MORNING BRIEFING: If at first you don't secede...

HERE

The Spokane School District is considering redrawing its internal boundaries. (SR)

The merit-pay bonuses created by Tom Luna’s rejected education reforms have begun to be distributed (for some schools.) (SR)

A handful of Washington residents want to secede from the United States. (KREM)

A local non-profit that helps Spokane cancer victims may have to close from lack of funding. (KXLY)

Cathy McMorris Rodgers says there’s a “silver lining” to the recent elections, partly thanks to redistricting. (National Review)

THERE

The Israeli Palestinian conflict continues as ever, as an Israeli strike kills a Hamas military commander. (NYT)

With the disturbing news about Elmo’s puppeteer, more and more Grover supporters have decided to make their voices heard. (National Post)

Good news, Apple fans. Your favorite company has patented e-book “page turning” so nobody else can use it. (The Atlantic Wire)

Today, Obama is giving his first press conference in five months. (NYT)