Good morning, Lake Charles.

People First of Louisiana is expanding its Region 5 chapter to boost disability rights and improve accessible services in the area.

The advocacy group meets the second Thursday of every month at 1:30 p.m. at CARC offices on Senator Bennett Johnston Avenue (membership is free).

Families in Lake Charles needing holiday help can schedule an appointment today at 10 a.m. for KPLC’s Community Christmas and Salvation Army Angel Tree program (for children 0-12 and seniors 60) by bringing photo ID, birth certificates, a SNAP letter or check stub, and proof of address; space is limited.

The Walmart Supercenter on U.S. 171 near English Bayou closed until further notice after a small fire broke out Tuesday night — welding embers struck a clothing rack; Lake Charles Fire Department said damage is being assessed.

Ahead of Constitution Day on Sept.

17, Mark Judson of the Southwest Louisiana Law Center joined 7News at Noon to answer local questions on how the Constitution affects everyday rights + legal protections in our community.

McNeese State University broke ground on a $5.4M facility to expand its autism program by transforming a former police headquarters into a modern behavioral health center (8,460 sqft) that aims to boost services for local children and families.

Renovations are set to progress quickly in the coming months.

Misty Vidrine, a STEM teacher at K.R.

Hanchey Elementary, received a $3,500 grant on Wednesday, Sept. 16 after beating out 800 applicants to expand her school's garden (adding wheelchair-accessible beds and an outdoor classroom) for hands-on learning.

A Lake Charles recycling company was cited for violating the Clean Water Act and has installed a containment boom along the Calcasieu River on North Enterprise Blvd to keep debris out of the water.

Officials say the company may face fines as cleanup continues.

Green Garden Nursery in Forest Hill advises local gardeners to plant year-round favorites like azaleas and junipers before cooler October winds arrive (rain will boost soil health until November) to keep gardens thriving into fall.