Morning Must Reads: July 17

U.S. imposes new sanctions against Russia [TIME]

” President Vladimir Putin on Thursday lamented the latest round of U.S. sanctions against Russia, saying they will stalemate bilateral relations and hurt not only Russian but also American businesses.” [AP]

Israel, Hamas agree to short cease-fire deal after Israeli strike kills 4 Palestinian boys [TIME]

Obama likely to seek additional time for nuclear negotiations with Iran [NYT]

“Texas Sen. Ted Cruz plans to take a hard-line stand that could rile up conservatives just as lawmakers — including two from his home state — are struggling to address the growing humanitarian crisis along the southern border.” [Politico]

President Obama to unveil infrastructure funding initiative [The Hill]

Democrats latch on to Hobby Lobby in election year push [TIME]

University at Buffalo paid $275,000 for Hillary Clinton speech [Washington Post]

South Carolina Republican says Hispanic immigrants are a lost cause for GOP [National Journal]

D.C. marijuana decriminalization law takes effect [USA Today]

What’s prettier in print

Cover: Invasive Species, Coming Soon to a Habitat Near You by Bryan Walsh

Silicon Valley’s Arrogance is Out of Beta and Ready to Ship by Matt Vella

The Border and Obama by Joe Klein

In Hot Pursuit of Cold Cases by Charlotte Alter

U.S. Navy’s Biggest Ships Are in China’s Sights by Mark Thompson

Surprise: The Economy Isn’t as Bad as You Think by Roger Altman

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-Michael Scherer, DC Bureau Chief