☕ Is MUD\WTR a good coffee alternative?

It’s Wednesday, November 15 — people are talking about Detroit’s “land value tax” idea, the new coffee alternative called MUD/WTR, and more.

As always, we’ve summarized and organized the different shades of perspective, so you can see the big picture quickly. Here at Shades we believe that seeing multiple points of view is the best way to stay informed.

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- Jeff (co-founder of Shades)

💰 Detroit is considering a “land value tax”

Detroit is considering a land value tax, which taxes the value of land minus the structures on top. Will it help — and is it even feasible?

💰 The World Economic Forum says it could help solve the housing crisis. The value of the land is really where it is, not what's on top — "location, location, location!"

💰 The NYT agrees — and it discourages "sit and wait" landowners who just wait for neighborhood property values to rise.

💰 But Forbes isn’t sure — won't the tax discourage neighborhood improvements? Also, how do you assess the value of just the land?

💰 And Slate isn't convinced it'll help in crowded cities like DC or San Francisco. The main problem in those cities is zoning laws, not tax policy.

💰 But the Financial Times thinks it’s efficient, morally just, and popular. The only reason we don't have it already is the power of the land-owning elite.

☕ Is MUD\WTR a good coffee alternative?

MUD\WTR is a coffee alternative made from mushrooms, chai, and cacao. Should you give it a try?

☕The Quality Edit loves it for the steady energy, organic ingredients, and immune support. Coffee, on the other hand, makes you jittery and leads to energy crashes.

☕ Vice says it's a good option if you need to cut your caffeine. But if you're not into "earthy" flavors, you might want to look elsewhere. It's very aptly named.

☕But The Good Trade thinks it's a bit pricey. It’s easier on your stomach than coffee, though — try mixing it into your routine for a little caffeine reprieve.

☕ The NYT is not a fan. It tastes like "dirty water", doesn't give you much of a boost, and makes health claims that haven't been proven.

Quick hits

🏛️ The House passed a stopgap funding bill to avert a government shutdown. (NYT)

👊 Oklahoma Sen. Markwayne Mullin challenged Teamster president Sean O'Brien to a fight during a heated congressional hearing about unions. (AP News)

⚫ A bus crash on the I-70 in Ohio killed at least 6 people, including 3 high-school students. (CNN)

🏈 Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson has a fracture in his throwing shoulder and will miss the remainder of the season. (ESPN)