Congressional staffers are scrambling to save family vacations, destination weddings, mission trips and more as desperate constituents flood Capitol Hill with pleas for help in dealing with unprecedented passport delays.
Why it matters: Many U.S. Senate and House offices that typically help a couple dozen Americans expedite passports each year have juggled hundreds to thousands of cases this year — and appeals for help have soared in the summer travel season.
Dozens of rifles, thousands of rounds of ammunition and other military equipment donated to Ukraine in the early months of Russia's invasion were stolen last year, according to a Pentagon report.
Why it matters: The thefts by crime groups and volunteer fighters were ultimately disrupted by Ukraine's security service and the military hardware was recovered, the Defense Department initially struggled to track and monitor all the equipment it donated to Ukraine, as required by law.
The first line of Latina dolls to be sold by major U.S. retailers is scheduled to hit the shelves next month amid a renewed love affair with all-things "Barbie."
Why it matters: Diverse toys are important because they are learning instruments that can help develop self-esteem, problem-solving skills and positive interactions with others.