CNN 2009-01-07（在线收听）

I'm Reggie Aqui from the CNN Center in Atlanta. Here's what's happening NOW IN THE NEWS.

The death toll climbs, and the crisis deepens in the conflict between Israel and Hamas. Here is what we know right now. An Israeli missile slammed into an elementary school where hundreds of civilians had taken refuge. Gaza city is now surrounded by Israeli forces. And Palestinian doctors are bracing for even more casualties. They say at least 555 people have been killed, and the Red Cross has declared a full blown humanitarian crisis.

President-elect Barack Obama is laying the groundwork to offer 300 billion dollars in tax cuts for individuals and businesses. It's part of a massive stimulus plan. Obama wants it ready for signing within two weeks of his inauguration. Obama's economic stimulus plan is aimed primarily at job creation and consumer spending.

Trying to get the rest of his team in place, Obama is also expected to name Leon Panetta as his choice for CIA Director. Panetta has no experience in the intelligence community, but he did serve as White House Chief of Staff under Bill Clinton. Retired Admiral Dennis Blair is expected the choice for Director of National Intelligence. He served in the National Security Council and was a military liaison with the CIA.

Congressional lawmakers are ready to take their seats today and the man named to succeed Obama in the Senate could face a rather ugly welcome. Senator nominee Roland Burris is a controversial pick because as he was known he was chosen by embattled Illinois Governor Rod Blagojevich. Democratic leaders say it's not likely Burris will be seated today.

Tough times are hitting some of the more successful automakers. Now Toyota says that it is shutting down factories for eleven days as a sharp slide in US sales has left dealers' lots full of unsold cars. The shutdown affects a dozen plants. In Japan, Toyota plans to turn the eleven days into paid company holidays for its employees.

We're learning a little bit more about the death of John Travolta's sixteen year-old son Jett. Officials at a funeral home in the Bahamas say Jett Travolta's body showed no sign of head trauma. According to the death certificate, he died of a seizure. Jett's body has now been cremated. John Travolta and his wife Kelly Preston are said to be bringing his remains back to Florida today.

And that's what's happening right now. Please stick with us at CNN.COM and CNN.COM/LIVE for these stories and the other breaking news of the day.