Washington, D.C. Beat

Eduardo M. Peñalver, president of Seattle University, is named the 49th president of Georgetown University in Washington, and begins the role next July.

In 1934, Congress authorized President Franklin D. Roosevelt to declare Columbus Day a federal holiday, which came after advocacy from the Knights of Columbus.

Israel’s government ratified what the White House called the “first phase” of a ceasefire deal, as President Donald Trump indicated he planned to visit the region.

While current immigration enforcement policy presents new challenges, it is not necessarily without precedent in the U.S. 

In his own post, Netanyahu said only, “With God’s help we will bring them all home,” an apparent reference to the hostages.

Federal food assistance programs used by millions could be at risk as the federal government shutdown continues, proponents of those programs said.

The Supreme Court heard oral arguments in a case challenging a Colorado ban on professional counseling services that practice “conversion therapy” for minors.

Suspect reportedly had expressed hostility and disdain for the Supreme Court, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, the Catholic Church and Jewish people.

“The Supreme Court’s docket so far includes many cases that raise interesting, important and tricky legal questions,” said law professor Rick Garnett.

“The Scriptures point unswervingly to the need to keep the poor and the powerless at the forefront of our thoughts and actions,” Cardinal McElroy said.