Three things for April 8
1. Nike suspends sponsorship of Deshaun Watson amid allegations
Houston Texans quarterback Deshaun Watson faces allegations of sexual assault and harassment from 22 women.
“We are deeply concerned by the disturbing allegations and have suspended Deshaun Watson,” Nike said in a statement released Wednesday. “We will continue to closely monitor the situation.”
Previously working as a massage therapist, Ashley Solis publicly identified herself as a victim and survivor of Watson.
“I got into massage therapy to heal people, to heal their minds and bodies, to bring peace to their souls. Deshaun Watson has robbed me of that,” Solis said, adding that her lawsuit was not about seeking money.
The NFL has launched an investigation into Watson, and NFL spokesperson Brian McCarthy called the allegations against the quarterback "deeply disturbing."
2. Yahoo Answers to shut down
Yahoo Answers recently announced they will shut down the question and answer service on April 20 and delete their archives on May 4. For years, the internet service acted as a home to some of the strangest questions.
“People used Yahoo Answers to ask weird questions, seek help and make jokes. But the service offered ‘real human reaction, for better or for worse,’ one longtime observer said,” reports the New York Times.
According to the NYT, Yahoo Answers lost popularity in recent years due to more competitors.
Quora positions itself as more of a highbrow network that is more likely to attract an expert response, and Reddit features a forum that invites people’s idle curiosity to roam free, reports the NYT.
Yahoo sent a letter to users concerning the recent change and included information about their energy usage on products that better serve customers.
3. Lee theatre and School of Music presents ‘Songs by Ghostlight’
Lee Theatre and the School of Music are collaborating in a night of musical fun, presenting a compilation of songs from American musicals.
“As stages around the world are forced to go dark, join us as we turn on a light for the art form we love so dearly. You will see performances of songs from musicals, new and old, unfamiliar and beloved,” said Associate Professor of Theatre Christine Williams.
The production will run on April 9, 10,16 and 17. The production will run for 80 minutes and will be available for livestream.
According to Dan Buck, associate professor of theatre, there will be a limited number of in-person seating. Approximately 20 audience members will be able to view the production in-person in the Buzz Oates Black Box Theater. Only students and faculty are allowed to claim these seats. To claim a free ticket, email theatre@leeuniversity.edu.
All in-person attendees must have a green screen and a mask.
