Austin Butler and Kaia Gerber, Matt James and Rachael Kirkconnell and Jessica Simpson and Eric Johnson are among the couples leading the celebrity 2025 breakups.
Read More »
Celebrity breakups of 2025: All the couples who split this year
US state gets green light to ban beloved snacks and sodas for millions in ‘junk food’ crackdown
A KEY US state is one step closer to restricting shoppers from purchasing popular sugary snacks and sodas, recently receiving a key green light to push a new bill to the next step.
As Texas moves the bill forward, aimed at banning junk food purchases, millions of low-income residents are at risk of seeing new limitations on their grocery store runs.
A new bill is making its way through the Texas Legislature, aimed at encouraging healthier food choices.
Texas Senate Bill 379, championed by State Senator Mayes Middleton, calls for restrictions on SNAP benefits, barring the payments from being used on certain items classified as junk food.
The proposal to ban low-income families from spending their federal benefits on sugary drinks and candy has been passed in both the Senate and the House, and is currently awaiting Texas Governor Greg Abbott’s signature.
The bill is expected to be signed by the governor, especially after he sent a letter to Department of Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins last month seeking a USDA waiver.
Should Texas Senate Bill 379 be signed by Abbott and be approved via a USDA waiver, it would prohibit sodas and candy from being bought using food stamps.
The bill originally encompassed a greater number of products – including pre-packaged candy, chips, and cookies – but was narrowed to speed up the enforcement process.
The banned sweetened drinks would include any non-alcoholic beverages made with water that have five or more grams of added sugar or any amount of artificial sweeteners.
While fruit juices and milk-based drinks will not be included, SNAP recipients would no longer be able to use food stamps on popular beverages like sodas and energy drinks.
If passed, the bill would impact millions of cash-strapped Texans under State Senator Mayes Middleton‘s effort to revert SNAP to its intended purpose – giving Americans the financial means to purchase nutritious food.
“Taxpayer-funded junk food turns into taxpayer-funded health care,” Middleton told the Senate Health and Human Services Committee.
COUNT YOUR CALORIES
Texas Senate Bill 379 aligns with broader national trends to redefine the role of federal assistance in Americans’ eating habits.
Earlier this year, the USDA secretary encouraged states to submit waivers to the agency requesting permission to ban SNAP spending on non-nutritious foods.
Many states have since taken strides to encourage healthier eating among their residents, including Arkansas, Idaho, and Utah.
On Tuesday, Rollins signed waivers for the three states to permit them to restrict food stamps from being used on junk foods such as soda and candy.
What are SNAP benefits?
Over 41 million people in America receive Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits each month.
SNAP provides food benefits to low-income households to help people get groceries.
Recipients get money on a debit card that can be used at grocery stores and farmers markets.
The amount of money distributed depends on several factors including how much money you make, how much money you receive from other benefits, and how many people are in your household.
The electronic benefits can help people buy food including food and vegetables, meat, fish, dairy products, breads, cereals, and snacks.
You can’t use SNAP to buy alcohol, cigarettes, hot foods, or cooking utensils.
Source: USDA
These states are the latest in the lineup to have obtained waivers from the USDA, with Nebraska, Indiana, and Iowa previously receiving the green light from the department.
During a Make America Healthy Again event at the White House in May, Rollins shared that multiple states were in the process of obtaining waivers.
Texas, Colorado, Kansas, West Virginia, Ohio, Florida, and Louisiana are all going through the motions to get their waivers approved.
“Since my confirmation, [the USDA] has encouraged states to think differently and creatively about how to solve the many health issues facing Americans,” the secretary said at a press conference revealing the most recent waivers on Tuesday.
“One way is disallowing taxpayer-funded benefits to purchase unhealthy items, like soda, candy and other junk food.”
Texas is the largest state yet to pursue SNAP reforms, with 3.5 million food stamp beneficiaries receiving $616 million in April alone.
Should Senate Bill 379 pass all the necessary requirements, the law would take effect on September 1, 2025.
Shoppers in another state are running out of time to buy two popular grocery store items under the new ban.
Meanwhile, SNAP recipients are being warned as $600,000 in benefits was yanked from recipients – “razor-thin” devices claimed months of food stamps.
Drivers get free Apple CarPlay upgrade that improves experience behind the wheel and makes it easier to text
DRIVERS are set to benefit from a cutting-edge Apple CarPlay upgrade which will improve the driving experience while making texting easier.
The smartphone giant’s state-of-the-art new operating system iOS 26 includes a new an improved version of CarPlay which is designed to be accessible and better looking than the last.
Its new smartphone-mirroring will make incoming calls less annoying to deal with.
Useful widgets will also be allowed to make accessibility to different apps better.
And messages will be altered so that they are less distracting for drivers.
CarPlay is a crucial feature for many drivers.
It allows users to contact work, friends or family while behind the wheel, and use smartphone features while driving.
This includes changing music and using maps for directions.
For those who have an iPhone, the Apple CarPlay feature has become an essential tool while on the road.
Nowadays, the majority of cars come equipped with CarPlay compatible user interfaces.
In terms of the other additions to the new version of the practical and high-tech system, Apple has boasted that the improved system will be easier to use and prettier.
The interface looks much more futuristic, with funkier colour schemes and more striking app designs.
These aesthetic choices are bound to compliment the interiors of each car the system operates in.
Each app also has an eyecatching and distinct design so that drivers are not distracted by a flurry of blended colours.
Apple says that the interface adopts “Liquid Glass” which makes the display and the elements inside more cohesive.
The interface will also switch between dark and light modes.
In terms of customisation, the system can be personalised through widgets.
Apple didn’t reveal every single app that will become widget accessible, but there will definitely be more than enough improve the driving experience.
Apple Maps in iOS 26 has also been given a facelift – with the app now optimising daily commutes by analysing favourite routes.
Maps will also let drivers know about any delays and suggest alternative routes where possible.
Apple is also bringing its “Live Activities” feature to CarPlay.
This means drivers will be able to get real-time updates and notifications for things such as sports scores or news.
Texting while driving in a safe manner has never been possible without the advent of the new operating system.
The Messages app will now help drivers quickly access priority discussions with the introduction of pinned conversations that appear at the top of the screen.
Users behind the wheel will also be able to use “Tapbacks”.
These allow quick responses while driving through a selection of emojis on the touchscreen.
A heart, thumbs down or up and a laughing emoji are all options for these quick-time responses.
The issue of people calling drivers whilst on the road has also been fixed – as a smaller pop up will now appear instead of a larger one which covers the whole screen and map.
The new software will be available through a free iOS update for the iPhone 11 and newer sometime this fall.
All of these new features will also be available with the recently revealed CarPlay Ultra – which brings Apple’s interface to a vehicle’s gauge cluster.
Ultra is initially be available on 2025 Aston Martins, but will eventually expand to other makes and models in the next year.
The only requirements are that the smartphone isn’t older than an iPhone 12 and that it’s running iOS 18.5 or newer.
Beloved brand such as Hyundai, Kia, and Genesis will be among the next brands to offer the state-of-the-art CarPlay Ultra.
‘Perfect girl’ – MLB fans ‘switch teams’ to support Red Sox after Roman Anthony’s sister is spotted in stands
FANS have been left in awe of Roman Anthony’s sister after she was spotted in the crowd.
The Boston Red Sox prospect made his first MLB hit on Tuesday against the Tampa Bay Rays.
Anthony, 21, was cheered on by his dad, mum, brother and sister at Fenway Park.
But despite Anthony’s maiden hit earning two runs, it was sibling Lia who stole the show.
His family were regularly picked up by TV cameras as they celebrated near the front row.
And Lia caught the eye of supporters in a stylish low-cut red dress.
The brunette beauty became the talk of social media, with one besotted fan commenting: “I’m officially a Red Sox fan now.”
Another added: “Perfect girl.”
A third wrote: “I’d like to be the first to welcome Roman Anthony’s sister to Boston.”
Lia recently graduated from Florida State University in Human Development and Family Sciences.
The 22-year-old has seen her follower count skyrocket since her appearance at the game.
Her Instagram currently has close to 8,000 followers, which is a 3,000 jump since she went viral.
And those new fans are in for a treat as she regularly posts online.
After the game at Fenway Park, she shared a snap of the Anthony family alongside legend David Ortiz.
Lia also loves sharing snaps of her abroad in bikinis.
She posted an incredible photo dump from a trip to Caribbean island Aruba last month.
Lia flaunted her stunning figure in a white bikini and when back on try land, she dazzled in a bold yellow dress.
On her brother’s MLB debut, she said: “We’ve supported him throughout everything and we’re always there for him and we just do the best that we can. But honestly, it’s all him.
“It’s impressive the way that he holds himself and the way that he talks in interviews. It’s amazing, it’s surreal. The whole thing is surreal.”
Teen Mom star David Eason’s ex Olivia Leedham suffers tragedy as daughter Lailah suddenly dies at 7
TEEN Mom star David Eason’s ex-girlfriend Olivia Leedham’s daughter Lailah has died at just 7 years old, The U.S. Sun can report.
Olivia, who is the mother of David‘s 10-year-old son Kaden, suddenly lost the little girl in the hospital on Saturday, June 7, the realtor, hairstylist and fitness model’s friend said in a GoFundMe post for the family.
Lailah “was in the emergency room several times without a diagnosis, and while in the hospital Friday night, she had a seizure and passed away early Saturday morning,” OIivia’s friend Alice Guy told her loved ones.
“Lailah was a bright light in their family and loved life and Jesus very much.
“Please keep this family in your prayers as they need them moving forward.“
Alice started the GoFundMe to help cover living expenses for single mom Olivia during her time of grief.
As of Wednesday, June 11, $14,000 has been raised for Olivia’s family.
REMEMBERING LAILAH
Olivia, 31, has most recently been living in Naples, Florida with her two children, but is from North Carolina.
She has sole custody of Kaden after a court battle with Teen Mom alum David in 2019.
David, who recently finalized his divorce from Jenelle Evans, is not the father of Lailah.
Though she was once active on social media, Olivia has not spoken out since the horrific tragedy of losing Lailah.
According to an obituary, Lailah will be mourned at a funeral service on June 14 in North Carolina.
“Lailah’s light touched everyone,” the obituary reads.
“Her kindness, encouragement, and joyful heart were gifts she freely gave.
“She reminded us all what it means to love, to cherish, and to be present with one another.”
SECOND HORRIBLE TRAGEDY
Olivia’s horrific loss comes after another tragedy in the Teen Mom world.
16 & Pregnant star Whitney Purvis’ son Weston Gosa died at just 16 years old earlier this month.
“Life is so cruel and unfair. I just don’t understand,” wrote Whitney, who appeared on the show in 2009.
“My baby is gone and I don’t know what to do with myself.”
Weston’s stepmother Amy Gosa exclusively told The U.S. Sun that the teen suffered from many serious health issues, including type 1 diabetes, Addison’s disease and Alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency.
“He had several health issues, so we’re thinking it was an underlying issue we didn’t know about,” Amy said, shutting down rumors Weston died from a drug overdose.
“It’s very hurtful seeing all the comments saying he died from fentanyl.”
Timothee Chalamet’s sister Pauline throws new jab at Kylie Jenner as she slams ‘wealth’ in furious post
TIMOTHEE Chalamet’s actress sister Pauline has thrown a fresh jab at Kylie Jenner after she previously slammed billionaires in a shady reshare.
Slamming wealth once again, Timothée‘s sister Pauline, 33, has unleashed a scathing yet cryptic post amid rumors that she does not get along with her brother’s girlfriend.
Kylie, 27, who is currently dating Pauline’s brother, was named the world’s youngest “self-made” billionaire by Forbes back in 2019.
But Forbes later revised her net worth and brutally dropped her from the billionaire list.
Billionaire status aside, the Kardashian-Jenner clan are notoriously rich, with Kylie known for having raked in millions through her own endeavors.
And now Pauline, who stars in The Sex Lives Of College Girls, has shared a messaged about wealthy people and greed.
Pauline shared the cryptic post on her Instagram story from another account.
On a white background and in black writing, the post said: “It’s really not that deep, when all of the wealth of the country is in the hands of only a few.
“There is nothing left to feed you , to make you feel safe, to make sure you have a place to live, to know that your kids will be okay.”
SCATHING POST
It continued: “That’s not what your parents lived and died for a generation ago. They didn’t work blue collar jobs for you to live in fear of losing everything with one piece of lousy luck which isn’t luck at all but a class system that has left you on the wrong side of it.
“The ones they are blaming are just like you.
“Maybe their skin is a different shade or they don’t like their pronoun, but their hearts are the same.
“They love the same, they feel the same, they stay awake at night like you, tormented by the same worries as you.”
The post concluded: “Don’t be fooled. It’s not that there isn’t enough for you.
“It’s that most of it is just in the hands of a limited few, who don’t care about you. Even though you might think they do.
“Can’t you see you are pointing your guns in the wrong direction?”
Timothée Chalamet's Net Worth
Internationally acclaimed actor Timothée Chalamet is considered a top pick for some casting directors in the film industry.
The young actor’s net worth is supposedly on the rise between his film roles, modeling deals, and collaborations with luxury brands.
During his childhood, commercials and supporting roles meant he had already begun to collect massive earnings.
Timothée’s feature film debut came in late 2014 with Men, Women And Children, where he played a small role as Danny Vance.
In October of the same year, the actor played a young Tom Cooper in Christopher Nolan‘s Interstellar.
Later, in 2018, he received a Best Actor Oscar nomination for Call Me By Your Name, which catapulted him to stardom.
The 28-year-old went on to have memorable roles in Lady Bird, Beautiful Boy and Woody Allen‘s A Rainy Day In New York – all of which reaffirmed his talent.
Meanwhile, on the red carpet the fashion icon won fans with unique looks and caught the attention of several luxury brands with whom he went on to land lucrative endorsements.
Chalamet became the face of Chanel’s men’s perfume line Bleu de Chanel in May 2023.
As of March 2024, the star has a net worth of over $25 million, per Celebrity Net Worth.
Back in January, Pauline shared yet another post about wealth and billionaires.
Pauline shared a tweet that Bernie Sanders made on X.
Bernie’s message read: “When I started talking about Oligarchy, many people didn’t understand what I meant.
“Well, that’s changed.
“When the three wealthiest men in America sit behind Trump at his inauguration, everyone understands that the billionaire class now controls our government.
“We must fight back.”
Pauline shared Bernie’s tweet and penned a message of her own alongside it.
She penned: “Our system is so flawed that it allows billionaires to exist and accrue so much money and BARELY pay (and sometimes NOT PAY) ANY ANY ANY TAXES. This should not be possible. Billionaires do not need to exist.
“Bezos, Musk, Zuckerberg SITTING IN FRONT OF cabinet is NOT DEMOCRATIC. NOT. DEMOCRATIC.”
FACE TO FACE MEETING
But despite rampant rumors that the two women do not get along, they were spotted together in public earlier this year.
Pauline and Kylie were spotted together at the 97th Annual Academy Awards, Show, Los Angeles, California.
Pauline was seen smiling as she chatted to her brother, who was seated next to billionaire Kylie.
There were smiles all around as the trio chortled together.
George Clooney left with egg on his face after embarrassing ratings on CNN stream despite it being a ‘historic first’
HOLLYWOOD legend George Clooney made history as a play he starred in became the first Broadway performance to air live on TV – but it didn’t seem to hit the heights.
It’s emerged that more viewers tuned into cable news programs across the week than the stage show.
Ratings revealed that two million people over the age of two watched the production of Good Night and Good Luck when it aired live at 4pm ET on Saturday.
The production, adapted from Clooney’s 2005 flick, aired the night before the Tony Awards.
More than 200,000 people between the ages of 25 and 54 watched the show, according to The Wrap.
It only ranked behind ESPN and ESPN 2, and 67,000 people were still watching by the time of the final monologue.
The show, focused on the battle between broadcaster Edward Murrow and Republican politician Joseph McCarthy, racked up 7.34 million views globally.
However, Fox News shows The Five, Jesse Watters Primetime, Gutfeld!, Hannity, Special Report, and The Ingraham Angle all outperformed the production last week.
More than 3 million people tuned into The Five according to ratings from June 6 as per US Television Database data.
Over four million people tuned into the show, according to figures from May 12.
Jesse Watters’ Primetime has consistently had ratings of over three million.
On Inauguration Day, more than six million people tuned into the show.
Good Night and Good Luck was nominated for five Tony Awards and smashed box office records.
But, it’s the first Broadway show that Clooney has starred in.
He admitted that starring on Broadway was “nerve wracking,” as reported by ABC News.
Clooney starred as Murrow, while actress Iliana Glazer played the famous producer and writer Shirley Wershba.
The play is set in the politics of 1950s America and Clooney took to the stage – just months after calling for Joe Biden to leave the 2024 presidential race.
Who stars in the Broadway production Good Night and Good Luck?
- George Clooney plays Edward R. Murrow
- Ilana Glazer appears as Shirley Wershba
- Glenn Fleshler stars as Fred W. Friendly
- Clark Gregg plays as Don Hollenbeck
- Carter Hudson stars as Joseph Wershba
- Paul Gross appears as William S. Paley
- Christopher Denham stars as John Aaron
- Fran Kranz plays Palmer Williams
- Mac Brandt stars as Colonel Anderson
- Will Dagger appears as Don Hewitt
- Georgia Heers plays Ella / Jazz Singer
Clooney sent shockwaves through the Democratic establishment after penning a bombshell essay that was published in the New York Times.
In the blistering op-ed, he warned that Biden wouldn’t win that year’s election if he was still in the race.
“I love Joe Biden. As a senator. As a vice president and as president. I consider him a friend, and I believe in him,” he wrote.
“But the one battle he cannot win is the fight against time.”
Clooney called for Biden to abandon his presidential campaign after June’s disastrous debate with Donald Trump.
Rumors have swirled that Biden’s decline was covered up in the years leading up to him dropping out of the 2024 presidential race.
Biden and Clooney were good friends, but an extract from the book Original Sin: President Biden’s Decline, Its Cover-up, and His Disastrous Choice to Run Again, claimed the then-president failed to recognize the A-lister.
‘DIMINISHED’ BIDEN
Clooney and Biden saw each other in June 2024 and the book claimed that the president appeared “severely diminished.”
“He was taking tiny steps, and an aide seemed to be guiding him by the arm,” a line from the extract seen by The New Yorker said.
“Clooney was shaken to his core. The President hadn’t recognized him, a man he had known for years.”
Clooney, who starred in Ocean’s Eleven, and Ocean’s Twelve, has been vocal following Donald Trump’s victory and was criticized after blasting the administration during an appearance on Stephen Colbert’s late night chat show.
Trump supporters called on the actor to stay out of politics.
Clooney has won two Academy Awards – one in an acting capacity and one in the field of production.
He was nominated for two Academy Awards in 2006 for Good Night, and Good Luck
He first cast a ballot in a US presidential election when he voted for Jimmy Carter in 1980.
Drivers warned of license change as popular renewal method is axed – you’ll have to go through ‘assistant’
DRIVERS have been encouraged to switch over to a new system to assist with car-related issues.
Those who wish to renew their driver’s license must schedule an appointment through an online assistant.
Texas officials announced Texas by Texas (or TxT for short) — a personal, portable government assistant from Texas.gov that aims to simplify a driver‘s to-do list.
“TxT is your account for Texas government and an official way to handle your Texas to-dos like driver license/ID renewal and replacement, vehicle registration renewal, and more,” the state website reads.
“Once you create your account with a Texas driver license or ID, TxT takes charge by keeping track of your upcoming deadlines, reminding you when it’s time to take action, and letting you wrap up transactions in just a few clicks.”
“It’s government just the way you want it – powerful, personalized, and in your pocket,” it continued.
To create a TxT account, drivers will need a personal email address, mobile phone number, current Texas driver’s license or ID, and Social Security number.
Minors, between the ages of 16 and 18, are allowed to create a TxT account as long as they can provide the necessary information.
The legacy driver license renewal application through the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) will no longer be available as of May 31, 2025.
The state urged drivers who have an account to personalize their TxT profile by setting up notification preferences and adding payment methods.
The TxT is also programmed to send proactive emails and text reminders about important dates if listed on the online portal.
Currently, TxT is set up to assist with driver license/ID/CDL renewal, replacement, or address change, driver license upgrade, vehicle registration renewal, massage therapist and massage instructor license renewal, boat registration renewals, lost decal replacements, and replacement/additional ID card orders.
One driver found it difficult to navigate the new online system, claiming there weren’t clear instructions on how to set up a license renewal.
“I logged into txt.texas.gov, and wanted to renew my license. My license expires in about a month and wanted to get on it now,” they wrote on a subreddit.
“Replacing seems wrong, and if i attempt to make an appointment, it’s months after my expiration date.”
Others replied to the dire question, saying the driver might be better off attending an in-person appointment despite the new online system.
How to prepare for the DMV
Here are some ways to streamline your DMV experience:
- Check the DMV website for your state to see if the task can be done completely online. Many processes can now be done online, like renewing a vehicle’s registration or changing an address. Otherwise, several processes can be started online and finished at an in-person location, like renewing a driver’s license.
- Schedule an appointment. While walk-ins are available at all locations, having an appointment time can help reduce frustrating wait times.
- Check the DMV’s website to ensure you have all the necessary forms for the task.
- Get there early. Since many people prefer to try and tackle simple tasks on their lunch breaks or days off, showing up early can mean you’re only one of a few.
- Eat before you go or bring a snack. Since wait times can exceed expectations, bring some form of sustenance.
- Be positive. The process is temporary.
One person noted that they’ve had luck refreshing the online portal early in the week to secure an appointment.
“Your best bet for getting an appt sooner than later is to use the refresh method — refreshing your browser page however often.
“Get in the online scheduler from 7:15am-8:00am on a weekday. They drop in cancelled appts that are available once again. Note, I’m quite certain that you can’t book an appt if you already have one scheduled. So you may need to cancel any you have for months out.
“Also be prepared to search for more rural DPS locations a little farther from home (up to an hour away),” they added.
Another driver said it’s a gamble whether the new system works.
“Sometimes you can do it online and sometimes you can’t. If you can’t, I’d make an appointment and either print out the appointment slip for in case you get pulled over,” they noted.
“If you didn’t want to wait, you can always show up in line at a place and try to get it renewed before the appointment date.”
Worrying Trevor Lawrence injury update after quarterback is spotted at camp wearing arm sleeve
TREVOR LAWRENCE has sparked fears over his injury after he was spotted wearing a arm sleeve.
The Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback saw his 2024 season end early due to a shoulder injury.
The injury occurred after he was on the receiving end of an illegal hit from Houston Texans star Azeez Al-Shaair.
Lawrence, 26, is expected to be back for the 2025 campaign, but has caused worry.
He was seen wearing a sling on his arm at the team’s mini-camp.
Fans responded to the news with plenty of concern on social media.
One posted: “Oof, that’s rough. Hopefully it’s nothing serious.”
A second wrote: “If you start the season hurt, you will be hurt all year.”
A third commented: “That’s not good for Jaguars fans.”
A fourth said: “They should have drafted a replacement or traded for someone.”
Lawrence was confirmed to be wearing a sleeve during the practice to support his arm.
If he were to have picked up an injury, it would have been a crushing blow as he had surgery in December.
However, head coach Liam Coen has done his best to downplay concerns over the quarterback.
He said: “He just had a little bit of general soreness.
“We threw a lot of balls last week. He feels good.
“He said it wasn’t really an issue.
“It was more when you just have something to keep it warm helps any kind of thrower.
“I think it was more just maintenance than anything that was really bothering him.”
Meanwhile, the Jaguars will be monitoring wide receiver Brian Thomas.
CBS have claimed that he had to walk out of training after picking up a shoulder injury.
Reports have further claimed that he was holding his shoulder while on the ground and was checked on by trainers.
‘World’s biggest great white shark’ dubbed ‘The Contender’ is spotted by trackers heading towards popular tourist beach
THE biggest white shark ever tagged by scientists has been spotted heading towards a popular tourist beach.
Named ‘The Contender’, the vast beast hasn’t been heard from for several weeks.
The massive shark has been skulking around the North Carolina coast for the past few months.
Scientists keep tabs on its location through a tracker that “pings” whenever the shark’s fin breaks the water’s surface.
But after several weeks off grid, the behemoth has surfaced again – this time near the popular North Carolina tourist area of Pamlico Sound.
The latest ping sounded on June 7, just before 10pm.
The scientists’ tracking map appears to show The Contender making a move north since it last appeared.
Weighing a whopping 1,600 pounds, the shark was first tagged on January 17 this year.
The Contender started its journey about 45 miles off the Florida-Georgia border.
It is the largest ever shark tagged the research group OCEARCH.
The adult white shark measures a staggering 13 feet and nine inches.
Dr Harley Newton, OCEARCH’s chief scientist and veterinarian, said: “This time of year white sharks are starting their late spring/early summer migration moving from their southern overwintering area to their summer/fall foraging areas in the northeastern US and Atlantic Canada.”
The Contender’s previous ping came on May 21, when it was much further south along North Carolina’s coast.
However, beachgoers need not panic, as the shark is still swimming a fair distance from the coastline.
Dr Newton added: “We often see the sharks on our global shark tracker spend a period of time off the Outer Banks right before they move north, which is what white shark Contender appears to be doing.
“This may be due to rich food resources in the region and would serve as a time to feed and prepare before what may be a journey of 1,000 miles or more.”
OCEARCH’s website calls Contender “the ultimate ocean warrior” and a “mature male” specimen.
It adds that his nickname comes in honour of Contender Boats – an old partner of the research group.
The website says: “The SPOT tag deployed on Contender will provide valuable real-time data for approximately five years, helping us track his movements and understand his migration patterns.
“Additionally, we’ve collected important biological samples, including urogenital material, which are currently being analysed.”
It comes after a huge 20ft shark emerged from the water before stalking a tiny boat on Block Island.
The boat was seen slowly drifting towards the edge of the lake, while two dark shapes appeared to rise from the water.