revised downward from a 0.7% gain to 0.6%, according to the Commerce Department. Sales increased 3% from a year earlier. Excluding auto sales and gas, sales declined 0.1%, while electronics stores and clothing and accessories sales posted gains.

More than half of US supply chain executives list sustainability as a key investment, according to a survey from Blue Yonder, with 41% also listing AI as a priority for investment. "AI adoption will continue to grow at a rapid pace in the supply chain with companies looking to drive efficiencies, reduce risk and take advantage of otherwise hidden opportunities," said Andrea Morgan-Vandome, chief innovation officer at Blue Yonder.

Smart warehouses can streamline supply chains, gather real-time data and adapt to changing conditions with technology, including radio-frequency identification tags for accurate inventory tracking, sensors and actuators for increased visibility and automation, robotics and predictive analytics, writes John Funk, an inbound marketing specialist for SevenAtoms. Other smart warehouse technology includes 5G connectivity to connect internet of things devices, a robust warehouse management system, energy management and augmented and virtual reality technologies, Funk writes.

Purdue University researchers and the Indiana Department of Transportation are exploring how electric vehicles including Class 8 trucks can be wirelessly charged on roadways, a move that would reduce battery size and lower the cost of electric trucks. A quarter mile of US Highway 231 in West Lafayette, Ind., is being tested with the wireless charging technology.

Business-to-business content marketing is more important than ever as 75% of buyers prefer seeking information themselves, rather than via salespeople, writes Bonnie Moss, president and founder of Moss Networks. Moss outlines four ways B2B marketers can create and deliver the right content, from messaging that speaks to a large, diverse buying committee to thought leadership that builds brand reputation.

Recent inflation reports have come in higher than expected, meaning that the Federal Reserve will "need to be patient and let restrictive policy do its work," said Fed Chair Jerome Powell. Powell indicated that he expects inflation to ease further but that his confidence in that outlook "is not as high as it was."

Saying tasks are not your job or are above or below your pay grade undermines your career trajectory by earning you a reputation for not taking on challenging roles or trying to solve problems, writes Shari Harley, the founder and president of Candid Culture. Instead, look for ways to improve processes, prevent a pending crisis or do the right thing even if it's difficult to show that you want the best for your co-workers and company, Harley recommends.

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