On today's program: Protecting people from the outbreak could have dire consequences for those sheltering in place with an abuser; and PIT will wait for a less volatile stock market to break ground on its $1.1 billion terminal project.
Shelter in place doesn’t help if you’re living with an abuser
(00:00 — 09:00)
Nicole Molinaro, president and CEO of the Women’s Center and Shelter of Greater Pittsburgh, says domestic violence in the region will likely increase, due in part to Gov. Tom Wolf’s declaration Monday that residents in seven counties should stay home for all but life-sustaining business, food and medical care.
“When people who use battering, it’s typically because they feel a lack of control over something,” Molinaro says, noting job loss and financial worries can add to that stress. “So when we are all feeling a bit out of control in the world, it makes sense that if you’re already prone toward using abuse, that abuse could escalate.”
The emergency shelter and all domestic violence programs in the region remain open, but it might be difficult for a victim to reach out for help “because their abuser is better able to keep tabs on them, see what they’re doing,” she says, and they’re less able to do whatever they need to do to get to safety.
Airport delaying terminal upgrade project
(09:02 — 18:02)
Pittsburgh International Airport is delaying its $1.1 billion terminal project due to the coronavirus pandemic. The project had been slated for a spring groundbreaking.
Allegheny County Airport Authority CEO Christina Cassotis says the project would struggle to raise funding in a volatile U.S. stock market, especially as the aviation industry struggles worldwide.
"We are going to see some delays," she says. "We don't know what they look like yet, but we're on top of the situation. In the meantime, we are continuing with design and we are continuing to get ready." Cassotis said hundreds of employees are still working at the airport, which remains open to the public. Passenger traffic nationwide is at record lows.
The Confluence, where the news comes together, is 90.5 WESA’s daily news program. Tune in weekdays at 9 a.m. to hear newsmakers and innovators take an in-depth look at stories important to the Pittsburgh region. Find more episodes of The Confluence here or wherever you get your podcasts.
