The past two weeks (from 26 April to 9 May)

Quite busy in the past two weeks, moving from one place to another. But it's rewarding since we fellows can have the chances to talk to different people on various occasions.
It's good that finally I finished my independently made story on food donation. From doing that story, I feel it has little difference doing interviews in the US and in China. The only issue for me is the language. I still need to hone my language to communicate smoothly with the interviewees.
The first week here in St Paul is busy and interesting. I met and talked with a lot of people, including the editor of Pioneer Press, website editor, my mentor, of course, and an insurance company manager.
I have also shadowed reporters on reporting a court hearing on bankers' fraudulence and the senate and house debate, public hearing in the city hall and a news briefing and law-signing ceremony in the State Capitol. So much for me to "chew and digest"!
What impressed me most is the openness of the US politics. A Pioneer Press reporter told me that the mayor's office is unlocked and anyone can just walk in and talk to him. And during the meeting of senators and house members, a large number of lobbyists would be waiting outside, looking for opportunities to lobby. It's something new to me.
It's good to learn from the Pioneer Press editor that they have launched a new magazine for targeted readers so that they can make money from advertising amid the slumping economy. It has broken even! It has also launched a new website for the local moms. Such a targeted market moves serve as a valuable lesson for my newspaper back in China.