Latest news with #Ye
The Star
2 days ago
- The Star
Rural coffee retreats: Village cafes are brewing new getaways in China
On a crisp Sunday morning, Zheng Shiying drove 130km to a village on the outskirts of Beijing, not for a hike or a hot spring, but for a cup of coffee. It took Zheng over three hours to reach the cafe. Housed in a crumbling stone building that looks untouched by time, it was already packed with weekend visitors by the time Zheng arrived, and finding a seat was a bit of a challenge. "I've never woken up this early for work," she joked. A city cafe keeps you awake, while a village cafe helps you unwind. Zheng is one of many urban Chinese heading deep into the countryside in search of rural calm. Far from the city's polished espresso bars, village cafes offer customers a refreshing change of pace. In a village in Dongguan, for example, a cafe by a railway has become an urban-escape hotspot. Facing the tracks and shaded by ancient trees, it offers front-row seats to thundering trains. Owner Ye Zhongwen, who loved chasing trains as a kid, opened the Red Guan Coffee in 2024 in a two-storey house that had sat vacant for Ye, the remote location wasn't a flaw but a feature. And Ye is not alone, some of the cafe's customers drive 40 minutes from Dongguan, others travel over two hours from Shenzhen, and even visitors from Hong Kong have made the trip. "At first, villagers were curious and skeptical," Ye said. "Now many are regulars, and they're glad the cafe is drawing more people who also buy their farm produce and other goods." The Chinese government is supportive of initiatives by young people to set up cafes in far flung locations, deeming it an effort to revitalise rural areas. China's rural cafe boom has been fueled by the rise of rural tourism. According to estimates from the Ministry of Culture and Tourism, rural tourism across the country welcomed 707mil visits in the first quarter of this year, up 8.9% year on year. Over 40,000 cafes have sprung up in China's countryside. Increasingly, these village cafes are more than just coffee stops but creative hubs revitalising rural spaces. In a village in Quzhou City, Zhejiang Province, one such cafe sprang to life from a dilapidated sheep shed halfway up an abandoned mining hill. "It was the only usable structure around back in 2023," said Yu Jiafu, founder of the Sheep Shed Cafe. "No roof, just broken walls and waist-high weeds. We gave it the English name 'Young People Coffee', a playful pun on 'Yang Peng' or sheep shed in Chinese, hoping to draw more young people to the countryside." Yu, a graduate of the China Academy of Art, saw beauty and potential in the wild setting. He and his team rebuilt the roof with thatch, kept the original stone structure, and used nearby mountain rocks to build the bar. "Our guests now range from city dwellers on weekend road trips to local youths who treat this place like their living room," Yu said. Visitors drive far and away to rural cafes to unwind. At its busiest, the cafe welcomed more than 5,000 visitors in a single day. On regular weekends, guests come from nearby cities like Hangzhou and Shanghai. Even foreign travellers and Internet influencers with millions of followers have stopped by. Since its opening, the cafe's grounds have evolved to suit the clientele, now boasting a swimming pool, an open-air performance stage, a camping area, and a wood-fired bread oven. In April, Zhejiang hosted its first "Village Cafe Masters" event, where 33 coffee entrepreneurs showcased their brands and products. A rural coffee base was also unveiled that links academia, industry, and local communities in support of countryside coffee development. Alongside the event, local authorities introduced support programmes including digital training, resource matchmaking, and e-commerce tools to help young entrepreneurs thrive in rural areas. These efforts are part of Zhejiang's broader initiative to encourage youth-led development in rural areas. By 2025, Zhejiang plans to establish 1,000 rural practice hubs to offer young people more room to explore, innovate, and stay rooted in the countryside. For Yu, that mission is already personal. "I'm not here just to run a cafe," he said. "I want to help the village grow, one cup at a time." - Xinhua/ANN
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Health
- Yahoo
Maryland Teen To Serve 1 Year In Prison After Detailing School Shooting Plans
A 19-year-old high school student who prosecutors said obsessively wrote about carrying out mass shootings at two Maryland schools will serve one year of a 10-year prison sentence after being found guilty of threatening to commit mass violence. Andrea 'Alex' Ye, 19, of Rockville was sentenced Wednesday to 10 years in prison, with all but 12 months suspended, after his detailed writings about carrying out an attack were flagged to law enforcement while in an inpatient psychiatric facility early last year. Ye, who had previously been hospitalized for threatening to 'shoot up a school' and homicidal and suicidal ideation, had a 'consistent obsession with school shootings and school shooters' that he documented in a 129-page 'manifesto' and shared with a fellow patient, leading to his arrest, said Montgomery County State's Attorney John McCarthy at a press conference Wednesday. 'Some of the things that were in the manifesto included things like, 'I want to shoot up my school. I've been preparing for it the last few months,'' said McCarthy. Ye fantasized in his writings about gaining access to his father's gun case, making bombs, and becoming a 'romanticized' serial killer who receives 'tons of love letters' and a Netflix documentary, according to the criminal charges. 'Maybe the most chilling thing of all, the only reason why he didn't do this is because he didn't have access to a gun,' McCarthy said back in January after Ye's conviction by a Montgomery County judge. 'He said, 'If I had access to a gun, this would have happened.'' As part of his sentence, Ye will serve five years of supervised probation after his release from prison. He will also have to undergo mental health treatment, perform community service, stay away from the two schools he threatened, and stay off the app Discord, which prosecutors said he routinely used to search for 'mass shootings' and 'school shootings.' Ye has already been behind bars for 14 months since his arrest last year but he waived his right to credit for that time already served. McCarthy expressed regret and frustration about Ye's prison sentence, arguing that rather than spending another year in a detention facility, he should receive long-term psychological treatment. He said a court hearing has been scheduled for September so that his defense can propose a supervision program for him upon his release. Attempts to reach Ye's defense attorney for comment Thursday were not immediately successful. 'These issues don't go away quickly and therefore I think longer-term treatment for a lot of our young people, Mr. Ye among them, is what we need to offer them, and that's what we were trying to offer them today,' McCarthy said of his office's recommendation for Ye to attend a local youthful offender program. McCarthy did credit the judge for offering to meet with Ye every two weeks during his probationary period to ensure that he gets the attention that he needs. He called that 'unusual step' a possible 'reflection of the judge's concern that she recognizes that there's a real danger if there's not proper supervision here when he goes back into the community.' 'Being on probation does not necessarily mean what I think some people naively think,' he said, while emphasizing the workload those tasked with supervising offenders face. 'They are tremendously overworked and overburdened in terms of people they supervise in the community.'
Hindustan Times
3 days ago
- Politics
- Hindustan Times
What to know about onetime Chicago gang leader Larry Hoover, whose federal sentence Trump commuted
CHICAGO — One of Chicago's most infamous gang leaders is among the people to receive commutations this week from President Donald Trump, a puzzling move that has raised questions about whether Larry Hoover will be freed. The 74-year-old Hoover, who has received support from celebrities like rapper Ye and inspired popular rap lyrics, has been serving a life sentence at the nation's most restrictive prison in Colorado. He was first imprisoned in Illinois for a 1973 murder and convicted decades later in federal court for running a criminal enterprise while behind bars. Trump's move commutes the federal sentence of the former kingpin and prison entrepreneur. However, Hoover must still serve his lengthy Illinois sentence. Hoover's supporters say they are working on ways to get Hoover paroled or pardoned in Illinois, but questions linger about his chances and even where he will be imprisoned. Hoover was a founder of the Gangster Disciples more than 50 years ago, which remains one of Chicago's most notorious street gangs. At its height under Hoover's leadership, the gang generated about $100 million each year in cocaine and heroin sales, according to federal prosecutors. 'He was the undisputed head of the organization. He ran it. Everybody reported to him,' said Ron Safer, a former U.S. assistant attorney who led the prosecution of Hoover. 'The Gangster Disciples were monolithic, ruthlessly efficient.' Hoover ordered the death of a gang member in 1973 and was convicted of murder. He was sentenced to 150 to 200 years in a state prison. But prosecutors say that didn't stop him from spreading the gang's vast influence. For more than two decades, he ran the Gangster Disciples from behind bars, expanding it to chapters in more than two dozen states. He was eventually charged with dozens of federal crimes, including engaging in a continuing criminal enterprise. A federal jury found him guilty in 1997. He was sentenced to life the following year and sent to the 'supermax' prison in Florence, Colorado, where he has spent years in solitary confinement. Hoover has left a prominent mark on pop culture, launching a jail-inspired fashion line, starting a political action committee and inspiring rap lyrics. In 1995, he began his 'Ghetto Prisoner' fashion line in hopes of having a positive influence on young people. 'All kids in the ghetto can associate with the idea of prisoners and being treated like prisoners,″ he told The Associated Press in a 1995 phone interview from the Dixon Correctional Center in Illinois. 'I'm hoping that it will wake them up and help them understand that we have to come together as a people and stop being sectarian.' Supporters said his political action committee, 21st Century V.O.T.E., inspired thousands to protest outside Chicago City Hall in the 1990s. His name was further memorialized in one of rapper Rick Ross' most famous songs, the 2010 single 'B.M.F.,' which was an ode to Hoover's power and influence. Rapper Ye, formerly Kanye West, and Drake were among the celebrities who championed Hoover's early release. West pleaded Hoover's case to Trump during a bizarre Oval Office meeting in 2018. Three years later, Drake and Ye headlined a 'Free Larry Hoover" benefit concert in Los Angeles to help call attention to prison reforms. Trump's move confused many, including Safer, who said the commutation was 'extremely disappointing' given the years of trauma, drug addiction and lives lost in gang wars. 'There are some crimes that are so heinous and so extraordinary that they do not qualify for mercy,' Safer said. Hoover's many previous attempts for a sentence reduction or parole have been swiftly rejected, including a federal judge denying Hoover's request for a lower sentence in 2021. Last year, the Illinois Prisoner Review Board unanimously rejected his bid for parole and before that in 2022 with a 10-1 vote. Attorneys have said Hoover became a symbol of gang culture, making it hard for courts to consider resentencing him, but that Hoover has since denounced gangs and is a changed man. For instance, Hoover was illiterate when he entered prison and has since taught himself, earned his GED certificate and taken classes on robotics and art history. Hoover remains eligible for parole in Illinois and has a hearing later this year. 'He's not responsible for all gang violence that ever has occurred,' said attorney Jennifer Bonjean. She and others say they will push Gov. JB Pritzker to pardon Hoover, arguing that Hoover received a disproportionate sentence. Hoover's co-defendants have received reduced sentences, clemency or already been released. 'There is no purpose in returning a 74-year-old man in failing health to prison after 52 years of incarceration,' said a joint statement from attorneys Joshua Dubin and Justin Moore. 'Justice demands that Mr. Hoover's time be considered served.' Pritzker declined comment Thursday. Hoover's family celebrated the commutation. 'Almost home!' his son Larry Hoover Jr. wrote on Instagram and posted a picture toasting his father. While Trump said Hoover should be 'released immediately,' it was unclear if or when Hoover would be moved out of the federal facility. Federal prison officials confirmed Thursday that Hoover remained imprisoned in Colorado and determining a new release date would involve 'additional research and auditing.' Illinois officials declined to discuss the case. 'The Illinois Department of Corrections does not comment on the timing or details of transfers from federal facilities to state facilities and has no additional information to share at this time,' agency spokeswoman Naomi Puzzello said in statement. Associated Press writer Colleen Slevin in Denver contributed to this report.
Associated Press
3 days ago
- Business
- Associated Press
What to know about onetime Chicago gang leader Larry Hoover, whose federal sentence Trump commuted
CHICAGO (AP) — One of Chicago's most infamous gang leaders is among the people to receive commutations this week from President Donald Trump, a puzzling move that has raised questions about whether Larry Hoover will be freed. The 74-year-old Hoover, who has received support from celebrities like rapper Ye and inspired popular rap lyrics, has been serving a life sentence at the nation's most restrictive prison in Colorado. He was first imprisoned in Illinois for a 1973 murder and convicted decades later in federal court for running a criminal enterprise while behind bars. Trump's move commutes the federal sentence of the former kingpin and prison entrepreneur. However, Hoover must still serve his lengthy Illinois sentence. Hoover's supporters say they are working on ways to get Hoover paroled or pardoned in Illinois, but questions linger about his chances and even where he will be imprisoned. Notorious gang leader works behind bars Hoover was a founder of the Gangster Disciples more than 50 years ago, which remains one of Chicago's most notorious street gangs. At its height under Hoover's leadership, the gang generated about $100 million each year in cocaine and heroin sales, according to federal prosecutors. 'He was the undisputed head of the organization. He ran it. Everybody reported to him,' said Ron Safer, a former U.S. assistant attorney who led the prosecution of Hoover. 'The Gangster Disciples were monolithic, ruthlessly efficient.' Hoover ordered the death of a gang member in 1973 and was convicted of murder. He was sentenced to 150 to 200 years in a state prison. But prosecutors say that didn't stop him from spreading the gang's vast influence. For more than two decades, he ran the Gangster Disciples from behind bars, expanding it to chapters in more than two dozen states. He was eventually charged with dozens of federal crimes, including engaging in a continuing criminal enterprise. A federal jury found him guilty in 1997. He was sentenced to life the following year and sent to the 'supermax' prison in Florence, Colorado, where he has spent years in solitary confinement. Prison entrepreneur tries politics Hoover has left a prominent mark on pop culture, launching a jail-inspired fashion line, starting a political action committee and inspiring rap lyrics. In 1995, he began his 'Ghetto Prisoner' fashion line in hopes of having a positive influence on young people. 'All kids in the ghetto can associate with the idea of prisoners and being treated like prisoners,″ he told The Associated Press in a 1995 phone interview from the Dixon Correctional Center in Illinois. 'I'm hoping that it will wake them up and help them understand that we have to come together as a people and stop being sectarian.' Supporters said his political action committee, 21st Century V.O.T.E., inspired thousands to protest outside Chicago City Hall in the 1990s. His name was further memorialized in one of rapper Rick Ross' most famous songs, the 2010 single 'B.M.F.,' which was an ode to Hoover's power and influence. Rapper Ye, formerly Kanye West, and Drake were among the celebrities who championed Hoover's early release. West pleaded Hoover's case to Trump during a bizarre Oval Office meeting in 2018. Three years later, Drake and Ye headlined a 'Free Larry Hoover' benefit concert in Los Angeles to help call attention to prison reforms. Hoover's chances for freedom Trump's move confused many, including Safer, who said the commutation was 'extremely disappointing' given the years of trauma, drug addiction and lives lost in gang wars. 'There are some crimes that are so heinous and so extraordinary that they do not qualify for mercy,' Safer said. Hoover's many previous attempts for a sentence reduction or parole have been swiftly rejected, including a federal judge denying Hoover's request for a lower sentence in 2021. Last year, the Illinois Prisoner Review Board unanimously rejected his bid for parole and before that in 2022 with a 10-1 vote. Attorneys have said Hoover became a symbol of gang culture, making it hard for courts to consider resentencing him, but that Hoover has since denounced gangs and is a changed man. For instance, Hoover was illiterate when he entered prison and has since taught himself, earned his GED certificate and taken classes on robotics and art history. Hoover remains eligible for parole in Illinois and has a hearing later this year. 'He's not responsible for all gang violence that ever has occurred,' said attorney Jennifer Bonjean. She and others say they will push Gov. JB Pritzker to pardon Hoover, arguing that Hoover received a disproportionate sentence. Hoover's co-defendants have received reduced sentences, clemency or already been released. 'There is no purpose in returning a 74-year-old man in failing health to prison after 52 years of incarceration,' said a joint statement from attorneys Joshua Dubin and Justin Moore. 'Justice demands that Mr. Hoover's time be considered served.' Pritzker declined comment Thursday. Hoover's family celebrated the commutation. 'Almost home!' his son Larry Hoover Jr. wrote on Instagram and posted a picture toasting his father. While Trump said Hoover should be 'released immediately,' it was unclear if or when Hoover would be moved out of the federal facility. Federal prison officials confirmed Thursday that Hoover remained imprisoned in Colorado and determining a new release date would involve 'additional research and auditing.' Illinois officials declined to discuss the case. 'The Illinois Department of Corrections does not comment on the timing or details of transfers from federal facilities to state facilities and has no additional information to share at this time,' agency spokeswoman Naomi Puzzello said in statement. ___ Associated Press writer Colleen Slevin in Denver contributed to this report.
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Larry Hoover Jr. Thanks Ye for Helping His Father Get Life Sentence Commuted by Donald Trump
Larry Hoover Jr. has thanked Ye (formerly Kanye West) for his support over the years when it comes to advocating for his father, Larry Hoover's, freedom. The elder Hoover had his federal life sentence commuted by President Donald Trump on Wednesday (May 28). TheGangster Disciples' founder has been locked up since 1973. More from Billboard YoungBoy Never Broke Again Pardoned by President Trump: 'Thank You to Everyone Who Believed in Me' Thom Yorke Releases 'Dialing In' as Theme to Apple TV+ Series 'Smoke' Kneecap Removed From Scottish Festival Following Safety Concerns From Police 'It started a long time ago with Kanye. Kanye put us on the platform,' he told TMZ. '[Ye] had a very big part because he started it all off. He put us on the platform. He took us to the White House on his platform when he didn't have to do that.' Hoover Jr. continued, '[Ye] stuck his neck out there. We know he don't have a problem with sticking his neck out there about what he believes in, and I'm glad he believed in this.' Yeezy — who has been facing backlash for his hate speech — brought Larry Hoover's situation to the White House during a visit to Trump in the Oval Office in 2018. He headlined the Free Larry Hoover Benefit Concert at the Coliseum with Drake in late 2021, and even gave Larry Hoover Jr. a platform during his Drink Champs interview. Larry Hoover Jr. also made an appearance on Ye's Donda album, and the former Chicago gang leader was spotlighted on West tracks such as 'Jesus Lord' and Vultures 2's 'River.' Ye was hyped to learn that Hoover received federal clemency. 'WORDS CAN'T EXPRESS MY GRATITUDE FOR OUR DEVOTED ENDURING PRESIDENT DONALD TRUMP FOR FREEING LARRY HOOVER,' he wrote to X on Wednesday. While the 74-year-old convicted felon had his federal sentence commuted by Trump, it doesn't mean he's going to be home free just yet. He's still dealing with a 200-year sentence in Illinois for the 1973 murder of drug dealer William 'Pooky' Young. In addition to commuting Larry Hoover's sentence, Trump has granted a series of pardons this week, including to YoungBoy Never Broke Again and reality stars Todd and Julie Chrisley. Best of Billboard Chart Rewind: In 1989, New Kids on the Block Were 'Hangin' Tough' at No. 1 Janet Jackson's Biggest Billboard Hot 100 Hits H.E.R. & Chris Brown 'Come Through' to No. 1 on Adult R&B Airplay Chart
