Number 1... The U.S. Small Business Administration says it's granting an administrative disaster declaration for businesses impacted by the R.M. Palmer factory explosion in West Reading. The program provides low-interest loans of up to two-million dollars for small businesses and private, nonprofits to help them meet financial obligations and operating expenses.
Number 2...City officials say demolition has begun on an historic landmark in Reading. The former East End Athletic Association clubhouse, also known as the Mineral Spring Hotel, was damaged by fire in March. The city-owned building had been vacant since the club was evicted in 2017. It relocated to a building on Laurel Street. Reading fire Chief James Stoudt says the cause of the fire remains undetermined.
Number 3... More than two-thousand heat records have been broken across the southern half of the U.S. this summer. Forecasters say the heat dome is expanding in Texas and in the Southwest. Triple-digit temperatures are expected to continue into next week and beyond.