Emergency workers have repaired some of New Orleans' levees and begun pumping water out of the hurricane-ravaged area. We'll be continuing our round-up of the best blog reports and comments today.
Elsewhere Tony Blair continues his round of trade talks in China, where a group of journalists covering his visit have been injured in a road accident. Accompanying the prime minister are Sir Bobby Robson, Darcey Bussell and assorted other sports and cultural figures launching a programme of cultural exchange with China.
Here on Newsblog, Luke Harding continues his series of blogs in the run-up to Germany's general election. Today he looks at the campaign posters.
Also today, Brian Whitaker explains why the arrest of four generals in Lebanon over the assassination of former prime minister Rafik Hariri may lead to the downfall of not one Arab president, but two.
Our arts site rounds up the odds on the Mercury music prize contenders ahead of tonight's announcement of the winner.
And cricket writer Lawrence Booth is live online at 2.30pm today to discuss England's Ashes prospects. Post your questions for him here.
And get your fingers out of the office stationery drawer. There's a quiz on workplace honesty coming up later today.
