CNN 2008-03-07

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Hello, I'm Melissa Long  at the CNN Center in Atlanta with a look at some of the stories happening NOW IN THE NEWS.

We may not know the results of the Democratic caucuses¹ in Texas until at least tomorrow afternoon. Election officials are still counting the votes because of overwhelming turnout on Tuesday. Senator Barack Obama is leading a little about 41% of the precincts now reporting. Some voters complained of long lines, chaos² and confusion about what they were supposed to do on Tuesday. Senator Hillary Clinton's campaign is considering challenging the results.

Gaza is facing its worst humanitarian³ crisis in more than 40 years. A new report by aid agencies and humanitarian groups says things haven't been this dismal⁴ since Israel's 1967 occupation. It says the Israeli blockade has left more than one million Palestinians isolated⁵, dealing⁶ with poverty, dealing with unemployment, with little access to education and healthcare services. It found water and sewage systems are on the verge⁷ of collapse⁸. Israel blames the hardships on Hamas militants⁹ who keep firing rockets into Israel.

Two explosive devices have turned up in a freshman's dorm at the University of California Davis. That student is now under arrest. Authorities say a woman tipped him off that the student had possible explosive devices and immediately evacuated¹⁰ the 400 kids from their dorm rooms in 8 buildings. After obtaining a search warrant, police found what appeared to be pipe bombs. The 19-year-old is being held on possession of materials with the intent to make an explosive and other charges as well.

A West Los Angeles homeowner has a lot less backyard to deal with right now. Most of it crumbled¹¹ onto the busy boulevard below, the Sepulveda Boulevard. And that stretch is now closed between Sunset Montana. No one on the ground was hurt when it collapsed¹². Some reports blame a water main break for that landslide¹³. Fire officials say it is possible or could be the other way around. Geologists¹⁴ are evaluating the situation.

A CNN investigation¹⁵ has found Southwest Airlines flew more than 100 planes in violation¹⁶ of mandatory¹⁷ safety checks and some of those aircraft deemed unsafe by federal standards were in service as recently as last March. In some cases, congressional documents say planes flew for 30 months passed government inspection¹⁸ deadlines. Lawmakers are expected to ask for hearing on this matter as soon as possible. Southwest declined to make an official statement. Southwest Airlines carried more passengers in the US than any other airline last year.

And you're up-to-date. Those are the headlines making news at this hour on this Thursday. And do stay with CNN for more on these stories or other news of the day.