1. In 1972, the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act was signed into law by President Richard Nixon, a groundbreaking law that resolved long-standing issues surrounding land ownership and resource management between Alaska Natives and the federal government.

2. In 2002, the Alaska state ferry Columbia, carrying 500 passengers and crew, ran aground on a submerged rock off the coast of Juneau, forcing the evacuation of all on board. No injuries were reported, but the incident caused significant damage to the vessel.

3. In 1985, Mount Redoubt, an active volcano located in the Aleutian Range, erupted for the first time in over a decade, sending ash clouds as high as 12 miles into the atmosphere and disrupting air travel in the region. The eruption continued for several weeks, causing millions of dollars in damages to nearby communities and businesses.

4. In 1948, the Anchorage Daily News was first published, becoming the largest daily newspaper in Alaska and a trusted source of news and information throughout the state.

5. In 1967, the first-ever Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race was held, covering 1,049 miles from Anchorage to Nome and establishing a new tradition in Alaska's rich history of dog sledding and winter sports. Today, the Iditarod remains one of the most grueling and prestigious sled dog races in the world.