Again, Leah Sharibu’s mother begs for her release

Cuban authorities launch a national campaign to vaccinate children aged two to 18 against Covid-19. With the Delta variant spreading across the island of 11.2 million, the country's health care system has been pushed to the brink, and the government says it will only gradually re-open schools for in-person instruction in October after the vaccination campaign among children is completed.

The US government has predicted that climate change will exacerbate geopolitical tensions around the world in a series of new reports. The assessments also highlight how global warming will drive mass migration.

Despite a rise in infections, the parties set to form a new government want to end the national state of emergency. But Germany should not yet expect a "freedom day."

Japan is holding a parliamentary election, which is the first big test for the new prime minister. A poor showing for the ruling party could threaten a return to the country's history of revolving-door premiership.

Here are a few reasons to pick up a copy of The Guardian on Wednesday. Find these stories and much more when you grab a copy of The Guardian on Wednesday.⁣⁣⁣

Religious and political leaders branded the march in the central city of Kalisz a vehicle for hate that did not add to the patriotism of the celebration. Israel called for its organizers to be brought to justice.

A fourth wave of COVID infections has seen case numbers reach record levels in Germany. The health minister has said a lockdown "can't be ruled out."

American-born entertainer-turned-resistance fighter and civil rights activist Josephine Baker is the latest to get the ultimate recognition from the French state: entombment in the Pantheon. That begs the questions: what does it take to be a national hero in France?

German jihadist Nils D. has been found guilty of torturing a man to death while serving as guard at an "Islamic State" prison.

Barbados declared hit singer Rihanna a national hero at its republican celebrations in her hometown of Bridgetown. Prime Minister Mia Mottley announced that the 33-year-old would be conferred with the honor of National Hero of Barbados to cheers. Rihanna was called up before the crowds to be congratulated by Mottley.

In his seventh collaboration with actress Penélope Cruz, Pedro Almodóvar focuses on two very different experiences of motherhood. Critic Lisa Nesselson tells us why "Parallel Mothers" draws some outstanding performances and how society seems to be catching up with Almodóvar's explorations of the diversity of the human condition.

France's Mercantour National Park is a green sanctuary at the heart of the Alps. It's best known for being one of the wildest in France and having one of the most varied landscapes. Its unique location, near the French Riviera, brings Mediterranean touches to these Alpine mountains. This area is also where the wolf returned to France from Italy in 1992. We take a closer look at this sanctuary for wildlife.