Radio Live - Podcasts - WWL First News with Tommy Tucker - Hour 4: Why has Putin continued the war in Ukraine for 4 years? How does he keep power? We explain

Hour 4: Why has Putin continued the war in Ukraine for 4 years? How does he keep power? We explain

Author: Audacy February 23, 2026 Duration: 30:20

Podcast episode

WWL First News with Tommy Tucker

News

WWL First News with Tommy Tucker from Audacy is your daily companion for staying ahead of the news cycle. Each morning, Tommy cuts through the noise to bring you the days breaking headlines, sharp analysis, and clear context, all in an engaging, conversational style. Beyond the top stories, the podcast keeps you fully updated with weather, sports, traffic, and more, so you can start your day informed and prepared. Listeners can expect timely coverage of major events, smart perspectives on issues that matter locally and nationally, and practical information that fits into a busy routine. Whether you catch every show or listen episodes on demand, this podcast delivers a fast-moving, news-first experience that respects your time while keeping you in the know.

Today is the four year anniversary of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. What’s the situation like currently? Are the two sides any closer to peace? Brian Taylor, Director of the Moynihan Institute of Global Affairs at the Maxwell School at Syracuse University and author of "Russian Politics: A Very Short Introduction," joins us.

More episodes

How much can we learn from the NFL combine?

24.02.2026 Duration: 25:02

The NFL combine is underway, and free agency is just weeks away. What’s the state of the Saints quarterback and running back rooms? Tommy talks with Mike Detillier, WWL NFL analyst and co-host of Sports Talk

Episode page

How difficult is it for restaurants to deal with boil water advisories?

24.02.2026 Duration: 8:21

We spend some time with Jay Morris, the COO and co-owner of Juan’s Flying Burrito, about the challenges of navigating repeated boil water advisories.

Episode page

As temperatures rise, so does the number of bugs. Here's what we'll see and what you need to know

24.02.2026 Duration: 9:40

As things start to warm up, what does that mean for the bugs we start seeing more of? And how can we keep them out of our homes and yards? Aaron Ashbrook, assistant professor of urban/peri-urban entomology at LSU, joins…

Episode page

The New Orleans budget mess is hitting the SPCA. Here's how you can help

24.02.2026 Duration: 7:30

The New Orleans budget crisis is affecting a number of organizations, including the Louisiana SPCA. We’ll talk to Ana Zorrilla, the CEO, about the impact on them and how you can help.

Episode page

What's the best way to keep Iran from getting nuclear weapons and to stop them from cheating?

24.02.2026 Duration: 11:43

We’ll continue to bring you the latest with what’s going on with Iran with Kian Tajbaksh, a professor of international relations at New York University and an expert on Iranian politics

Episode page

How does crawfish farming actually work? What does it look like?

24.02.2026 Duration: 8:21

We check in with Todd Fontenot, LSU AgCenter area agent for crawfish production, about how crawfish season is shaping up and what he’s been hearing from crawfish farmers.

Episode page

Do voters approve of how President Trump is handling the economy? Do you?

24.02.2026 Duration: 10:23

President Trump is doubling down on his tariffs after the Supreme Court ruling. How does the public feel about them? David Schultz, Professor of Political Science at Hamline University, joins us.

Episode page

BONUS: Van Der Beek's death highlights rising cancer rates, plus more risks on the horizon

24.02.2026 Duration: 10:30

James Van der Beek’s death raises the question … why are so many young people dying of colorectal cancer? Dr Andrea Dwyer, cancer expert joins KCBS, Plus,w hy do our brains make us hesitate? with Dr. Eric Eitry, prof at…

Episode page

Full Show 2-23-26: Undefeated LSU, paying for fortified roofs, and the mess in the Middle East

23.02.2026 Duration: 1:30:27

Episode page

Hour 3: Tight senate race, Northshore wildfires, and helping with fortified roofs

23.02.2026 Duration: 18:53

* There’s been huge demand for Louisiana’s fortified roof program, but many aren’t able to afford some of the extra costs. * A recent poll shows it’s a tight Senate race between Julia Letlow, Bill Cassidy, and John Flemi…

Episode page

Hour 2: What you need to know about Iran and the cents and sense of tariffs

23.02.2026 Duration: 21:49

* We’ll talk with Middle East expert Bruce Jentleson about the talks with Iran and what could happen if the US conducts a military strike against Iran. * Bank On It, financial insights you can count on with Jason Shields…

Episode page

Hour 1: LSU keeps it rolling and making sense of tariff mess

23.02.2026 Duration: 19:24

* We’ll recap LSU baseball’s weekend games and how Kim Mulkey and her team are positioned for the postseason with WWL.com columnist Jeff Palermo. * The Supreme Court struck down President Trump’s tariffs. We’ll break dow…

Episode page

Not everybody who wins the fortified roof lottery can afford them. That's where this group steps in

23.02.2026 Duration: 8:30

There’s been huge demand for Louisiana’s fortified roof program, but many aren’t able to afford some of the extra costs. We’ll talk to William Stoudt, the executive director of Rebuilding Together New Orleans, about how…

Episode page

What you need to know about the wildfire near Lacombe

23.02.2026 Duration: 3:46

Tommy talks with St. Tammany Parish President Mike Cooper about the wildfire near Lacombe

Episode page

Does anybody in the Louisiana senate race have a clear lead?

23.02.2026 Duration: 6:36

A recent poll shows it’s a tight Senate race between Julia Letlow, Bill Cassidy, and John Fleming. We’ll break down how things are looking with Jeremy Alford, editor and publisher of LaPolitics Weekly.

Episode page