This summer, an elite group of student journalists fanned out across the country to investigate the state of American democracy as part of the prestigious Carnegie-Knight News21 fellowship. Through immersive, on-the-ground reporting, these rising stars uncovered critical issues, from voting rights in Alabama to threats against election officials nationwide. Armed with deep research and mentorship from experts, they crafted stories, documentaries, and interactive projects to illuminate challenges and showcase those working across political divides—all while redefining what it means to report on a fractured democracy.