1. In 1945, Japan officially surrendered to the Allied forces, effectively ending World War II. While Alaska was not a major player in the war effort, the state did play a role in the Aleutian Islands Campaign, which saw American forces fighting against Japanese troops who had landed on various islands in the Aleutian chain.

2. In 1980, Mount St. Helens in Washington State erupted, sending ash and debris across the region. While the eruption itself did not directly affect Alaska, the ash cloud did drift north and cause disruptions to air travel and other industries.

3. In 1971, the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act was signed into law, officially granting land rights to Alaska Native tribes and corporations. This legislation helped to pave the way for increased tribal sovereignty and economic prosperity for indigenous communities across the state.

4. In 1914, the SS Princess Sophia sank near Juneau, claiming the lives of all 353 people on board. The disaster is still remembered as one of the worst maritime tragedies in Alaska's history.

5. In 2002, the Alaska State Legislature approved a bill to use public funds to purchase a new $140 million jet for the governor's use. This controversial decision sparked widespread outrage among Alaskans, who criticized the move as wasteful and unnecessary given the state's other pressing needs.