US Army raises enlistment age, eases marijuana policies

FILE — U.S. Army soldiers. (U.S. Army / Jensen Guillory via MGN

Washington

The U.S. Army is raising its maximum enlistment age while loosening rules for recruits with certain drug convictions.

According to revised Army Regulation 601-210, the maximum age to enlist is moving from 35 to 42, effective April 20. The minimum enlistment age remains 18, or 17 with parental permission.

In addition to the age requirement change, the Army is also eliminating its restrictions for recruits who have a single conviction for possession of marijuana or drug paraphernalia.

The Army’s enlistment age will now align more closely with other military forces. The Air Force and Space Force have a maximum enlistment age of 42. The Coast Guard and Navy set their limits at 41, while the Marine Corps’ maximum is 28.

This is the second time the Army has raised its age cap in the past two decades. In 2006, the service temporarily increased its maximum enlistment age to 42 amid combat operations in the Middle East, then dropped it back to 35 in 2016.

The policy changes come as the Iran conflict continues in the Middle East, with announced deployment plans for soldiers from the Army’s 82nd Airborne Division and thousands of Marines aboard several Navy ships in the region.

Kendra Duggar charged with husband Joseph Duggar as police announce new charges in case

Kendra Duggar charged alongside husband Joseph Duggar. (Source: Washington County, Arkansas, law enforcement)

Tontitown, Ark.

Arkansas authorities say Kendra Duggar is now facing criminal charges alongside her husband, Joseph Duggar, who was arrested earlier this week on charges that included child molestation.

The Tontitown Police Department announced Friday that the couple has been charged with four counts of endangering the welfare of a minor and four counts of false imprisonment.

Authorities said arrest warrants have been issued and served in district court for the misdemeanor offenses, and the case remains under investigation.

Previously, Florida authorities announced the arrest of former reality TV star Joseph Duggar, who on Friday waived his right to an extradition hearing.

Joseph Duggar, who appeared on TLC’s “19 Kids and Counting,” was arrested Thursday in Tontitown, where he lives with his family.

According to the Bay County Sheriff’s Office in Panama City, Florida, the 31-year-old’s charges include lewd and lascivious behavior involving unlawful sexual activity with a minor.

Florida authorities said Wednesday that a Tontitown police detective had contacted investigators about a report of past sexual abuse.

The 14-year-old victim reportedly disclosed during a forensic interview incidents involving Joseph Duggar that occurred during a family vacation in Panama City Beach when she was 9.

Authorities said this week that the girl’s father confronted Joseph Duggar about what happened. He then admitted his actions to the girl’s father and to Tontitown detectives.

Bay County, Florida, authorities have 30 days to transfer Joseph Duggar from the jail in Washington County, Arkansas, the sheriff’s office said.

Joshua Duggar, a sibling of Joseph Duggar who also appeared on the reality TV show, was convicted in 2021 of downloading and possessing child sexual abuse images.

Six Flags is selling 7 of its amusement parks

FILE — Worlds of Fun provided a picture of one of its roller coasters. (Worlds of Fun)

Charlotte, N.C.

Six Flags is selling about half a dozen of its parks.

The company said Thursday that it is streamlining its portfolio by selling six U.S. parks and one in Canada to EPR Properties.

According to Six Flags, there are definitive agreements in place for parks that include:

• Michigan’s Adventure (Muskegon, Michigan)

• Schlitterbahn Waterpark Galveston (Galveston, Texas)

• Six Flags Great Escape (Queensbury, New York)

• Six Flags La Ronde (Montreal, Canada)

• Six Flags St. Louis (St. Louis, Missouri)

• Valleyfair (Minneapolis, Minnesota)

• Worlds of Fun (Kansas City, Missouri)

“This step allows us to concentrate on the Six Flags parks with the greatest potential for innovation, expansion and elevated guest experiences,” a company spokesperson said in the announcement. “We’re building the foundation for a stronger, more exciting future.”

The parks being sold will continue normal operations through the 2026 season, and season passes and active memberships will continue to be honored, Six Flags said.

EPR also retains the right to use the Six Flags brand through the end of the year.

The theme park operator said EPR Properties will be working to enhance the parks it will be taking over while ensuring a seamless transition.

“We understand how meaningful these parks are to the communities they serve and to the guests who have grown up visiting them,” Six Flags said. “We are confident in the future of these parks under the care of EPR and its operating partners.”

Six Flags Entertainment Corporation was operating a combined 42 properties following a 2024 merger with Cedar Fair.

Man arrested in shooting death of 21-year-old wife, injuring newborn she was holding: police

Cameron Tomlinson, 21, was charged with reckless homicide. (Kokomo Police Department)

Kokomo, Ind

An Indiana man is facing charges in connection with the fatal shooting of his wife and injury to their infant daughter.

According to the Kokomo Police Department, Cameron Tomlinson, 21, was taken into custody after changing his story about what happened the night of Feb. 24.

WXIN reports that officers found Tomlinson’s wife, 21-year-old Jessica Tomlinson, dead from a gunshot wound to the chest in an apartment that evening, along with the couple’s child suffering a significant hand injury.

Cameron Tomlinson reportedly told investigators that his wife had shot herself while handling a gun and holding their 1-month-old daughter.

The 21-year-old husband allegedly said that the revolver was discharged while his wife was trying to open it with one hand.

However, the outlet reports that Cameron Tomlinson’s story changed, telling officers during further questioning that the weapon had been in his hands when it discharged and struck his wife and daughter.

He then continued, saying that his wife had been holding the weapon in a way he didn’t like, so he reached out and grabbed it. As he pulled the revolver away, it went off.

Cameron Tomlinson shared that he attempted life-saving measures on his wife. But police said she was pronounced dead at the scene, with the couple’s infant daughter being rushed to Riley Hospital for Children.

Jessica Tomlinson’s death has since been ruled a reported homicide by the coroner.

Cameron Tomlinson, 21, is facing charges that include reckless homicide and criminal recklessness, according to the Kokomo Police Department.

Missing man rescued after being found stuck in mud for several days without food or water

Andrew Giddens, 36, was stuck in the mud for several days without food or water. (Putnam County Sheriff's Office)

Putnam County, Fla

Florida first responders are being credited for their work in rescuing a missing man who was stuck in mud for several days without food or water.

According to the Palatka Fire Department, 36-year-old Andrew Giddens had been reported missing on Feb. 14 before he was found alive at the Vulcan Materials Company on Feb. 23.

However, authorities say he was found stuck up to his shoulders in mud at the site near a borrow pit.

Giddens was able to talk to workers who first spotted him after a deputy told them to be on the lookout when his vehicle was found abandoned nearby.

Specialized crews worked nearly three hours to free Giddens. He was rushed to the hospital, where he is expected to recover.

“This rescue shows the power of mutual aid, training and dedication. We are grateful for the bravery and professionalism of everyone involved,” Palatka fire crews said, along with their fellow first responders.