Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) today introduced the American AI Sovereign Wealth Fund Act to give the public a 50% ownership in the largest artificial intelligence (AI) companies in our country.

“Left unchecked, Artificial Intelligence and robotics threatens the jobs, privacy rights and mental health of every man, woman and child in America,” Sanders said. “As a society, we can no longer sit back and allow a handful of Big Tech oligarchs to determine the future of this revolutionary technology with no democratic input.”

The legislation that Sanders is introducing would give the public a direct ownership stake in the largest AI companies in America through a one-time 50% tax on the stock of the biggest AI companie, Sander said: This stock would be deposited into the sovereign wealth fund.

If passed, Sanders’ bill also would create an Independent Commission for Democratic AI to manage the sovereign wealth fund in the public interest, and require large companies that operate both AI and non-AI businesses to break up those businesses, ensuring the public receives an ownership stake in the AI business.

He said it also would provide a 5% annual dividend to pay more than $1,000 to everyone in America. “Eventually, if these AI companies continue to grow as rapidly as many analysts expect, the wealth that it generates could be used to ensure that every man, woman and child in the United States has a decent and dignified standard of living,” Sanders said. 

Read the bill text here. Read a summary of the bill here.

Meanwhile, the Journal-Opinion reports that Salvation Army thrift stores in two Connecticut River towns closed suddenly on Tuesday. 

Per reporting by the Caledonian-Record, the St. Johnsbury closure was sudden and employees had no advance notice. 

In a statement, the Salvation Army came after “thoughtful and analytical deliberations:”

“This transition aligns with several strategic leadership updates underway across the Northern New England Division. These changes are part of a broader effort to strengthen long‑term sustainability, modernize operations, and focus resources on the areas of greatest community impact. The timing of the thrift store closures supports this forward‑looking strategy as The Salvation Army continues its caring work.”

The nearest Salvation Army locations are in Barre, Concord, and Laconia.   

Fish with a game warden – Trying to figure out Vermont fishing regulations?  Wondering what kinds of fish are in a lake?  Looking for new fishing tips?  The Vermont Fish and Wildlife Department is offering “Fish with a Warden” sessions to help with questions like these.

“We know many anglers have questions they would like to ask a warden, and we know many of our wardens also like to go fishing,” said Education Specialist Corey Hart, “so our Vermont State Game Wardens have teamed up with Forests, Parks and Recreation staff to offer Fish with a Warden sessions this summer.

Hart says the purpose of the sessions is to provide an opportunity for the public to go fishing with Fish and Wildlife Department personnel and have their questions answered.  These programs are the perfect steppingstone for new anglers that would benefit from a mentored fishing outing before heading out and fishing on their own.

The Fish with a Warden sessions will last an hour or more.  Participants need to have their fishing license and bring their own fishing equipment.  The state park day use fee has been waived for the duration of the program for participants that have registered in advance.  

Fish with a Warden sessions are scheduled to start at 6:00 p.m. on the following Thursdays:

June 25 – KilKare State Park, St. Albans

July 23 – Shaftsbury State Park, Shaftsbury

August 6 – Ricker Mills State Forest, Groton

August 20 – Little River Dam, Waterbury

Pre-registration for up to 30 people for each session is available on Fish and Wildlife’s website in the list of Upcoming Events on the right side of the home page.