>> a social media scandal sparked by a philadelphia paramedic. causes quite a controversy across the city. now the paramedic is apologizing as some of the top officials way in on this scandal. >> don't forget we're checking toys all day long for the "joy of sharing". we want you to stop by our station to drop off some toys later this morning, we'll put it right in that truck, and take it to some needy children and families. we'll show you where those toys will go coming up in just a bit. first though we check traffic and weather together. start with katie, good morning. >> and good morning, ukee, today will be very quiet day. the weekends looks to be very quiet. but we are starting to look

ahead of course to travel plans, leading up to christmas here, and it look like a large storm is brewing. we'll have all of the details on that and little trivia for you coming up. vittoria? >> i'm getting pumped. good morning, everyone. you know, right now the roadways look great. not dealing with any major problems, or delays, let's take a peak, shall we? if you are traveling right now on the schuylkill expressway, not too far away from king of prussia, maybe if you're doing some last minute holiday shopping, getting early start, not right now, because the mall's not open, but anyway, later on, when it is, we'll let you know traffic wise how you're doing, but right now in the clear, little more in just a bit. >> thank you, instagram post from philadelphia fire department paramedic creates flurry of anger among first responders. >> now, he is apologizing, and his boss is doing damage control. "eyewitness news" reporter jan carabeo outside the fire administration building right now with more on the story. jan, good morning. >> ukee, erika, good morning, it is the social media post causing quite the controversy

this morning, philadelphia par met i can has since taken down that photo from his private instagram account, and is apologizing for his actions, but, here it is, posted to that philadelphia paramedic account. the picture showing white man posing as police officer while two black men point guns at him. the post then reads: our real enemy need to stop pointing guns at each other, and at the ones that's legally killing innocence. the still picture is actually taken from a music video called hands-up, which voices frustration over the recent deaths of michael brown and eric garner. now, the post has upset many within the philadelphia police department, the paramedic, who made the post, works at medic 23 in west philadelphia, which just so happens to share a building with the 19th police district. thursday night, fire commissioner, derrick sawyer, said he personally apologies dollars to police commissioner ramsey and the head of the fraternal order of police, john mcnesby. >> and i think that we have a great working relationship with the police, in our city, and i think we want to keep

that, and a lot of members have family members that are police officers, also. so, it wasn't -- it was in poor taste. >> now, mayor michael nutter also condemned the post, and issued a statement that reads in part: in the strongest possible terms, i comdemn the behavior of paramedic in the philadelphia fire department who used social media to post a reprehensible message and photo that targeted police officers, particularly at a time of emotional volatile at this and citizen protests in our nation, in the wake of tragedies in ferguson, and to new york city. and the head of the firefighters and paramedics union, he is also backing up police, as for this paramedic, again, he has apologized, issuing statement on his facebook account saying he apologizes, if this has offended anyone, that he didn't mean to hurt his brothers in blue, that he posted this photo out of anger about what's happening in the world, at this point, no word about any disciplinary action. reporting live in spring garden, jan carabeo, cbs-3,

"eyewitness news". >> jan, thank you. 5:33, and trivia time. katy? >> trivia time. like a jingle together. guys, i feel like tricky one. what's the official meteorological definition of a white christmas? is it any snowfall on december 25th? is it any snow on the grounds on christmas day? and an inch of snow falling on christmas day, or an inch on the ground on christmas day? vet tore yack you pulled the short straw to go first. what do you think? >> well, i'm going to go with a. i mean, it should be any snow falling at all. >> i agree with you on that one, that's an unofficial definition, but not the official. who is next? >> ig with d, the extreme opposite ends. >> an inch on the grounds. well done! yes, that is the official meteorological definition. i feel like any of these count, but all unofficial. so, there you have it. yes. >> congratulations.

>> our probability of seeing a white christmas is casino of low typically although we are eventually going to be seeing a storm system moving in. we think on christmas eve. even now it is look being like it wouldn't be producing any snowfall for our area. at least nothing measurable, as we look ahead to christmas day. so, we are talking more about that through the course of the show this this morning. we do want to give you heads up as far as today and the weekends have in store. not heck of a lot. let's be honest. quiet, clouds out there right now, but between systems today and right through the weekends, so, we can expect to see at least some sunshine along the way here. and temperatures that top off at pretty typical levels here, low 40's, under some sunshine, some of you may seymour clouds than other, but i think the key here is that it stays dry it, will do so through the rest of the weekends, too, for all of the last minute holiday errands that you have to run. >> thank you so much. katie, definitely good, good point there, that since it is going to be dry outside, you will have a better ride on the roadway, that's what we like to see, and right now you have great ride on the roadway, really, any which roadway you are traveling on. traveling on the schuylkill

expressway, right around king of prussia, notice, the roads are great. no delays in either direction. really it is still little too early to see rush hour traffic at 5:36 this morning. but it will start to accrue, specifically, through the construction zones on 95. but, if you are traveling 95 elsewhere, maybe around broad street, maybe headed to the airport, to fly out of town this weekend orpik someone up, no problems. also, no problems as i mentioned, anywhere, i feel like i just keep repeating myself but that's the story today or at least for right now. it will change. how much, moving our way into south jersey, garden state parkway southbound still closed at sea isle boulevard all because after accident. your best alternate is to take route nine. and if you are traveling in montgomery county easton road closed at park avenue because of water main break. your best alternate: york road. no delays at the airport, mass transit just fine. >> thank you, lady luck comes through for the struggling taj mahal casino in atlantic city. the doors will not close tomorrow. billionaire investor carl eye cane providing additional $20 million in financing, to keep the casino operating,

while bankruptcy proceedings play out. the announcement came after deal to save the taj fell apart. now it would have kept the casino open permanently, and restored health and pension benefits to union workers. the made when we left the room she said oh, yes, everything is good, they told us everything is good. don't know. >> there is just nobody in there. it is just kind of sad in there. >> icon plans to take control of the taj if he can get substantial tax breaks. bills that would have helped him installed in the new jersey legislature yesterday. right now 5:37. and in business news this morning, amazon promises very speedy delivery to part of the country. >> and wall street gains momentum, money watch's wendy gillette joins us up in new york at the stock exchange, hey, wendy. >> good morning, ukee, erika. wall street flying high. the dow jones posted its biggest gain in three years yesterday. the dow gained 421-point, extending rail tai began

wednesday, the nasdaq finished 104 points higher. companies across the country are on alert, after the sony hacking attack. cyber security experts say other companies could experience the same kind of cyber extortion. they warn that there is little companies can do to protect themselves from the sophisticated attacks, besides quickly detecting there is a problem, and then limiting the damage. wal-mart, amazon, k-mart and sears, being told to stop selling toy guns, that look like real ones. new york's attorney general, sent letters telling the retailers to follow a state law make that firearms are not mistaken for the real thing, toys mainly sold on line. wal-mart says the company will work with the aeg. >> and amazon offering one hour delivery to its prime customers, in some parts of new york city. the new service is called prime now. and it is available to people already enrolled in its membership service. the one hour delivery costs $7.99. two-hour delivery free.

amazon hopes to offer the service in more cities next year. so, ukee, erika, could be come ewing way very soon. >> that could be very dangerous with shopping, too. >> indeed. thanks, wendy. >> well, happening today, president obama holds his ends of the new years news conference, then he's off to hawaii for some fun in the sun. this is the seventh year the family will spend their vacation, the home they rented last year, the annual trip homecoming of sorts for the prep, who spent most every his childhood in the state of hawaii. take a look at this, the army showed off its new missile hunting air ship that will patrol the skies near washington dc. the radar equipped balloon the size after football field. will also help direct military responses on the grounds. the defense balloon will launch next week, as part of three-year test, of the system. >> 5:39 right now, still ahead this morning, a star studded send-off for steven cobair. >> we will show you how the comedian said farewell to his

alter ego, as he gets ready to fill david letterman shoes. >> and we need help filling this truck with toys. today, for our "joy of sharing" campaign, you can start dropping off toys at our station on hamilton street, that starts in 20 minutes, at 6:00 this morning. stop by, donate gift, come say hello, we'll show you where some of those toys will go to help children coming up. we have a big empty truck. let's fill that thing up together. we'll be right back.

>> this instagram post shows two men with guns and a police officer. off duty officers wrestles at cvs. told suspect trying to steel thousands of dollars in pills from the pharmacy. and, us officials are considering their response to a cyber attack, believed to be connected to north korea. some politicians want to quote it as an expense over of terrorism. >> ♪ this morning, the word is farewell. it is the ends after era as two late night hoses sign off this week. after nearly ten years, craig ferguson ends his run as the host of the late late show

tonight. jay leno will be his final guest. tony award winner, james cordon will replace ferguson in march. in the interim guest hoses will fill n watch the final show right here on cbs-3. >> steven cobair wrapped up with sing along of we'll meet against, star studded sends off, john stewart, big bird, george lucas, bill clinton and cbs this morning's own charlie rose, among others. cobair will be the new host of the late show right here on cbs-3 when david letterman retires next year. what a great sends-off. all right, 5:43 right now, how are we sending offer our week? >> absolutely, nice little quiet break, sent our way, courtesy of mother nature, she knows we all have holiday errands we have to run. one last weekends every quiet

for you before things start to get a little bit more active. now, storm system that we had earlier in the week, our eye on as possibility of bringing us wet weather. do not worry about t what we do need to look at here, though, is the moisture already starting to move in across the pacific northwest. this is one piece of larger puzzle there is will be basically the core after new storm to develop into next week, and it does look like it will start to bring us some rain, all warmfront related as early as monday, into tuesday, but, specifically, wednesday, that looks like it ends up being the worse day of the pack here, just in time for santa's flight. but it looks like it will mainly be rain producer for our area, as well as winds producer, the further inland you go, though, talking far inland, you have much better shot to see a white christmas out of this. for us, drying out by christmas day, maybe a lingering flurry out there, but, at this point, that's just a chance. forty's expected by that point, it will still be little on the milder side in washington, as the colds air will have yet to completely wrap in. the further inland go, may still lingering moisture to

track. sunshine as well as through the weekends with clouds mixed in, as women. then we start to warm up here into next week ahead of the holiday, that's why we expect mainly rainout of this storm. vittoria? >> thank you so much, katie. good morning, everyone, still looking great on all of the majors, waiting on the rush, if you are traveling on the schuylkill expressway traveling on 476, this shot here, not too far away from the blue route. it is a great ride. doesn't matter where you are traveling, western suburbs, center city philadelphia, maybe traveling montgomery count i am, traveling 309, right around the pa turnpike, no problems there, as well. so just have a loft good news, great way to start your friday morning commute. traveling on any of the majors, speed censors are still high up into the 50's, 55 average being on the blue route, 59, even 50 on the schuylkill. traveling in new jersey, delaware, all good news, and no delays for mass transit. erika? >> all right, thank you, vittoria. it is a special day here at cbs-3, we're collecting toys for deserving children as part

of our 26th annual "joy of sharing". the salvation army will be here to except new, unwrapped toys, starting at about just 15 minutes. at pat ciarrocchi shows you, the need may be great, but the gratitude is even greater. it was days before christmas, and the salvation army "joy of sharing" toy shop is open for business. cookie monster, among toys galor, all going to children who de is her after little extra christmas. last year, 24,000 children found gifts, thanks to the salvation army. >> oh, it is going to be wonderful. i'll probably cry, because such good kids, i think they deserve everything. >> amber mace is greatful for the joy of picking out something special for her three young children. >> this is for my seven year old, her name is derricka. than is for my son, tyler, one, and a board game for all of us to play. >> ho-ho-ho. >> larry, a volunteer. >> i've actually work and

volunteered for years. they do a lot of great work. they really get down and help grass roots. they help the people. >> major hester dixon wears a different uniform on this distribution day as a brown street salvation army center. but her mission to help ease the suffering of mankind is divinely in place every day. >> i was ask god it rain down toils. we help everybody. if you can help, you get help, in fact, you don't have to bring a whole lot of identification or proof, if you come here, it seems you need us. >> as the need grows, so does the generosity. wanda jones calls the salvation army blessing. >> i'm a single mom. so, you know, try to get as much help as i can. and my kids is always blessed, even with the little stuff that they get, they get for christmas, they are blessed. >> times are hard. everybody can make a difference. >> thanks to the salvation army, thank you all.

>> oh, yes, it is game time, game time for the children, our "joy of sharing" campaign is well underway, and did you hear that, listen, hello, hello, hello? this truck is empty right now. and we need to fill it up. we need to fill it up with your help to drop by our stations here at 1555 hamilton street, and drop off a toy, and an unwrapped new toy, so great. we have got gary here from the salvation army, volunteer, gary, can we fill this truck up? >> yes, we can. >> how close do you think we'll get by, say, the end of the morning show? can we get at least half full? >> i think the ends of the morning half full. >> you heard it, that's the challenge. we need your help at home. i'll sit down here, talk to our good friends randall thomas from the salvation army. randall, happy holidays season to you, merry christmas. >> thanks for having us back. >> how important is this program? there are a lot of families, a lot of children throughout that need help. >> there are a lot of children that need help. this is very important f we

fill this truck today we'll probably get go 4,000, 5,000 toys in there, that's a lot of happy faces on christmas morning. >> that certainly s how are the district in the i can remember the video i see lot of families going to a gym, toys are spread out. tell us how it is all contribute in the. >> well, with the salvation army multiple community centers throughout the citiment people go to the salvation arm any their neighborhood, let them know we're having a struggle this year, whether i lost my job, we've got medical bills, so then we sit down with the family, finds out how many kids they have, what their ages are. and then we invite them back when we have our toy shops, the par lent get to walk around with personal shopper and pick out toys specifically for their children. >> i've talked to you over the years, i still see the gleam in your eye. how special is this time of year for you personally? >> personally very fulfilling. specially on the days that you're at the toy shop, you see the moms and some of them walk out of there in tears, they new if it weren't for the salvation army and the generosity of the people around us, they wouldn't have a hey christmas. >> ready to get this on? >> game time. more information once again you can drop off a toy between

six a.m. and 8:00 p.m. today in the cbs-3 parking lot right where we are right now, we are at hamilton street and 16th street spring garden across the street from community college. if you can't make it here, text a donation or other drop off locations. come on, family, we need your help. other families need your help, as well.l. we'll take a short break. we'll be right back.

(so called ugly tree in reading pennsylvania gets happy ending. city officials planning charlie day festival to celebrate. they once considered removing. tomorrow everyone invited to berks county to make over that tree, just like the bee nuts gang surprised charlie brown turning his tiny pine tree

into a twinkling just beautiful pine. the gesture reminds dollars everyone of the true meaning every christmas, glad to see they kept that tree, horrible to want to take it down. speaking every christmas christs displays, join us for longwood christmas tonight. jessica dean, chris may, at longwood gardens for longwood christmas special. tune in tonight at 7:30, right here, on cbs-3. from the light to the food to the music, it is a holiday tradition, you don't want to miss. >> and hoping to have good weather tonight, katie, what do you think? >> looking good. little chill in the air, to make it feel like the holiday for you, but we expect a dry night, and dry day, and dry couple of days, actually here. looking ahead to the weekend, doesn't stay that way into next week, but we take what we can get while we can. storm scan3, still showing some clouds, we expect to see mix of sun, clouds, throughout the course of the day, current temperatures are basically where they were this same time yesterday. so kind of on par here. mid upper 30's, generally around the board, but lighter winds for you, so, it is still a tad breezy, but not enough it is really going to make it feel too much colderment

weekends looks quiet. we can expect to see highs low 40's right through sunday, vet tore crashes over to you. >> thanks so much, katie. good morning, everyone, if you are traveling out and about on any of the bridge, we're going start first at the platt. no delays in either direction, and all of the bridges are beautiful this morning. we're really not dealing with any major delays, just yet. but i just feel like we're waiting in the wings because if you are traveling on nine, a you will have the active construction zones, both cottman avenue and girard. usually the first place that we'll see some sort after rush hour. and as well as 76 westbound approaching city avenue. but as of right now. at 5:54, speed censors still high up in the 50's, not dealing with any major delays. watch out from this closure traveling in south jersey the parkway, and stay with us, we'll have a lot more on the other side. good m

webuyanycar.com has helped all selling or trading in.with we make selling your car, truck or suv, fast, safe and fair with three simple steps: one -- get your free online valuation. two -- drive to your local car-buying center. three -- walk out with a check in as little as thirty minutes. buying cars is all we do. all makes and models and no dealership pressure we'll even settle your loan or lease. so, don't wait. get your free online valuation now at webuyanycar.com. >> time to check in with phil the morning elf. >> this morning phil hopped aboard a toy in the big "joy of sharing" toy bin. looks like he's having pretty

good time down there. >> watch out, phil might get caught in the truck out there. >> what a shame that would be. >> i know, he drew that mustache on me yesterday. that's something else. hey, it is your turn. we want to see what your elf is up to. use hashtag cbs-3 and elfie selfie. we may throw it here on tv. >> those toys are about to go into the "joy of sharing" toy donation truck. it starts in just few minutes, two, three, weed need your help to fill this truck this holiday season. we hope you will swing by, you have until 8:00 tonight. >> come on down, please, we would love to help you put the toys in the truck. maybe we can scoot down during the commercial break, put them in, get back, we'll be back. >> start

>> from the cbs broadcast center in philadelphia, this is cbs-3 "eyewitness news".

good morning, everyone, in the news, philadelphia paramedic is apologizing this morning, for posting this controversial picture on his personal instagram page. >> it takes a jab at police, and it is sparking outrage among first responders who work side by side with officers, every day. "eyewitness news" reporter jan carabeo joins us now live outside the fire administration building with more on this story. >> good morning, jan. >> reporter: erika, ukee, good morning. what's for sure this morning is that the fire commissioner believes this instagram post crosses the line. what's unsure is whether the paramedic responsible for posting it will be disciplined. he has, however, taken that photo down, and is now apologizing for his behavior. he says he didn't mean to hurt his brothers in blue, but social media post angering many in the philadelphia police department. this picture, posted to a paramedic instagram account, shows white man posing as a police officer, while two black men point guns at him. the post then reads: real