Meredith Schneider
Verified- Editor In Chief and Founder, Imperfect Fifth
- Freelance Writer and Photographer, Freelance
Kansas City
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Articles by Meredith Schneider
Legal weed may be coming, Pennsylvania needs a plan now | Opinion Original
Meredith Buttner Schneider Your Turn Sept. 14, 2026, 5:02 a.m. ET The federal government is reclassifying medical cannabis from a Schedule I to a Schedule III drug. Pennsylvania is facing a complex cannabis landscape with medical, potential adult-use, and unregulated hemp markets. The article advocates for a single, independent state agency to regulate all cannabis and hemp products. This proposed agency would manage evolving federal rules and ensure public safety in Pennsylvania.
Legal weed may be coming, Pennsylvania needs a plan now | Opinion
Federal cannabis policy and the reality on the ground in Pennsylvania have long existed in two different worlds. That gap is beginning to close as the federal government's recent recognition that cannabis has medical value reshapes its place in the legal landscape. Pennsylvania cannot afford to watch from the sidelines. For more than 50 years, marijuana has been classified alongside heroin and LSD as a Schedule I drug, with no accepted medical use and a high potential for abuse.
john stamos + richard marx team up to "take care of california" in new single + video - imperfect fifth
3-time Emmy award nominated actor, best-selling author, and musician John Stamos - yes, THAT John Stamos - has been back in the studio recording something fun, just in time for the end of the summer. A smooth listening type of track, Stamos partnered with friend and Grammy-winning singer, songwriter, and producer Richard Marx and harmonica player Waylon Payne to make three minutes and forty-one seconds of magic.
dermot kennedy @ st. louis music park - imperfect fifth
To his credit, Dermot Kennedy is always acutely aware of his surroundings. The man's anxieties are laid bare in both his lyrics and his live performance banter, allowing vulnerability to lead his connection with the audience. He somehow reads the room well as he navigates his set, seldomly making eye contact with the audience. The crowd in at St. Louis Music Park in Maryland Heights, Missouri settled in early for an evening of crooning from two outstanding vocal artists on Wednesday, September 9th.
benson boone @ t-mobile center - imperfect fifth
If you find yourself, a single thirty-something female, walking into an arena, wall-to-wall 10-year-olds, teens, and giddy mothers, then buckle in. Benson Boone - a man who withdrew early from American Idol and found massive fandom on TikTok before opening for Taylor Swift at one of her Eras shows - found himself and his WANTED MAN tour at the T-Mobile Center in Kansas City, Missouri on a balmy night in August, Monday the 31st.
Mit über 30 zog ich zurück zu meinen Eltern – warum es für mich ein Glücksfall war
Mit über 30 wieder in mein Elternhaus zurückzuziehen, um bei meinen Eltern zu leben, ist kein Rückschlag. Es war der Tag nach Thanksgiving, als ich erfuhr, dass ich aus meiner geliebten, mehr als 100 Jahre alten Wohnung mit zwei Schlafzimmern in Kansas City ausziehen musste. Das Gebäude war von einer Hausverwaltung aus einem anderen Bundesstaat übernommen worden. Ich geriet wegen meines bevorstehenden Umzugs in Panik.
Mit über 30 zog ich für Jahre zurück zu meinen Eltern – es war ein Glücksfall
Mit über 30 wieder in mein Elternhaus zurückzuziehen, um bei meinen Eltern zu leben, ist kein Rückschlag. Meredith Schneider Vor vier Jahren zogen meine Katze und ich aus der Not heraus wieder zu meinen Eltern. Es war schön, in dieser Lebensphase Geld zu sparen und eine engere Bindung zu meiner Familie aufzubauen. Diese Wohnsituation dauerte länger als erwartet, und der Auszug wird mir vermutlich schwerfallen.
I moved back into my childhood home in my 30s. I never planned to stay long, but now I'm finding it hard to leave. Original
The day after Thanksgiving, I learned I'd have to move out of my beloved century-old, two-bedroom apartment in Kansas City. My building had been taken over by a management company in another state. Unfortunately, this wasn't the beginning of a Hallmark movie in which the protagonist unites with her neighbors to successfully push back against a corporate takeover (all while finding love along the way).
august 2026: a soundtrack - imperfect fifth
For those of you who are just now learning about us - aka those whose heads may have been under a rock for the better half of the last decade - imperfect Fifth used to be known for its epic playlists. So much so, that we have an entire "soundtrack" tab/topic header dedicated to them. First and foremost, imperfect Fifth is a new music discovery site. So, we want to push more new music in as fun and organic a way as possible.
indigo syndicate convey what so many lovelorn can’t in “howling at the moon”
Nashville-based trio Indigo Syndicate – whimsically comprised of Preston Pospisil, Samantha Sanford, and Jharyss Granger – approached their new single “Howling at The Moon” with a little more vulnerability. There is a true softness conveyed in this song, in the instrumentals and the vocals. We find that the silent, almost empty feeling induced by this softness is by design, as Sanford for her partner, Granger, while work took them from each other for a time.
astro brat’s “alarm” is heart-racing fun
Leading with the bass, hitting quick, like there is no time to waste. The drums enter the composition, and we are off to the races. Des Moines’ ASTRO BRAT has released a brand new single that would fit in just as well at an upbeat dance party as it would blasted from your car after a particularly long shift… just as well as it can in a burnout’s draped basement during a low-key house hang.
des moines’ astro brat releases video ahead of next week’s single “alarm”
Sometimes it is just easier to win over new audiences with your whacky and personable live performance tactics than it is to release your music into the technological ether and pray that it lands with the people who matter. Sometimes – and most of the time, when it comes to art – you have to take things into your own hands. That’s exactly what Des Moines’ Astro Brat is doing. Later this week, their new single “Alarm” will be available digitally for all of us to enjoy.
bow wow + soulja boy join forces to turn out a phenomenal set before the rain at tacos + tequila
Tacos & Tequila Festival 2026 hit Bonner Springs, Kansas on arguably the hottest Saturday in June. In the height of the afternoon sun, Bow Wow and Soulja Boy took the stage together. Originally billed separately, there was some heavy rainfall and tornado activity headed our way, so the event did the responsible thing and combined their sets.
litvar gets hopeful yet realistic with “real life”
Have you held on to a sense of adventure and a feeling of hope for your dreams to come true? If not, you could listen to the new single from Litvar, which comes across in a show-stopping whirlwind of hopeful realism. Explains frontman Rex Thurstan: My mother would often say, ‘There’s no bump free road in life,’ and that inspired the lyrics of this song. Perhaps, if everything went your way all the time, would that really be all that great?
astro brat deliver high-stamina set at day block brewing co
On Friday, July 17th, ASTRO BRAT delivered a killer 8-song opening set for Dave’s Manual, Oister Boy, and The Modern Era. The show took place at Day Block Brewing Company, a fantastic venue in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The show was dirt cheap to get into, the drinks were absolute sin, and the bands were just as much fun as you would imagine. The show was advertised by Oister Boy with the term “bring earplugs,” and that is the best description we could think of.
all-4-one bring the smoothest sounds to the hottest afternoon at tacos & tequila fest
If you haven’t had the pleasure of seeing All-4-One live yet, I absolutely urge you to find them out in the wild sometime soon. I was lucky to catch their set at Tacos & Tequila Festival on Saturday June 13th in Bonner Springs, KS, and it was such a blast from the past. As noted during some fun crowd banter, the four men in their original lineup from 1993 are still together, and still harmonizing with the best of them.
bandits on the run
Bandits on the Run — aka your favorite big city buskers — are the type of band that transform you. As someone who has experienced the trio’s insane — and enchanting — level of endless talent, it’s safe to say that I will never miss a live performance from them when I can avoid it. I have seen them drop jaws in a fun and funky candle shop, hotel stairwells and lobbies, and churches-turned-theater/communal space (and home).
light bird shines with debut full length, “see her”
On Friday, the sonic wonderland that is See Her was unleashed unto the world. This intricately woven full-length — released the first Friday during PRIDE Month in the most beautifully-timed situation — is Light Bird‘s first, a full folk commentary on the time of her life since 2022 as she has been fully embracing herself as trans.
breakout documentary filmmaker erin p.s. zimmerman tops off 18-month festival tour with showing at tcl chinese theater
In December of 2024, Erin P.S. Zimmerman premiered the full-length version of her documentary feature, Mike & Billy’s American Pie, about some very interesting subjects. Her good friend, Billy Cross, has a colorful and storied past, rubbing elbows with the rick and famous and starting a delicious little pie shop with his lifelong love and renowned chef, Michael James.
meek lays it on thick with summer anthem “beautiful freeks”
Pop artist MEEK is continuing the work of powerful female vocalists that hit your psyche like a freight train and leave such an impression, you don’t want to stop listening. The British musician’s new song “Beautiful Freeks” is an absolute ear worm, the music video release coming just weeks out of career-illuminating Saturday Night Live UK and The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon performances.
“origami” music video stuns with kesha as star + co-director
Kesha’s “Origami” is an adrenaline-inducing call to athletic love-making, a track that is a fantastic ear worm all on its own, and fits into a specific, endearing brand of bubblegum pop absurdism that Kesha is known for. Add a visualizer that incorporates humor, the Italian language, hot dancers, and a little bit of religion with a simplified color palette, and it makes for one well-rounded artistic experience.
I ordered burgers at Culver's, Freddy's, and Sonic. The best was also the cheapest.
I tried cheeseburgers from Culver's, Freddy's, and Sonic to see which chain is best in the Midwest. • The Sonic burger was filling, but the bun felt a little too soggy. My Freddy's burger was OK. • My favorite fast-food sandwich came from Culver's, which is known for its ButterBurgers. It's hard to pin down exactly when and where the hamburger was created. After all, similar ground-meat-based dishes have been around across cultures for centuries.
I ordered burgers at Culver's, Freddy's, and Sonic. The best was also the cheapest.
Freddy's regular burgers come with two patties, which are flat with crispy edges. Those are layered with two slices of cheese, crinkle-cut pickles, ketchup, mustard, onions — all between a toasted bun. In the past, I've really enjoyed the crispy edges of Freddy's burger patties. This time, though, the edges of my burger were more chewy and dry than crispy. I don't know whether it was the packaging, the commute, or just some unfortunate luck.
I ordered burgers at Culver's, Freddy's, and Sonic. The best was also the cheapest.
For a Faster Weeknight Dinner, Use This Clever Ground Beef Grid Trick To me, summertime is burger time. Nothing says “pool day” or “long weekend” to me like having a cheeseburger for lunch. But sometimes I don’t want to …
9 Collectibles That Aren’t Worth Squat Original
If you've ever found old toys lying around, you might wonder if they could help make extra money. But contrary to popular belief, many collectibles aren't as valuable as they used to be. The demand for consumption means more types of collectibles have been mass-produced over the last several decades, making many toys a fraction of their original value. These collectibles will often end up donated or collecting dust rather than making a profit.
I tried 6 of Aldi's budget-friendly frozen pizzas and found some real winners under $5
I tried a few pies from Aldi's Mama Cozzi's label to see which frozen pizzas are the best. • Each Mama Cozzi's pizza was tasty, but I was disappointed by the tavern-style extra-loaded supreme. • The rising-crust four-cheese pie would've been my fave if I hadn't had the stone-baked veggie pizza. Frozen pizza can be an easy, budget-friendly meal — but it doesn't need to taste as cheap as it sounds.
I tried 6 of Aldi's budget-friendly frozen pizzas and found some real winners under $5
I was skeptical at first, but this pizza blew me away. There was so little sauce that I barely noticed it, but I didn't find I actually needed or wanted more. The pizza wasn't dry, and I liked that the vegetables on top were spread to the edge of the crust. The crust tasted buttery — though not as buttery as the flatbread's — and was very flavorful with Italian herbs and a crunchy yet fluffy texture. This pizza's toppings were the tastiest and most colorful.
13 Cars Drivers Refuse To Give Up Even After a Decade of Ownership Original
Trying to execute smart car owner moves like comparing auto insurance rates is not always easy. If you are shopping for a new vehicle, how do you know if you are making the right choice? Fortunately, a little recent research can help. Discover which car brands and models are the most valued by consumers according to iSeeCars. They looked at more than 929,000 cars from model years 1981 to 2009 and focused on the cars that stayed with their original owners the longest.
8 Postage Stamps That Are Worth a Small Fortune Original
Stamp collecting has been a popular hobby since the 1850s. Because of this, you'll find stacks of stamps in stellar condition at estate sales, in thrift shops, and elsewhere. This is great, because the best side hustles involve digging around your existing inventory, or a nearby thrift shop, for valuable items to resell, so you can keep more cash in your wallet. Keep your eyes peeled for the following stamps that could be worth a small fortune.
15 Disney VHS Tapes That Are Worth a Small Fortune
Have a couple of boxes of old VHS tapes lying around? They could be your secret to putting some extra cash in your wallet. From 1980 to the early 2000s, Disney released VHS tapes so that people could enjoy its catalog of movies from home. Many of these tapes brought whimsy and art to homes worldwide, and while many are often worth only a few dollars, several are worth looking for if you're hoping to make some quick cash.
Making my own bread is my favorite way to save money on groceries. Here are my top 8 sourdough tips for beginners.
I love to bake and am particularly fond of making my own sourdough bread. • Beginners can get started by making a simple starter and learning how to take care of it. • Investing in a mixer and figuring out your favorite seasoning blends can also speed up the process. Baking my own bread has been a great way to save money — I don't have to drop $5 or more on a nice loaf at the store. Plus, spending time in the kitchen is a phenomenal stress reducer for me.
Making my own bread is my favorite way to save money on groceries. Here are my top 8 sourdough tips for beginners.
It can take between one and two weeks for a new sourdough starter to become strong enough to use in a recipe. Luckily, the actual process of making one is pretty easy. I like to start by mixing ¼ cup warm water and ½ cup whole-wheat flour in a large jar. Cover the mix with plastic wrap and let it rest for one day in an environment between 70 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit. On day two, uncover and stir your mix. Cover it for another day. On day three, discard half of the contents of your jar.
12 Rare $100 Bills That Could Be Worth a Small Fortune Original
If you're trying to make extra money online, you might not have to look too far for ways to do it. There are estimated to be 140 million coin and currency collectors in the United States alone, and the more demand there is, the more valuable each bill gets. If you have any $100 bills lying around, you may want to take a closer look. Several notes have been released that are known to be worth far more than $100. Make some extra bank by looking for one of these nine valuable bills.
I make my own sourdough bread to save money on groceries. Here are 5 things I wish I'd known before starting. Original
Seven years ago, I started making my own sourdough bread. In addition to being a relaxing hobby that's taught me the importance of patience, making bread also keeps me from spending ridiculous amounts of money on loaves from the grocery store. However, baking sourdough is pretty different from other types of bread. This is partially because sourdough requires a starter — a fermented mixture of flour and water that creates its own yeast and bacteria.
New legislation can ensure a safe cannabis framework for Pennsylvania
February 27, 2026 12:22 PM ET Politics Policy cannabis Gov. Josh Shapiro was right to renew his call for adult-use cannabis legalization in his recent budget address, and Pennsylvania now has an opportunity to take a practical step forward immediately and responsibly, with structure and public safety at the center. We don’t have to choose between protecting consumers now and pursuing cannabis regulation thoughtfully. We can, and should, do both. Senate Bill 49, introduced by state Sen.
15 Items You Should Always Buy at Trader Joe’s, According to Reddit
Retail giant Trader Joe's is known for providing healthy, organic food and home items at affordable prices. Their core mission is to help people save money on groceries. Luckily, they have yet to steer us completely wrong. Trader Joe's stocks some pretty reliable products, and Redditors claim these 15 budget-friendly items are musts to throw into your cart. Editor's note: Prices and availability are subject to change and may vary by location.
11 Sam's Club items that seem like great deals (but really aren't)
Meredith Schneider Wholesale retail chains like Sam's Club are great places to score household items and food products at reasonable rates, effectively helping you combat inflation. Though you may be looking to get the most out of your Sam's Club Membership , some items just aren't worth grabbing in bulk, no matter the price or quality. Skip these items during your next shopping trip to Sam's Club. Editor's note : Prices and availability are subject to change and may vary by location.
I've spent over 2 decades riding trains all over the US. I wish passengers would stop doing these 7 things. Original
Train travel can be an adventure. Whizzing by different terrain and meeting new people are all part of the trip. However, a ride can also be frustrating or a bit chaotic, especially if other passengers are doing things that irritate you. After more than 26 years of riding trains up and down both US coasts and across the Midwest, here are seven things I wish passengers would stop doing.
9 Vintage Cookie Jars That Are Worth a Small Fortune Today Original
Cookie jars became popular household staples in the mid-20th century, and some of those retro containers are now serious collector's items. If you come across one of these jars in great condition, especially at a yard sale or thrift store, it might be worth far more than you think. Whether you're a collector, a reseller, or just love uncovering hidden gems, here are nine vintage cookie jars that could help you earn extra money.
barbarians of california set the afternoon on fire at riot fest 2025
I encountered Barbarians of California as I was making my way from one of my scheduled set times to the next. I was shocked by the crowd that had gathered — it was early on the first day of Riot Fest 2025, and that means most people are still at work. Plus, the band was playing one of the larger stages, fairly, which is situated further from the entrances to the festival. But that crowd was large. And that energy was enticing. And that band was on fire.
10 Valuable Figurines That Could Make You Richer Original
Figurines are often considered tchotchkes and rarely regarded as high-dollar collector's items. But there's actually quite a market for them in the resale world. In fact, the figurine market was valued at an estimated $7.2 billion last year, stirring up more interest in your old items than you might think.
touché amoré rallies the masses at riot fest 2025
Since 2007, Los Angeles’ Touché Amoré has been wreaking havoc in the audiosphere, leaving an impression of their specific brand of post-hardcore where it lands. This summer, it landed at Riot Fest in Chicago for a moment, and we were thrilled. Snapshots below. Meredith is often referred to as an entrepreneur, photographer, writer, and multi-media maven.
weird al draws what may have been the biggest crowd of riot fest 2025
I have never been in a photo pit as packed, perhaps but one time, as Weird Al’s night one set at Riot Fest 2025. If Faux Pee Wee and Real Thomas Lennon lurking in the crowd and VIP area weren’t enough, Al and his posse pulled out all the stops.
mac sabbath shreds at riot fest 2025
If you haven’t had the pleasure of witnessing the theatrics of Mac Sabbath live, then you may not know exactly what you are getting yourself into. This was what I walked into Riot Fest 2025 to, and I was so thrilled. Imagine entering the main drag and hearing the screams of the crowd around this fun set, which included their originals “Organic Funeral, “Chicken for the Slaves,” “Sweet Beef,” and Black Sabbath’s “Paranoid.” More from Riot Fest here. Mac sabbath Mac sabbath Mac sabbath
7 Signs Your $2 Bills Are Worth Way More Than $2 Original
The United States started producing $2 bills in the 1860s, and even though they're still being added into circulation today, they're rarer than other bills. They're so rare that some are rumored to be worth thousands of dollars, making it a way some people earn extra money. Here's how to tell if that $2 bill you have burning a hole in your wallet is worth way more. Early history of the $2 Bill In 1862, the first $2 bill was printed with a portrait of Alexander Hamilton on one side.
9 Vintage Cookie Jars That Are Actually Worth a Small Fortune Original
Collectible cookie jars became popular in the 1930s and 1940s in America, making them a trendy item that could be found in many homes. By the 1960s, you couldn't walk into a home without encountering at least one, with certain designs and styles remaining in high demand. These days, collectors love to focus their passions on vintage cookie jars thanks to the wide variety of styles, colors, and silhouettes available.
The Most Amazing All-You-Can-Eat Buffet in Every State Original
It's National Buffet Day on Jan. 2, coincidence or not, starting a new year with delicious food that's a smart move for your budget sounds right up our alley. Buffets are woven into American culture. Not only is the "all-you-can-eat" stamp promising, but they are great spots to try a host of dishes you wouldn't otherwise. Plus, buffets are a great way to stretch your restaurant budget with the rising cost of everything else.
8 Postage Stamps That Sell for High Prices (Some Are Worth Millions) Original
Stamp collecting has been a popular hobby since the 1850s. Because of this, you'll find stacks of stamps in stellar condition at estate sales, in thrift shops, and elsewhere. This is great, because the best side hustles involve digging around your existing inventory—or a nearby thrift shop—for valuable items to resell. Keep your eyes peeled for the following stamps that could be worth a small fortune.
julia wolf stuns mid-day crowd at day one of riot fest
Julia Wolf put on an incredible performance during Friday afternoon at Riot Fest 2025. The sun was beating down on us pretty hard, but there was still a feeling of calm, collected, and blissfully cool that surrounded the stage as she crooned to the masses. Anyone who wasn’t already a fan? Total fan after this set, as we heard multiple people bragging to friends who didn’t get off work early enough about her throughout the evening.
Breathe In the Trees
Looking to get out and do something truly invigorating for yourself? How about trying your hand at forest bathing? No matter what time of year it is, we always have free public access to some truly wonderful parks and green areas in the Northland. For your own health, it might be time to take advantage of that. But what is “forest bathing?” “Shinrin-yoku” or “forest bathing” was coined by the Japanese Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries in 1982.
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