Texas

It's called "unclaimed property" and The State of Texas is holding on to $7 billion dollars worth right now. Seven billion dollars is the same as 7000 million. That's a lot of cash. What is unclaimed property? It's not real estate or abandoned houses. Unclaimed property can be money the state holds until the rightful owner can be found. It's things like abandoned bank accounts, uncashed paychecks, escrow accounts, dividends, and mineral royalties. Every year hundreds of millions of dollars go unclaimed in Texas. No one will call you if you have unclaimed cash. There is a way to find out for free. The Texas comptroller, who holds all the unclaimed funds, operates a website. The website is Claim It Texas.

The ghostly stories of some of these abandoned towns reverberate across the Texas countryside. Tragedies in some, may actually lead to stories of actual hauntings.

One of the most common wedding traditions is throwing rice. Many venues and locations have banned the practice. The bans are due to a popular urban myth. According to this myth, birds can explode if they ingest rice thrown at weddings and other events.

According to Texas Real Food, salsa became the king of condiments in the United States a decade ago in 2013. So, how is it that ketchup is still considered more popular nationwide? What about Texas? Let's find some answers.

There are millions of lonely road miles on Texas highways. As much as we all wish there were Buc-ees on every isolated stretch of roadway in the state, sadly, it is not the case yet. I am not proud to admit this, but there have been times when I had to go. I am even less proud of what I'm going to confess next. Yes, I have peed in a water bottle while driving.

We all understand why traffic tickets must be issued. The safety of everyone on the roads in Texas needs to be protected. That doesn't make it any easier when we are on the receiving end of a nice fat traffic ticket.

There are so many stories of animals initially brought to a location as exotic pets and ending up escaping causing catastrophic results for native habitats. The python problem in Florida is a glaring example. Could kangaroos in Texas escape and gain a foothold in Texas?

The summer camp experience no longer has to be exclusively for kids. Today, adults can go to summer camp too. Finding a camp that fits your personal style has never been more accessible. There are many here in Texas. Choose everything from rustic cabins or outdoor tents to five-star accommodations.

Our area has some towns to watch out for excessive speed traps. They include Ballinger, Winters, Robert Lee, Sterling City, Mertzon, Junction and Menard.

Texas Law protects consumers against paying more with a credit card. A judge ruled that was a violation of businesses' rights. Since then, you may pay more for using a credit card. There are specific rules, however.