chad pradelli and dann cuellar are at the school tonight. chad let's begin with you. >> reporter: investigator say the conestoga football team had a culture of hazing that dates back several years and it led to violence this past fall when a freshman football player was allegedly violated with a broomstick. chester county district attorney tom hogan says when the conestoga freshman football player wouldn't strip and clean the locker room, three seniors held him down and violated him way broomstick. >> kids reported that the victim was yelling and screaming. but he did not have a friend in that locker room on that afternoon. >> reporter: it happened in october but authorities didn't learn about the alleged assault until last month. after the freshman told his father who went to school administrators. but hogan says there's been a culture of hazing for several years. the team had what's called no gay thursdays. >> you would have an older kid come behind a younger kid and

put his genitals on top of the younger kid's head. and that was okay on thursdays. >> reporter: the alleged hazing was so bad on thursdays some players avoided the locker room at all costs or even quit the team. head football coach john vogan told investigators he was unaware of the hazing or the alleged assault. >> the kids knew the locker room was theirs. the locker room was theirs to do what they wanted when they wanted and how they wanted. >> reporter: tredyffrin east town school district relieved a statement saying vogan has been relieved of all coaching duties pending a investigation. the statement reads in part the process will be designed to determine whether or not code of conduct violations occurred. the awareness and level of supervision by the coaching staff and what further measures can promote inclusive and respectful behavior. and the three students are being charged as juveniles with assault, conspiracy and

other related charges. you may be wondering why they're not being charged with hazing. well, that statute only applies to colleges not high schools which some lawmakers say needs to change. as for the victims, he is no longer a student here at conestoga high. i'm live in berwyn, chad pradelli, channel6 "action news. jim. >> thank you, chad. also at the high school tonight is "action news" reporter dann cuellar. dann, what about reaction from the conestoga community? >> reporter: well, jim, the news hit students like a ton of bricks. many here knew there was an investigation going on. but some are having a difficult time believing any of this. >> it's just such a great district here and i think this is so unfair that this is happening. >> reporter: in march the news hit the school hard. the chester county authorities say there had been an ugly culture of hazing going on but like the initial disbelief one clings to when getting terrible news it was hard news

to digest particularly among those who know the players who were charged. >> i don't know what went on inside the locker room but these are some of my best friends and they love each other and i can't imagine them doing things like this to each other. >> reporter: there was a deep sense of pride and tradition here at conestoga that runs deep and few wants to believe even remotely that one of those traditions that is alleged to have been going on was a dark and sadistic culture of hazing on the varsity football team. even a member of the team who readily admits he was not there on the day of the alleged assault was in disbelief saying he he had no knowledge of any of this and he worries about the team's legacy. >> the traditions of this team are just now obliterated. i guess anything that anybody ever wanted to say about conestoga football has a great team is now kind of blown away by this. >> reporter: and indeed it is likely to be a difficult road ahead as the ongoing school investigation unfolds and the fate of those charged becomes clear.

we're live here at conestoga high in berwyn. i'm dann cuellar channel6 "action news. >> chang you, dann. philadelphia police are looking for this man. they say he goes by the name of noelle. and he's a person of interest in the murder of a cook at a south philadelphia restaurant. police say he was working with the victim, 54-year-old on that nguyen. she was found with her throat slashed in the basement kitchen of lee's cafe and bistro on washington avenue at 9 o'clock last night. investigators say there are signs this was a violent struggle clearly. a philadelphia doctor is under arrest following an undercover investigation. pennsylvania state police say dr. edwin rothman wrote prescriptions in exchange for cash at his office in east falls. police executed a search warrant at rothman's office on the 4200 block of ridge avenue yesterday. investigator say rothman had no medical staff, no computers and hardly any medical equipment. rothman was charged with a

felony. an early morning fire in burlington county claimed the life of a woman today. investigator say the victim was in her 80's. she wasn't able to escape when her home in wrightstown went up in flames. firefighters rounded to the scene along francis street at 2 o'clock in the morning. crews discovered the woman's body once the fire was brought under control. they cut the ribbon on renovations to plymouth whitemarsh high school. the public was invited to check out the new central cafeteria. students were enthroned give tours of the cafeteria and nearby officers and classrooms. it happened throughout the city of philadelphia today. every police district held some kind of activity with members of the communities they serve. the mission here to build bonds and to build trust between the community and law enforcement. "action news" reporter gray hall has the story. >> reporter: many communities across philadelphia are seeing police officers in a new way.

>> we're out here every day trying to break those stereotypes and show people that we are just like them and that we go home, we take the uniform off and we have our families. >> reporter: they showed up to police and community day events that were held in all the districts. it's community policing 101. >> say hi, you knowing engage in conversation and not -- not have that wall in between and it's us again them mentality t that's not the case. we're in this fight together. >> reporter: for the first time some are seeing more than just a badge and a gun. they are seeing the neighbor and a friend. officers say while one event can cannot change everything it is a start and they believe outreach events like these are effect tiff. effective. >> it works. communities policing works. >> reporter: the goals are to meet and greet the public break down communication barriers build stronger communities and a trusting relationship on the street. >> there's no other way to do this than actually reaching out and then having that hand touch your hand.

it don't get any better than this. i get a big. talking about it i get excited. clashes between police and the community have made headlines. many are hoping the one-on-one interaction and meetings outside of an emergency situation or seeing officers in a patrol car will allow police and the public to create stronger bonds and ultimately create safer neighborhoods. >> it's important because it gets to show us that we can be comfortable around the police and we don't have anything to be scared of. >> reporter: police say they were so impressed they hope to hold these type of events at least twice a year in their districts on top of what they already do. in west philadelphia gray hall channel6 "action news. >> and coming up on "action news" tonight, wins on the field translating to winning ways in the classroom. we'll tell you about a change in morale at a school in the logan section of philadelphia. and a look at the eagles plan with free agency and the looming nfl draft. ducis rodgers has that story.

cecily. >> jim, i'm here live at the black tie preview of the philadelphia flower show. the theme this year is explore america. it's celebrating the hundredth anniversary of the national park system and it is just gorgeous in here. it's also the 50th anniversary of the black tie tailgate. the preview. i will be showing you the sights and sounds and i will talk about not just springlike weather on the way but record warmth on the way. that's all ahead in the accuweather 7-day forecast. jim. >> thank you, cecily. those stories and much more when "action news" continues tonight. >> ♪

>> in north philadelphia this was a day to celebrate eight months of hard work and training. 15 philadelphia police recruits graduated today. they were sworn in at the fraternal order of police. this is class 375 of the philadelphia police academy. philadelphia mayor jim can kenny continued his push for universal prek today. he toured lovie lee stars of tomorrow in west oak lane. the program educates young children in a home environment. the visit comes the day after kenney submitted his budget proposal and that plan calls for a sugary drink tax to help expand prek among other initiatives. kenney's office also introduced a new web site that invites parents and the public for input on prek expansion. you can find a link to that web site at 6abc.com. >> ♪ these are days of renewed sense of hope and accomplishment at a philadelphia charter school and the success of the school's athletes has a good deal to do with that

contribution. "action news" reporter katherine scott was at dell val charter school in logan today. >> reporter: when power lifter nick heads to florida next month for nationals he'll have the support of his school lined him. today is dress down day at dell val charter school in logan raised $550 to go towards the senior's trip. >> the athletic program here has really energized the community. >> reporter: the division winning football team and a basketball team already city champs, the dell val athletic program is soaring and its south korea shsuccesses are rubn community that's seen more than its share of struggles. >> with the support and the staff the students were able to get everything back together in the right place. >> reporter: in september 2014, a student died after being hit by a stray bullet. devastating the student body. and while grieving for their classmate, they learned their school was in danger of

closing. many students and teachers left. morale plummeted. >> keep pushing and just hope for better days. principal michelle brown was brought in this fall and immediately started making changes. some were met with reluctant but students started to see a new found focus. >> my goal is to make a difference and if i can make a difference on the top i believe it trickles down to the children. >> it wasn't no structure or nothing like that. this year it's more of a -- people come to school to learn. students are more focused. >> reporter: a lot of hard work has been done in this gym. will it pay off when the basketball team place in the state tournament and hopefully adds another win to their already stellar season. >> we had a bunch of kids who were counted out for the most part not really expected to be successful and now they're champions. >> reporter: in logan, katherine scott, channel6 "action news." >> spring is in the air at least inside the pennsylvania convention center. the 2016 philadelphia flower

show opens its doors to the public tomorrow but some got a sneak peek today. the theme this year is explore america. 100 years of the national park service. the show runs through next sunday march 13th. and we invite you to join us for an hour long flower show preview tomorrow night at 7: the entire "action news" weather team will be at the convention center to take you inside this year's displays. that is tomorrow at 7:00 plus an encore presentation at midnight right here on channel6. >> ♪

i do everything on the internet. but it's kind of slow. my friends said i should get fios because it's the fastest... i just downloaded 600 photos in 60 seconds. that's seriously better. (man) we're out of 2%. i wonder what else could be better around here? (man) i heard that. now get our best offer ever. super fast 100 meg internet, plus tv & phone for just $69.99 a month online with no annual contract. 100 meg speeds at a price this good? fios can do that. cable just can't. switch to better. switch to fios

>> free agency begins next week. will the eagles be a player? >> they need to be a playerly they need receivers offensive line men. they have a lot of holes. the eagles have been busy. a new head coach, resigned several players but there's work still to be done. teams can begin signing free agents wednesday. the nfl draft is eight weeks away and jeff skversky is here now with what the birds are planning to do. >> really no other place i wanted to be. >> reporter: even though sam

bradford is back on a two year deal that doesn't mean the eagles will pass up on drafting a quarterback next month. and coach doug pederson says bradford wouldn't have a problem with it. >> you wouldn't rule out drafting a guy at 13 as a quarterback there. >> i don't know about 13 but obviously if the right guy is at 13 we'll continue to bring guys in, quarterbacks being one of them. doesn't necessarily mean he's got to be the day one starter. >> if there's ever an opportunities to improve ourselves whether it's free agency by trade, in the draft we're going to try to do that and certainly at that position all options are on the table. >> reporter: protecting the quarterback and the uninvestment in bradford is a top priority. eagles are lining offensive line men some free agency next week and in the draft which has a strong pool of candidates according to eagles executive vice president operations howie roseman. >> we have so much to do. i don't think about it like you found one player.

it's a different sport. it's a team sport. we just got to build the team. >> reporter: whoever the eagles sign or plan to sign in free agency roseman says they're keeping in mind they still need money left over tour pro bowl defensive lineman fletcher cox who still needs a new contract. jeff skversky, channel6 "action news." >> to baseball the phillies bats are alive this spring training. ready for the regular season. we'll endure the pitching for now. after pounding out 15 hits yesterday the phillies have 13 more today. phils and braves this afternoon from clearwater. miguel franco had a homer yesterday, another one here. this is a three run shot. everyone in frenchie's seek higher ground. part of a seven run second inning. franco was not done. fourth inning, a rbi single. look how franco goes two or three with four runs batted inform ninth inning phillies down 11-none. hunter with a three run homer to win the game. phillies take it 12-11.

back to franco now. >> i'm working to try to feel comfortable in the play and now feel comfortable in that one just want to keep doing and like i say every is this goal day coming in try to do my job and try to go out there and have fun. >> the sixers host the heaton night. sixers lost 10 in a. oh the two teams play again sunday in miami. union are training for sunday's season opener at dallas. they haven't made the mls playoffs since 2011 but it's a different year. the optimism is high. >> i'm excited to get going. i think there's 20mls teams right now that think they have something special. that's beauty of the start of the season it's an exciting time. i believe he and i know the guys in our locker roomba believe this year is going to be different. >> finally tonight the philly phanatic is at it again. at today's game some cans nah and were convinced to take that's right a make believe bowling contest f you're in a make believe body of water you

might get make believe wet or really wet. that's pay back for us having to be here while they're enjoying the sunshine. that's the forecast. >> thought it was going to be like the harlem globetrotters and pour paper on them. cecily tynan is at the flower show and she has the accuweather forecast. when we continue in just a minute. pet moments are beautiful,

unless you have allergies. then your eyes may see it differently. only flonase is approved to relieve both itchy, watery eyes and congestion. no other nasal allergy spray can say that. when we breathe in allergens our bodies react by over producing six key inflammatory substances that cause our symptoms. most allergy pills only control one substance. flonase controls six. and six is greater than one. complete allergy relief or incomplete. let your eyes decide. flonase. 6>1 changes everything. >> so, we woke up this morning to a reminder to winter isn't over. parts of south jersey including here in egg harbor township saw three and a half to 5-inches of snow. they loved it.

accumulations stuck mainly to grassy surfaces and the sidewalks. the roads were mostly clear. cecily tynan all dressed up for the flower show and cecily both you and the flowers are beautiful. can i say that? what about the accuweather forecast? >> reporter: oh, well, jim, i tell you, the forecast is looking really nice and how appropriate that i'm forecasting springlike weather next week because when you come here to the philadelphia flower show every year, you really start to think spring and i think we needs a taste of spring, don't we he? take a look at temperatures across the region. it is on the cool side after a touch of snow this morning. temperatures really dropping down into the 30's. philadelphia 39 degrees down from our high of 41. wilmington right now 34 degrees. millville 35 degrees and wildwood checking in at 34. so, satellite6 along with action radar showing the storm system that brought most of us a light coating of snow, although parts of cape may

county more than 6-inches on the grass, that has now left the region, that's off the eastern seaboard. if you look near chicago, though, there is a little clipper and that's what will be moving through late tomorrow night really and early sunday morning. it's not going to be a big each vendor but it will bring us some unsettled weather. for your friday night we have clearing skies. it will be on the chilly side. any wet roads could be refreezing so be careful. 22 degrees in the suburbs, 27 degrees for center city and your saturday will start off with sunshine, increasing clouds. temperatures will be seasonably cool. 45 degrees in philadelphia, millville 44. wilmington 44. allentown 44. popular number and cape may 41 degrees and future tracker showing sunday morning is when that clipper will move through. looks like we'll see some snow showers mainly north and west of the i-95 core do. rain showers to the southeast. 7 o'clock some showers breaking out and then as we led into the afternoon it stays somewhat unsettled. lots of clouds with a possibility of some sprinkles

around 2 o'clock in the afternoon but then after this next week if you're ready for spring we get it. a ridge builds across the eastern half of the country and what this during it creates that heat pump effect. if this were the summer we would be talking about a heat wave. we're looking at temperature in the 70's tuesday, wednesday and thursday. so, the exclusive accuweather 7-day forecast, tomorrow will be unsettled with increasing clouds after morning sunshine, a high of 45 degrees. heading into sunday, this is when we have some morning rain and snow showers. not going to be a big deal with a high of 48 degrees. monday beautiful, some high clouds, so filtered sunshine. it will be warm, 60 degrees. then on tuesday, up to 70. wednesday record warmth, 74 degrees. thursday still warm, 70 with the possibility of a shower and friday a chance of showers with a high of 62 degrees. so, if i can walk with this dress i'm going to show you this exhibit because i love

this. this is from michael petri who always does a great job. and what has been done, it's inspired by olympic national park so we've got the trees here and we also have a tiny house. this is designed for park rangers and i don't even know if you can see inside. you can actually live there. it's 18 by 7 feet so it's very small but it's fully sustainable, solar heating, it's very well insulated. it's all made from natural materials so really interesting. follow me over here now as we're walking. what's really neat about the flower show this year is that it looks at more than a hundred national parks so you can go from hawaii, you can go to cape cod, you can go to the pacific northwest and all you have to do is come here to the pennsylvania convention center real to see it all and a black tie show will be tomorrow night at 7:00 hope you watch. back to you, jim. >> thank you cecily. finally tonight bucks county students are dancing the night away for a worthy

cause. inspired by penn state's thon central bucks high school is hosting a mini version of thon tonight. 400 students and faculty will dance until 8 o'clock and like thon the event raises awareness and money for the fight against pediatric cancer. their goal, to raise $40,000 for the four diamonds organization. abc's "world news tonight" with david muir is next on channel6. "action news" continues at 10:00 on pll17 with brian taff, sharrie williams, adam joseph and ducis rodgers. then please join us for "action news" at 11:00 here on channel6. for cecily tynan, ducis rodgers and the entire "action news" team, i'm jim gardner. we hope you'll join us at 11:00. >> ♪

several breaking stories this friday night. the o.j. simpson murder case. the lapd confirming they are now testing a knife, allegedly found buried at simpson's former estate. we ask, why is it just being tested now? the fallout after the republican debate. trump defending his own words on that stage. >> and he referred to my hands. if they are small, something else must be small. i guarantee you, there is no problem. i guarantee you. >> the urgent effort to block trump. with many asking, is this helping hillary clinton? the friday commuter nightmare. the storms. several chain reaction crashes. snow and ice sweeping through. the next system we're watching already. the cdc now on the scene tonight. the mystery illness in the heartland. a rare infection.