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Windham County author explores how the ultra-rich shape everyday life

The ultra rich might seem like they live on a different planet, yet their choices affect every part of our society — from school funding to down to your dog’s vet bill. That's the premise of Chuck Collins' new book, "Burned by Billionaires: How Concentrated Wealth and Power Are Ruining Our Lives and Planet."

Collins writes that the ultra-wealthy wield significant power over tax policy, affecting public services like schools and healthcare. He also discusses the challenges of addressing wealth inequality, including the need for a progressive tax system and federal policies.

Plus, October is National Co-op Month. Buffalo Mountain Market general manager Emily Hershberger and longtime co-op member Annie Gaillard join to discuss the Hardwick co-op’s efforts to support local producers and SNAP recipients during the government shutdown.

Broadcast live on Tuesday, Oct. 28, 2025, at noon; rebroadcast at 7 p.m.

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Mikaela Lefrak is the host and senior producer of Vermont Edition. Her stories have aired nationally on Morning Edition, All Things Considered, Weekend Edition, Marketplace, The World and Here and Now. A seasoned local reporter, Mikaela has won two regional Edward R. Murrow awards and a Public Media Journalists Association award for her work.
Daniela Fierro is a news producer for Vermont Edition. Email Daniela.
Aleah Papes joined Vermont Public as an announcer in October 2024. Raised in the suburbs of New York City, she studied theater and comparative literature at Northwestern University, and later got a master’s degree in journalism from NYU. She has called Vermont home since 2020.