Retail relief

Retail and food-service sales grew by a minuscule 0.1 percent in April, the Commerce Department said, partially reversing a decline in March. The figure was up 3.7 percent from a year ago.

Verizon cash

Verizon Wireless said in a filing that it will distribute $7 billion to its owners, Verizon Communications and UK-based Vodafone Group, on June 25.

Fab addition

John Coffey, a former candidate for New York attorney general, has joined the legal team of Fabrice Tourre, the former Goldman Sachs vice president accused of defrauding investors. Tourre’s trial is scheduled for July.

Penney up

JCPenney shares rose 2.9 percent to $18.24 after Cleveland Research analysts said deeper promotions this month have increased sales by bringing in more shoppers.

Revel-ation

A bankruptcy court judge approved Atlantic City casino Revel’s Chapter 11 reorganization plan, which wipes out $1.2 billion in debt, provides new money for it to operate, and grants an 82 percent stake to lenders.