On today's episode, co-hosts Yasmin Gagne and Josh Christensen discuss the latest news in business and innovation. Topics include OpenAI launching Sora 2, Verizon CEO Hans Vestberg stepping down and former PayPal CEO Dan Schulman taking over, Bari Weiss becoming the new editor-in-chief of CBS News, and the latest on the federal government shutdown.

Next, Josh and Yaz speak to contributor Michael Linhorst to learn more about America’s largest private prison company, Geo Group, and its founder, George Zoley. They also discuss how the almost $3 billion company is handling the 43% increase in detainees from ICE, its status as the government agency’s top contractor, and its operation of some 100 facilities across the country.

Finally, Yaz and Josh talk to editorial assistant Grace Snelling about her interview with Friend AI CEO Avi Schiffmann regarding his NYC Subway ad campaign. They discuss the campaign's impact, the entrepreneur's approach to virality, and the challenges of product development and data privacy concerns.

For more of the latest business and innovation news, go to https://www.fastcompany.com/news

To read Grace Snelling’s reporting on Friend AI:https://www.fastcompany.com/91413814/friend-ai-ad-campaign-founder-qa

To read Micheal Linhorst’s reporting on Geo Group:https://www.fastcompany.com/91396722/the-house-that-ice-built