All the pundits and economic analysts are trying to work out what the future holds for Americans, given the passage of the GOP tax bill. On the macro level, it’s impossible to be sure whether this will spur the economy in a lasting way.

On the micro level, the middle class will reap a range of middling results, depending on a wide variety of personal factors.

Hawaii folks due to see a cut in their taxes can start cheering now. The voices of those who don’t may be heard at the polls.

If not rat poison, what killed the whales?

It is good news, of course, that no rat poison was found in liver samples of five pilot whales that were found dead and stranded on Kauai in October. After two washed onto Kalapaki Beach and three others were found floating in Nawiliwili Harbor on Oct. 13, some suspected the rat poison, diphacinone, which had been used by the state in August and September to rid Lehua island of invasive rats.

The U.S. Agriculture Department’s report that seems to clear the rodenticide in the whales’ deaths is a relief, especially since the rat operation was successful. Still, that leaves the mystery unsolved. Officials say more tests continue, so let’s hope they yield clues then a conclusion.