The Fertel Foundation and The Nation Institute, co-sponsors of The Ridenhour Prizes, are now accepting applications for the awards. Ridenhour Prizes recognize individuals whose acts have protected the public interest, promoted social justice or illuminated a more just vision of society. Nomination deadline is Dec. 1. Visit the Ridenhour Web site for details or to apply.

The Metcalf Institute for Marine and Environmental Reporting announces a science training fellowship for journalists. The fellowship is available to journalists from all media with a demonstrated interest in reporting on science and the environment. Deadline is January 26, 2009. Visit the Metcalf Institute Web site for details.

Print and online journalists with less than ten years of professional experience are eligible to apply for journalism fellowships from the Phillips Foundation. The fellowships support journalists who share the foundation's mission to advance constitutional principles, a democratic society and a vibrant free enterprise system. Deadline is March 2, 2009. For more information, visit the Phillips Foundation Web site.

U.S. reporters, editors, producers and freelancers with at least five years full-time experience are invited to apply for Ted Scripps Fellowships in Environmental Journalism. Fellows take classes, attend seminars, take field trips and conduct independent research during the 2009-10 academic year. Deadline is March 1, 2009. For more information, visit the Ted Scripps Web site.

Christiane Amanpour, an IWMF board member and CNN’s chief international correspondent, will receive the Fourth Estate Award from the National Press Club. The award, which is the highest honor for excellence in journalism from the Club, is given annually to an individual who has achieved distinction for a lifetime of contributions to American journalism. Read more about Amanpour and the award.

A recent performance of actress Anna Deavere Smith’s new play, "Let Me Down Easy,” raised money for the IWMF Elizabeth Neuffer Fund, which honors the memory of Elizabeth Neuffer. Neuffer, a 1998 recipient of an IWMF Courage in Journalism Award, died in a car accident in 2003 in Iraq while reporting for The Boston Globe. The IWMF Elizabeth Neuffer Fund finances annual fellowships for women journalists who cover human rights and social justice. Read the editorial in The Boston Globe.

Women journalists are leading the way in coverage of this year’s presidential campaign. Reporters such as Katie Couric, Rachel Maddow and IWMF board member Campbell Brown are rising to the top of their profession while breaking gender barriers and challenging candidates. Read the article on Salon.com.

The IWMF is accepting nominations for 2010 Courage in Journalism Awards, which honor women journalists who report under dangerous or difficult circumstances. Deadline is March 5.

Farida Nekzad, an Afghan journalist who is the recipient of a 2008 IWMF Courage in Journalism Award, is featured in U.S. News & World Report. Nekzad was interviewed about working as a journalist under threat in her country. Read the article.

Mildred Heath, a 100-year-old journalist in Nebraska, will be honored with an award from the nonprofit group Experience Words for being the oldest worker in the United States. Heath is a reporter for the Beacon-Observer newspaper, a weekly publication based in Overton. She has been working at newspapers in the state for about 85 years. Read a feature on Heath on the Beacon-Observer’s Web site.

From Vietnam to the Middle East, Edith Lederer has broken ground for women in journalism. Lederer, who has reported from every continent except Antarctica, is the 2008 IWMF Lifetime Achievement Award winner.

Farida Nekzad (from left), Edith Lederer and Sevgul Uludag spoke Oct. 9 in Washington, D.C., about their struggles and triumphs as journalists.

This year's Courage and Lifetime Achievement Award winners have reported under dangerous circumstances, often risking their lives to uncover the truth about what's happening in their countries. They spoke about their experiences as journalists at a panel discussion on Oct. 9 in Washington, D.C.

View photos from the event.

Jenny Manrique, a Colombian freelance journalist, just began her year as the 2008-09 IWMF Elizabeth Neuffer Fellow. She is interested in investigating Colombian paramilitaries during her fellowship.

By Peggy Simpson Jenny Manrique covered the villages where Colombia’s narco-traffickers intimidate and co-opt the locals in order to assure smooth ex...