Stories by Emma Epperly for the Spokesman-Review

A&E > Books

Spokane Valley author wins award for ‘cozy’ mystery novel

UPDATED: Tue., May 2, 2023

When Tamara Berry heard she was nominated for a new award given by the Mystery Writers of America, she thought the most that would come of it was a fun trip to New York.

News > Education

Whitworth continues to delay decision on protections for LGBTQ faculty and staff as students organize ‘Queer Church’

UPDATED: Fri., April 28, 2023

Nearly a year after alumni and students asked Whitworth University to define its position on LGBTQ+ faculty and staff, the school’s board of trustees has yet to take action.

News > Agriculture

Spokane Farmers’ Market moves to Browne’s Addition as conservation district secures funding for permanent market

UPDATED: Thu., April 27, 2023

Spokane’s oldest farmers market will relocate to the city’s oldest park, providing a new neighborhood with fresh, locally grown food.

News > Crime/Public Safety

Despite reforms, 2022 was one of the deadliest years for police shootings in Spokane County

Sun., April 23, 2023

On the first Monday of January 2019, the sun was out and the air was crisp. It was a new year. Debbie Novak prepared to hit the gym when her phone lit up.

News > Education

‘It really is a lifestyle’: Medical Lake alum returns to lead school district, carrying on family legacy of educating

Sun., April 23, 2023

Kim Headrick was destined to become an educator.

News > Washington

Before fleeing Afghanistan, she was an army commando. Now living in Spokane, she just wants to learn to drive

Fri., April 21, 2023

For six years, Hawa Haidari would wake up, pull on her camouflage uniform and tuck in the black hijab that framed her face before starting her day in what was called “the female tactical platoon” of the Afghan army.

News > Crime/Public Safety

Couple hit by on-duty police officer sues city

UPDATED: Wed., April 19, 2023

An elderly couple injured when an on-duty Spokane police officer crashed into their vehicle in 2020 filed a lawsuit Monday.

News > WA Government

Feinstein’s absence from Senate leaves Spokane judge’s confirmation in limbo

UPDATED: Wed., April 19, 2023

WASHINGTON – The extended absence of the Senate’s oldest member has delayed the confirmation of President Joe Biden’s judicial nominees, including a Spokane County judge, and resurfaced uncomfortable questions about when aging and ailing lawmakers should retire.

News > Health

As Bonner County’s only labor hospital prepares to close, hundreds show up for ‘unhappy hour’ to grieve and share their fears

Tue., April 18, 2023

Sandpoint is losing the family of nurses and doctors who give the town new life, and the community is struggling to deal with the aftermath.

News > Crime/Public Safety

The 9 people in Spokane County shot at by police in 2022

UPDATED: Fri., April 21, 2023

Spokane law enforcement officers shot at nine people in 2022, killing six.

News > Crime/Public Safety

Davenport schools take ‘cautious approach,’ close for the day following mass bomb threat

UPDATED: Wed., April 12, 2023

The Davenport School District closed schools Wednesday morning after receiving a mass bomb threat sent to more than 30 school districts statewide.

News > Education

Deer Park assistant superintendent selected to head district

UPDATED: Thu., April 13, 2023

Deer Park’s new superintendent will be a familiar face.

News > Idaho

Storm to bring rain, wind to Spokane region Monday night into Tuesday

UPDATED: Mon., April 10, 2023

Tuesday will be another rainy day in Spokane, according to the National Weather Service.

News > Education

Studying in style: WSU apparel design students showcase their senior collections, for many a culmination of a lifelong effort

Sun., April 9, 2023

The 19 seniors studying design in WSU's Apparel Merchandizing, Design and Textiles program showed off their senior collections at the 40th annual program fashion show last weekend.

News > Washington

Riverfront Park adds adaptive Easter Egg hunt for children with autism to slate of celebrations

UPDATED: Thu., April 6, 2023

Everyone can participate in Riverfront Park’s Easter Celebrations this year, with help from the Isaac Foundation.

News > Crime/Public Safety

Bill to create state prosecutor’s office to review police use of force fails to move forward

Wed., April 5, 2023

This session’s proposal, House Bill 1579, provided the Office of Independent Investigations jurisdiction to review and prosecute deadly use of force cases, concurrent with county prosecuting attorneys.

News > Crime/Public Safety

Woman found dead in Spokane 40 years ago identified through genetic genealogy, but more questions remain

UPDATED: Thu., March 30, 2023

With the help of DNA and genetic genealogy, Spokane police last month identified a woman found dead along the Spokane River nearly 40 years ago.

News > Crime/Public Safety

Spokane man accused in Suncrest shooting that left one man dead

UPDATED: Fri., March 24, 2023

A 53-year-old man arrested Tuesday at Northern Quest Casino on an outstanding warrant turned out to be the man Stevens County Sheriff’s Deputies were looking for after a deadly shooting last week.

News > Washington

TikTok a powerful marketing tool for small businesses in Spokane

UPDATED: Thu., March 23, 2023

TikTok isn’t just for the kids. It can be a powerful tool for connection, learning and doing business.

News > Education

Distracting, entertaining, educating: TikTok has varied impacts at Ferris High School

UPDATED: Thu., March 23, 2023

TikTok is like a bag of potato chips.

News > Washington

Cannon Streetcar historic district becomes official with mayor’s signature

UPDATED: Wed., March 22, 2023

Historic homes on the west side of the South Hill have a new level of protection after Mayor Nadine Woodward on Wednesday put the final stamp on the creation of a new historic district.