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Good afternoon. It’s Friday, August 8.

In today's newsletter:

A coalition of rail proponents is proposing a pilot project that would offer commuter rail service between Anchorage and Mat-Su during the winter.
In a new legal opinion, Alaska Attorney General Treg Taylor has affirmed that the state cannot enforce tribal banishments from communities.
A woman from Virginia working as a travel nurse at a Kenai Peninsula hospital is facing first-degree murder charges in the death of a longtime local resident.

This weekend's weather forecast might not beckon you outdoors, but there are plenty of fun things around Anchorage that are worth leaving the house for. There's live music, a blueberry festival and the Taste of Spenard, to name a few. See our full weekend events listing here.

Anchorage weather

It's cloudy again today with a chance of rain and a high around 62 degrees. The forecast calls for much of the same over the weekend, with rain showers more likely on Sunday. Daytime highs will hover in the mid- to high 60s over the next few days.

Here’s what else is making headlines in Alaska today.

— Megan Pacer, mpacer@adn.com

Coalition pitches winter commuter rail runs between Anchorage and Mat-Su →

Under a preliminary proposal, a two-year winter train pilot project could start in fall 2026 — but only if it gets funding and government buy-in, fueling skepticism that this transportation concept that’s been circulating for so long will actually get off the ground.

After a new analysis, state of Alaska upholds position on tribal banishments →

Tribes in Alaska have the right to banish people deemed a danger to residents, whether from violence or bootlegging alcohol or other reasons. But enforcing those banishment orders is a different matter.

Woman working as travel nurse at Soldotna hospital charged with murder in local man’s killing →

Alaska State Troopers had conducted a welfare check on the woman at the same address a day earlier, according to a criminal complaint.

Alaska nonprofit wins initial round in fight against Trump administration over $5M canceled grant →

An Alaska nonprofit that supports innovative projects and startup companies has won a first round in its lawsuit to reinstate a grant award canceled by the Trump administration.

Gov. Dunleavy names interim Alaska revenue commissioner after Adam Crum departs →

Janelle Earls, who will serve in the commissioner position until a permanent replacement is selected by the governor, previously worked in the Alaska Department of Health and Social Services.

Here’s what Republican lawmakers had to say about overriding Dunleavy education veto →

Lawmakers from the House and Senate’s minority caucuses explain why they voted yes on Alaska’s first budget veto override in 38 years. (via Alaska Beacon)

More from the ADN

BP tasked with cleaning up old drill sites on Alaska’s North Slope →

Unusual balloon flight seen over Southcentral Alaska was part of ongoing military exercise →

Cars, coffee and clothing are poised to get pricier with new tariffs →

Israel plans to take over Gaza City to pressure Hamas. Worries rise for civilians and hostages →

The FAA wants to hire 9,000 air traffic controllers. It won’t be enough. →

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