Fast Company

Fast Company’s 2024 Brands that Matter honorees have found ways to establish broader cultural relevance while authentically connecting with consumers. ⁠ It’s never been easy—and maintaining that connection gets even harder when constant messaging makes audiences want to tune out. But the 129 Brands That Matter honorees have cut through the din to deliver their message.⁠ ⁠ This Brands That Matter list includes 66 benchmark brands and 63 honorees in eight categories. And new in 2024, Brands That Matter is also honoring its inaugural CMOs of the Year—10 marketing professionals whose work has helped cement their brands as cultural forces and demonstrates brands at their best. ⁠ ⁠ Read more about the Brands That Matter winners: https://bit.ly/3thGYfY #FCBrandAwards ⁠[Illustration: Patrik Mollwing]⁠

Bob Dylan wanted to subvert the expectations of audiences and to rebel against music industry forces intent on pigeonholing him and his work. http://f-st.co/uwn6If3

Several universities are working together in a collaboration called FloodAware to develop a system that integrates “floodcams,” social media posts, smart city sensors, and more to detect and warn residents of flash floods. http://f-st.co/6Wkpzip

Often called “ghost guns” because they can be hard to trace, these firearms can be either partially or completely made with components that have been produced in metal or plastic on commercially available 3D printers. http://f-st.co/oOt88jq

'Bitcoin hit a record high above $107,000 on Monday after President-elect Donald Trump reiterated plans to create a U.S. bitcoin strategic reserve.' http://f-st.co/uvQ0Zio

Procrastinators and poor planners, rejoice! New research says giving a present late isn't as damaging to a relationship as you might think. http://f-st.co/GjKySR1

"The White House expects to pull back unfinished rules across several agencies if there isn't enough time to finalize them before Trump takes office." http://f-st.co/nqWBNCR

The move would bring the two struggling car companies together in a bid to reclaim market share from rising domestic brands in China, the world's largest car market. http://f-st.co/c3Q8imU

"California has longstanding authority to request waivers from EPA to protect its residents from dangerous air pollution coming from mobile sources like cars and trucks." http://f-st.co/ekfGwSw

According to new research from Columbia University, gender inequality may be even more harmful to women's mental health than previously thought. http://f-st.co/nILsLiT