Firefighters in Rouen, France, successfully extinguished a blaze at the city's medieval cathedral, which is renowned for its historical significance and was a favorite subject of Impressionist artist Claude Monet. Eyewitness accounts captured dramatic footage of smoke billowing from the cathedral's spire around midday. Fortunately, authorities reported only minor damage, and the cause of the fire remains under investigation. The incident drew comparisons to the devastating 2019 fire at Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris, which is set to reopen in December following extensive restoration.

Meanwhile, the remnants of Hurricane Beryl have wreaked havoc in Vermont, where torrential rains have resulted in at least one fatality and over 100 rescues. Some areas experienced more than six inches of rainfall, transforming roads into rivers and causing significant damage to homes and businesses. Local residents expressed shock at the extent of the flooding, recalling similar catastrophic conditions from the previous year.

In Texas, the aftermath of Hurricane Beryl continues to affect residents, with energy officials reporting that approximately 500,000 customers are still without power. The hurricane knocked out electricity for 2.7 million homes and businesses when it made landfall as a Category 1 storm. Frustration is mounting over the slow pace of power restoration efforts.

In political news, the U.S. House of Representatives rejected a Republican proposal to hold Attorney General Merrick Garland in contempt for not providing recordings related to President Biden's classified documents case. The measure, which sought to impose a daily fine of $10,000 on Garland, was defeated with support from four Republicans alongside all Democrats. This marks the latest in a series of contentious efforts by GOP members regarding Garland's compliance with congressional inquiries.