“Sunscreen—one of the only products scientifically proven to reduce the risk of skin cancer—is in the middle of a PR crisis, with skeptics claiming it’s hazardous to your health. Experts dismiss the claims as misinformation, but has the damage already been done?”
Cheri Lucas Rowlands
Cheri has been an editor at Longreads since 2014.
Posted inEditor's Pick
The Rise of the Corporate Rave
“The once underground and countercultural ‘rave’ has fully spread to the mainstream in the form of themed pop-ups and sponsored parties. For newbies, it can be a sanitized gateway into electronic music. For true ravers, it’s more complicated.”
Posted inEditor's Pick
A Beastie Boy Returns to the Mic, With Some Help
“Thanks to an assist from his sons, Mike D is set to release “Thank You,” the first new music from a member of the pioneering rap trio in 15 years.”
Posted inEditor's Pick
Welcome to Toronto, World Capital of the Urban Raccoon
Dan Werb on the understated intelligence of the animals that share our cities.
Posted inEditor's Pick
The Hydration-Break World Cup
“How much can fans conveniently forget in order to enjoy the games? The answer, evidently, is a lot.”
Posted inEditor's Pick
‘They Celebrate Goals, We Count Martyrs’: Watching the World Cup in Gaza
“Palestinians are defying Israeli bombings and power outages to follow soccer’s biggest tournament. But many fear the world has abandoned them.”
Posted inEditor's Pick
The Lucrative Bird-Singing Contests That Are Pushing Species to the Brink
“Millions of songbirds in Southeast Asia are trapped and smuggled each year for keeping as pets or entering in competitions. Scientists warn that it’s fueling a crisis.”
Posted inEditor's Pick
Inside the Strange, Fragile World of Keeping Exotic Cats as Pets
“As of May 2026, you can no longer buy or sell exotic cats in British Columbia. What do we do with them all now?”
Posted inEditor's Pick
America’s Greatest Hot Dog
“The price and quality of the $1.50 Costco frank haven’t budged in 40 years. It’s the last—and best—deal in the country.”