A giant tree that towered over Sierra Leone's capital for centuries and symbolized freedom to its early residents crashed down overnight during a heavy rainstorm.

In our US midterms special, we bring you reactions from the US print and illustrated press as results come in from the polls. The "red wave" that Republicans had anticipated has so far only been evident in Florida, where the local press headlined on a "GOP rout" because of decisive Republican victories in the races for House, Senate and governor.

The prime ministers of both countries witnessed the signing of the deal in a virtual ceremony. Australia wants to curb dependence on China as its largest trading partner.

President Joe Biden has at last made lynchings in the United States a federal hate crime after more than a hundred years of delays.

When it comes to the nuclear talks between Iran and the West, no country watches as closely as Israel. Conflict Zone talks to Israel's former defense minister, Moshe Yaalon, who says the nuclear agreement was a mistake and a missed opportunity.

The Pharaohs of Egypt claimed the enormous scalp of the Ivory Coast as they won their last 16 clash on spot kicks 5-4 in Douala on Wednesday evening. Eric Bailly missed the crucial spot kick for the Elephants while star man, Mohamed Salah converted to send his team through. The second game was almost a carbon-copy with no goals scored over 120 minutes between Mali and Equatorial Guinea. But it was the Northern Thunder who won 6-5 on penalties after Mali's, Falaye Sacko had his effort saved.

Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison and South Korean President Moon Jae-in have signed a defense deal worth 1 billion Australian dollars as the two countries mark 60 years of diplomatic relations.

For two months, Yunior Consuegra, 24, has been locked up along with hundreds of others arrested at historic anti-government protests in Cuba on July 11. His mother, Mayda Yudit Sotolongo, has seen him only once, and is beside herself with worry.

If you missed the Golden Globes, then this is for you!⁣ Here is a roundup of the historic moments from the 2021 Golden Globes.

The UK's papers mark a grim milestone after it becomes the first nation in Europe to lose more than 100,000 people to Covid-19. In India, papers are divided over farmers' disruption of Republic Day celebrations. The Hindustan Times says protesters have discredited their movement, but the Deccan Chronicle says they showed that India's national holiday belongs "as much to the people as to the state." We also look at an overdue change in Nigeria's defence leadership and a plan to cull grey squirrels in the UK by putting them on birth control.

The EU's parting from the UK was "such sweet sorrow," said Ursula von der Leyen, using a Shakespeare quote in an emotional speech.

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