Happy Thursday! Here are some of today’s top stories:
In a Newsweek exclusive, a Rudy Giuliani tape raises questions over girlfriend denial. Donald Trump's VP pick may have been revealed. Joe Biden gets the breakthrough with voters he was praying for. Brett Kavanaugh regrets taking a Supreme Court case. What we know about an FBI raid at the Oakland mayor's home. Kiefer Sutherland's heartbreaking goodbye to his dad. And an almond butter kitchen fiasco saved by a good dog who helped clean up the mess! 

The Gist of It: Secret recordings Newsweek has heard of Rudy Giuliani apparently talking about Maria Ryan cast doubt on official claims that he was not in a relationship with his podcast cohost, whose credit card bill is a key focus of the former New York City mayor's bankruptcy case. Read the full story.

Related: Rudy Giuliani's Advisor Maria Ryan Blasts Bankruptcy Filings: 'Outright Lie'

The Gist of It: Eagle-eyed social media users have noticed the web address trumpburgum.com automatically redirects to Donald Trump's official campaign website, sparking speculation that North Dakota Governor Doug Burgum could be his 2024 running mate. Here’s what we know.

More: Doug Burgum's Chances of Becoming Trump's VP Improve With Bookmakers
Voters' top concerns: Joe Biden Gets the Breakthrough With Voters He Was Praying For

The Gist of It: Justice Brett Kavanaugh expressed regret over the Supreme Court's decision to hear a free-speech case. The Trump-appointed justice issued a concurring opinion on Thursday, raising concerns about the court's decision to grant certiorari in Gonzalez v. Trevino. Here’s why.

Legal anaylst: Amy Coney Barrett Reveals 'Growing Rift' on Supreme Court

The Gist of It: Explosions and smoke plumes have been reported at Cape Chauda in annexed Crimea. The area is used by occupying Russian forces to launch kamikaze drones at Ukrainian targets from the Black Sea peninsula. Read the full story.

Report: Ukraine Gets US Patriot Boost
More: Russia Approaches Grim Milestone in Reported Tank Losses

The Gist of It: The FBI conducted a raid at Oakland Mayor Sheng Thao's California home along with three other properties on Thursday. The motive of the investigation is unclear, but there are reports that the raid allegedly  involved the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) and the U.S. Postal Service. Here’s what we know. 

The Gist of It: As reports of the squatting crisis worsen across the country, a homeless housing program in Florida had to stop operations when clients refused to leave after "learning how to squat." We “literally have had a small group… training each other,” Scott Billue, the founder of transitional housing program Matthew's Hope, said. Read the full story.

Related: Serial Squatter Gets Charges Dropped

DID YOU SEE THIS?

The Gist of It: A mess for one guy turned into a great day for his dog! Maverick’s owner was mixing a jar of almond butter with an electric mixer, which didn’t go as planned. Almond butter splattered all over the kitchen but luckily, the golden retriever was happy to step in and help clean up. Watch here!