Louisiana has the 9^th worst business tax climate in the nation according to the Tax Foundation’s 2020 report.  Policy Analyst Janelle Cammenga says tax issues aren’t the biggest factor in where businesses chose to locate themselves, but they’re the factor easiest to change at a legislative level.

Cut 6 (09) “…right now”

Webster Parish is welcoming a new manufacturing facility with the arrival of E.I. Williams Industries.   President of the North Louisiana Economic Partnership Scott Martinez says the Canadian company specializing in sound-control equipment such as vent silencers, fan silencers, industrial silencers, and noise enclosures.

Cut 7 (07) “…segment they serve.”

The facility will result in 100 new jobs over the next five years.

Covington Representative Mark Wright files an amendment to consolidate the Governor and Lt. Governor onto one ticket, instead of having voters chose them separately.  Wright says for starters, the Lt. Governor’s job is nearly all tourism-related, and it would make for more efficient government if tourism was folded directly into the Governor’s administration.
Cut 13 (09) “…office.”
Nationally, marriage rates have dipped almost eight percent over the decade.  In Louisiana, that number is almost 28 percent.  Louisiana’s drop in marriage rate is only edged out for the bottom spot by Nevada.  On the opposite end of the spectrum, our neighbors in Mississippi have seen their marriage rates grow more than any other state at just over 31 percent. LSU Health New Orleans clinical psychologist Amy Dickson says that doesn’t necessarily mean there are fewer people in committed relationships.
Cut 12 (12) “…that through marriage.”

The Tax Foundation ranks Louisiana in the bottom ten states for the least business-friendly tax code. Matt Doyle has the story.

Cut 1 (29) “I’m Matt Doyle”

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Roses are red, violets are blue. The marriage rate is dipping, but the divorce rate is too. Kevin Barnhart has the story.

Cut 2 (31) “…I’m Kevin Barnhart” 

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Do Louisiana voters need to be voting for a separate Governor and Lt. Governor? Matt Doyle spoke to one Covington Representative doesn’t think so…

Cut 3 (30)  “…I’m Matt Doyle. 

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Louisiana has the 9^th worst business tax climate in the nation according to the Tax Foundation’s 2020 report.

Policy Analyst Janelle Cammenga says that’s largely due to having the 3^rd highest sales tax in the nation, an above-average corporate tax rate, and decentralized sales tax collection.

Cut 4 (10) “…there”

Only Washington and Alabama rank worse in sales tax issues.

Cammenga adds another area where Louisiana is suffering is in it’s use of a franchise tax. She says it’s a tax that’s being phased out in most states.

Cut 5 (10)  “…income”

Cammenga says tax issues aren’t the biggest factor in where businesses chose to locate themselves, but they’re the factor easiest to change at a legislative level.

Cut 6 (09) “…right now”

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Webster Parish is welcoming a new manufacturing facility with the arrival of E.I. Williams Industries.   President of the North Louisiana Economic Partnership Scott Martinez says the Canadian company specializing in sound-control equipment such as vent silencers, fan silencers, industrial silencers, and noise enclosures.

Cut 7 (07) “…segment they serve.”

Martinez says the $700,000 capital investment into an existing 50,000 square foot facility in the North Webster Parish Industrial District will result in 100 new jobs over the next five years, with an average salary of $37,400 plus benefits.

Cut 8 (09) “…and win projects.”

Louisiana Economic Development estimates the project will result in another 122 indirect jobs over the same time period.

Martinez credits the presence of Northwest Louisiana Technical College as well as the region’s other training providers for creating a valued potential work force.

Cut 9 (09) “…in Webster Parish.″

The Webster Parish facility will be the company’s first manufacturing site in the US and equipment is scheduled to be installed in the first quarter of 2020.

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Nationally, marriage rates have dipped almost eight percent over the decade.  In Louisiana, that number is almost 28 percent.  LSU Health New Orleans clinical psychologist Amy Dickson says that doesn’t necessarily mean there are fewer people in committed relationships as you may find plenty of engaged couples.

Cut 10 (08) “…for 20 years.”

The divorce rate is also down nearly 20 percent nationally, with Louisiana down by 23 percent.  Dickson says some people who married young may have split up and just never bothered going through an official divorce.

Cut 11 (11) “…bother with that.”

Louisiana’s drop in marriage rate is only edged out for the bottom spot by Nevada.  On the opposite end of the spectrum, our neighbors in Mississippi have seen their marriage rates grow more than any other state at just over 31 percent.

Cut 12 (12) “…that through marriage.”

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Covington Representative Mark Wright files an amendment to consolidate the Governor and Lt. Governor onto one ticket, instead of having voters chose them separately.

Wright says for starters, the Lt. Governor’s job is nearly all tourism-related, and it would make for more efficient government if tourism was folded directly into the Governor’s administration.

Cut 13 (09) “…office.”

But he says that’s not a shot at the current Lt. Governor Billy Nungesser, who was ok with similar legislation last session.

And Wright says combining the ticket could open up some interesting political options for gubernatorial candidates who now get to pick a running mate.

Cut 14 (10) “…candidates”

Wright says a handpicked Lt. Governor could also facilitate more efficient operations from the Governor’s office, who could use the Lt. Governor as a high profile surrogate when they’re not available.

Cut 15 (07) “need”

If it clears the legislature, the amendment would be on the November 3^rd Presidential ballot.

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Its opening day of the college baseball season and at Alex Box Stadium the 11th ranked Tigers will face Indiana. LSU junior outfielder Daniel Cabrera is expected to be the Tigers leading hitter and he says the chemistry on this team is outstanding

Cut 16  (15)  …is nice”  

Cabrera will lead off and play center field tonight against the Hoosier. The opening day starting lineup features two freshmen. Cade Doughty at second base and Shreveport’s Hayden Travinski will bat the designated hitter tonight. Coach Paul Mainieri on what he likes from these two kids…

Cut 17  (10) “hit well” 

This is Mainieri’s 14th season as head coach of the Tigers. He’ll send sophomore right-hander Cole Henry to the mound as he’ll throw the first pitch of the season for the Tigers

cut 18  (12) “your staff”   

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Emotions will be riding high tonight at Tigue Moore Field as the Ragin Cajuns host Southeastern Louisiana. It’s U-L Lafayette’s first game since the death of longtime head coach Tony Robicheaux. New head coach Matt Deggs says he’ll understand if the emotions get to his players

cut 19 (30)  different ways”  

The Cajuns are coming off a losing season, a 28-and-31 record. But Deggs says the players are looking forward to returning to the top of the Sun Belt Standings and playing for their former coach

cut 20 (20) “a way”    

A Lafayette man is in jail accused of defrauding a Shreveport man over National Championship game tickets. Caddo Sheriff’s spokesperson Cindy Chadwick says the victim did not demand the usual verification for his purchase because Simmons came recommended by a friend. The victim paid for a pair of near field level tickets from Michael Simmons for 3,600 dollars, only to be given nosebleeds. It’s a tough lesson to learn.
Cut 8 (11)“…was”
The actual value of the tickets… 525 dollars, and Simmons refused to refund the money.

DOTD Secretary Shawn Wilson continues to urge drivers to put down the cell phone.  Distracted driving is being blamed for two DOTD work deaths since 2016 and the major injuries of another earlier this month. Wilson says the department is stepping up safety measures.
Cut 5 (13)  “…our construction zones.”
Multiple students at Many High School in Sabine Parish have been charged with illicit acts for their roles in an alleged sexual assault that was recorded on video and went viral on social media. Trooper Casey Wallace says seven juvenile students and one adult student face a variety of charges adding the investigation remains active….
Cut 14 (10) “…after this”
The video reportedly shows a victim being held down by other students and sodomized with an object.

In celebration of Valentine’s Day, the Louisiana Family Forum is honoring what they believe to be the couple with the longest marriage in the state with the 2020 Marriage Hall of Fame.  For the second year in a row, Wallace and Gladys Menard from Duson have that distinction with 81 years. Forum President GeneMills says the couple appears to have a working strategy for longevity.
Cut 10 (08) “…though their differences.”

The couple met at a dance hall in Abbeville in 1937 and were married at ages 19 and 16 in 1938.

A Lafayette man is facing felony theft charges after allegedly tricking a Shreveport man into paying 3,600 dollars for a pair of National Championship tickets that were only worth 525 dollars each. Caddo Sheriff’s spokesperson Cindy Chadwick says the victim was told the tickets he was buying were in section 104, but the tickets he was sold by Michael Simmons turned out to be nose bleeds.

Cut 7 (06) “…case.”

Simmons was arrested for Felony Theft.

Multiple students at Many High School in Sabine Parish have been charged with illicit acts for their roles in an alleged sexual assault that was recorded on video and went viral on social media. Trooper Casey Wallace says State Police began their investigation earlier this month

Cut 12 (09) “one adult”

The video appears to show the victim being sodomized.

In celebration of Valentine’s Day, the Louisiana Family Forum 2020 Marriage Hall of Fame is honoring the top ten longest married couples in the state. Kevin Barnhart has the story.

cut  2 (26) “…I’m Kevin Barnhart”

Attorney General Jeff Landry and his brother Ben Landry are accusing the Advocate of harassment and released video of Advocate reporters investigating Ben Landry’s home. Reports indicate the paper was investigating business dealings of some kind involving a Landry owned company.

According to State Police an Exxon fire that lit up the night sky in Baton Rouge Tuesday released and unknown amount of carcinogens into the air.

DOTD Secretary Shawn Wilson continues to urge drivers to put down the cell phone.  Wilson says earlier this month, another DOTD employee, Dwayne Pitre, was seriously injured while picking up litter in a work zone near Carencro.  Once again, distracted driving was believed to be a factor.
Cut 4 (09) “…and his family.”
Two DOTD employees have died since 2016 due to distracted driving.

A Lafayette man is in jail for allegedly defrauding a Shreveport man over tickets to the National Championship game in New Orleans. Caddo Sheriff’s spokesperson Cindy Chadwick says the victim bought a pair of near field level tickets from Michael Simmons for 3,600 dollars, but…
Cut 6 (11) “less”
The actual value of the tickets for his nosebleed seats was 525 dollars, and Simmons refused to refund the money.

Multiple students at Many High School in Sabine Parish have been charged with illicit acts for their roles in an alleged sexual assault that was recorded on video and went viral on social media. Trooper Casey Wallace says seven juvenile students and one adult student face a variety of charges….
Cut 13 (05) “…juveniles.”
The video that reportedly shows a victim being held down by other students and sodomized with an object.

In celebration of Valentine’s Day, the Louisiana Family Forum is honoring what they believe to be the couple with the longest marriage in the state with the 2020 Marriage Hall of Fame.  Forum President Gene Mills says for the second year in a row, Wallace and Gladys Menard from Duson have that distinction with 81 years.

Cut 9 (11) “…covenant has brought.″

The couple met at a dance hall in Abbeville in 1937 and were married at ages 19 and 16 in 1938.

Multiple students at Many High School in Sabine Parish have been charged with illicit acts for their roles in an alleged sexual assault that was recorded on video and went viral on social media. Trooper Casey Wallace says the investigation remains active….

Cut 14 (10) “…after this”

The juvenile students arrested have not been identified, but authorities identified the 18-year-old as Quacie Kerlegon. He was charged with sexual battery and second-degree kidnapping.

DOTD Secretary Shawn Wilson continues to urge drivers to not drive distracted.  The seconds that someone’s eyes are off the road and on a cell phone can have dire consequences and Wilson says of the three deaths with DOTD road workers under his leadership since 2016, distracted driving was to blame for two of them.

Cut 3 (07)  “…have driver responsibility. 

A distracted driving incident seriously injured a DOTD worker this month.

A Shreveport man’s trip to New Orleans for the National Championship was allegedly ruined after the tickets he bought from Michael Simmons of Lafayette were not what he paid for. The victim says he paid for some of the best tickets you can get and arrived to find what he got was in the nose bleeds. Caddo Sheriff’s spokesperson Cindy Chadwick says the victim did not demand the usual verification for his purchase because Simmons came recommended by a friend. It’s a tough lesson to learn.

Cut 8 (11)“…was”

Simmons was arrested on Felony Theft as a result.

Louisiana Family Forum celebrates this year’s longest-married couple in Louisiana, second year in a row winners Wallace and Gladys Menard from Duson. The couple met at a dance hall in Abbeville in 1937 and were married at ages 19 and 16 in 1938. 

Cut 10 (08) “…though their differences.”

A case of ticket fraud involving last month’s college football national championship game lands a Lafayette man in jail. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 1 (31) “…I’m Jeff Palermo” 

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In celebration of Valentine’s Day, the Louisiana Family Forum 2020 Marriage Hall of Fame is honoring the top ten longest married couples in the state. Kevin Barnhart has the story.

cut  2 (26) “…I’m Kevin Barnhart”

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DOTD Secretary Shawn Wilson continues to urge drivers to not drive distracted.  The seconds that someone’s eyes are off the road and on a cell phone can have dire consequences and Wilson says of the three deaths with DOTD road workers under his leadership since 2016, distracted driving was to blame for two of them.

Cut 3 (07)  “…have driver responsibility. 

Wilson says earlier this month, another DOTD employee, Dwayne Pitre, was seriously injured while picking up litter in a work zone near Carencro.  Once again, distracted driving was believed to be a factor.

Cut 4 (09) “…and his family.”

Wilson says the department is stepping up safety measures.

Cut 5 (13)  “…our construction zones.”

Noise-making cones are also going to be placed in front of work zones to alert workers when drivers are swerving out of their lanes.

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A Lafayette man is in jail for allegedly defrauding a Shreveport man over tickets to the National Championship game in New Orleans.

Caddo Sheriff’s spokesperson Cindy Chadwick says the victim bought a pair of near field level tickets from Michael Simmons for 3,600 dollars, but…

Cut 6 (11) “less”

The actual value of the tickets for his nosebleed seats was 525 dollars, and Simmons refused to refund the money.

Cut 7 (06) “…case.”

Chadwick says the victim did not demand the usual verification for his purchase because Simmons came recommended by a friend. It’s a tough lesson to learn.

Cut 8 (11)“…was”

Simmons turned himself into the Caddo Correctional Center today, and is charged with Felony Theft in the amount of 2,600 dollars.

____________________________________________________

In celebration of Valentine’s Day, the Louisiana Family Forum is honoring what they believe to be the couple with the longest marriage in the state with the 2020 Marriage Hall of Fame.  Forum President Gene Mills says for the second year in a row, Wallace and Gladys Menard from Duson have that distinction with 81 years.

Cut 9 (11) “…covenant has brought.″

The couple met at a dance hall in Abbeville in 1937 and were married at ages 19 and 16 in 1938.  Mills says the couple appears to have a working strategy for longevity.

Cut 10 (08) “…though their differences.”

Mills says it is important to celebrate marriage because of its contributions to society.

Cut 11 (09) “…called traditional marriage.”

You can see the top ten list of the longest marriages throughout the state and read their stories at LAfamilyforum.org.

________________________________________________________

Multiple students at Many High School in Sabine Parish have been charged with illicit acts for their roles in an alleged sexual assault that was recorded on video and went viral on social media. Trooper Casey Wallace says State Police began their investigation earlier this month

Cut 12 (09) “one adult”

Wallace says seven juvenile students and one adult student face a variety of charges….

Cut 13 (05) “…juveniles.”

The juvenile students arrested have not been identified because of their age, but authorities identified the 18-year-old as Quacie Kerlegon. He was charged with sexual battery and second-degree kidnapping.

Parents who send their children to Many High School are troubled over the video that reportedly shows a victim being held down by other students and sodomized with an object in what has been called a bullying episode that went too far.

Wallace says the investigation remains active….

Cut 14 (10) “…after this”

__________________________

Cut 15 (10) “…great”

Cut 16  (12)  …dominate” 

________________________________

A Lafayette man is facing felony theft charges after allegedly tricking a Shreveport man into paying 3,600 dollars for a pair of National Championship tickets that were only worth 525 dollars each. Caddo Sheriff’s spokesperson Cindy Chadwick says the victim was told the tickets he was buying were in section 104, but the tickets he was sold by Michael Simmons turned out to be nose bleeds.

Cut 7 (06) “…case.”

DOTD Secretary Shawn Wilson says earlier this month, another DOTD employee, Dwayne Pitre, was seriously injured while picking up litter in a work zone near Carencro, and once again, distracted driving was believed to be a factor.

Cut 4 (09) “…and his family.”

He says put down the phone while behind the wheel because distracted drivers have killed two DOTD workers over the past few years.

With mumps cases on the LSU flagship campus creeping up to 12, the school has decided to start offering free vaccines to students considered to be “high risk” of contracting the virus. Those include tennis players, fraternity and sorority members, the Tiger Band, students who have been in contact with an infected person and students who have not had both of their MMR shots. LSU Health New Orleans Infectious Disease Specialist Dr. Fred Lopez says getting vaccinated can help prevent worst-case scenarios like…

Cut 13 (10) “…deficits.”

He adds being vaccinated can also reduce the severity of the virus.

DOTD Secretary Shawn Wilson continues to urge drivers to not drive distracted.  Wilson says of the three deaths with DOTD road workers under his leadership since 2016, distracted driving was to blame for two of them.
Cut 3 (07)  “…have driver responsibility. 
Distracted driving is blamed for injuries sustained by another DOTD employee, Dwayne Pitre, who was seriously injured while picking up litter earlier this month.

A DeSoto Parish deputy is killed in a two-vehicle crash.  Trooper Brent Hardy says a Jeep driven by 33-year-old Richard Wimer of Stonewall was entering a curve while traveling east on US Highway 84 while at the same time, an unmarked patrol unit was traveling westbound driven by Deputy Donna Richardson-Below.
Cut 11 (11) “…and Mr. Wimer’s.”
Deputy Richardson-Below was 43.

A Lafayette man is in jail for allegedly defrauding a Shreveport man over tickets to the National Championship game in New Orleans.  Caddo Sheriff’s spokesperson Cindy Chadwick says the victim bought a pair of near field level tickets from Michael Simmons for 3,600 dollars, but…
Cut 6 (11) “less”
The actual value of the tickets for his nosebleed seats was 525 dollars, and Simmons refused to refund the money.
Acadiana-based Bayou Teche Brewing is releasing a limited edition beer called Cajun Breakfast Stout.  Brewery founder Karlos Knott says brewers utilize Steen’s cane syrup, boudin made with ground pork, rice, onion, green peppers, and Cajun spices and seasoning, as well as organic coffee from Art’s Coffee Roasters.
Cut 8 (13) “…with some sweetness.”

Valentine’s Day procrastinators are running out of time to get their loved one some roses. Matt Doyle has the lowdown on how much time you have left…

Cut 1 (30) “I’m Matt Doyle”

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Boudin, coffee, and cane syrup help make up the latest craft beer offering from Acadiana-based Bayou Teche Brewing.  Kevin Barnhart has the story.

 Cut 2 (31) “…I’m Kevin Barnhart” 

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Louisiana State Police troopers arrest one of their own in a child porn investigation. Kevin Barnhart has the story.

Cut 3 (30)  “…I’m Kevin Barnhart. 

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You’ve got less than 24 hours until Valentine’s day so heads up procrastinators you are running out of time to buy your loved one some roses.

Before you sign up for some express delivery, or fly by and pick up the standard dozen red roses, President of the Louisiana Florists Association Samantha Bates says consider mixing things up a bit.

Cut 4 (11) “…dozen.”

She says this year the industry has seen a lot of interest in pinks, purples, and reds mixed together.

And love doesn’t come cheap, so what’s it going to cost to pick up the standard twelve rose bouquet this year from a Louisiana florist?

Cut 5 (05)  “…thirty.”

Bates says don’t wait until the day of to buy roses as most florists will be out of stock by 12-2 PM tomorrow. Also, if you’re planning on having them delivered to a loved one’s office, do it now.

Cut 6 (09) “…frequent”

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Acadiana-based Bayou Teche Brewing is releasing a limited edition beer called Cajun Breakfast Stout.  Brewery founder Karlos Knott says breakfast stouts that capture the flavors of bacon, maple syrup, and donuts are a growing trend among breweries, but Bayou Teche is for a different vibe.

Cut 7 (05) “…in the beer.”

Knott says brewers utilize Steen’s cane syrup, boudin made with ground pork, rice, onion, green peppers, and Cajun spices and seasoning, as well as organic coffee from Art’s Coffee Roasters.

Cut 8 (13) “…with some sweetness.”

The beer will be available first at a launch party this weekend at the brewery, followed by a launch across the state.  Bayou Teche is no stranger to unique flavors and Knott says the consumers’ demand for new flavors never stops.

Cut 9 (12) “…add to them.″

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A DeSoto Parish deputy is killed in a two-vehicle crash on US Highway 84.  Just before 8 AM on Wednesday, troopers responded to the collision between a 2008 Jeep Cherokee and an unmarked Ford Crown Victoria.  Trooper Brent Hardy…

Cut 10 (10) “…of the crash.”

The crash happened west of LA Highway 3248.  Toxicology samples were obtained and submitted for analysis.  Hardy says the Jeep driven by 33-year-old Richard Wimer of Stonewall was entering a curve while traveling east on US Highway 84 while at the same time, the unmarked patrol unit was traveling westbound.

Cut 11 (11) “…and Mr. Wimer’s.”

Deputy Richardson-Below was properly restrained and was pronounced dead on the scene.  Wimer, who was unrestrained, received moderate injuries and was transported to a local hospital.

Hardy says seeing an officer killed on Louisiana roadways adds an extra layer of tragedy to the situation for first responders.

Cut 12 (11) “…to DeSoto Parish”

Hardy reminds drivers to use caution when driving in inclement weather and says state law allows law enforcement to ticket those driving too fast for road conditions.  Deputy Richardson-Below was 43 years old.

_____________________________________

LSU is now offering free MMR vaccines to those considered to be at high risk of contracting mumps, including tennis players, fraternity and sorority members, the Tiger Band, and others.

LSU Health New Orleans Infectious Disease Specialist Dr. Fred Lopez says the vaccine is crucial because on rare occasions infections can lead to the development of severe complications.

Cut 13 (10) “…deficits.”

“High risk” groups also include students who have been in contact with an infected person and students who have not had both of their MMR shots.

Unlike some shots, it takes two rounds for the MMR vaccine to be fully effective. Lopez says getting the vaccines isn’t fool-proof, but it’s close.

Cut 14 (10) “…protective”

He adds being vaccinated can also reduce the severity of the virus.

One student has already been quarantined in their on-campus apartment. Lopez says if you feel you’re coming down with flu-like symptoms and are an LSU student, stay away from others, and…

Cut 15 (12) “provider.”

The university is reporting 12 confirmed cases so far.

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Louisiana Tech men’s basketball looks to end its first two-game losing streak of the season tonight when the Bulldogs host F-I-U at the Thomas Assembly Center at 6:30 PM. Coach Eric Konkol’s team dropped two games on the road last week to Western Kentucky on Thursday and Marshall on Saturday

Cut 16  (16)  …next time”  

Tech’s record in Conference USA play fell to 8-and-4 after the two losses. They are in a three-way tie for third place and one of the teams they are tied with is F-I-U. Konkol says his players understand the importance of tonight’s game…

Cut 17  (15) “of the year” 

The Panthers have won three in a row heading into tonight’s game in Ruston. Konkol says FIU head coach Jeremy Ballard has the Panthers playing well on both ends of the court…

cut 18  (17) ” nice job”   

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cut 19 (09)  do it”  

cut 20 (12) “ playing great”