Author

Meghan Mangrum

Meghan Mangrum

Meghan Mangrum has covered education and children’s issues for more than seven years. Most recently, she worked for The Dallas Morning News, but before that she wrote for The Tennessean and The Chattanooga Times Free Press. Her work has also appeared in USA Today, Chalkbeat and The Atlantic. Her awards include Best Education Reporting from the Tennessee Press Association in 2020, 2021 and 2022.

A day after a mass shooting at The Covenant School, a woman is overcome with emotion in front of an impromptu memorial. (Photo: John Partipilo)

“It’s the guns. It’s always been the guns.”

By: - April 27, 2023

Brandy Smith is grateful her students are among the youngest on campus. Too young to question why she has them stand up against the wall, out of sight of the classroom door, or in the corner of the room on drill days. Too young not to believe her when she promises to keep them safe. […]