HIDDEN GEMS

Texas unearths new ranking as 2nd best state for urban treasure hunting

Texas has the highest number of metal detecting sites in the nation.

If you love geocaching, antiquing, and metal detecting, you'll probably love learning that Texas is one of the best states for partaking in the art of modern treasure hunting. And if this is a brand new idea to you, there's no better day to start than May 24 – which just so happens to be National Scavenger Hunt Day.

Texas ranked No. 2 in LawnStarter's 2023 "Best States for Urban Treasure Hunting." The Lone Star State has the most metal detecting sites, pawn shops, flea markets, and geocaching locations (a total of 226!) in the nation. Additionally, our state has the second-highest number of treasure hunting groups and geo-tours, and the third-highest number of storage unit auctions.

For those who are new to the hobby and want to find some new gear, we also have the second-highest number of mining, metal detecting, and hardware supply stores out of all 50 states. Just be aware that you can't metal detect in our state parks without a permit. It's always a good idea to brush up on the rules before you start on your treasure-hunting journey.

The only state to outrank Texas is California, which the report called "a fitting outcome" for the Golden State, considering its history of gold mining in the mid-19th century and popularity in local communities. Washington, also known as "the birthplace of geocaching" ranked No. 4.

The top 10 states for urban treasure hunting include:

No. 1 – California
No. 2 – Texas
No. 3 – Florida
No. 4 – Washington
No. 5 – New York
No. 6 – Pennsylvania
No. 7 – Virginia
No. 8 – Ohio
No. 9 – Missouri
No. 10 – Arizona

At the bottom five of LawnStarter's list are Rhode Island (No. 46), Delaware (No. 47), Montana (No. 48), Wyoming (No. 49), and North Dakota (No. 50).

The full report can be found on lawnstarter.com.

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Drop the Debt

Students of families making under $100,000 will get free tuition to UT

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This is an extension of a previous program with a lower income eligibility.

Beginning next fall, some students accepted into schools within the University of Texas system will receive free tuition and have all fees waived, the board of regents announced on Wednesday.

In order to qualify, families of undergraduates must make less than $100,000 a year.

The board gave preliminary approval to the plan on Wednesday. After the full board’s consideration and vote on Thursday, the plan will include a new, immediate infusion of $35 million directly to campuses to offer the financial aid benefit. The plan also directs additional investment in endowments supporting financial aid to ensure a commitment for tuition relief.

In 2019, the regents established a $167 million endowment at UT Austin to completely cover tuition and mandatory fees for in-state undergraduate students from families with an income of up to $65,000. In 2022, the regents approved a second endowment of almost $300 million called “Promise Plus” to extend the program to all UT academic institutions.

“To be in a position to make sure our students can attend a UT institution without accruing more debt is very important to all of us [...]” Kevin P. Eltife, chairman of the board of regents, said.

Read the full story and watch the video at KVUE.com.

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