WWL First News with Tommy Tucker
News & Politics
About
Tommy Tucker takes on the days' breaking headlines, plus weather, sports, traffic and more
Episodes
- BONUS: 'The price of gas, the price of beans is wearing on people:' Inflation heats up as Trump proposes gas tax holiday
The episode discusses rising inflation in April coinciding with increased holiday travel. President Trump has proposed a gas tax holiday as Americans face difficulties affording basic necessities.
- Hour 4: What you need to know before you vote this weekend
WWL First News discusses the upcoming Election Day, where voters will make decisions on five constitutional amendments. The segment also includes an update on a redistricting meeting.
- Hour 3: Cantrell's defense shapes up and potential NOLA court shake-up advances
Legal analyst Doug Sunseri provides an update on the defense strategies for former Mayor Cantrell and Jeffrey Vapie. Former NOPD chief Ronal Serpas discusses potential criminal justice reform bills affecting New Orleans.
- Hour 2: LIV Golf's collapse, Confederate monuments back in the news, termites swarming
Hour 2 of WWL First News covers the LIV Golf deal
- Hour 1: Costs and budgets going up
This episode discusses rising consumer prices and inflation, exploring potential impacts of the Iran war on the economy, and considers whether limiting government growth could benefit Louisiana.
- TRUE CRIME ROUNDUP: Rogue pharmacist and sex traffickers leave scars on their victims
This episode features Scott Vaughn discussing his nonprofit that helps human trafficking survivors remove tattoos and other markings. It also covers the release of Robert Courtney, a pharmacist who diluted cancer patient medications, and o…
- BONUS: Letting AI plan a trip, dolphins at war, the Jazz Fest triathlon and mushroom hunting
WWL First News covers AI-planned vacations, the military use of dolphins, the Jazz Fest triathlon, and the mushroom hunting season. Audio from The Dave Glover Show, the Dana & Parks Show, Scoot, and WWJ Newsradio is featured.
- Full Show: Brunch for Mom, Saints rookies, insider trading, and a budget boost
This episode covers Mother's Day dining options, updates from Saints rookie minicamp, and discusses potential insider trading. It also touches on New Orleans' budget improvements, LSU's upcoming games, and dental care advice.
- Hour 4: Brunch with Mom and Saints rookies getting going
WWL First News discusses the start of Saints rookie minicamp, analyzing potential impact players and roster competition. The episode also features a segment on the New Orleans food and restaurant scene.
- Hour 3: Billions in insider trading? Want a cool new coin?
The DOJ is investigating potential insider trading after large oil bets were made just before news of the US/Iran war broke. Paul Hollis discusses the American Buffalo 2026 One Ounce Gold Proof Coin.
- Hour 2: Protecting your teeth and election changes
This episode discusses dental hygiene for Save Your Tooth Month with Dr. Craig Noblett and analyzes the implications of new Congressional maps in Tennessee following a Supreme Court decision on the Voting Rights Act.
- Hour 1: New Orleans boosts budget and LSU baseabll in crunch time
WWL First News covers LSU baseball's recent success and previews their upcoming game against Georgia. They also analyze a New Orleans City Council deal that provides a $103 million budget increase through the sale of lease payment rights f…
- What we're watching at Saints rookie minicamp
WWL First News covers the start of Saints rookie minicamp. They discuss players who could make an impact and those competing for roster spots with Jeff Nowak.
- Table Talk: Need a restaurant recommendation for Mother’s Day weekend?
WWL First News presents restaurant recommendations for Mother's Day weekend in New Orleans, including options for tapas and brunch like Ralph's on the Park and the Four Seasons.
- Are we seeing insider trading in the billions during the Iran war?
Billions in oil bets were placed just before news on the US/Iran war broke, raising suspicions of insider trading. The Department of Justice is investigating the matter, with insights from Ben Schiffrin, Director of Securities Policy for B…
- How you can get a fresh new coin from the New Orleans Mint
Paul Hollis, director of the US Mint from Slidell, discusses the American Buffalo 2026 One Ounce Gold Proof Coin, available from the New Orleans Mint.
- Are we already seeing impacts from a recent SCOTUS ruling on the Voting Rights Act?
Following a recent Supreme Court ruling on the Voting Rights Act, Republicans in Tennessee have redrawn their Congressional maps. Emmitt Riley, an Associate Professor, explains the developments and their meaning.
- Here's how to protect your teeth as you get older
During Save Your Tooth Month, Dr. Craig Noblett, president of the American Association of Endodontists, shares advice on dental care for older adults.
- New Orleans made a smart move to boost the budget. Here's what to know
The City Council approved a deal selling lease payment rights from Caesars to generate $103 million for New Orleans. Becky Mowbray and Paul Rioux from BGR discuss the details of the deal.
- LSU baseball likely needs to win 4 of their last 6 games. Can they do it?
Jeff Palermo joins WWL First News to break down LSU baseball's current situation. He analyzes their chances of making the postseason, focusing on whether they can win at least 4 of their remaining 6 games.
- BONUS: 'It's shocking,' Trump's record-low approval and why Americans are so against the war in Iran
A recent poll indicates record-low approval ratings for President Donald Trump and significant disapproval of the War in Iran. The episode explores public sentiment regarding the conflict and touches on related political and technological…
- BONUS: Hantavirus unleashed on cruise ship: How worried should you be?
This episode discusses the hantavirus outbreak on a cruise ship, offering advice on what the virus is and how concerned the public should be. It also includes Mother's Day gift suggestions and a check-in with Josh Groban about his arts fou…
- Full Show 5-7-26: Hantavirus scare, New Orleans sinking, and celebrating Mom this wekeend
This episode covers the hantavirus, concerns about New Orleans sinking, the Supreme Court ruling on abortion pills, Mother's Day gift ideas, Abita Brewing's anniversary, and ways to celebrate Mother's Day with Louisiana food.
- Hour 4: Movement on the Iran war and making sure Mom knows how much you love her
This episode discusses the possibility of a US-Iran peace deal and the rising costs associated with Mother's Day, prompting a reflection on whether expensive gifts are necessary to express love.
- Hour 3: Abortion pill in the courts and celebrating Abita Brewing's birthday
The Supreme Court has temporarily restored access to the abortion pill via mail. Separately, Abita Brewing is celebrating its 40th anniversary with a block party in New Orleans.
- Hour 2: A hantavirus cruise and the disappearing coast
This episode discusses hantavirus, explaining what it is. It also covers a Tulane study on coastal Louisiana's future, predicting land loss, wetland reduction, and increased open water, and explores the implications for current residents.
- How to get Mom a gift that shows you really care
Mother's Day spending is predicted to reach record levels. Marielle Segarra discusses whether significant spending is necessary to show appreciation for mothers.
- Hour 1: Mother's Day meal prep and a reading boost
The Louisiana Endowment for the Humanities is being recognized as a national leader for its work in transforming early education using Louisiana's stories. The episode also includes a check-in with Ag Commissioner Mike Strain.
- Are we close to a peace deal with Iran?
Bruce Jentleson joins WWL First News to discuss the possibility of a peace deal between the US and Iran and whether the US has achieved its initial objectives in the conflict.
- Abita is turning 40 years old! And they're having a birthday party this weekend
Abita Brewing is celebrating its 40th anniversary with a New Orleans block party this weekend. Heidi Guerra, Vice President of Marketing, provides details about the celebration.
- What you need to know about the abortion pill Supreme Court ruling
The Supreme Court has temporarily restored access to the abortion pill that can be sent by mail. Dean of the University of Michigan College of Pharmacy, Vicki Ellingrod, explains the situation and the medication mifepristone.
- Could New Orleans be totally underwater by the end of the century?
A Tulane University study indicates that coastal Louisiana should prepare for a future with reduced landmass and wetlands. Dr. Torbjörn Törnqvist, a geology professor at Tulane and lead author, explains the findings.
- What the heck is the hantavirus we've been hearing about?
An outbreak of hantavirus has been reported on a cruise ship. Patrick Jackson, an Associate Professor at UVA, explains what hantavirus is, how it spreads, and what people need to know.
- Here's how to make your Mother's Day meal Certified Louisiana
Ian Hoch speaks with Mike Strain, Commissioner of the Louisiana Department of Agriculture & Forestry, about sourcing Louisiana food for Mother's Day celebrations and the current state of the farm bill.
- How Louisiana has made strides in boosting literacy
The Louisiana Endowment for the Humanities is a national leader in using stories to transform early education, making strides in boosting literacy in the state.
- BONUS: Uber tries to become one-stop shop for travelers, and are we doing enough to protect kids from AI?
This episode of WWL First News explores Uber's efforts to become a comprehensive travel platform. It also examines travel trends, the collection of biometrics by retailers, and the protection of children from AI.
- Tommy Full Show: 5-6-26
Ian Hoch guest hosts WWL First News, discussing Louisiana's redistricting map, President Trump's approval rating, and reform in the New Orleans prison system.
- Tommy Hour Four: Petition Recall For Governor Landry Gets Filed In Baton Rouge
Ian Hoch and Pearson Cross discuss the recall process for Governor Landry in Louisiana. Barry Keim provides information on preparing for hurricane season.
- May 3-9 is Hurricane Preparedness Week
Barry Keim and Ian Hoch discuss hurricane preparedness in this episode of WWL First News with Tommy Tucker.
- Petition to recall Governor Jeff Landry filed with Secretary of State’s Office
Pearson Cross, a political science professor at ULM, joins Ian Hoch to discuss the recall petition against Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry. They explore the recall process in Louisiana and assess the petition's potential for success.
- Tommy Hour Three: The war, oil, and the Strait of Hormuz
Greg Upton and Ian Hoch discuss the impact of the Iran war on US oil and gas prices. Ronal Serpas provides commentary on the new sheriff of New Orleans.
- How worried should Americans be that a faraway conflict could hit gas prices and Louisiana’s energy economy?
This episode discusses the potential impact of distant conflicts on American gas prices and Louisiana's energy economy.
- With a new sheriff taking over and the former sheriff facing charges, what would real reform at the jail actually look like?
Ronal Serpas and Ian Hoch discuss the implications of a new sheriff in New Orleans, Michelle Woodfork, and the prospects for reform within the jail system, especially given the former sheriff's charges.
- Tommy Hour Two: What's On The Louisiana May 16th Election Ballot?
Barry Erwin discusses the five constitutional amendments appearing on the Louisiana May 16th election ballot. Royce Duplessis provides information on redistricting in Louisiana.
- Royce Duplessis On Early voting in Louisiana and Congressional Map Redistricting
State Senator Royce Duplessis and Ian Hoch discuss early voting and redistricting in Louisiana. They cover the potential impacts of a Supreme Court ruling on these issues.
- How many voters actually know what they’re being asked to change in the state constitution before early voting ends?
Barry Erwin joined Ian Hoch to discuss the five constitutional amendments appearing on the Louisiana ballot on May 16th, questioning voter awareness of the proposed changes.
- Tommy Hour One: What's The Biggest Factor In President Trump's Declining Approval Rating?
This episode of WWL First News with Tommy Tucker discusses President Trump's declining approval rating. The main focus is on identifying the biggest factor contributing to this decline.
- After 40 to 50 million gallons of sewage flowed into the Industrial Canal, what will be the effect on local water and wildlife?
A significant sewage leak, estimated at 40 to 50 million gallons, has entered the Industrial Canal. Matt Rota and Ian Hoch discuss the potential impacts of this waste on the area's water and wildlife.
- How is the war in Iran affecting President Trump's approval rating?
Aaron Dusso, Associate Professor of Political Science at Indiana University - Indianapolis, joins Ian Hoch to discuss President Trump's approval rating and voter positions on key issues.
- BONUS: How Iran became the mosquito in the room
This episode of WWL First News with Tommy Tucker explores how Iran exerts influence despite perceived power imbalances and questions the future of tipping culture.