A gunman opened fire Monday afternoon inside a packed ice rink during a high school boys’ hockey game in Pawtucket, killing two people and critically wounding three others in what authorities described as a targeted incident stemming from a family dispute.

The shooter, identified as 56-year-old Robert Dorgan — who also went by the name Roberta Esposito — died of a self-inflicted gunshot wound, Pawtucket Police Chief Tina Goncalves said at a news conference late Monday. Three people were pronounced dead at the scene, including Dorgan and the two victims. The three injured were hospitalized in critical condition.

The shooting erupted around 2:30 p.m. at Dennis M. Lynch Arena on Andrew D. Ferland Way, where teams from Coventry High School and a Blackstone Valley co-op — including students from schools such as St. Raphael Academy, Providence Country Day School, North Providence and North Smithfield — were playing. The game was interrupted in the first period as gunfire rang out in the stands.

Goncalves said the incident appeared domestic in nature, with victims including members of the suspect’s family and possibly a family friend. A woman who identified herself as Dorgan’s daughter told reporters outside police headquarters that her father was the shooter, adding that he had long struggled with mental health issues.

“He has mental health issues,” she said. “He was very sick.”
Court documents cited by some outlets indicated past family conflicts related to Dorgan’s gender identity, though police did not confirm motive details beyond the family dispute characterization.

A “good Samaritan” intervened during the attack, helping to subdue the gunman and likely preventing further casualties, Goncalves said. More than one weapon was recovered from the scene.

Players and spectators fled the ice amid the chaos, with some hockey players still in uniform when they were bused to Pawtucket Police Headquarters for interviews. Mayor Donald Grebien said investigators conducted about 100 interviews in the hours following the shooting.

The Rhode Island Interscholastic League announced it was suspending all games temporarily “out of respect for the victims and to reflect upon this senseless act of violence.”
No students or players from the competing teams were among the victims, school officials confirmed.

The incident marks the second deadly mass shooting in Rhode Island in recent months, following a December 2025 attack at Brown University in Providence that killed two students.

Gov. Dan McKee said he was monitoring developments and in contact with law enforcement.

Authorities withheld the victims’ names pending family notifications. The investigation continues, with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives assisting.

For many UK professionals, the search for flexibility, location independence and a second income stream is no longer a nice-to-have; it is a necessity.

Remote work, rising living costs, and shifting career expectations have led more people to pursue freelancing and portfolio careers, which combine employment, side hustles, and self-employment.

Over the last few years, teaching English as a foreign language (TEFL) has quietly become one of the most accessible ways to launch a small, skills-based business from home. Instead of building a tech startup or investing heavily in stock, professionals are packaging the skills they already have, communication, business English, and presentation skills, and selling them globally via online English lessons.

Why TEFL fits the new freelance economy

Several trends make TEFL a strong fit for today’s freelance landscape. Global demand for English and business English continues to grow as companies digitise and trade internationally, creating a steady pipeline of learners who need better communication skills to progress in their careers. Online learning platforms and video tools have normalised live 1‑to‑1 and group lessons over Zoom or similar platforms, removing geographical barriers between teachers and students. Many learners now prefer specialist teachers for exam preparation, interviews or niche sectors, rather than generic, one-size-fits-all courses.

For mid-career professionals, this means you do not have to “start from zero.” If you have experience in finance, marketing, tech, law, healthcare or another professional field, you can combine TEFL training with your sector knowledge and position yourself as a niche expert. A teacher who understands both English and the realities of a client’s industry can justify higher rates and attract more serious, committed students.

To do this properly, you need a recognised TEFL qualification that provides a solid methodology, classroom management skills, and an understanding of how people learn languages. That is where one of the top accredited course providers, such as The TEFL Institute, comes in, helping complete beginners build the foundation they need to teach with confidence and professionalism.

From side hustle to micro‑business

Most people do not quit their job on day one. Instead, they use TEFL to build a structured side business that can grow at their own pace, testing demand before committing fully. A typical path for a new teacher looks like this:

1. Complete an accredited TEFL course and, ideally, a practical teaching module to gain confidence.
2. Start with a small cohort of online students in the evenings or on weekends to understand the market.
3. Refine a niche (for example, interview preparation for engineers, conversation classes for business owners, or exam prep for international students).
4. Gradually increase prices and teaching hours as demand grows, moving towards part-time or full-time self-employment.

Specialist providers such as Premier TEFL focus on helping people secure real-world placements, internships, and practicum experiences, enabling them to gain hands-on teaching experience quickly and build testimonials from day one. That combination of structured training plus practical exposure makes the transition into paid teaching more predictable and less intimidating.

Crucially, TEFL also scales. A teacher might begin with low-priced general English classes, then move into premium offerings such as business English coaching, exam bootcamps, or tailored programmes for corporate clients. Over time, this can evolve from a side hustle into a proper micro‑business with repeat clients, referrals and predictable revenue.

De-risking a mid-career change

A full career change is a big decision, especially for professionals with mortgages, families and established careers, so risk management matters. TEFL can reduce the‑risk of that decision in several ways. Startup costs are low compared with many franchises or brick-and-mortar businesses because you mainly need training, a laptop, and a stable internet connection. You can start with three to five students a week and grow gradually, which means you can test whether you enjoy teaching and whether there is enough demand in your niche before leaving your current role. You just need to decide which course is for you.

Global time zones enable teachers to schedule early-morning, evening, or weekend lessons for students in Asia, Europe, or Latin America, accommodating existing work schedules. The skills you build, lesson planning, client management, online delivery, marketing yourself and managing your time – are highly transferable, even if you later pivot into other freelance or education-related roles. For many people, TEFL serves as a bridge to broader self-employment or remote work.

Providers that offer flexible online study and structured progression pathways make this journey much easier. The TEFL Institute 180-hour Level 5 Diploma is a good example, with an Ofqual-regulated Level 5 qualification and modular components that allow learners to add specialist certificates – for example, teaching young learners or business English – as their business evolves. This allows teachers to upskill in stages rather than paying upfront, aligning with the test-and-grow approach of many new freelancers.

Building a sustainable TEFL business, not just a gig

The biggest difference between “just another gig” and a sustainable TEFL business is how strategically you approach it. Successful teachers increasingly treat TEFL as a brand, not just a profile on a teaching marketplace. They define a clear niche, build a simple website or landing page and craft a message that speaks to a specific kind of learner rather than “anyone who wants to learn English.”

Instead of relying solely on hourly lessons, they package their services into programmes, for example, a four-week interview‑prep intensive, a three-month business English accelerator or a fixed-term course for exam preparation. This makes revenue more predictable, improves cash flow and helps clients see the value as a complete solution rather than simply buying blocks of hours. Simple systems for bookings, payments and feedback, often using off-the-shelf tools, keep administration manageable and professional.

Continuous professional development is another common thread. Teachers who invest in advanced TEFL modules, niche training or coaching skills can raise their rates over time and differentiate themselves in a crowded market. This is where the top global providers, such as The TEFL Institute, Premier TEFL, and The TEFL Institute of Ireland, add ongoing value through higher-level diplomas, add-on certificates, and specialist courses to help teachers move up the value chain.

Over time, a well-run TEFL practice can start to look less like a side job and more like a small consultancy. Teachers learn to think about segments (corporate clients versus individuals), pricing strategy, upsells and referrals, much like any other service-based business. In some cases, they bring in associate teachers or expand into related products such as digital resources and recorded courses, further diversifying their income.

A practical path into self-employment

In a labour market where stability is no longer guaranteed, TEFL offers something increasingly rare: a relatively low-risk, practical path to self-employment that turns your existing experience into a global, digital service business. For professionals who feel stuck in their current role but wary of high-risk ventures, TEFL combines three attractive elements: accessible training, low setup costs and a genuinely international client base.

By combining solid TEFL training from providers such as The TEFL Institute, Premier TEFL, The TEFL Institute of Ireland, or TEFL Explorer, with basic business skills, many professionals are quietly building resilient, flexible income streams that sit alongside, or ultimately replace, their traditional 9–5 roles. For those who treat it as a business rather than a hobby, TEFL can be more than a stopgap; it can be the foundation of a long-term, independent career.

Months ago, half a billion dollars flowed into crypto betting startups through new investment rounds.

Behind these platforms: blockchain fused with online gambling mechanics draws serious interest. User counts climb, transaction speeds improve – founders point to real shifts underway.

Venture Capital Moves Toward Digital Betting

Half a billion dollars flowed into cryptocurrency gambling startups lately, and platforms such as 1xbet Ireland have also expanded their casino online presence by exploring faster digital payment options. Of that sum, three big investors made up close to sixty percent, showing how strongly the casino online sector continues to attract capital.

Each agreement typically involved about twenty-five million dollars, twenty times over. These backers show interest mainly in services using blockchains to handle wagers. Out in the open, every bet lands on shared records. Real-time checking lets people follow payments as they happen.

One reason these platforms gain ground? Fees take a steep drop compared to old methods. While standard networks pull out 3 percent each time, digital currency moves it under Quick movement catches interest too. Withdrawals on certain sites wrap up in under ten minutes. Meanwhile, standard methods can stretch into a forty-eight-hour wait.

What’s Fueling the Rise in Tech Investments

When picking crypto betting sites, investors look at straightforward signs of how well they perform. Evidence points to a close link between financial backing and day-to-day reliability. What pushes success includes:

• Every bet shows up clear as day on public blockchains. Transparency built right into the ledger keeps it that way.
• Smart contracts automate payouts within seconds.
• Funds for digital protection now take up one-fifth of running expenses.
• Most wagers come through smartphone applications. Around seven out of ten are placed that way.
• Processing systems handle one million bets per hour.

Expanding markets and growing user base

Fresh sign-ups at crypto gambling platforms have grown two times over. More than three million people log in each month on big sites now. Bets using cryptocurrency topped two billion dollars lately. Adults under thirty like paying with digital money more often. Moving funds in and out feels easier thanks to wallet apps. More than fifteen digital currencies work across platforms, offering room to move.

Sports and gaming events pull attention from marketers, drawing steady interest. Engagement jumps thirty percent where live wagering runs active. Odds shifting by the second keep players involved more deeply. Even with fast expansion, income strategies stay level and measured. Betting odds are designed so the operator earns a steady profit. Over time, randomness favors the business side of the game.

Staying Safe While Playing Games That Change Quickly

Most sites include features meant for safer play. Wins are never guaranteed, just possible. A built-in advantage stays with the house constantly. Putting boundaries on funds spent is one way players manage risk. Fun should stay fun, nothing more. After a while, alerts pop up to let players know they have been playing long stretches.

Talking with support staff can help clarify better ways to handle gaming routines. Looking at straightforward logs helps people see exactly where money goes. Setting boundaries keeps accounts from tipping into risky zones. Start smart by deciding limits ahead of time. When spending does not spiral, fun holds steady.

Financial Trends and Sector Clues

Growth keeps building in online betting areas. Crypto sites are expected to rise by more than ten percent. Money flowing into startups shows belief in future gains. Big investors watch potential buys with sharp attention. The scene might shift if deals go through.

Now comes the time when working together pushes products faster. Because numbers talk, choices follow what data shows. Watching how users act helps shape better predictions. Getting it right more often keeps things running smoother. When big moments happen, steady money flows help hold everything in place.

Behind the scenes, backers are watching steady growth in users and backbone strength. Companies using crypto for wagers aren’t startups anymore – they’re wide open, full throttle. Fresh ideas mix steadily with careful control of dangers here. As growth moves forward, clear rules and honest actions stay at the center by design.

McLaren Charlotte has built its career around a simple but demanding idea: high performance requires structure, discipline, and respect for detail.

As an authorised member of the McLaren Automotive network, McLaren Charlotte operates inside one of the most exacting performance cultures in the automotive world. From the outset, the business focused less on speed and more on systems. The goal was never to chase attention, but to build something that could last.

“We’ve always believed that how you build matters as much as what you build,” the team explains. “If the foundation is right, everything else follows.”

Rather than treating automotive retail as a transaction, McLaren Charlotte approached it as a long-term career. The team studied McLaren’s engineering philosophy, its Formula One™ heritage, and the way racing discipline translates into road performance. That understanding shaped how the business was designed and how decisions were made.

A defining feature of McLaren Charlotte’s leadership has been its focus on the full ownership journey. From early research to long-term engagement, every step is treated as part of a connected system. Education plays a central role. Staff are expected to understand not just what a vehicle does, but why it does it.

“You can’t lead customers if you don’t understand the machine,” they say.

Today, McLaren Charlotte is recognised for consistency, operational clarity, and respect for the craft behind high-performance vehicles. Its leadership style is quiet, methodical, and grounded in long-term thinking.

“In this industry, consistency is the real differentiator,” the team notes. “Anyone can make noise. Not everyone can build something that lasts.”

An Interview with McLaren Charlotte

Q: Let’s start at the beginning. How did McLaren Charlotte’s career take shape?

A: It started with alignment. Before we thought about growth, we focused on understanding the McLaren brand. Its engineering standards, its racing heritage, and its expectations. We knew that if we didn’t respect that first, nothing else would work.

Q: What did that early focus look like in practice?

A: A lot of learning. We spent time understanding how McLaren thinks about performance. Not just speed, but systems. Precision. Repeatability. That mindset shaped how we built the business.

Q: You often talk about systems. Why are they so important to you?

A: Because performance doesn’t happen by accident. Whether it’s a car or a business, results come from processes working together. If you rely on moments instead of structure, things break down.

Q: How did that thinking change the way you approached customers?

A: We stopped thinking in terms of transactions. Ownership is a journey. Our role is to guide people through that journey, not rush them through a single moment.

Q: You’ve said the relationship starts after delivery. Why?

A: Because that’s when real ownership begins. Questions come up. Understanding deepens. That’s where trust is built over time.

Q: Education seems central to your approach. Why is that?

A: You can’t lead if you don’t understand the product. People ask thoughtful questions. They deserve thoughtful answers. That applies to staff as much as customers.

Q: How does McLaren’s Formula One™ heritage influence your work?

A: Racing teaches discipline. Every detail matters. We use that as a framework, not a slogan. It helps people understand why the cars are built the way they are.

Q: How has the digital shift changed your career strategy?

A: Buyers are more informed now. That raised the bar. Our information had to be accurate and consistent across every channel.

Q: What do you think defines leadership in your industry today?

A: Consistency. Flash fades quickly. Systems last longer.

Q: How do you measure success internally?

A: Stability. Relationships. Alignment with long-term goals.

Q: What keeps you focused going forward?

A: The idea that we’re still building. That mindset never really stops.

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Living with a pet means worrying. More than people admit. Pets get sick. They hide pain really well. They still eat. Still wag their tail. Act fine when they are not. That makes it harder for owners just trying to do the right thing.

Knowing common pet health issues can help you in different ways. It helps you decide if you can just wait a couple of days or if you really need to get on the phone with the vet. Making the right choice saves you a lot of money. It definitely saves you a ton of stress, too. And yeah, sometimes it even saves their life.

This article walks through the most common health problems pets face, and when to visit the vet. No big words. Just real stuff pet owners deal with.

Stomach Problems Happen a Lot

Stomach issues are very common in pets. Dogs eat things they should not. Cats get upset stomachs, too. Sometimes for no clear reason.

You might see vomiting, diarrhea, and less interest in food. Or all of it at once. It can be messy and stressful fast.

A one-time stomach issue can pass. Especially if your pet still drinks water and acts mostly normal. That happens. But if it keeps going, that’s when it becomes a problem.

Go to the vet if:

• Vomiting lasts more than a day
• Diarrhea won’t stop
• There is blood
• Your pet looks weak or tired

Stomach problems can be caused by parasites. Infections. Food allergies. Or something stuck inside. Waiting too long makes it worse.

For pet owners with emotional support animals, planning can help reduce stress. Knowing how to get ESA letter can save time and make managing care a bit easier when life is already hectic.

Skin and Fur Issues

Skin issues are easy to spot. But many people usually ignore scratching, licking, red spots, bald patches, and a smell that you can’t explain. Pets itch for reasons: fleas, allergies, dry skin, and sometimes stress.

If your pet scratches once in a while, fine. If they scratch all day and all night, that’s not fine.

Call the vet if:

• Skin looks raw or wet
• Hair keeps falling out
• Scratching causes wounds
• There is swelling or a smell

Catching it early makes things easier. Less treatment, less stress, and less discomfort for your pet. Ignoring it just drags things out, and no one wins that way.

Ear Infections Are Painful

Ear problems are common. Especially in dogs. Cats get them, too, just less often. Head shaking is a big sign. Scratching at the ears, redness, bad smell, and dark stuff inside. Ear infections don’t fix themselves. They get worse and more painful.

See the vet if:

• Your pet cries when its ears are touched
• There is discharge
• Head shaking doesn’t stop
• One ear looks worse than the other

Ignoring ear infections can lead to hearing loss. Infections can move deeper into the ear. Balance issues can start. Hearing loss is a real risk. This isn’t something to watch and wait on.

Teeth Problems Get Ignored Too Much

Dental issues sneak up on pets. Bad breath is usually the first sign. Owners joke about it. They shouldn’t. Other signs include yellow buildup on teeth, swollen gums, drooling, and dropping food while eating. Dental disease spreads bacteria into the bloodstream. It affects organs. Not just the mouth.

Vet visit needed if:

• Breath smells awful all the time
• Gums bleed
• Teeth look loose
• Eating becomes hard

Dental care feels expensive. No one likes that bill. But waiting always costs more. Pets don’t complain much. They keep eating. They keep wagging. That doesn’t mean they’re okay. Teeth problems hurt. They just suffer quietly.

Parasites Are More Than Annoying

Fleas, ticks, and worms are all common and dangerous. Fleas cause itching and skin infections. Ticks spread disease. Worms steal nutrients and weaken pets.

Signs to watch:

• Scratching nonstop
• Weight loss
• Scooting on the floor
• Pale gums
• Visible bugs

Go to the vet if:

• You see parasites
• Your pet seems weak
• Scratching won’t stop
• The stool looks strange

Preventative meds matter a lot. Skipping them feels harmless at the time. But it causes problems later. Bigger ones. Harder to fix.

Breathing Issues Are Serious

Coughing and sneezing happen. But breathing problems can turn serious fast. Watch for heavy breathing. Wheezing. Open-mouth breathing in cats. Blue gums. Pets should not struggle to breathe.

A vet visit is urgent if:

• Breathing looks hard
• Gums look pale or blue
• Pet collapses
• Coughing won’t stop

Breathing problems are serious. They can turn bad fast. Faster than people expect. This is not a wait-and-see situation.

Urinary Problems Sneak Up Fast

Urinary issues are common, especially in cats. Signs include frequent trips to the litter box. Crying while peeing. Accidents indoors. Blood in urine. Male cats can get blocked. That is an emergency.

Go to the vet right away if:

• Your pet can’t pee
• There is blood
• Your pet strains and cries
• Litter box visits increase suddenly

Urinary issues can turn dangerous fast. Blockages happen. Pressure builds. Waiting can lead to kidney failure or worse.

Joint Pain and Mobility Issues

Pets slow down with age. That’s normal. Pain is not. Arthritis affects dogs and cats. Cats hide it better. Signs include limping. Trouble jumping. Stiffness after sleep. Mood changes.

A vet visit is needed if:

• Limping lasts more than a day
• Movement causes pain
• Pet avoids stairs or play
• Behavior changes around touch

Pain management can improve life a lot. Even in older pets.

Behavior Changes Mean Something

When pets act differently, it usually means something is wrong. Aggression, hiding, crying at night, confusion, and sudden anxiety. Sometimes it’s a mental decline. Sometimes pain. Sometimes illness.

See the vet if:

• Personality changes suddenly
• The pet seems confused
• Anxiety appears out of nowhere
• Behavior problems don’t stop

Always rule out medical causes first. Behavioral issues can be signs of something serious. Don’t assume it’s “just them.” Getting it checked early makes treatment easier and less stressful for everyone.

Weight Issues Are Health Issues

Extra weight hurts pets. Thin pets can be sick too. Obesity causes joint pain. Diabetes develops. Heart problems appear. Obesity can shorten their lives. Sudden weight loss can mean serious illness.

Vet help is needed if:

• Weight changes fast
• Appetite disappears
• Weight won’t change despite diet
• The pet seems weak

Nutrition plans should be realistic. Not extreme. Crash diets don’t work for pets. Slow, steady, safe changes are the key. A healthy weight keeps pets happy and active longer.

Chronic Conditions Need Monitoring

Some pets live with long-term illness. Diabetes. Kidney disease. Heart problems. Seizures. These pets need regular checkups, blood work, and adjusted meds.

For owners with emotional support animals, planning health care matters. Housing and paperwork can add stress. Knowing what a Legitimate ESA letter is can help with stability. It’s not just about paperwork; it’s about making life smoother for you and your pet.

Emergency Signs You Should Never Ignore

Go to an emergency vet if you see:

• Seizures
• Collapse
• Severe bleeding
• Poison exposure
• Sudden paralysis
• Extreme pain

Don’t wait. Don’t Google for hours. Time matters.

Preventive Care Saves Trouble Later

Regular vet visits catch problems early. Vaccines. Blood tests. Dental checks. Parasite prevention. Preventive care costs less than emergency care. And causes less heartbreak.

Even healthy pets need checkups. Especially seniors. For budgeting and planning, understanding the ESA letter cost may help. Some owners with emotional support animals combine paperwork planning with vet visits and meds. That way, life is easier, and pets stay safe.

Final Thoughts

Pets rely on us to notice changes, small ones and quiet ones. Most serious problems start mildly. Then grow. If something feels off, it probably is. Trust that feeling. Call the vet. Ask questions. It’s okay.

Good pet care is not about perfection. It’s about paying attention. Showing up. Doing your best on tired days. That effort matters more than you think.