U.S. and Russian officials wrapped up day-long talks on Monday focused on a narrow proposal for a ceasefire at sea between Kyiv and Moscow, part of a diplomatic effort that Washington hopes will help pave the way for broader peace negotiations.

A United States delegation led by real estate tycoon-turned-diplomat Steve Witkoff has begun a high-stakes meeting with Kremlin negotiators in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, where the Trump administration is pushing for a ceasefire in separate talks with Russia and Ukraine.

Good morning. I'm Taylor Wilson and today is Monday, March 24th, 2025. This is The Excerpt. Today, the latest on Russia, Ukraine ceasefire talks and what the US role is. Plus some experts warn that federal spending cuts jeopardize medical advances and how executives at an NHL team milk youth hockey families for profit.