1. In 1963, the Good Friday earthquake struck Alaska, measuring 9.2 on the Richter scale. It remains the largest earthquake recorded in North America and the second largest in the world. The earthquake caused extensive damage and resulted in over 130 fatalities.

2. In 1971, Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act (ANCSA) was signed into law by President Richard Nixon. ANCSA provided for the settlement of land and monetary claims made by Alaska Natives and established a system of regional Native corporations to manage the land and resources. This legislation was a significant step towards recognizing and addressing the historical injustices faced by Alaska Native communities.

3. In 1980, the Mount St. Helens eruption in Washington state spread a thick layer of ash over Alaska, causing widespread disruption to air travel and other activities. The ash created a hazardous environment for wildlife and caused significant damage to buildings and infrastructure. The effects of the eruption were felt across the state for many years.

4. In 2001, the village of Chevak, located in southwestern Alaska, was devastated by a fire that destroyed over 70% of the village's buildings. The fire, which was caused by an electrical malfunction, underscored the challenges faced by many rural Alaskan communities that lack adequate infrastructure and emergency services.

5. In 2017, the Alaska House of Representatives passed a bill that made Alaska the first state to allow for legal consumption of marijuana at licensed marijuana shops. The law allows individuals to purchase and consume marijuana on the premises of licensed retail shops, rather than having to take it home to use. This marked a significant shift in state policy towards marijuana use and reflects the changing attitudes towards the drug across the country.