Darling comments centre of attention

Alistair Darling's exclusive interview in the Guardian is big enough for the Daily Telegraph to lead with too.

In the Guardian, he says the economy is at a 60-year low and it will get worse, and he is extremely critical of the government's "lacklustre" performance.

Mr Darling does not expect a reshuffle but he says some people in his party have been trying to undermine him.

That is a comment which the Telegraph says will be widely interpreted as a sideswipe at the prime minister.

Historic race

The Times leads with the choice of Sarah Palin to be John McCain's running mate in the US presidential election.

It says it makes the race even more historically charged - for the first time either a black man will be president or a woman vice-president.

The Daily Express says she is the glamorous mum who could steal the show from Barack Obama.

The Sun says Mr McCain's shrewd choice could pinch the youth vote - she is 44, Mr Obama is 47.

Sporting plans

The Independent reports that Olympic organisers of the London 2012 Games are considering opening and closing ceremonies across the capital.

The paper says it is an alternative to the spectacular ceremonies that marked the start and end of the Beijing Games.

The Daily Mail says youngsters will get free training in the sport of their choice under a £36m scheme.

Ministers hope sports coaches will be also be able to pick out Olympic stars of the future, the paper adds.

Weather woes

For those in any doubt, says the Times, the release of official figures proves this summer has been one of the wettest and dullest on record.

And it is about to get even worse with dramatic thunder and lightning storms expected on Sunday, it warns.

The Daily Telegraph says the wet could lead to rising bread prices because famers have been unable to harvest.

Wildlife experts have also warned that butterfly numbers could drop to their lowest summer level, the paper adds.