What the GOP tax plan would do to you

Republicans' tax plan, as unveiled this week, would be a boon for those running a small business or looking to pass on a big chunk of property to their heirs – but it might be worse for someone looking to acquire those assets in the first place.

ScanPyramids mission A new, cosmic scanning method gives scientists a surprise: The first big Great Pyramid discovery in more than a century The goal was to test whether muons, particles thrown off by cosmic rays, could accurately discern the two well-known rooms located highest in the pyramid: the King's Chamber and Grand Gallery. They did — and also spotted a third, previously unknown chamber. But we still don't know the room's purpose — or what's inside.. Spencer Platt/Getty Images The world’s getting warmer and it’s definitely our fault, says the government’s most comprehensive climate study to date The report — approved by the White House despite its stark differences with the beliefs of the Trump administration — says sea levels have risen 7-8 inches since 1900, while as temperatures have jumped nearly 2 degrees. Without major emission reductions, the average global temperature could rise to 9 degrees warmer than before the Industrial Revolution. The impact so far: wildfires, flooding, bigger rainstorms. Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Jonathan Clay/AP They're back safe on land, but these sailors' story of five months lost in the Pacific is taking on water Jennifer Appel and Tasha Fuiava say a storm disabled their boat not long after they left Hawaii, and attempts to sail got them nowhere. But why is there no record of the powerful storm they describe? And why didn't they use every tool at their disposal to get help? Alyson Hurt and Danielle Kurtzleben/NPR If you own a small business or a huge mansion, you'll probably love the GOP tax plan The draft tax bill released by House Republicans on Thursday lowers the tax rate for many entrepreneurs and protects millions of dollars more from the estate tax — then erases the tax entirely in 2024. But rates will drop for some middle-class taxpayers as well. And some of the best-loved deductions were protected. William Chambers for NPR They've lived and worked around chemical plants all their lives, but a blaze after Hurricane Harvey has these Texans asking questions One of the biggest being: Should I sue? The power outage at the Baytown, Texas, Arkema plant sent trailers full of chemicals up in flames, and some nearby residents say they were given no warning how dangerous the fumes and fallout could be. The company says the burn they allowed was safe and the 1.5-mile evacuation area was plenty. You received this message because you're subscribed to our Best of NPR emails. |  Unsubscribe  |  Privacy Policy | NPR 1111 N. CAPITOL ST. NE WASHINGTON DC 20002