Texas and Florida have once again topped the U-Haul “Growth Index” as the most popular destinations for people moving within the United States. According to U-Haul’s analysis of over 2.5 million one-way transactions across the U.S. and Canada, Texas ranks first in in-migration, followed by Florida, North Carolina, Tennessee, and South Carolina.

The report highlights a continued trend of migration from “blue” states to “red” states, a pattern that has gained attention since the 2020 pandemic. Seven of the top 10 growth states have Republican governors, and nine went red in the last presidential election. Conversely, nine of the bottom 10 states have Democrat governors, with seven going blue in the last election.

U-Haul’s data also suggests that sunshine and warm weather are key factors for movers, as eight of the top 10 states are located in the southern U.S. Texas, in particular, has reclaimed the title of the No. 1 U-Haul growth state for the seventh time in 10 years, climbing one spot from its previous ranking.

On the other hand, the states experiencing the highest out-migration include California, Illinois, New Jersey, New York, and Massachusetts.  

The New York Yankees fell to the Athletics by a score of 1-0 on Thursday afternoon, managing just one hit in the loss. Their scoreless streak has now reached 17 innings, and while the Yankees are 8-4, there is every reason to be concerned.

Why? Because many of the same issues that plagued New York last season — which ended in an embarrassing four-game loss to the Toronto Blue Jays in the ALDS — are present this year, as well.

The bullpen has been a prominent concern, with David Bednar consistently walking a tightrope in the ninth inning and Camilo Doval owning an 8.31 ERA.

But that isn’t even the most significant problem affecting the Yankees right now.

While Giancarlo Stanton and Ben Rice are both off to terrific starts and Aaron Judge will almost certainly find his groove at some point, it’s time to start acknowledging that the latter half of New York’s lineup is troublesome.

That goes beyond Ryan McMahon, who is batting just .069 over 36 plate appearances.

Austin Wells is hitting .167 with a .486 OPS. Jose Caballero is slashing .135/.200/.162. And while Trent Grisham bats leadoff, his .597 OPS is unsightly, too.

The New York State Gaming Commission has unanimously approved licenses for three new casinos in New York City. The decision paves the way for Bally’s in the Bronx, Hard Rock Metropolitan Park near Citi Field, and Resorts World near the Aqueduct Racetrack in Queens to begin development. 

According to Gaming Commission Chairman Bryan O’Dwyer, the licensing fees are expected to generate $1.5 billion for the state.

The Hard Rock Metropolitan Park, a significant part of the approved projects, is a partnership between Hard Rock International and New York Mets owner Steve Cohen. The $8.1 billion project will transform 50 acres of parking lots around Citi Field into a large-scale entertainment and gaming complex.

The complex will feature a Hard Rock Hotel & Casino, a Hard Rock Live concert center, multiple restaurants and bars, a retail store, and a 25-acre public park. Jim Allen, CEO of Hard Rock International, expressed excitement about extending their reputation as a world-class entertainment company to Queens.