The deficit for the first six months of this fiscal year hit $1.7 trillion as stimulus cheques turbo-charged spending.
Philippine president, who has not been vaccinated against COVID-19, resumes weekly address to dismiss health rumours.
Conservative former banker Guillermo Lasso won a surprise victory in polls that came amid COVID and economic crises.
Three countries reach bilateral agreements with the new Biden administration as the flow of migrants surges.
Former ambassador Gina Abercrombie-Winstanley will oversee diversity and inclusion at the State Department.