Alaska News Nightly: March 30, 2010

Individual news stories are posted in the Alaska News category and you can subscribe to APRN’s news feeds via email, podcast and RSS.Download Audio (MP3)Lawmakers Unlikely to Approve Parnell’s Scholarship PlanDave Donaldson, APRN – JuneauLawmakers aren't likely to approve Governor Sean Parnell's scholarship program this year. They're still looking for money to pay for the plan.  The Senate Finance Committee on Wednesday will take a look at what originally was proposed as a $400 million endowment to help pay university costs for students who qualify.Corrections Department Closing Last Prison Industry Rosemarie Alexander, KTOO – JuneauThe Alaska Department of Corrections is closing the last of the state’s prison industries. A garment shop and a furniture factory shut down on Wednesday.  An industrial laundry closes in September.Researchers Studying Sea Lions’ Diet Anne Hillman, KUCB – UnalaskaResearchers are trying to figure out how Stellar Sea Lions react to changes in their diets. The information might help scientists understand the population decline in the wild.Sealaska to Pay Out $8 Million to Shareholders Ed Schoenfeld, CoastAlaska – JuneauSealaska will distribute almost $8 million to shareholders. The Southeast regional Native corporation has about 20,000 tribal members, more than half living outside the region.Less Snow Might Mean Less Flooding Dan Bross, KUAC – FairbanksThis winter’s well-below normal snowfall could help reduce flooding during breakup. National Weather Service hydrologist Ed Plumb says run off from snowmelt is one of the factors that affects spring flood potential.Sales Tax Dropping in Wasilla Ellen Lockyer, KSKA – AnchorageWasilla consumers will be paying less in sales taxes come this summer.  A one-half percentage point cut takes effect in July.  The reduction comes about a year early, since city voters raised their sales tax by half a percent in 2002, to pay for the Wasilla Sports Complex.Pratt Museum Featuring Special Show Marcia Lynn, KBBI – HomerFrom now through mid-May the Pratt Museum in Homer is featuring a special show that combines slices of Alaska history with the talents of two local artists to create a stunning and thought provoking exhibit.Nome: Artists Love the Vistas Ellen Lockyer, KSKA – AnchorageNome Alaska is noted as a historic gold rush town, and as the final checkpoint on the Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race. But there is another side to the rugged city on the state’s northwestern coast: artists find expression in the breathtaking, but sometimes brutal, environment.