WASHINGTON (AP) — Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has asked the Army’s top uniformed officer to step down, the Pentagon said Thursday without giving a reason for the departure as the United States wages a war against Iran.
Gen. Randy George “will be retiring from his position as the 41st Chief of Staff of the Army effective immediately,” said Sean Parnell, the Pentagon’s top spokesman. George has held the post of Army chief of staff, which typically runs for four years, since August 2023 under the Biden administration.
The ouster, reported earlier by CBS News, is just the latest of more than a dozen firings of top generals and admirals by Hegseth since he took office last year. Like many of those other firings, Pentagon officials are not offering a reason for George’s departure, which comes nearly five weeks into U.S.-Israeli attacks on Iran and with no clear timeline from President Donald Trump on when the war may end.
George is a graduate of West Point Military Academy and an infantry officer who served in the first Gulf War as well as Iraq and Afghanistan. He also served as Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin’s top military aide from 2021 to 2022 during the Biden administration before taking on top leadership roles in the Army.
Advertisement
George made it through the initial round of firings under the Trump administration in February 2025, when Hegseth removed top military leaders, including Adm. Lisa Franchetti, the Navy’s top uniformed officer, and Gen. Jim Slife, the No. 2 leader at the Air Force. Trump also fired Gen. Charles “CQ” Brown Jr. as chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff.
Among these departures was George’s deputy, Gen. James Mingus, who was in the post of vice chief of staff of the Army for less than two years when Trump suddenly nominated Lt. Gen. Christopher LaNeve for the position. LaNeve was then serving as Hegseth’s top military aide, having been plucked for that post from commanding the Eighth Army in South Korea after less than a year in the job.
LaNeve will be stepping in as acting Army chief of staff, according to a Pentagon official, who spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss the move before it has been announced. It is a meteoric rise for an officer who was only a two-star general two years ago.
Advertisement
A spokesman for George could not be immediately reached for comment.
___
This story has been corrected to show that Gen. Jim Slife’s name was misspelled Silfe.
The facilities in Church Street, Norton have closed after basins were ripped from the walls and the facilities flooded.
The vandalism has been condemned by Cllr Keane Duncan, who is working with North Yorkshire Council and Norton Town Council to safeguard the future of the facilities after persistent vandalism.
Cllr Duncan said: “I’m so disappointed to report yet more mindless vandalism at Norton’s toilets. The facilities have been targeted a number of times now, but this is the worst damage we have seen.
Advertisement
“Operatives from the council found wash basins ripped from the wall, and a toilet cistern damaged in such a way that water was shooting up to the ceiling, leading to the toilets to be flooded.
“The facilities are currently unable to open until the council can make repairs. The police are aware and investigating. There is CCTV at the toilets and I am very keen for this to be reviewed in an attempt to identify who may be responsible.
“At a time when our toilets have already been under threat from charging and closures, further vandalism is yet another blow that I fear could lead to permanent closure of the facilities.
“I feel very strongly that we should not give in to a minority by closing these facilities permanently. We should identify who is responsible and ensure they are the ones punished, not the wider community by denying access to important facilities.”
Advertisement
The latest vandalism is thought to have happened on Saturday morning (March 28). Anyone with information should report this to North Yorkshire Police quoting the following reference number: NYP-28032026-0379
Derek Chisora and Deontay Wilder face one another at the O2 Arena in London this weekend, with the fight potentially the last of both men’s illustrious careers.
Chisora, now 42, has already promised to hang up the gloves following this bout, but will hope to chalk up one last win over another legend of the sport in Wilder.
The American has won only two of his last six bouts, taking his career record to 36-13, though he got back to winning ways last time out after knocking out Tyrrell Anthony Herndon in seven rounds.
The form which established him as one of the world’s top heavyweights in bygone years has plainly slipped, with his once imperious slugging now fading and his killer instincts dulled by age.
Advertisement
And Chisora comes into the bout on a high, having won each of his last three fights, a run which has admittedly come over the course of three years and followed a spell of one win in four.
Here is everything you need to know ahead of fight night…
Chisora vs Wilder fight date and venue
Derek Chisora vs Deontay Wilder takes place on Saturday April 4, 2026, at the O2 Arena in London, England.
Advertisement
Legends: Derek Chisora and Deontay Wilder
Getty Images
Chisora vs Wilder fight time and ring walks
Saturday’s undercard begins at 7pm GMT (2pm ET and 11am PT), with the main event expected to get underway after ring walks at approximately 10.25pm (5.25pm ET and 2.25pm PT).
Advertisement
How to watch Chisora vs Wilder
TV channel and live stream: Chisora vs Wilder is being broadcast live and exclusively in the UK via DAZN.
It is part of the regular DAZN subscription and through their pay-per-view service, with a pass available for £24.99.
Live blog: Follow the action as it happens with Standard Sport’s live blog on fight night.
Advertisement
Chisora vs Wilder undercard
Viddal Riley v Mateusz Masternak (European cruiserweight title)
Denzel Bentley v Endry Saavedra
Matty Harris v Franklin Ignatius
Advertisement
Viddal Riley will face Mateusz Masternak for the European cruiserweight title on Saturday’s undercard
Getty Images
Amir Anderson v Jordan Dujon
Dan Toward v Misael da Veiga
Jermaine Dhliwayo v Jake Morgan
Advertisement
Chisora vs Wilder prediction
This fight will pit two veterans against each other, but one looks markedly more youthful than the other coming into this bout.
Of course, one can only read so far into recent form, but the numbers do not tell an encouraging story for Wilder.
Chisora’s three consecutive wins by unanimous decision in recent bouts quite dramatically upstage Wilder’s own ticker.
Advertisement
The talents which established him as one of the world’s top heavyweights no longer seem present, with his instinctive finishes of old markedly absent from recent fights.
Chisora, then, will hope to end his own career on a high.
Chisora to win by knockout.
Chisora vs Wilder latest odds
Advertisement
Wilder to win on points or by decision: 10/1
Wilder to win by knockout, technical knockout or disqualification: 23/10
Chisora to win on points or by decision: 3/1
Chisora to win by knockout, technical knockout or disqualification: 13/10
No Brainer, a local favourite which “celebrates food culture from all around the world”, is moving from its current location to a new site on Bedale High Street.
Taking to social media on Monday (March 30), the business said: “It’s official, we’re moving.
“Don’t worry, it’s not far from our current place, it’s on the Bedale High Street. And yes, takeaway will be coming back.
Advertisement
“We’ll be renovating our new spot on our closed days, so if you wanna pop in and say hi feel free.”
The restaurant is known for its classic smash burgers, buffalo chicken, rice and noodle dishes, flatbreads, tacos and loaded fries.
It also serves brunch, including a full English and French toast, alongside coffees, cocktails and seasonal specials.
In February, the independent restaurant shared the “disheartening news” that its takeaway service would have to stop due to planning issues.
Advertisement
However, the move to the high street will allow it to bring takeaways back.
Although an opening date and exact location has not yet been confirmed, the owners say the new venue will undergo extensive renovations and is likely to open within the next few months.
They have also reassured customers that the original location will operate as normal while work takes place.
Advertisement
The post added: “We don’t have an open date yet, we’ve got a hell of a lot of renovating to do so I can imagine a couple of months away yet, but we will keep everyone posted with updates.
“No Brainer will be running as usual until we move, but again we’ll let you know when the move over will be happening when we know.”
Since announcing the news, the business has been inundated with messages from customers.
One said: “This is the best news. Friday night takeaway and therapy back on! So glad you guys are sorted, can’t wait.”
Advertisement
Another commented: “Fab news to have a high street shop filled again.
“Wishing you all the best. Seems to be going from strength to strength!”
The venue at 35 Bedale Road, Aiskew, Bedale, DL8 1BL, will remain open as normal until the relocation takes place.
It currently operates Wednesday to Sunday, from 10am to 3pm and 5pm to 9pm.
Advertisement
Rated five stars on TripAdvisor, customers praise No Brainer for its “great value” and “friendly atmosphere”, with one describing it as their “go-to spot”.
Scottish Lib Dem leader Alex Cole-Hamilton said rates should not be set by an “arbitrary assessment”, adding: “You should not be disincentivised to refurbish your premises, in the understanding that when those revaluations come around again, that’s going to be penalised against the value of your business.”
The shopping centre teased the big news in an earlier post
Rob Currell Live news reporter
21:46, 02 Apr 2026Updated 21:47, 02 Apr 2026
A Northern Ireland shopping centre has teased customers that “something big” is on the way with the announcement of a new store.
Rushmere Shopping Centre confirmed on Instagram on Thursday April 2 that home furnishing retailer Dunelm will be “coming soon” to the complex. The popular brand will join major names already at the retail destination including H&M, River Island, DV8, Superdrug and Mango.
Advertisement
Earlier in the day, the centre sparked speculation with a post reading: “Something big is coming to Rushmere Shopping Complex. That’s all we’re saying, for now.”
Shoppers quickly began guessing which brand it could be, with suggestions including HMV, Sports Direct, Homesense and Hobbycraft. Some were on the money, correctly predicting Dunelm ahead of the official announcement.
Revealing the news at around 7pm, the centre posted: “Something big is coming to Rushmere Shopping Complex, and trust us, you’re going to love this one.
Advertisement
“Say hello to Dunelm. Get ready for beautifully styled spaces, cosy comforts, and everything you need to make your house feel like home.”
Content cannot be displayed without consent
The announcement was made in a short video showing a woman walking through the centre’s car park before dropping a piece of paper, which another shopper picks up to reveal the news.
No opening date has yet been confirmed. The update was met with a positive reaction online, with one person commenting: “Its about time, it’ll do so well.”
Another joked: “Goodbye money.” A third responder added: “We cannot wait. Welcome to the neighbourhood.”
In the same week that a new archbishop of Canterbury was installed, YouGov admitted that a poll suggesting there was a “quiet revival” of Christianity was a dud. It had been inflated by fraudulent results and should be ignored.
To those of us who study the bigger picture of religion in Britain, this comes as no surprise. There are good reasons to doubt that Britain is experiencing a Christian revival today – but that does not mean it is dying out.
To understand what is happening in Britain, it is helpful to compare it with the US, which has has long been viewed as exceptionally religious in comparison. Recent evidence suggests something less clear-cut.
Advertisement
In a major recent study, sociologist Christian Smith assembles the data. In the 1970s and ’80s, only around one in ten Americans identified as “nonreligious”. But from 1991, the proportion of people who identify as such has risen steeply, reaching 29% in 2021.
Today, 43% of young American adults aged 18-29 say they are nonreligious, and only a quarter of generation Z are regular church attenders.
In Britain, being nonreligious was much more common, much earlier. Today, around half the population say they have “no religion” – a proportion that has remained rather stable since the 2010s, according to the reliable British Social Attitudes survey.
By contrast, the proportion saying they are Christian has fallen steadily to around 40% today. Levels of regular weekly churchgoing are around 5%.
Advertisement
In other words, the decline of Christianity started later in the US than in Britain, and has not yet gone as far. But in America, it has been swifter, more dramatic and shows no sign of slowing down.
American-style Christianity can no longer be assumed to be the future for the churches in Britain. Such religion has always been more enthusiastic, congregational and separate from the state.
When Christianity last experienced a revival in the US, with the rise of the New Christian Right and televangelism in the 1980s, conservative and fundamentalist churches were prominent, and megachurches did well. Some blamed the decline of churches in Britain on the fact that they were not more like American ones. They were said to be insufficiently enthusiastic and self-promoting.
Megachurches never really took off in Britain, except for a few examples in big cities that tend to serve diaspora communities. And though the last archbishop, Justin Welby, hoped that an evangelical revival would reverse church decline, this failed to materialise.
Advertisement
The resilience of old churches
But Britain’s churches are not doomed. In light of the recent Christian decline in America, the stately power and traditional ways of the UK’s older churches may turn out to be an asset.
Though few people attend regularly, the Church of England, the Roman Catholic Church and the Church of Scotland are still the largest and most powerful of the UK churches. Institutional embeddedness matters.
The Church of England is constitutionally established, and all these churches play a central role in the school system by way of state-supported faith schools. Although the Church of England is not funded through taxation like some of its sister churches in Scandinavia, its considerable wealth – around £11 billion – protects it.
If generation Z show an interest in religion, it is traditional forms that appeal to them as much as the trendier forms that seek the attention of youth. We see this not just in Christianity, where both the Roman Catholic Church and Orthodox Churches are reporting new interest, but also in Orthodox Judaism and, to some extent, in Islam.
Advertisement
Still, the traditional churches are unlikely to return to a position like they held in society as recently as the 1980s. Today, revival is virtually impossible. When American evangelist Billy Graham won converts in Britain, he was not winning over people who had grown up nonreligous, he was speaking to people with a Christian background.
American evangelist Billy Graham preaching to Christians in Britain, 1989. RichardBaker/Alamy
It is sometimes suggested that war or social collapse could lead to a revival of Christianity. That is possible, but history suggests that a plethora of different intense, sectarian kinds of religion and spirituality emerge in such situations.
Others argue that the Holy Spirit stirs individual hearts and minds, irrespective of the state of the churches. That is how Protestant Christians have often thought about revival, perhaps recalling Methodist enthusiasm or the chapel movement in Wales.
The striking thing about such revivalism, however, is how quickly it can fade. The chapels are mostly closed now. The Methodists are dying out. “Nonconformity” as a whole, still a major force in England in the 1950s, is almost forgotten.
Advertisement
Though the Christian nationalists on the American right are currently very loud, they have had no impact on the continued decline of Christianity in the US or the alienation of young people. Attempts by some on Britain’s political right to talk up Christianity are even less likely to succeed. They are reviving words, not religion.
What we have in Britain today is a landscape in which the historic churches appear a little stronger than once thought, and revivalist forms of Christianity weaker. Overall, however, Christianity occupies a much diminished space. Other world religions, especially Islam, are stable or growing.
“Nonreligion” is the biggest affiliation after Christianity, but that label hides diversity. Some of the nonreligious are atheist, some agnostic, and some are actively interested in new forms of spirituality, magic and supernaturalism. Although old landmarks remain, like church steeples on the horizon, the religious landscape of Britain is greatly changed.
Pancreatic cancer is one of the UK’s most lethal cancers, with around 10,500 new cases each year
People born before 1966 are being urged to look out for a potentially “serious” warning sign that could indicate a deadly disease. Doctors are warning that one subtle yet significant symptom – frequently overlooked – might point towards pancreatic cancer, which mainly affects those aged 60 and above.
Advertisement
The NHS stresses that identifying symptoms early could prove lifesaving, although the condition is notoriously difficult to detect. This is down to early warning signs being vague, leading to numerous diagnoses happening at an advanced stage.
Dr Asiya Maula, a private GP at The Health Suite, said that pancreatic cancer can readily slip under the radar during its early stages: “Pancreatic cancer is often diagnosed at a late stage because symptoms can be vague or non-specific, which is why understanding the lifestyle factors linked to risk is so important.
“Small, consistent habits over time can have a significant impact,” Dr Maula added, highlighting risk factors including smoking, alcohol consumption and what we eat.
Amongst the less widely known symptoms is a yellowing of the skin or whites of the eyes, known as jaundice – one of the most visible early signs.
Advertisement
The NHS points out that jaundice is usually more apparent in the eyes, particularly amongst individuals with darker skin. It happens when a substance called bilirubin accumulates in the body, which can result from serious illnesses such as liver disease, gallstones, or pancreatic cancer.
Pancreatic cancer is one of the most lethal cancers in Britain, with approximately 10,500 new cases diagnosed annually, according to Pancreatic Cancer UK. The charity highlights that over half of all diagnoses affect people aged 75 and above, emphasising the importance of greater awareness among older adults.
The prognosis remains bleak, with less than 10% of patients surviving five years or longer, according to Cancer Research UK. Delayed diagnosis contributes significantly to this, as warning symptoms including fatigue, weight loss and digestive complaints can be easily confused with less severe conditions.
Advertisement
The NHS advises watching for additional signs such as loss of appetite, unexplained weight loss, continuous tiredness and elevated body temperature. Digestive troubles including nausea, diarrhoea, constipation and indigestion may also present themselves, alongside pain in the upper stomach or back area.
Medical professionals emphasise that while these symptoms are widespread and frequently associated with other conditions, any alterations that seem unusual shouldn’t be dismissed. Individuals are urged to see their GP if symptoms continue, deteriorate or feel abnormal.
The pressing guidance is unambiguous: anyone experiencing jaundice, continuous vomiting or diarrhoea should contact their GP or NHS 111 immediately. Prompt medical evaluation could exclude serious illness – or guarantee quicker treatment if required.
The owner of an average family car could save £15 by filling up at the cheapest forecourt in Cambridgeshire
Paul Gallagher and Cullen Willis
15:00, 02 Apr 2026
The cheapest place in Cambridgeshire to fill up your car with petrol is at a Central Co-op garage in Peterborough. According to the latest data supplied by retailers, a driver in an average family car could save up to £15 by filling up at this forecourt, compared to the most expensive petrol station.
The Central Co-op garage at Paxton Road, Peterborough is charging motorists 145.9p per litre, which means it would cost £95 to fill up an average 55 litre tank. This is based on a feed of live petrol prices which is published by the government.
Advertisement
Here are the cheapest places to top your car with petrol in Cambridgeshire
145.9p – Central Co-op, Paxton Road, Peterborough, PE2 5LD
148.9p – Esso, Murketts Of Stapleford, Cambridge, CB22 5DG
149.9p – Karan Thorney Toll Service Station, Thorney Toll Service Station, Wisbech, PE13 4AX
149.9p – Highland Group St Neots, St. Neots Service Station, St. Neots, PE19 1PJ
The most expensive filling station in Cambridgeshire is a BP petrol station at Sawtry Service Area, Huntingdon. The cost of standard petrol at this station is 181.9p, meaning it would cost a total of £110 to fill up an average family car at this forecourt.
For the owners of diesel cars, the cheapest place to fill up is the Central Co-op garage at Peterborough. The cost of a litre of standard diesel at this forecourt is 171.9p, according to prices supplied by retailers.
Here are the cheapest places to fill up your car with standard diesel in Cambridgeshire this weekend.
171.9p – Central Co-op, Paxton Road, Peterborough, PE2 5LD
You can use our interactive widget to find out the price of fuel at the petrol stations near you.
UK drivers are currently paying 154.5p per litre of petrol, while people who own diesel vehicles are paying 186.2p on average. In Cambridgeshire owners of petrol cars are currently being charged 0.3p more than the national average of 154.5p.
Advertisement
Diesel car drivers in Cambridgeshire are paying 1.2p less than the national average.
The cheapest place to buy petrol in the country is at a Tesco garage in Swansea where a litre of standard petrol is 140.9p. The most expensive petrol station in the country is a Cluanie Inn Hotel garage in Inverness where motorists are charged 188.4p a litre.
The prices quoted are for standard grade petrol (E10) and for standard grade diesel (B7). The figures are supplied by the major retailers under a scheme operated by the government to ensure motorists are given a fair deal at the petrol pumps.
The prices quoted are those supplied by retailers as of Thursday, April 2, at 4:45am.
Dubois, the current WBC lightweight champion, will put her 13-fight undefeated record on the line.
The build-up to the event has been acrimonious, with both parties exchanging harsh words ahead of fight night. Dubois dubbed Harper “pathetic”, and was called a “bully” in return.
A Youth Olympics gold-medallist in 2018, the only blight on Dubois’ record is a draw with Jessica Camara last January. She has not won by knockout in any of her last seven fights.
Harper, meanwhile, is four years Dubois’ senior and comes into this bout with a 16-2-2 record. This fight will be her first since May, when she bested Natalie Zimmermann by unanimous decision.
Advertisement
This event is another product of Jake Paul’s Most Valuable Promotions and will be his first in the United Kingdom.
It will feature a double-headline, with Ellie Scotney and Mayelli Flores facing off in a bantamweight title fight ahead of the main event.
Here is everything you need to know ahead of fight night…
Dubois vs Harper fight date and venue
Advertisement
Caroline Dubois vs Terri Harper takes place on Sunday April 5, 2026, at the Kensington Olympia in London, England.
Fight ready: Caroline Dubois
Getty Images
Dubois vs Harper fight time and ring walks
Advertisement
Sunday’s undercard begins at 7pm GMT (2pm ET and 11am PT), with the main event expected to get underway after ring walks at approximately 10pm (5pm ET and 2pm PT).
How to watch Dubois vs Harper
TV channel: In the UK, the game will be televised live on Sky Sports Main Event and Sky Sports Action, with coverage starting at 7pm GMT.
Live stream: Sky Sports subscribers can also catch the contest live online via the Sky Go app and website.
Advertisement
Dubois vs Harper undercard
Ellie Scotney vs. Mayelli Flores (IBF, WBC & WBO world super bantamweight titles)
Chantelle Cameron vs. Michaela Kotaskova (WBO world super welterweight title)
Irma Garcia vs. Emma Dolan (IBF world super flyweight title)
Advertisement
Shannon Courtenay vs. Sasha Booker Gemma
Ellie Scotney is among the big names on Sunday’s star-studded undercard
Getty Images
Paige Richardson vs. Johana Rajmont
Elizabeth Oshoba vs. Chelsey Arnell
Advertisement
Harvey Smith vs. Juan Aberto Batista
Arjon Basi vs. Jake Price
Chloe Watson vs. Teresa Makinen
Dubois vs Harper prediction
Advertisement
While Harper brings a wealth of experience into this fight, she has her work cut out for her if she is to put a stop to Dubois’ unbeaten streak.
The young Olympian is known for her speed and her striking power, both of which may confound Harper.
Dubois has shown in her career a penchant for one thing: winning after going the distance. She has never won a fight by knockout since stepping up to world level.
We expect a cagey, hard-fought bout, but the scorecards should read in Dubois’ favour.
Advertisement
Dubois to win by judges’ decision.
Tough task: Terri Harper
Getty Images
Dubois vs Harper latest odds
Dubois to win on points or by decision: 5/6
Advertisement
Dubois to win by knockout, technical knockout or disqualification: 7/5
Harper to win on points or by decision: 17/2
Harper to win by knockout, technical knockout or disqualification: 18/1
“Petrol and diesel prices across the north have risen by between 20% and 40% in just a matter of days”
Stormont’s Economy Minister has urged the UK Government to immediately slash fuel duty as prices spiral.
Advertisement
Caoimhe Archibald said she raised concerns over the impact of petrol and diesel prices during discussions with the Cabinet Office on Thursday morning, and also in a letter to Business and Trade Secretary Peter Kyle.
She pointed to action which has been taken by the Irish government to temporarily reduce excise duty for motor fuels as the impact of the war in the Gulf continues.
“Fuel duty must be reduced as a matter of urgency,” she said.
Advertisement
“Petrol and diesel prices across the north have risen by between 20% and 40% in just a matter of days, creating sudden and unmanageable costs for households and businesses.
“The Irish government has already acted by reducing Mineral Oil Tax across petrol, diesel and marked gas oil.
“That action has been widely welcomed by consumers and businesses in the south.”
Ms Archibald said the UK Government “must now act with the same urgency”.
Advertisement
“Alongside an immediate reduction in fuel duty, the planned fuel duty increases due to come into effect from September must be withdrawn if fuel prices remain elevated,” she said.
A spokesperson for the Treasury said: “We have the right economic plan for a more volatile world, taking a responsible approach to supporting working people in the national interest.
“Fuel duty is frozen until September and we’re enabling targeted support for those facing higher heating oil costs. We’re also acting to protect people from unfair price rises if they occur and to bring down food prices at the till.”
You must be logged in to post a comment Login