Republicans in the US Senate have blocked legislation that would bring in tougher border restrictions and grant a $118bn foreign aid package. Sam Fenwick looks at why the major bipartisan deal which took months to negotiate was voted down.

Also we find out if Australian consumers are paying too much for their groceries and childcare.

There is tough competition in online retail as Alibaba loses market share to two of its major rivals. We hear who they are and why they are having so much success.

Sam Fenwick is joined throughout the programme by two guests: Sergio Guzman, in Bogotá, Colombia's where he runs his own risk analysis company and Karen Percy in Adelaide, Australia a freelance reporter, formerly of the Australian Broadcasting Corporation.

(Picture: The United States Capitol Building, the seat of Congress, on the National Mall in Washington, D.C. Credit: Getty)