BY DOUG GRAHAM | Staff writer Scientists from Southeastern Louisiana University have deployed several buoys to monitor the Lake Maurepas ecosystem while a project to inject carbon dioxide far below the lake is conducted. Residents in the region have expressed concern and distrust over the past year as the project became more widely publicized. Read more about the effort to track the region's environment to assess any impacts from the work. The Ascension Parish School District will ask voters to approve a tax renewal on April 27 that is focused on expanding and upgrading preexisting schools rather than building new facilities. One of the big projects included in the proposal is an estimated $50 million expansion of Lake Elementary School. Read more about the tax renewal vote here. Lunar New Year begins Saturday, launching the Year of the Dragon. On Friday night, you can get a jump on the celebration at the 2024 Night Market BTR, which will highlight Asian American businesses, culture and traditions. Read here to learn more about the event at Rhorer Plaza in downtown Baton Rouge. | 