We don't teach reading, writing, and arithmetic anymore.

You know, half the kids in this country when they graduate, think about this,

half the kids in this country when they graduate, can't read their diploma.

That's just a small sample of what the audience at CPAC is hearing.

The conservative conference is delivering MGA messaging, but to much smaller crowds this time around.

Plus, we have a stunningly quick verdict in the Alec Murdoch murder trial.

We'll get expert analysis on this case in just a moment.

And also ahead, Secretary of State Anthony Blinken meets briefly

with his Russian counterpart for the first time since the start of the Ukraine War.

Good morning and welcome to way too early on this Friday, March 3rd.

I'm Jonathan Lemire.

Thanks for starting your day with us.

We'll begin in South Carolina, where a jury has found despard lawyer Alec Murdoch guilty of murdering his wife and son. The state versus Richard Alexander Murdoch, guilty of murdering his wife and son.

The State v. Richard Alexander Murdoch defendant, indictment for murder,

SC code 16-3-0-0-0-0-1-6, CDR code 0116, verdict guilty.

The jury of seven men and five women deliberated for less than three hours before unanimously finding the 54-year-old guilty. Murdoch was also convicted of two counts of weapons

possession. Following the verdict, the defense immediately moved for a mistrial,

which the judge denied. The defense and prosecution then addressed reporters outside the courtroom.

We're very disappointed in the verdict, but it did not be appropriate to make time to after

the service of court. Justice was done today.

It doesn't matter who your family is.

It doesn't matter how much money you have or people think you have.

...