CE #4.4

1. What is Apple trying to keep from having to do in response to a Federal court order? Page A4 "Apple encryption system..."

    Apple is trying to keep from developing a backdoor system to unlock encrypted information on iPhones, or a system that doesn't format the phone's memory when multiple passcode attempts are made. This backdoor would leave a vulnerability in millions of iPhone users' hardware. 

2. What is the food supplement that Texas A&M researchers have found that may help autistic kids? Page B1 "A&M study..."

The food supplement was carnitine; research showed that the supplement stopped a gene mutation in pregnancy that was linked to autism. This could lower the incidence of autism, but it won't "help" any autistic children.

3. What did Walmart say caused their earnings to drop last quarter? Page B6 "Walmart profits down..."

Walmart says that the online marketplace Amazon is their main competition.

4. Why were some area high schools appealing to UIL regarding the sports district alignments? Page C1 "Centex Schools..."

The high schools hoped to join districts 14-6A and 25-6A, which would create traffic and sports team organization problems. 

5. What are some of the popular VR devices coming to market soon? Page SA1 "Virtual insanity"

The Oculus Rift and Valve's HTC Vive are being released in March and April. 

1. What did you learn about the issue with the supreme court?

Scalia's vote won't count in cases argued before his death, and cases in which the current justices were deadlocked will require rearguments for the newly appointed justice to participate. 

2. Who recently died that is causing this situation?

Supreme Court Judge Antonin Scalia died on February 13th. His death requires a new Supreme Court justice to be appointed.

3. Do you think there should be pressure put on congress to deal with this deadlock problem?

I think Congress should deal with the deadlock problem, and should be open to appointing a new justice as soon as possible. Obviously they want to wait until President Obama's office term is over until they approve a new justice, but that will stall until they see fit.

4. Are you aware of the problems facing the president as he works towards appointing the next supreme court judge? What do you think should happen?

Obama will have to appoint someone he feels has the best chance of being approved by Congress, a majority of whom have stated they will deny anyone that comes their way. I think a new judge should be appointed and the deadlock should be resolved as soon as possible.