This is a developing story. Stay with abc27 News as more information becomes available
Pennsylvania
Shapiro, Casey meet with Zelenskyy at Scranton ammunitions factory • Pennsylvania Capital-Star
Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskyy traveled to Pennsylvania on Sunday to visit a military facility in Lackawanna County that builds some of the equipment used in the weaponry his country is using in its war with Russia.
Gov. Josh Shapiro, U.S. Sen. Bob Casey (D-Pa.), U.S. Rep. Matt Cartwright (D-8th District) and other local officials were on hand for Zelenskyy’s tour of the Scranton Army Ammunition Plant (SCAAP), which builds 155-millimeter howitzer rounds for the U.S. Department of Defense.
“Pennsylvania is the birthplace of American freedom and our Commonwealth proudly stands with the people of Ukraine as they fight for their freedom against naked aggression,” Shapiro said in a statement.
Zelenskyy toured the 500,000 square-foot facility in President Joe Biden’s hometown, and thanked the workers there, signing some of the shells. During the visit, Shapiro also signed an agreement with the governor of the southeastern Ukraine city of Zaporizhzhia, “that will strengthen both states and foster collaboration for years to come,” he said. “Pennsylvania looks forward to building a close relationship with Zaporizhzhia as we continue to stand on the side of freedom.”
Zelenskyy is scheduled to speak at the U.N. General Assembly in New York on Tuesday and Wednesday. He plans to present a “victory plan” which includes a request to use long-range missiles on targets in Russia when he meets with Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris on Thursday in Washington, D.C., While in the U.S., Zelenskyy may also meet with former President Donald Trump, the GOP nominee for president.
Ukraine is not one of the 32 North American Treaty Organization (NATO) member nations, but is in discussions to join. NATO countries have sided with Ukraine in its war with Russia.
“I began my visit to the United States by expressing my gratitude to all the employees at the plant and by reaching agreements to expand cooperation between Pennsylvania and our Zaporizhzhia,” Zelenskyy said. “It is in places like this where you can truly feel that the democratic world can prevail. Thanks to people like these—in Ukraine, in America, and in all partner countries—who work tirelessly to ensure that life is protected.”
Pennsylvania
Trump Poconos trip is today. See his Pennsylvania schedule
President Donald Trump is deploying to Pennsylvania on Dec. 9 to continue to try to win back messaging on the economy from Democrats.
Dems have overperformed in recent elections, many of them focusing on affordability. Trump won the 2024 election on promises to make the cost of living more manageable, but now several polls show it’s his worst issue among voters.
With the 2026 midterm elections right around the corner, Trump is hoping to bring attention to his economic successes.
“We inherited a total mess from the Biden administration,” Trump said on Dec. 12. “The Democrats caused the affordability problem, and we’re the ones that are fixing it.”
Here is what to know about his Tuesday trip to Pennsylvania.
What time is Trump speaking today?
Trump is scheduled to speak at 6:10 p.m. ET on Tuesday, Dec. 9.
Where is the Mount Airy Casino Resort?
The Mount Airy Casino Resort is located in Mount Pocono, Pennsylvania, about two hours north of Philadelphia.
Pennsylvania was a 2024 swing state, and the town where Trump will be speaking sits in a swing congressional district and is adjacent to another.
How to watch Trump rally in PA
Stream the event live on YouTube or follow USA TODAY’s coverage.
Contributing: Zac Anderson, Joey Garrison, USA TODAY
Kinsey Crowley is the Trump Connect reporter for the USA TODAY Network. Reach her at KCrowley@usatodayco.com. Follow her on X (Twitter), Bluesky and TikTok.
Pennsylvania
Florida man dies in crash on I-676 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania State Police say
A 27-year-old Florida man died in a crash on the Vine Street Expressway in Philadelphia Monday morning, Pennsylvania State Police said.
The crash happened just before 10 a.m. Interstate 676 eastbound near 11th Street in Center City, according to state police.
State police said a utility truck stopped in the center lane due to traffic, and the 27-year-old from Florida crashed his dark gray Toyota Corolla into the rear of the truck at a high rate of speed. He was pronounced dead at the scene.
The crash forced I-676 to close for a brief time, but it has since reopened.
Pennsylvania
Franklin County golf course to remain open after threats of closure
FRANKLIN COUNTY, Pa. (WHTM) — The South Mountain Golf Course was going to close its doors before the start of the 2026 season, but that no longer appears to be the case.
abc27 news reported last week when it learned that the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources said that it would no longer lease the property to the George Family, who has owned the South Mountain Golf Course for over 60 years.
The department had previously said it no longer wanted to lease this land to the family golf course owners because they wanted to build a visitor center and restore land for trails and wildlife.
Following this announcement, many locals came out in support of the South Mountain Golf Course, and it seems to have made all the difference.
On Sunday, owner Donny George posted on Facebook that the golf course had officially been approved for a 10-year lease – allowing the course to continue operations for years to come.
“A HUGE thank you to EVERY Representative, Senator and legislator who continued to fight for us and never gave up, when we were ready to quit,” South Mountain Golf Course shared. “We needed a village and we have the BIGGEST and BEST VILLAGE anyone could ask for.”
The Franklin County Commissioners also released a statement following this announcement, saying:
“We are thrilled that the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources has renewed the lease on the South Mountain Golf Course for another 10 years. We applaud the efforts of Rep. Chad Reichard and our other local legislators for fighting diligently to preserve this local treasure. We also extend our gratitude to Governor Shapiro for listening to the residents of Franklin County and ultimately changing course.”
The South Mountain Golf Course is located at 9632 Swamp Road South Mountain.
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