Tiger Woods Seeks Treatment After DUI Arrest

Tiger Woods Steps Away for Treatment After DUI Arrest

Golf legend Tiger Woods announced Friday he is stepping away from the sport to seek professional treatment following his arrest on DUI charges in Florida earlier this week. The announcement came after days of silence from Woods and his team, who had not responded to repeated requests for comment.

In a statement posted to X, formerly Twitter, Woods stated, “I know and understand the seriousness of the situation. I am stepping away for a period of time to seek treatment and focus on my health. This is necessary in order for me to prioritize my well-being and work toward lasting recovery.”

New Details Emerge from Police Affidavit

Woods’ statement and decision to seek treatment follow the release of a police affidavit detailing concerning information from the night of his arrest. The affidavit, written by the arresting sheriff’s deputy, alleges that investigators found two hydrocodone pills in Woods’ pocket. Hydrocodone is an opioid used to treat severe pain.

According to the affidavit, Woods was described as lethargic and slow-moving following the crash. His eyes were reportedly bloodshot and glassy, with extremely dilated pupils. Investigators also noted his speech was thick-tongued and he experienced hiccups and profuse sweating, even while seated in a vehicle with cool air flowing.

Despite these observations, the sheriff’s office confirmed Woods passed a breathalyzer test and stated he did not consume alcohol. When asked about prescription medication, Woods reportedly said he takes a few for high blood pressure and cholesterol, and also takes ibuprofen and Vicodin. He stated he took his prescription medication earlier that morning but denied using any illegal substances.

Woods’ attorney entered a plea of not guilty on his behalf in a court filing on the same day as the golfer’s public statement. Authorities are expected to release body camera and car camera footage related to the arrest soon, following review for redactions.

Gas Prices Soar as U.S. Focuses on Iran Conflict

Elsewhere, Americans are facing significantly higher gas prices, with the national average topping $4 a gallon for the first time in over four years. This surge comes as the United States continues military actions against Iran. President Trump announced a new timeline for the conflict, suggesting the war will end very soon, even without a deal to reopen the Strait of Hormuz.

The U.S. has been striking targets in Iran, including an ammunition depot, which the Pentagon described as a sign of U.S. dominance. Images have emerged showing a Kuwaiti oil tanker apparently attacked by Iran, with a hole blasted through its hull. These events have contributed to the rising fuel costs.

Wall Street reacted positively to the prospect of an end to the conflict, with markets surging. President Trump expressed optimism that gas prices will fall once the war concludes, stating, “All I have to do is leave Iran, and we’ll be doing that very soon, and they’ll be come tumbling down.”

However, some Gulf allies, including Saudi Arabia and the UAE, have urged the U.S. to continue strikes until Iran can no longer threaten the region. The U.S. military buildup in the region continues, with the USS George H.W. Bush aircraft carrier group deploying to the Middle East.

White House Ballroom Construction Halted by Judge

In a setback for President Trump, a federal judge has ruled that construction on the new White House ballroom must stop. The ruling halts construction unless Congress approves the plans. The administration has already appealed the decision.

The judge, Richard Leon, granted the request of a preservation group, stating that the President is the steward of the White House for future generations, not its owner. The project, which includes plans for ornate ceilings, golden chandeliers, and a massive military bunker below, has faced criticism for its rapid demolition of the East Wing without typical oversight.

The administration argued the construction was about national security, but the judge did not accept this argument. He also noted that leaving a hole on the East side of the White House is a problem of the President’s own making. The National Trust for Historic Preservation brought the suit, asserting that Congress needs to be involved. The President has expressed urgency to complete the project during his term.

American Journalist Kidnapped in Iraq

An American journalist, Shelby Kittleson, was kidnapped in Baghdad by suspected Iran-backed militants, an incident captured on video. The footage shows two men bundling Kittleson into a silver car as she waited on the side of the road. Iraqi authorities reported that security forces chased the vehicle, which crashed, allowing some of the militants to escape with Kittleson.

One suspect was arrested and identified as having ties to Kataeb Hezbollah, a militia supported by Iran. The State Department confirmed it was aware of threats against Kittleson and had warned her. The FBI is now involved in efforts to secure her release. The State Department advises Americans against traveling to Iraq and urges those already there to leave immediately.

NASA’s Artemis Mission Gears Up for Lunar Return

NASA is preparing for a historic mission as four astronauts are set to launch on a journey around the Moon. The Artemis II mission, scheduled to launch less than 24 hours from the Kennedy Space Center in Florida, marks a significant step in America’s return to lunar exploration.

This mission follows the uncrewed Artemis I, and for the first time, will carry humans. NASA plans to land humans on the Moon by 2028 and establish a permanent lunar base, with the ultimate goal of venturing to Mars. The Space Launch System (SLS) rocket, standing 322 feet tall, is designed to provide the immense power needed for these ambitious endeavors.

Mission managers emphasize that astronaut safety is the highest priority, though they acknowledge that exploration inherently involves calculated risks. This renewed focus on lunar exploration also comes amid a new space race, with China also aiming to establish a moon base by 2030.

Source: Top Story with Tom Llamas – March 31 | NBC News NOW (YouTube)