(1/x) Historic events are happening in the Alaska Legislature #akleg today, so here's a thread for folks just learning about it ...

(2/x) Today, lawmakers will meet in Wasilla and Juneau, each group claiming that its city is the legitimate place to hold the Legislature's second special session this year: adn.com/politics/alask… #akleg

(3/x) I asked some national historians who study state legislatures, and they couldn't think of any similar situation in recent history. #akleg

(4/x) It's a complicated situation, so I wrote a Q&A that gives a quick primer: adn.com/politics/alask… #akleg

(5/x) While Gov. Mike Dunleavy's decision to veto $444 million from the state's operating budget has gotten a lot of attention lately, this split is rooted in a divide over views of the Alaska Permanent Fund dividend. #akleg

(6/x) That dividend divide is so severe that it has split the Legislature's Republicans, who might otherwise have a controlling majority in both the House and Senate: adn.com/politics/alask… #akleg

(7/x) While the split is about the dividend, the budget vetoes are an immediate issue. If the Legislature doesn't override them by the end of the day Friday, they will stand. #akleg

(8/x) That has led thousands of Alaskans to write their legislators and protest. As @madelinemcgeeAK explained, even @portugaltheman is getting involved: adn.com/politics/2019/… #akleg