What to know now:
1. Shandling dies: Comedian Garry Shandling, who starred in his own sitcom, "It's Garry Shandling's Show," and was one of the creators of "The Larry Sanders Show," died Thursday, apparently from natural causes. Shandling fell ill at his home and was taken to a hospital where he died. Shandling was 66.
2. Raid gets six: Raids in Belgium and in France have led to the arrest of at least six people who authorities say were planning terror attacks. According to French officials, the people were in the "advanced stages" of a plan to attack the country. It's not clear yet as to whether those arrested were linked to the attacks in Brussels.
3. Trump as coward: Sen. Ted Cruz called businessman Donald Trump a "sniveling coward" after the front runner for the Republican nomination for president launched an attack against Cruz's wife on Twitter. "Donald, you're a sniveling coward, leave Heidi the hell alone," Cruz said while touring a Wisconsin factory Thursday. The escalating war of words began when a photo which featured a nearly nude Melania Trump was used in an ad from a super PAC that supports Ted Cruz's campaign.
4. Is the role expanding: According to senior U.S. officials, the role of American combat troops is increasing in Iraq. U.S. Marines on Thursday provided targeting assistance and artillery fire in support of Iraqi troops, according to the Pentagon. The White House has capped at 3,870, the number of troops to be deployed in Iraq. However, that number does not include up to 1,000 servicemen in the country who are active duty, but not considered as deployed there.
5. Settling on a pick: According to Vice President Joe Biden, President Obama named Merrick Garland as his nominee to the Supreme Court in order to offer a candidate Republicans would be more likely to confirm. Biden said the president consulted with the Republican leadership to tailor his choice, Biden said.
And one more
The Rolling Stones are set to make history with a free concert in Havana, Cuba, Friday. According to The Associated Press, Stones singer Mick Jagger offered a brief greeting in Spanish and said he was happy to be on the island. The concert is set for Friday night.
In case you missed it
Just when you were thinking, “At least no one saw that…”.
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