The economy, inflation and how those forces could impact the lives of Americans were front and center over the past week. Trips to the grocery store or gas station are more painful than they were last year, and rising costs are impacting the decisions of both households and businesses. Here’s a snapshot of prominent economic data and news that occurred over the past week and what it potentially means for you. Key inflation gauge worsens, reaches highest level in 3 years A key inflation gauge that is monitored closely by the Federal Reserve accelerated in April to the highest level in three years, squeezing Americans’ finances and creating political challenges for President Trump and congressional Republicans with midterm elections just five months away. Inflation jumped to 3.8% in April compared with a year ago, the Commerce Department said Thursday, up from 3.5% in March and the highest since May 2023.…