Jean-Pascal Hohm is young and well-groomed: a neatly shaved neck, a side part, tidy clothes and an affable demeanor. When he takes to the podium in the Brandenburg state parliament, the 28-year-old lawmaker usually sports a suit and tie.
Hohm is far from being a household name across Germany, but that could soon change. He is slated to head the new youth organization of the far-right Alternative for Germany party (AfD), which is to be founded on November 29 and 30 in the city of Giessen, a just north of Frankfurt.
In the runup to the event, he gave an interview to the right-wing media outlet Junge Freiheit TV, where he outlined the organization’s objectives.
“We want to be a training ground for the party’s future leaders,” Hohm said. “We want to develop the officeholders, the elected representatives, and hopefully also the future members of the government.”
Hohm indicated that the AfD youth organization plays an important role in paving the way for the party’s rise to power.
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AfD dreams of an absolute majority
In 2026, five important regional elections will be held in Germany. The AfD has been riding high in the polls for months, for instance, rising to become the strongest party in eastern Germany.
In Saxony-Anhalt, it is polling at 40%, which indicates that it might even be able to form a government without a coalition partner after September’s election.
On its path to power, the AfD decided to dissolve its former youth organization, the Junge Alternative (Young Alternative, or JU), at the beginning of 2025. Its members had made the headlines with extremist statements and frequently got embroiled in scandals, causing a headache to the party leadership.
The JU was formally an association without any party affiliation. In fact, party membership in the AfD was not even a prerequisite for membership in the JU, so the party had no way to sanction what it considered undesirable behavior.
The JU had been in the crosshairs of the German security authorities. The organization was classified as “confirmed far-right extremist” due to its close relations with anti-constitutional organizations such as the Identitarian Movement and suspected right-wing terrorist groups, including one called the “Saxon Separatists.” Legal and political analysts saw the JU on the verge of being banned as unconstitutional, which would have had repercussions for the AfD as a whole.
German security authorities have collected evidence showing that the AfD acts against core principles of the German constitution: The party’s campaigns against Muslims and immigrants violate the principle of equality enshrined in the Basic Law. Critics have been calling for a ban on the AfD for years. Had the party’s youth organization been banned, this would have helped their cause.
The AfD has repeatedly and vehemently rejected such accusations. “The AfD is trying very hard to counter this categorization as right-wing extremist and to ridicule the whole idea,” political scientist Anna-Sophie Heinze from the University of Trier told DW. “But at the same time, it also fears the possible consequences.”
The reorganization of the party’s youth wing thus appears to be a primarily strategic move: under the umbrella of the parent party, the new grouping can expect to obtain better funding and professional support to get involved, for example, in social media campaigning in the run-up to next year’s elections.
Why is the far-right AfD so powerful in eastern Germany?
Will the new youth organization remain far-right?
The crucial question is: how much far-right extremism will there be in the newly founded youth organization?
“I don’t think the new youth organization will have absolutely no contact with the Identitarian Movement or the far-right front,” says political scientist Anna-Sophie Heinze.
For example, Holm, the Brandenburg lawmaker, has a history of close ties to far-right and anti-constitutional associations, in one of which he even completed an internship. In October 2018, he attended a meeting of neo-fascists in Italy.
His Brandenburg AfD chapter is considered to be one of the most radical nationwide. Individual members have openly challenged the German constitution, for example, by questioning whether it is even legal for immigrants to obtain German citizenship.
Hohm’s response to such accusations leaves much room for interpretation. In an interview with the right-wing newspaper Junge Freiheit, he said, “I am firmly convinced that the platform the AfD promotes, and also the platform our youth organization will promote, is firmly grounded in the Basic Law.”
Critics wonder how to interpret this: Does the party itself stand on the foundation of the Basic Law? Or is it just the written platform in accordance with the words of the constitution?
“Generation Germany” is the name Hohm and his associates want to give the new youth organization. It will be voted on by the members of the weekend conference. Promoting mass deportations from Germany is at the center of the proposed political platform. To avoid alienating voters, AfD politicians usually use the euphemism of “remigration” rather than clearly stating “deportations.”
This article was originally written in German.
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Jewel Annette Devall Rodgers was born on September 29,1954 to Harman and Marcy Devall in Beeville, Tx. She entered Heaven’s gates on December 26, 2025, with her mother, sisters, and children by her side. She was 71 years old.
Jewel grew up in Pettus and attended school there, graduating in 1973. She married her High School Sweetheart, Robert Rodgers, on June 8, 1974. She, like both of her sisters, was an LVN, working in home health after years of working as an ER nurse. Jewel was also a licensed beautician. She took great pride in her family and loved staying involved in everything she could to spend time with her kids and grandkids. She was a fixture for years at her kids and later her grandkids’ sporting events, whether it be a youth sports organization, or her favorite team, the Pettus Eagles. She was a member of the First Baptist Church in Pettus.
She loved camping and often shared her cherished memories of times spent at the lake in Mathis or from her times on the Frio River. There were trips to Louisiana and Cancun she spoke of often. It was time she spent with her entire family, often sharing her RV or renting a cabin, enjoying time away from reality as she called it with those she loved the most in life. You could always count on a game of dominoes or Yahtzee at her campsite, clean up to the time everyone else at the table either started cheating or conspired to keep her from winning. If nothing else, she always was competitive, even after she retired.
Jewel was someone who loved and truly valued each of her many friends that she made over the years. She held each of them close to her heart. She would do anything for anyone and give anything she had to anyone in need. Whether she had it to spare or not. She spent countless hours listening to and sharing with anyone who’d listen along with her, her music from the 60’s. It was nothing to have her ask you to download a certain song because she had someone on her heart and that song reminded her of that person. Music and the joy it brought her accompanied every memory she had with every single person she encountered in life.
She was preceded in death by Maternal grandparents Ray and Francis Crepps. Paternal grandparents Harman Leavette and Jewel Devall. Her Father, Harman Devall, her husband, Robert Rodgers, a granddaughter, Victoria Lyssy, and two grandsons, Gavin Rodgers and Richard Gomez III.
Left to cherish her memory are her mother Marcella Devall of Pettus, sister Carman (Johnny) Gisler of Pettus, sister Fran (Bobby) Pargmann of Pettus, daughter Shannon (John) Hodge of Pettus, son Robert (Jena) Rodgers of Beeville, and son Michael (Misty) Rodgers of Mineral. Grandchildren John Robert Hodge, Marcella Hodge (Shonn), Chris (Kristen) Lyssy, Maddisyn Rodgers, Robert Rodgers, Darryn Rodgers, Savannah Rodgers, Stephen Perez, Brandy (Kiara) Perez, Dara Gomez, and Krystal Gomez. Great Grandchildren Patton Lyssy, Hayden Lyssy, Kinsley Gomez and Richard “Little Pops” Gomez. Many nieces, nephews, cousins and her many friends she loved like family.
Visitation will be held on Tuesday, December 30, 2025 from 10am until 11am at Eckols Funeral Home in Kenedy, Tx. A service will be held at the funeral home chapel beginning at 11am, with a graveside service to follow at the San Domingo Cemetery in Normanna. Pallbearers are John Robert Hodge, Robert Rodgers, Darryn Rodgers, Stephen Perez, Chris Lyssy, and Matt Helford.
will host youth swim lessons at various times Feb. 2-April 15, at the Bemidji State University pool in the Gillett Wellness Center, 1801 Birch Lane NE.
Lessons are scheduled for the following times:
Mondays/Wednesdays Feb. 2 – March 2
Level 1 swim classes will run from 6:15 to 6:50 p.m.
Level 2 swim classes will be held from 6:55 to 7:30 p.m.
There will be no class on Feb. 16 due to President’s Day.
Registration opens at 9 a.m. on Monday, Jan. 5.
Tuesdays/Thursdays Feb. 3 – Feb. 26
Level 3 swim classes are set for 6:15 to 6:50 p.m.
Level 4 and 5 swim classes will be held from 6:55 to 7:30 p.m.
Registration opens at 9 a.m. on Monday, Jan. 5.
Mondays/Wednesdays March 23 – April 15
Level 2 swim classes are set for 6:15 to 6:50 p.m.
Level 3 swim classes will be held 6:55 to 7:30 p.m.
Registration opens at 9 a.m. on Tuesday, March 3.
The cost is $72 for the series. Class sizes are small with two instructors. No more than 8-9 participants age 5 and up are allowed in each level.
To register and for additional detailed information regarding each level, visit
www.ci.bemidji.mn.us.
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Tesoro Coach Steve Garrett and his players congratulate St. Anthony after the loss Saturday. (PHOTOS: TIm Burt, OC Sports Zone).
Tesoro’s boys basketball team has had a remarkable season so far with a 14-3 record.
But the Titans, coached by Steve Garrett, weren’t able to finish Saturday, losing to St. Anthony 64-55 in a second round game of the Ringo Bossenmeyer Holiday Classic at Tustin.
Tesoro had a six-game winning streak snapped.
To see additional photos, click on the first picture:
Tesoro players warm up before Saturday’s game.
St. Anthony players head to the sidelines during a timeout after a big run.
St. Anthony (2-0 in Pool A) appears headed to the championship game of the eight team tournament Tuesday at 4:30 p.m. vs. Servite. Tesoro dropped to 1-1 in pool play.
“We weren’t consistent enough to earn a win tonight, that’s the main thing,” said Tesoro Coach Steve Garrett, now in his 25th year as head coach. “There were four or five defensive possessions in a row where we didn’t stick to our principles, four or five possessions where we had good drives to the lane and didn’t take it up strong, we didn’t earn the fouls, didn’t finish.
“We went away from the defense, we got to earn wins and I just didn’t think we were consistent enough.”
Tesoro was led by sophomore Owen Hatch, who had 17 points and his brother Carson Hatch, a senior, who had 12 points.
Jamil House led St. Anthony (6-5) with a game-high 24 points and seven rebounds. House, the only Saint in double figures, had 18 of his points in the first half to help the Saints move out to a 22-16 halftime lead.
St. Anthony led by five points after three quarters. Owen Hatch made a 3-point play with 5:26 remaining before the Saints regained control and finished with a win.
“There was a stretch where we were down two and we have five of our seven possessions at the rim and I just thought they weak takes,” Garrett said. “You got to put pressure on the refs with a strong drive and finish the play and then the couple we missed, we missed our free throws. We were seven of 17 from the line, we should have gotten to the foul line at least 25 times, not because of the refs, but because of us, that’s a big factor.”
Max Draper and Dean Mika added nine points each for Tesoro.
“The kids are great, all these guys have literally played together since fourth grade,” Garrett said. “They all know each other, they’re extremely close, they count on each other for their success. Tonight, I just know we could have been overall a little bit more consistent when we needed to.”
Tesoro plays another pool play game Monday vs Beckman at 1:30 p.m.
VANCOUVER, Wash. – Lawmakers from the 18th Legislative District are taking steps to protect children in youth sports programs with new legislation.
House Bill 2180, sponsored by Rep. John Ley (R-Vancouver) and endorsed by Rep. Stephanie McClintock (R-Vancouver), would require youth sports organizations to conduct background checks via the Washington State Patrol. It also prohibits hiring anyone with convictions for crimes against children.
It also instructs the Department of Children, Youth, and Families to create mandatory training on reporting child abuse specifically for youth sports coaches.
Ley emphasized the importance of these measures, stating that the bill was prompted by a concerning incident.
“This legislation was prompted after concerned parents encountered a convicted sex offender who failed to disclose his conviction while seeking to coach their children,” said Ley. “By requiring background checks — paid for by the individual or organization — we give parents and program administrators better tools to protect kids.”
McClintock expressed her dedication to child safety, stating her support for the bill.
“Protecting kids will always be a top priority for me,” said McClintock. “As a mom, this legislation closes dangerous loopholes and helps ensure youth sports remain a safe environment for kids and families.”
Ley also extended gratitude to the community member who raised the issue.
“I also want to thank the constituent that brought this matter to our attention,” said Ley.
The 2026 legislative session is set to begin on Monday, Jan. 12.
Registration for spring sports runs from Jan. 1 – Jan. 25. The parks and recreation department offers baseball for ages 5-14, softball for ages 5-16, t-ball for ages 5-6, and spring tennis for ages 8-14. Registration must be completed online and is open from Thursday, Jan. 1, through Sunday, Jan. 25.
Grayson Touchard, a spokesperson for the parks and recreation department said about 1,800 kids sign up for spring sports each year.
“We do not place a cap on registration,” she said. “Everyone who registers will have the opportunity to play if there are enough players in their age group.”
She said parents will have about a week and half after Little League players have been chosen to register for spring ball if their child does not make the team.
The Parks and Recreation Department announced Nov. 25 that the department is now a part of the Little League Official Community and the holder of the new St. Charles Little League charter, bringing a new opportunity for young athletes across St. Charles and St. John parishes.
The newly established Little League program is open to boys and girls ages nine through 12 and will serve eligible athletes who live or attend school in St. Charles or St. John the Baptist Parish.
All tryouts will be held at the West Bank Bridge Park in Luling.
All registrations for spring sports must occur with the individual’s affiliated booster club, except for spring tennis.
The Parks and Recreation Department will provide registration information regarding track and field, First Tee-Greater New Orleans (youth golf), and SuperTots offerings in early 2026.
Editor’s note: Sheng Peng is a regular contributor to NBC Sports California’s Sharks coverage. You can read more of his coverage on San Jose Hockey Now, listen to him on the San Jose Hockey Now Podcast, and follow him on Twitter at @Sheng_Peng.
VANCOUVER — This wasn’t a must-win for the San Jose Sharks, but it certainly felt like a more important regular-season game than usual.
Macklin Celebrini admitted, after the Sharks went into the holiday break bombed by the Vegas Golden Knights 7-2, that the team needed to respond. San Jose did just that, doubling the Vancouver Canucks up 6-3 on Saturday night, in their first post-Christmas tilt.
“It’s awesome, especially with how we ended [before] break. I think we all wanted this one pretty bad,” Celebrini said, about the team’s bounceback and his first win in hometown Vancouver. “It’s cool to win here.”
This victory also put the 18-17-3 Sharks back into the last wild card berth.
I’ve been on record many times saying that I don’t believe San Jose will make the playoffs. Of course, I’m not changing that belief because of one win, though I stress that I hope they prove me wrong.
But three things stood out Saturday that will help the Sharks in their quest to qualify for the postseason.
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Jewel Annette Devall Rodgers was born on September 29,1954 to Harman and Marcy Devall in Beeville, Tx. She entered Heaven’s gates on December 26, 2025, with her mother, sisters, and children by her side. She was 71 years old.
