For Tennis icon Venus Williams, the pandemic has been an adjustment period, particularly when it comes to competition on the court. Following the limited numbers of fans, or even none at all, in attendance over the last year, she said she looks forward to playing in front of crowds again.
"I think in the beginning of the pandemic, a lot of it was 'What am I preparing for? How do I prepare? What surface will I be on?' There were some things, for the first time in my life, there was not like this guiding light of this is when it will happen," Williams told Cheddar.
The tennis legend joined a host of other celebrities, including Lady Gaga and Michael B. Jordan, in backing the International WELL Building Institute, founded by the health and wellness real estate company Delos. As people look to return to some of their favorite events ranging from sporting events to concerts, the organization's WELL Health-Safety rating designates that a building or space took the proper steps and precautions to protect people amid the coronavirus pandemic.
WELL Health-Safety Rating seal. Source: Business Wire via The Associated Press
With people being very cautious about the spaces they enter as efforts to mitigate the spread of COVID-19 continue, the WELL Health-Safety seal acts as a confidence booster for people on the edge about being around others.
"I'm excited to partner with Delos to ensure people that air quality will be up to standard and that they can be safe and feel safe and be able to go outdoors, go see concerts, and get back to the things we love," Williams said.
Health and wellness aren't the only priorities for the tennis legend, social justice and equality are just as important. With a new crop of players entering the pros every year, Williams said she is confident that they will continue to fight to make a change in the world.
Often outspoken on social issues, especially when it comes to equitable pay and treatment of women, Willams said she is inspired by the younger generation.
"It's wonderful to see that there are people willing, who can make a difference, willing to step up, speak up, and stand up for something and believe in something and help others to find hope and to find solutions," she said. "So it is comforting to know that whatever those next problems are we have a whole host of athletes who are willing to take that on."
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Spain's government has fined Airbnb 64 million euros or $75 million for advertising unlicensed tourist rentals. The consumer rights ministry announced the fine on Monday. The ministry stated that many listings lacked proper license numbers or included incorrect information. The move is part of Spain's ongoing efforts to regulate short-term rental companies amid a housing affordability crisis especially in popular urban areas. The ministry ordered Airbnb in May to remove around 65,000 listings for similar violations. The government's consumer rights minister emphasized the impact on families struggling with housing. Airbnb said it plans to challenge the fine in court.
Roomba maker iRobot has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection, but says that it doesn’t expect any disruptions to devices as the more than 30-year-old company is taken private under a restructuring process. iRobot said that it is being acquired by Picea through a court-supervised process. Picea is the company's primary contract manufacturer. The Bedford, Massachusetts-based anticipates completing the prepackaged chapter 11 process by February.
Serbia’s prosecutor for organized crime has charged a government minister and three others with abuse of position and falsifying of documents related to a luxury real estate project linked to U.S. President Donald Trump’s son-in-law Jared Kushner. The charges came on Monday. The investigation centers on a controversy over a a bombed-out military complex in central Belgrade that was a protected cultural heritage zone but that is facing redevelopment as a luxury compound by a company linked to Kushner. The $500 million proposal to build a high-rise hotel, offices and shops at the site has met fierce opposition from experts at home and abroad. Selakovic and others allegedly illegally lifted the protection status for the site by falsifying documentation.
