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What We Are Following in the News

Four of Washington state's 10 largest craft breweries reported falling sales in 2024, with another stuck at zero growth, according to Brewers Association data. https://buff.ly/QiGz3Fe

Mortgage rates fall for fifth straight week, lowest since mid-April. Average rate on the benchmark 30-year fixed mortgage fell to 6.67%, says Freddie Mac. https://buff.ly/m5TssAA

Coresight Research found that looming tariffs were leading shoppers to make back-to-school purchases before August — another incentive for retailers to lean into discounts this summer. Back to school spending expected +3.3% YoY. https://buff.ly/9BwhghZ

President Donald Trump rattled a new market Tuesday in his ongoing global trade war, announcing plans to implement a 50% levy on copper. The statement predictably sent copper futures in New York surging to their largest intraday gain in decades. https://buff.ly/mBgqgHs

More executives have been incorporating hot yoga into the working day. Enthusiasts say high-temperature sessions sharpen focus, improve health and offer a chance to build contacts. Is the yoga studio the next hot place for networking? https://buff.ly/5XKDjOp

TikTok’s e-commerce division lays off 65 Bellevue employees. TikTok is at least the second tech company in Washington to announce layoffs this year and is on the heels of larger cuts at Microsoft. https://buff.ly/hVSSpdG