An Alex Murdaugh juror says the court clerk made him seem guilty before he testified The South Carolina attorney is appealing his conviction of killing his wife and son, arguing that the clerk of court’s comments to jurors influenced their decision. Read more on NPR

A Florida park just saw a record number of manatees gather together in its waters Nearly 1,000 manatees gathered at Blue Spring State Park on one of the coldest winter days of the season. Here’s why the growing number of manatees at the park is encouraging. Read more on NPR

Photos of life in war: Palestinians flee south in Gaza, Israel mourns dead soldiers Last week, Israel saw its deadliest day during its war with Hamas, and displaced Palestinians fled Khan Younis and headed toward a flooded Rafah, where shelter and resources remain scarce. Read more on NPR

U.S. charges 3 for alleged murder-for-hire plot to kill Iranian defector in Maryland The indictment unsealed in federal court is at least the third Iran-based murder-for-hire plot prosecuted by the Justice Department since 2022. Read more on NPR