Featured Stories
Shapiro Administration Invests $300,000 in Old Trolley Line Park in Lancaster County to Expand Recreation Opportunities
HARRISBURG, Pennsylvania, Sept. 19 -- The Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources issued the following news:
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Shapiro Administration Invests $300,000 in Old Trolley Line Park in Lancaster County to Expand Recreation Opportunities
The investment in Old Trolley Line Park will support new pickleball courts, a pavilion, boardwalk, pedestrian walkways, parking, and other improvements, while expanding connections to nearby trails and nature preserves operated by Lancaster County and the Lancaster Conservancy.
Through its Community Conservation Partnerships Program grants,
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HARRISBURG, Pennsylvania, Sept. 19 -- The Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources issued the following news:
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Shapiro Administration Invests $300,000 in Old Trolley Line Park in Lancaster County to Expand Recreation Opportunities
The investment in Old Trolley Line Park will support new pickleball courts, a pavilion, boardwalk, pedestrian walkways, parking, and other improvements, while expanding connections to nearby trails and nature preserves operated by Lancaster County and the Lancaster Conservancy.
Through its Community Conservation Partnerships Program grants,DCNR invests in park and recreation projects across the Commonwealth, totaling nearly $1.5 billion across more than 10,000 projects since 1995.
The Department of Conservation and Natural Resources manages Pennsylvania's 125 state parks and 2.2 million acres of state forestlands, which are free and open to the public every day.
September 17, 2026
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Mount Joy Township, PA -- Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) Secretary Cindy Adams Dunn today announced a $300,000 investment in the development of Old Trolley Line Park in Mount Joy Township, Lancaster County -- critical funding that will expand recreational opportunities at the park and connect the public to nearby recreational amenities.
DCNR's investment supports Phase 3 of development for Old Trolley Line Park. Funding will support the construction of pickleball courts, pavilion, boardwalk, pedestrian walkways, and parking areas; installation of fencing and stormwater management measures; and other site-related improvements such as ADA access, landscaping, and a project sign.
"This project will ensure present and future generations are able to experience the natural beauty in Mount Joy Township and we thank this community for prioritizing outdoor recreation and connection to nature," said Secretary Dunn. "The Shapiro Administration is proud to support development of local parks like Old Trolley Line Park to help expand access to nature and to improve the visitor experience."
DCNR has invested more than $1 million in the development of Old Trolley Line Park since 2008. These investments included funding for land acquisition, a master plan for the park, construction of a multipurpose field, soccer fields, paving, playground installation, construction of a pavilion and trails, education signage, ADA access and other related site improvements.
"This investment will expand healthy recreational opportunities and connect existing trails and green spaces for members of the Elizabethtown community and beyond to enjoy," said Senator James Andrew Malone. "I'm proud to support the Department of Conservation and Natural Resource's ongoing work in my district. Old Trolley Line Park represents an effective partnership between state and local leaders because it delivers value to Lancaster residents by preserving green spaces and creating recreational opportunities close to home. I look forward to continuing to support this and similar projects because everyone deserves access to a good park."
Old Trolley Line Park is surrounded by great opportunities to experience several of Lancaster County's recreational assets. It sits near the Lebanon Valley Rail Trail and the Conewago Recreational Trail, and is adjacent to 112-acre High Family Nature Preserve. The 126-acre Shaw Family Nature Preserve and 53-acre Bellaire Woods are a short drive from the park.
"It's not just a community park here, it's really become a hub for the northwestern part of Lancaster County for more of a regional type of park," said Mount Joy Township Manager Matthew Mandia, who previously spent 30 years as a director of parks and recreation in Pennsylvania communities. "[I]t's a pleasure to be able to thank you personally [Secretary Dunn] ... I have seen firsthand the tremendous positive impact your agency has had on countless communities across the Commonwealth. Whether it has been funding assistance for development, rehabilitation, acquisition, planning, or conservation -- all of these projects have contributed to improving the quality of life for our residents."
Investing in Communities Through Statewide Recreation and Conservation Grants
DCNR's Community Conservation Partnerships Program (C2P2) provides funding for local governments and nonprofit organizations to support recreation and conservation projects. Grants help communities develop and rehabilitate parks, plan and build trails, protect land and water resources, conduct conservation planning, and strengthen regional partnerships.
Since 1995, DCNR has invested nearly $1.5 billion into more than 10,000 outdoor-related projects in Pennsylvania. In 2026, the Shapiro Administration announced a nearly $82 million investment in new state funding to support more than 295 recreation and conservation projects across Pennsylvania. These investments align with DCNR's 2025-29 Statewide Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan (SCORP): Outdoor Places, Shared Spaces, which outlines a roadmap to improve outdoor access, equity, and sustainability throughout the Commonwealth and meet the outdoor recreation needs of Pennsylvanians.
In 2025, these grants enabled the development or rehabilitation of 165+ parks, the protection of 7,155 acres for recreation and habitat, and the construction or rehabilitation of nearly 70 miles of trails, including closing eight Priority Trail Gaps.
Since the program began, more than 440,000 acres have been permanently protected, 40 percent of local parks have received funding, and over 90 percent of Pennsylvanians live in a municipality with at least one DCNR grant project.
If a nonprofit organization or local government is interested in applying for a C2P2 grant, DCNR staff are available to assist with questions, site visits, and guidance on preparing competitive applications. Applicants are encouraged to contact their regional advisor before starting a proposal. For more information visit DCNR's Community Conservation Partnerships Program webpage (https://www.pa.gov/agencies/dcnr/programs-and-services/grants).
Outdoor Recreation and Pennsylvania's Growing Economy
The outdoor recreation industry contributed $20.4 billion to Pennsylvania's economy in 2024 -- representing 2 percent of the state's GDP. Under Governor Josh Shapiro's leadership the sector supports more than 177,000 jobs and generates $9.5 billion in wages, according to the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis.
With more than 14,000 miles of trails, 6,500 local parks, 125 state parks, and 2.2 million acres of forest land, Pennsylvania boasts one of the largest public trail systems in the eastern U.S. -- positioning the Commonwealth as a leader in four-season recreation, a hub for active tourism, and making it The Great American Getaway.
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Original text here: https://www.pa.gov/agencies/dcnr/newsroom/shapiro-administration-invests--300-000-in-old-trolley-line-park
Pennsylvania Insurance Department Releases Affordable Care Act 2027 Health Insurance Rates
HARRISBURG, Pennsylvania, Sept. 19 -- The Pennsylvania Insurance Department issued the following news:
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Pennsylvania Insurance Department Releases Affordable Care Act 2027 Health Insurance Rates
Final rates are lower than proposed rates, and PID denied $95 million in unjustified premium increases.
September 18, 2026
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Harrisburg, PA - Today, the Pennsylvania Insurance Department (PID) approved 2027 Affordable Care Act (ACA) health insurance premium rates for Pennsylvania's individual and small group health insurance markets. Pennsylvanians who buy health insurance on their own (individual
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HARRISBURG, Pennsylvania, Sept. 19 -- The Pennsylvania Insurance Department issued the following news:
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Pennsylvania Insurance Department Releases Affordable Care Act 2027 Health Insurance Rates
Final rates are lower than proposed rates, and PID denied $95 million in unjustified premium increases.
September 18, 2026
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Harrisburg, PA - Today, the Pennsylvania Insurance Department (PID) approved 2027 Affordable Care Act (ACA) health insurance premium rates for Pennsylvania's individual and small group health insurance markets. Pennsylvanians who buy health insurance on their own (individualmarket) will see an average increase of 15.97%, while small businesses (small group market) will see an average increase of 10.28%.
Health insurance companies are required to submit proposed rates to PID before they can take effect. Those filings contain detailed information about what insurers expect to spend on medical care, prescription drugs, and other health care costs in the coming year. PID carefully reviewed those requested rates against supporting data to determine whether the requested rates are reasonable and justified. Through this year's rate review process, PID worked with insurers to update projections when the data did not match PID's analysis, and PID denied $94.7 million in unjustified insurance premium increases.
"Unfortunately, health care cuts by the federal government continue to drive up costs for Pennsylvania families. We understand that these rate increases are rough on Pennsylvania families and businesses, and we fought insurers for every savings we could reasonably assert," said Pennsylvania Insurance Commissioner Michael Humphreys. "PID's rate review process requires insurers to justify every dollar that they propose to charge with data to support the rate. Support for 2027 rates must trend out actual expenses from 2025 and 2026 and reflect expectations for how the 2027 market may differ from 2025 and 2026. Our actuaries pushed back and blocked certain increases totaling almost $95M for Pennsylvanians, while facing realities that saw Pennsylvania's individual and small group market insurers pay $845M more in 2025 medical and prescription drug claims than they paid in 2024--a 13 percent increase in claims costs."
Overall increases in premium rates are being seen across the country and can generally be attributed to rising costs, usage of prescription drugs, and medical care. However, there are additional factors driving up insurance costs. Congress has failed to reauthorize enhanced premium tax credits for 2026 and beyond, causing many individuals to drop coverage and placing increased pressure on medical providers through uncompensated care. Additionally, the July 2025 federal budget law (H.R. 1) added Medicaid work requirements and new enrollment paperwork that will leave many more Pennsylvanians uninsured in 2027. Those people still need care, and the cost of treating them lands on hospitals and on everyone who still pays a premium.
Pennsylvanians who buy their own coverage will see an average aggregate weighted rate increase of 15.97% in the individual market. This is a reduction from the 17.14% originally requested. These increases will vary significantly based on plan type, region, and individual circumstances. Additionally, PID's rate review process reduced the small group average increase to 10.28%, down from initial requests that averaged 11.49%.
Specifically, in the individual market:
* Ambetter Health of Pennsylvania Inc: Requested rate increase of 40.9%; approved rate of 35.1%;
* Capital Advantage Assurance Company: Requested rate increase of 18.3%; approved rate of 14.8%;
* Geisinger Health Plan: Requested rate increase of 10.5%; approved rate of 8.6%;
* Geisinger Quality Options: Requested rate increase of 13.0%; approved rate of 10.7%;
* Health Partners Plans Inc: Requested rate increase of 15.9%; approved rate of 18.3% (due to less healthy membership confirmed through the federal risk adjustment program);
* Highmark Benefits Group: Requested rate increase of 21.4%; approved rate of 19.7%;
* Highmark Inc: Requested rate increase of 16.2%; approved rate of 14.5%
* Keystone Health Plan Central: Requested rate increase of 33.8%; approved rate of 33.4%;
* Keystone Health Plan East: Requested rate increase of 14.7%; approved rate of 16% (due to worsening medical and drug trends);
* Oscar Health Plan of PA: Requested rate increase of 15.4%; approved rate of 1.4%;
* Partners Insurance Company Inc: Requested rate increase of 20.5%; approved rate of 18.8%;
* QCC Insurance Company: Requested rate increase of 19.9%; approved rate of 21.3% (due to worsening medical and drug trends);
* UPMC Health Network Inc: Requested rate increase of 12%; approved rate of 9.7%; and
* UPMC Health Plan Inc: Requested rate increase of 15.8%; approved rate of 13.5%.
Pennsylvanians Should Prepare to Shop Around on Pennie
The average rate increase is different than the amount each consumer will pay in premium. Pennie will continue to offer a range of coverage options, along with financial assistance for those who qualify. No two circumstances are alike. One Pennsylvanian may see premiums decrease, while another may see an increase - even if both purchase coverage through Pennie. Factors such as age, location, household income, family size, and market competition all affect what someone pays and what level of subsidy they may receive.
"At Pennie, we've heard from Pennsylvanians in every county about how essential high quality, affordable health coverage is both for life-saving care and protection from medical bankruptcy. We know that the end of the enhanced premium tax credits has put many across Pennsylvania in extremely difficult positions," said Devon Trolley, Executive Director of Pennie. "Again this year, however, Pennie will be here to provide up-to-date information and support about plan costs and options for 2027. All current Pennie enrollees should update their information and review their 2027 plan options during Pennie's Open Enrollment Period, starting this November."
Most Pennsylvanians will continue to find the lowest prices and financial savings through Pennie, the state's official health insurance marketplace. Only Pennie offers financial assistance to help lower monthly premiums and out-of-pocket costs.
All plans on Pennie include important consumer protections:
* Coverage for pre-existing conditions;
* Essential health benefits like preventive care, prescriptions, and hospital visits;
* Limits on what you pay each year and protection against emergency care cost; and
* Multiple plan levels (bronze, silver, gold, platinum) and network types (HMO, EPO, PPO) with different coverage options.
Pennie's upcoming Open Enrollment period is the only time of year to enroll in individual and family health coverage for 2027. Open Enrollment typically runs from November 1 to December 15for coverage that starts on January 1, 2027. Outside of Open Enrollment, only individuals with life changes (such as losing coverage from Medicaid and family events) can enroll.
Pennie offers free help by phone and in-person across the state. Visit pennie.com or call 1-844-844-8040 for assistance.
Consumers with questions or complaints about their health insurance can visit pa.gov/consumer or call 1-866-PA-COMPLAINT (1-866-722-6675).
Visit PID's website for more details about the ACA rate filings.
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Original text here: https://www.pa.gov/agencies/insurance/newsroom/pennsylvania-releases-aca-2027-health-insurance-rates
N.M. A.G. Torrez Talks With Las Cruces Residents About Keeping Kids Safe Online
SANTA FE, New Mexico, Sept. 19 -- New Mexico Attorney General Raul Torrez issued the following news release:
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Attorney General Raul Torrez Talks with Las Cruces Residents About Keeping Kids Safe Online
September 18, 2026
Las Cruces, NM - The third stop on New Mexico Attorney General Raul Torrez's "Keeping Kids Safe Tour" took place this week as the AG visited Las Cruces where he met with families, students and organizations to discuss his accomplishments on keeping kids safe in New Mexico. The AG also highlighted his legislative proposals for the upcoming session, which will include robust
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SANTA FE, New Mexico, Sept. 19 -- New Mexico Attorney General Raul Torrez issued the following news release:
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Attorney General Raul Torrez Talks with Las Cruces Residents About Keeping Kids Safe Online
September 18, 2026
Las Cruces, NM - The third stop on New Mexico Attorney General Raul Torrez's "Keeping Kids Safe Tour" took place this week as the AG visited Las Cruces where he met with families, students and organizations to discuss his accomplishments on keeping kids safe in New Mexico. The AG also highlighted his legislative proposals for the upcoming session, which will include robustprotections for kids and consumers. Additionally, he welcomed feedback directly from the community at a public town hall held Wednesday night at the Dona Ana Community College where he was joined by State Senator Carrie Hamblen.
While in Las Cruces, Attorney General Torrez visited with New Mexico State University's (NMSU) "Humans 4 Humans" student organization, which is dedicated to raising awareness of human trafficking in New Mexico. He also met with FYI+, an expansive organization and network in the community that provides young, at-risk New Mexicans with resources, housing and more as they exit difficult family situations or the foster care system.
"I am grateful to everyone in the Las Cruces community who took the time to share their experiences, their concerns and the work they are doing to support New Mexico's young people," said Attorney General Raul Torrez. "From students raising awareness about human trafficking to educators, parents and community organizations working to give young people the support they need, I heard firsthand about both the challenges facing families and the solutions that are making a difference. These conversations will help inform our efforts to advance meaningful legislation that protects children and consumers, supports families and strengthens communities across New Mexico."
Additionally, Attorney General Torrez was able to meet with NMSU President Valerio Ferme to recognize the University for implementing all of the recommendations made by the New Mexico Department of Justice to combat hazing on college campuses.
This third stop on his "Keeping Kids Safe Tour" followed the first two in Farmington and Gallup. The AG's next visit will be in the northern part of our state near the end of the month.
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Original text here: https://nmdoj.gov/press-release/attorney-general-raul-torrez-talks-with-las-cruces-residents-about-keeping-kids-safe-online/
MassDEP Penalizes Rutland Developer for Wetlands and Stormwater Violations
BOSTON, Massachusetts, Sept. 19 -- The Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection issued the following news release:
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MassDEP Penalizes Rutland Developer for Wetlands and Stormwater Violations
9/18/2026
BOSTON -- The Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP) has issued two Demands for Payment of Stipulated Penalty to Brice Estates, Inc., totaling $151,000, for failure to comply with a May 2026 Administrative Consent Order with Penalty. The Order required the company to address Wetlands Protection Act and Clean Waters Act violations that occurred during the
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BOSTON, Massachusetts, Sept. 19 -- The Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection issued the following news release:
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MassDEP Penalizes Rutland Developer for Wetlands and Stormwater Violations
9/18/2026
BOSTON -- The Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP) has issued two Demands for Payment of Stipulated Penalty to Brice Estates, Inc., totaling $151,000, for failure to comply with a May 2026 Administrative Consent Order with Penalty. The Order required the company to address Wetlands Protection Act and Clean Waters Act violations that occurred during theconstruction of the Brice Estates subdivision in Rutland.
"Consent orders impose enforceable requirements to correct violations and return to compliance, and entities that disregard those requirements can face significant civil administrative penalties," said John Beling, director of MassDEP's Central Regional Office in Worcester. "Poorly managed construction sites and neglected stormwater systems can cause serious and unnecessary impacts to our natural resources. Those responsible have an obligation to comply with environmental laws, and we will hold them accountable when they fail to do so."
Brice Estates agreed to the original consent order's requirements to restore and replicate altered wetland resource areas and protect wetland resource areas -- including those within watershed areas -- from erosion, sedimentation and alteration caused by construction or precipitation events. While the company met some of the obligations of the order, MassDEP identified several subsequent violations, including multiple failures to maintain an appropriate standard of care during work resulting in the discharge of sediment into wetlands; failure to manage and repair erosion and sedimentation controls; failure to complete wetland replication and restoration by the agreed-upon deadline; and failure to provide MassDEP with documentation related to the maintenance and inspection of the stormwater management system by the agreed-upon deadline.
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Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection
MassDEP's mission is to protect and enhance the Commonwealth's natural resources - air, water, and land - to provide for the health, safety, and welfare of all people, and to ensure a clean and safe environment for future generations. In carrying out this mission MassDEP commits to address and advance environmental justice and equity for all people of the Commonwealth, provide meaningful, inclusive opportunities for people to participate in agency decisions that affect their lives; and ensure a diverse workforce that reflects the communities we serve.
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Original text here: https://www.mass.gov/news/massdep-penalizes-rutland-developer-for-wetlands-and-stormwater-violations
Maine State Sen. Rafferty Earns Score of 100% From Maine Women's Lobby
AUGUSTA, Maine, Sept. 19 -- The Maine Senate Democrats issued the following news on behalf of Maine State Sen. Joe Rafferty, D-Kennebunk:
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Sen. Rafferty earns score of 100% from Maine Women's Lobby
September 18, 2026 | Senator Rafferty
AUGUSTA -- Sen. Joe Rafferty, D-Kennebunk, earned a perfect score from the Maine Women's Lobby for votes during the second regular session of the 132nd Legislature.
"It is an honor to receive a 100% scorecard from the Maine Women's Lobby," said Sen. Rafferty. "Throughout my time in the Legislature, I have worked to ensure that every Mainer has equal rights,
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AUGUSTA, Maine, Sept. 19 -- The Maine Senate Democrats issued the following news on behalf of Maine State Sen. Joe Rafferty, D-Kennebunk:
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Sen. Rafferty earns score of 100% from Maine Women's Lobby
September 18, 2026 | Senator Rafferty
AUGUSTA -- Sen. Joe Rafferty, D-Kennebunk, earned a perfect score from the Maine Women's Lobby for votes during the second regular session of the 132nd Legislature.
"It is an honor to receive a 100% scorecard from the Maine Women's Lobby," said Sen. Rafferty. "Throughout my time in the Legislature, I have worked to ensure that every Mainer has equal rights,opportunity and support. I hope to see this work continued in the 133rd Legislature by those on both sides of the aisle. Women deserve to have policies in place that ensure everyone is able to succeed in Maine."
Sen. Rafferty has been an outspoken advocate for women's rights and health throughout his career in public service. He received a perfect score for the entirety of the 132nd Legislature and the 131st Legislature as well as the Second Regular Session of the 130th.
The full report card can be found here (https://static1.squarespace.com/static/5fe258011006361ee2898809/t/6a4fd9f8dd3e55459250c889/1783618040198/2026+Leg+Report+Card.pdf).
Sen. Joe Rafferty is serving his third and final term in the Maine Senate and represents Senate District 34, which includes the towns of Berwick, Kennebunk, Kennebunkport, North Berwick and Wells. He serves as the Senate chair of the Legislature's Education and Cultural Affairs Committee and is a member of the Labor Committee.
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Original text here: https://www.mainesenate.org/sen-rafferty-earns-score-of-100-from-maine-womens-lobby/
Maine State Sen. Ingwersen Earns Score of 100% From Maine Women's Lobby
AUGUSTA, Maine, Sept. 19 -- The Maine Senate Democrats issued the following news on behalf of Maine State Sen. Henry Ingwersen, D-Arundel:
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Sen. Ingwersen earns score of 100% from Maine Women's Lobby
September 18, 2026 | Senator Ingwersen
AUGUSTA -- Sen. Henry Ingwersen, D-Arundel, earned a perfect score from the Maine Women's Lobby for votes during the Second Regular Session of the 132nd Maine Legislature.
"Whenever I take a vote on a bill, I think about my wife, daughters and granddaughters," said Sen. Ingwersen. "I have a duty to vote to support them so that they have the same rights
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AUGUSTA, Maine, Sept. 19 -- The Maine Senate Democrats issued the following news on behalf of Maine State Sen. Henry Ingwersen, D-Arundel:
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Sen. Ingwersen earns score of 100% from Maine Women's Lobby
September 18, 2026 | Senator Ingwersen
AUGUSTA -- Sen. Henry Ingwersen, D-Arundel, earned a perfect score from the Maine Women's Lobby for votes during the Second Regular Session of the 132nd Maine Legislature.
"Whenever I take a vote on a bill, I think about my wife, daughters and granddaughters," said Sen. Ingwersen. "I have a duty to vote to support them so that they have the same rightsand opportunities as anyone else. It is critical that we preserve the progress we've made so far."
Sen. Ingwersen has been an outspoken advocate for women's rights and health throughout his career in public service.
He cosponsored Senate President Mattie Daughtry's LD 1955, "An Act to Increase Child Care Affordability." This proposal was incorporated into the Supplemental Budget. It cleared the waitlist for the Child Care Affordability Program to help more families with low incomes access childcare.
Sen. Ingwersen also sponsored LD 2066, "An Act to Establish the Child Care Employment Award." It would have made the Child Care Employment Award a permanent part of Maine's childcare subsidy system so that childcare workers could afford childcare for their own children. It received unanimous, bipartisan support in the Maine Senate, and it was placed on the Appropriations Table. It did not receive funding before the Legislature adjourned.
The full report card can be found here (https://static1.squarespace.com/static/5fe258011006361ee2898809/t/6a4fd9f8dd3e55459250c889/1783618040198/2026+Leg+Report+Card.pdf).
Sen. Henry Ingwersen is finishing his second term in the Maine Senate. He is the Senate chair of the Legislature's Health and Human Services Committee, and he serves as a member of the Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry Committee. Sen. Ingwersen represents Senate District 32, which includes Arundel, Biddeford, Dayton, Hollis and Lyman.
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Original text here: https://www.mainesenate.org/sen-ingwersen-earns-score-of-100-from-maine-womens-lobby/
Calif. Gov. Newsom Announces Judicial Appointments on Sept. 18, 2026
SACRAMENTO, California, Sept. 19 -- Gov. Gavin Newsom, D-California, issued the following news release:
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Sep 18, 2026
Governor Newsom announces Judicial Appointments
SACRAMENTO - Governor Gavin Newsom announced his nomination of five Court of Appeal Justices: Brian Goldman to the First District Court of Appeal, Division Two; Adam Hofmann to the First District Court of Appeal, Division Four; Judge Alexander Giza to the Second District Court of Appeal, Division Three; Judge Cindy Panuco to the Second District Court of Appeal, Division Three; and Judge Maria Daghlian Hernandez, to the Fourth
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SACRAMENTO, California, Sept. 19 -- Gov. Gavin Newsom, D-California, issued the following news release:
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Sep 18, 2026
Governor Newsom announces Judicial Appointments
SACRAMENTO - Governor Gavin Newsom announced his nomination of five Court of Appeal Justices: Brian Goldman to the First District Court of Appeal, Division Two; Adam Hofmann to the First District Court of Appeal, Division Four; Judge Alexander Giza to the Second District Court of Appeal, Division Three; Judge Cindy Panuco to the Second District Court of Appeal, Division Three; and Judge Maria Daghlian Hernandez, to the FourthDistrict Court of Appeal, Division Three.
The Governor also announced his appointment of two Superior Court Judges: one in Orange County and one in Santa Clara County.
First District Court of Appeal, Division Two
Brian Goldman, of Alameda County, has been nominated to serve as an Associate Justice in the First District Court of Appeal, Division Two. Goldman has served at the Office of Governor Gavin Newsom as Chief Deputy Legal Affairs Secretary since 2023 and as Deputy Legal Affairs Secretary from 2021 to 2023. He worked at Orrick Herrington & Sutcliffe as a Partner from 2018 to 2021 and as an Associate from 2013 to 2018. Goldman served as a Law Clerk at the U.S. Supreme Court from 2012 to 2013. He served as a Trial Attorney in the U.S. Department of Justice from 2011 to 2012. Goldman served as a Law Clerk at the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals from 2010 to 2011. Goldman received a Juris Doctor degree from Stanford Law School. He will fill the vacancy to be created by the retirement of Justice Marla J. Miller, effective October 2, 2026. This position requires confirmation by the Commission on Judicial Appointments, which consists of Chief Justice Patricia Guerrero, Attorney General Rob Bonta, and Senior Presiding Justice Jim Humes. Goldman is a Democrat.
First District Court of Appeal, Division Four
Adam Hofmann, of Sacramento County, has been nominated to serve as an Associate Justice in the First District Court of Appeal, Division Four. Hofmann has served as the Deputy Judicial Appointments Secretary at the Office of Governor Gavin Newsom since 2023. He held multiple roles at Hanson Bridgett LLP including as Partner, Senior Counsel, and Associate from 2006 to 2023. Hofmann worked as an Adjunct Professor at the University of San Francisco School of Law from 2012 to 2018. He worked as an Associate at Kaufman & Logan LLP from 2005 to 2006. Hofmann received a Juris Doctor degree from the University of San Francisco School of Law. He fills the vacancy created by the elevation of Justice Tracie Brown to Presiding Justice. This position requires confirmation by the Commission on Judicial Appointments, which consists of Chief Justice Patricia Guerrero, Attorney General Rob Bonta, and Senior Presiding Justice Jim Humes. Hofmann is registered without party preference.
Second District Court of Appeal, Division Three
Alexander Giza, of Los Angeles County, has been nominated to serve as an Associate Justice in the Second District Court of Appeal, Division Three. Giza has served as a Judge in the Los Angeles County Superior Court since 2019. He worked as a Partner at Hueston Hennigan from 2015 to 2018. Giza worked as a Partner at Russ August & Kabat from 2009 to 2014. He worked as an Associate at Irell & Manella from 2001 to 2009. Giza received a Juris Doctor degree from the University of California, Los Angeles School of Law. He will fill the vacancy created by the retirement of Justice Anne H. Egerton, effective October 11, 2026. This position requires confirmation by the Commission on Judicial Appointments, which consists of Chief Justice Patricia Guerrero, Attorney General Rob Bonta, and Senior Presiding Justice Francis Rothschild. Giza is a Democrat.
Cindy Panuco, of Los Angeles County, has been nominated to serve as an Associate Justice in the Second District Court of Appeal, Division Three. Panuco has served as a Judge in the Los Angeles County Superior Court since 2024. She worked as Of Counsel at Perez & Perez from 2023 to 2024. Panuco worked in multiple roles at the Los Angeles Public Counsel including as Vice President and Chief Programs Officer from 2020 to 2023 and as the Directing Attorney of the Consumer Rights and Economic Justice Project from 2019 to 2020. She worked at Hadsell Stormer & Renick LLP as a Partner from 2016 to 2019 and as an Associate from 2009 to 2016. Panuco received a Juris Doctor degree from Loyola Law School. She fills the vacancy created by the elevation of Justice Rashida Adams to Presiding Justice. This position requires confirmation by the Commission on Judicial Appointments, which consists of Chief Justice Patricia Guerrero, Attorney General Rob Bonta, and Senior Presiding Justice Francis Rothschild. Panuco is a Democrat.
Fourth District Court of Appeal, Division Three
Maria Daghlian Hernandez, of Orange County, has been nominated to serve as an Associate Justice in the Fourth District Court of Appeal, Division Three. She has served as a Judge in the Orange County Superior Court since 2009. She served as a Commissioner at the Orange County Superior Court from 2006 to 2009. Daghlian Hernandez served as a Senior Deputy Public Defender at the Orange County Public Defender's Office from 1995 to 2006. She worked as an Associate at the Law Offices of Patrick D. McNeal from 1992 to 1995. Daghlian Hernandez received a Juris Doctor degree from Western State College of Law. She will fill the vacancy created by the retirement of Justice Maurice Sanchez, effective October 2, 2026. This position requires confirmation by the Commission on Judicial Appointments, which consists of Chief Justice Patricia Guerrero, Attorney General Rob Bonta, and Senior Presiding Justice Manuel Ramirez. Daghlian Hernandez is a Democrat.
The compensation for each of these positions is $280,052.
Orange County Superior Court
Thomas Nocella, of Orange County, has been appointed to serve as a Judge in the Orange County Superior Court. Nocella has served as a Senior Deputy Alternate Defender at the Orange County Alternate Public Defender's Office since 2020 where he also worked as a Deputy Alternate Defender from 2007 to 2020. He worked as an Associate at Eicher and Associates in 2007. Nocella served as an Assistant Public Defender at the Sacramento Public Defender's Office from 2003 to 2007. Nocella received a Juris Doctor degree from Lincoln School of Law. He fills the vacancy created by the elevation of Judge Juliet Macaulay to the Court of Appeal. Nocella is a Democrat.
Santa Clara County Superior Court
Chhaya Malik, of Alameda County, has been appointed to serve as a Judge in the Santa Clara County Superior Court. Malik has served as Deputy Director of Dispute Resolution at the California Civil Rights Department since 2022. She worked as a Mediator at Devi Legal Mediation Services from 2020 to 2022. Malik worked as a Special Counsel at Ehrlich & Craig from 2012 to 2022. Malik served as a Policy Liaison in the U.S. State Department from 2011 to 2012. She worked as a Staff Attorney at the Advancement Project from 2009 to 2011. Malik worked as an Associate at Hogan Lovells from 2005 to 2009. Malik received a Juris Doctor degree from the University of California, Berkeley School of Law. She fills the vacancy created by the retirement of Judge Socrates P. Manoukian. Malik is a Democrat.
The compensation for each of these positions is $244,727
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Original text here: https://www.gov.ca.gov/2026/09/18/governor-newsom-announces-judicial-appointments-9-18-2026/
