Latest news with #Stoddart
Western Telegraph
14-05-2025
- Western Telegraph
Call for CCTV cameras to tackle Pembrokeshire flytipping
In a question submitted to the May meeting of Pembrokeshire County Council, Cllr Viv Stoddart raised the issue of fly-tipping in her ward of Milford Hubberston. Cllr Stoddart asked: 'Ceredigion County Council recently sourced funding to place cameras at fly-tipping hot spots across the county. A surveillance camera was placed in a covert location overlooking a layby which had been identified as a fly-tipping and littering hotspot for several years. 'The camera caught an individual who arrived at the site in a car and threw a white plastic bag into vegetation bordering a river, before driving off again. This resulted in the successful issuing of a fixed penalty notice to the person responsible for the fly tipping. 'I frequently have to notify PCC of rubbish dumping at the two fly-tipping hotspots in Hubberston Ward; Silverstream Bridge and Lower Priory Woods. The replies from PCC to my previous requests for surveillance cameras at one or both locations was that it was not an easy matter and not recommended by the council's environmental contractors WISE. 'Neighbouring Ceredigion funded their cameras from the Anti-Social Behaviour (ASB) Hot Spot Responses Fund, a UK Government initiative. 'Will PCC apply to this fund for a grant to install cameras in Hubberston Ward, and in similar fly-tipping hot spots across the county?' Responding, Cabinet Member for Residents' Services Cllr Rhys Sinnett said the Anti-Social Behaviour (ASB) Hot Spot Responses Fund for 2025-26 had already been allocated, adding the council had previously look at potential surveillance options and would revisit the potential use of such systems in the county. Members heard the council was targeting fly-tipping investigations, with 130 fixed penalties issued county-wide in 2024-25.
Yahoo
28-04-2025
- Yahoo
Where Are Cassie Jo Stoddart's Murderers Now? A Look at 'The Scream Killers' Lives in Prison 19 Years After Stabbing Their Friend to Death
It's been nearly two decades since Cassie Jo Stoddart was killed by two of her classmates, otherwise known as the "The Scream Killers." In September 2006, Stoddart, who was 16 years old at the time, was housesitting for her relatives when she was stabbed to death by two classmates and friends: Torey Adamcik and Brian Draper, per a February 2024 Dateline episode. After watching a movie with Stoddart, the teenage boys pretended to leave, only to sneak back into the house through the basement shortly after. They proceeded to mess with the electricity fuse box to scare her, before going upstairs and stabbing her to death. The pair — whose goal was to carry out a crime inspired by the movie Scream — were both sentenced to life in prison, per the Associated Press. During a September 2016 interview with the outlet, Stoddart's brother, Andrew, opened up about the impact of his sister's death. 'It affected us all in different ways,' he said. 'We all had different things that bothered us. It took us years before we could even talk about it ... All of us were really torn up from it — we still are. It's something we have to live with." Meanwhile, Draper reflected on his crimes during the Dateline episode (via a call from prison), saying, "I regret it every day of my life." So, where are Cassie Jo Stoddart's killers now? Here's everything to know about their lives nearly two decades after murdering the teenager. On Sept. 22, 2006, Stoddart, who was a junior at Pocatello High School in Idaho, was killed by two of her classmates while housesitting for her relatives. According to the Associated Press, she was stabbed 29 times. She had been with her boyfriend, Matt Beckham, who left the house around 11:30 p.m. Everything seemed normal, except for the power having mysteriously gone on and off at one point in the night, per Dateline. In the episode, Idaho state police lieutenant Robert Rausch recalled receiving an emergency call on Sept. 24, and seeing "lots of blood" around a young girl dead on the floor when he arrived at the scene. In the initial days after Stoddart's body was found, there were several suspects, including her mom's boyfriend, whose fingerprints were found on the fuse box, as well as Beckham. During his questioning, Beckham was cleared, but also revealed that two other classmates and friends — Adamcik and Draper — had stopped by the house the night of the crime. Police then spoke to the two boys, who said they left around 9:30 p.m. to go see a movie. A few days later, after police confirmed that they never went to the movie theater, Adamcik and Draper were identified as Stoddart's killers. Footage of Draper in the Dateline episode shows that he came forward just before he was going to be administered a polygraph, telling police an altered version of the real story. "It wasn't supposed to happen, it was supposed to be a joke," he said. Draper told the officials he and Adamcik snuck back into Stoddart's relatives' house through a basement door. While he said they intended to "prank" and "scare" her, things then took a turn, as Draper recalled Adamcik stabbing Stoddart. He also claimed that he "didn't touch" Stoddart. Draper went on to tell officials that there was evidence buried out at Black Rock Canyon, such as the clothes they were wearing and the murder weapon. Upon arrival, police captain John Ganske was surprised to discover a burned videotape that was all the confirmation they needed — and revealed there was more to Draper's story. In the video, Adamcik and Draper recorded themselves in the car after they pretended to leave the house, with the latter saying they had the "grueling task" of killing their two friends. According to Dateline, they re-entered the house wearing masks and carrying hunting knives, switching the fuse box on and off in an effort to lure Stoddart downstairs, though she and Beckham didn't come down. Shortly after Beckham left, Adamcik and Draper turned the fuse off, went upstairs and attacked Stoddart. After the attack, they returned to their car and left a final video in which one of the boys said, "We just killed Cassie." The video, which was filmed earlier on the day of the murder, opened up with footage of Stoddart at her school locker, before transitioning to Adamcik and Draper skipping class to create a "death list" of classmates and their plan for that night. The pair expressed excitement that their plan had finally "worked out," given that their victim would be home alone that night. "I'm sorry, Cassie's family, but she had to be the one," Draper said in the video. "We have to stick with the plan." On the videotape, the teenage boys called themselves "sick psychopaths" who get "pleasure off killing other people." They also expressed a desire to be "just like Scream," referencing the horror movie franchise. In the video, they agreed that the "perfect ending" would be a school shooting. In August 2007, Adamcik and Draper were found guilty of first-degree murder and sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole, as well as 30 years to life for conspiracy to commit murder, per the Associated Press. Adamcik has since tried to have his punishment lessened, per local outlet KPVI. However, according to KTVB7, his request was denied. During the Dateline episode, host Keith Morrison called Draper, who gave more insight into why he killed Stoddart all those years ago. "Everyone asks me, 'What were you thinking? Why did you do that?' " he said. "I tell them it's really complicated and it's not an easy thing." He explained that he "felt like nobody," and thought doing something "big and bad" would garner attention. Draper recalled that his fascination with horror began in middle school — a time when he felt as though he was a "loser" and "didn't matter" — and he would go into online chat rooms with people who were "obsessed" with the Columbine High School shooting. In high school, he felt "understood" when he met Adamcik, who encouraged his love for horror movies. One day, the pair bonded over the movie Scream, and decided they would bring the fictional tale to life. After Morrison asked what he would say to other children out there who have violent fantasies, Draper replied, "It's fear. You're afraid of being a nobody. You're afraid of being a loser." "But the other half of this that no one talks about is when you go to prison, you lose your entire life," he said. "You lose everything ... I would give my life if I could change it." Both Adamcik and Draper are serving their life sentences today, and the latter shared that while he does "see him in passing" within the prison, they don't speak to one another. During his September 2016 conversation with the Associated Press, Andrew reflected on how his sister's death changed his perspective on the world, saying, "It makes you appreciate things a lot more. You never know how fragile life is. You never know how easy it is for someone to be gone the next day." Looking forward, Andrew said he would never forgive his sister's killers, but he will still find a way to move forward in his own life. 'I know how to handle it now,' Andrew said. 'It's still a huge part of me. For me, every month of September is one I struggle to get through. It comes in waves honestly. There's days when I'm fine and others I'll just crumble." He continued, "It's always going to be a part of us. It's not like it's ever going to go away. It's always on the back of our minds, but we focus on keeping our family strong instead of focusing on the bad. We focus on the good and when she was around still. Nobody should ever have to go through this.' As revealed in the February 2024 Dateline episode, Stoddart's mother Anna died in April 2022 from cancer. Anna's boyfriend told Dateline that there is "no making amends" with Stoddart's killers. Read the original article on People
Associated Press
04-04-2025
- Business
- Associated Press
NOBLE PANACEA, A DEEP-TECH SKINCARE ORGANIZATION, ANNOUNCES
DR. BENJIE LIMKETKAI PhD CHIEF TECHNOLOGY OFFICER AND BOARD MEMBER NEW YORK, April 4, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Noble Panacea recently announced the sad passing of their esteemed founder, Professor Sir Fraser Stoddart. He was a remarkable pioneer, outstanding Chair Professor, Nobel Laureate Chemist, and the founder, inspiration and vision of the Noble Panacea skincare brand. In continuing Sir Fraser's legacy, Noble Panacea is proud to share the news of its newly appointed Chief Technology Officer; Dr. Benjie Limketkai PhD. Professor Stoddart worked with Dr. Limketkai for many years as he was doing his PhD research at MIT, before he was hand-selected as Professor Stoddart's first employee in 2015 to define applications to democratize and share his groundbreaking Organic Super Molecular Vessel (OSMV™) innovation, the Technology that fuels all Noble Panacea products. Dr. Limketkai first met Professor Stoddart while working in his laboratory as an R&D scientist specializing in nanomaterial research. It was Professor Stoddart who introduced Dr. Limketkai to supramolecular chemistry and while training at his lab under Sir Fraser's mentorship, they built a partnership helping to develop and share Professor Stoddart's breakthrough OSMV™ with the world. When Professor Stoddart launched the Noble Panacea brand in 2019 he understood that the OSMV™ Technology could transform the beauty sector. Dr. Limketkai has noted: 'The OSMV™ Technology is an unparalleled delivery system that has redefined the skincare industry. This breakthrough innovation orchestrates the precise release of each potent active ingredient at the optimal moment, seamlessly synchronizing with the skin's natural rhythm to deliver high-performance results. A true fusion of cutting-edge deep-tech science and skincare, our technology ensures an elevated skincare experience like never before.' — Dr. Benjie Limketkai 'When I embarked on the journey of co-creating Noble Panacea in 2018, one of the first individuals I had the privilege of meeting at Northwestern University was Sir Fraser Stoddart, alongside Dr. Benjie Limketkai. From the outset, we recognized the immense potential of our collaboration. Dr. Limketkai, an MIT PhD, has been instrumental in leading the pioneering mission to commercialize OSMVTM for the first time. Since the groundbreaking launch at Met in 2019, he has overseen our R&D efforts with remarkable expertise and dedication. His ability to demystify complex scientific concepts and communicate them with clarity to diverse audiences has been invaluable. As a Deep-Tech organization, Noble Panacea requires visionary leadership in technology, and Dr. Limketkai was the natural choice for the role of Chief Technology Officer. I look forward to carrying forward Sir Fraser Stoddart's legacy within Dr. Limketkai's leadership, a vision we have consistently shared and will continue to uphold.' — Céline Talabaza, Noble Panacea Co-Creator & CEO Dr. Limketkai is prized with building the brand alongside Professor Stoddart from the ground up, hiring research scientists to work on the skincare formulations at the brand's own private lab in Irvine, California, something not typically seen within cosmetic formulation companies. Stationed at the Noble Panacea lab, Dr. Limketkai's contributions to the brand are exponential, including: Evolution of OSMV™ structures Discovering new trigger release factors for ingredients (water concentration, pH level, enzyme in the skin, light, etc) The release of ingredients matched in sync with the skin's overnight biorhythm on The Exceptional Chronobiology Sleep Mask Combining humectants in oils with The Absolute Nourishing Lift Oil Enabling UV exposure to trigger the release of antioxidant algae to protect the skin in The Energist Multi-Defense Cream SPF 50 Additionally, Dr. Limktetkai has been involved in the wider evolution of the OSMV™ across other technologies. At the same time as the launch of Noble Panacea, Professor Stoddart and Dr. Limketkai began to work on another project linked to the environment and clean energy, an area of importance to both, including the inclusiveness and access to education for the most disadvantaged. Noble Panacea looks forward to continuing Professor Stoddart's legacy under the leadership of Dr. Limketkai as he continues the advancements and development of the OSMV™ Technology, a true gift from Professor Sir Fraser Stoddart.
The Guardian
16-03-2025
- Politics
- The Guardian
‘A cultural embarrassment': anger as male sculptor commissioned for statue of suffragist
Edinburgh's Royal Mile and its surrounding streets are not short of monuments. In a 30-minute round trip, visitors can rub the nose of Greyfriars Bobby, spit on the Heart of Midlothian and touch David Hume's toe, all thought to bring good luck. On the way, they might stop for a selfie with Wojtek the Bear, an honorary member of the Polish army who went on to live in Edinburgh Zoo, while the Scott Monument, built to honour Sir Walter, looms overhead. According to campaigners, though, there is something missing: women. There are no freestanding statues of women in the city centre, and only a handful in the surrounding area. So when a fundraiser was launched in 2017 to secure a Royal Mile statue for Elsie Inglis, Scottish suffragist and maternal health pioneer, it quickly gained momentum. But when plans were finally unveiled last month, a bitter row was reignited about the choice of a male sculptor and his vision for the statue. The dispute began in 2022 when the charity Statue For Elsie Inglis suddenly cancelled an open call for designs by artists for the future monument, and instead announced the appointment of Alexander Stoddart, who holds the title of the King's Sculptor in Ordinary in Scotland and whose existing works include five statues in Edinburgh city centre, two of them – of David Hume and Adam Smith – on the Royal Mile. The backlash was so forceful that all but one of the charity's trustees resigned. After the official planning application was submitted a few weeks ago, opposition has continued to grow. By Friday morning, the application had amassed 163 comments from the public. Among those who have objected is Margaret Graham, Labour councillor for the proposed site, who told the Observer the design was 'dowdy and not representative of the character of Elsie Inglis'. She called for further public consultation before a final decision was made. Natasha Phoenix, a feminist sculptor and campaigner who led opposition to Stoddart's appointment in 2022, said the commission was 'a cultural embarrassment' and should have been given to a woman. Stoddart, she said, has 'no links to feminism or to Elsie Inglis'. Phoenix, who had planned to enter the original competition before it was closed, said: 'It's incredibly important that women's stories are told through the female gaze. When men create sculptures of women, they often portray them through the patriarchal lens, whether intentionally or not.' Inglis, one of the first women to graduate from Edinburgh University, founded a free hospital and milk bank for Edinburgh's poorest women and children, and was active in the suffrage movement. When war broke out in 1914, she established a fleet of women-run field hospitals and served as a medic for three years. The Inglis statue is set to be located at the site of her maternity hospital but Stoddart's proposed design, revealed last month, depicts her in military uniform, standing upright and alone on a tall pedestal. Phoenix said the design 'erases women's history and lacks qualities attributed to Elsie – warmth, compassion and spirit. She existed among everyday folks and, figuratively, would never have put herself on a pedestal or above others.' Instead, Phoenix suggested, the statue should depict Inglis in a caring stance alongside a new, breastfeeding mother. Dr Lynn McNair, a lecturer in early education at the University of Edinburgh, said she also objected and called for a child-friendly design instead of one 'out of reach, physically and in representation'. 'As a parent and educator, I've walked countless times up and down the High Street with a little hand tucked in mine, and I've seen first-hand how public art sparks children's imagination, ignites questions and deepens their understanding of the world,' she said. 'We had a chance to honour Elsie Inglis in a way that reflected her fight for women's voices to be heard. Instead, we risk telling another story where those voices remain absent.' Gemma Bone, a member of a Facebook group set up to campaign against the proposals, said she felt Stoddart was 'an establishment male sculptor … whose agenda is to put a classical-style sculpture in a prominent place', and that '[Inglis's] military service, serving men, was small compared to her pioneering medical work for women and babies'. For others, the issue is one of transparency. Jenny Lester, chair of Edinburgh's International Women's Day march, said Stoddart's selection had been 'in bad faith'. 'For me, the problem isn't that he's a man but that he was selected by the trust after they said it would be a competitive process,' she added. Alexander Stoddart and Edinburgh council were approached for comment. Trustees of Statue For Elsie Inglis said in a statement that the submission of the planning application was 'a significant milestone in the project to deliver a lasting tribute on the Royal Mile'. 'The trustees continue to be committed to the delivery of this project and we hope all those who recognise the life and work of Dr Elsie Inglis will be supportive,' they said. But for their opponents, the differences will be difficult to reconcile. 'There are already dozens of boring, patriarchal statues on the Royal Mile that everyone walks straight past,' said one. 'It's an insult to Elsie and all of us to make her into another one.' Mary Wollstonecraft In 2020, Maggi Hambling's sculpture of feminist philosopher Mary Wollstonecraft was met with criticism when it depicted her nude and as an unrecognisable 'everywoman' figure. Its unveiling followed a decade-long fundraising effort by the Mary on the Green campaign, whose representatives defended the design as a modern and challenging depiction – but feminist activist Caroline Criado-Perez called it 'insulting' and 'a naked, perfectly formed, wet dream of a woman'. Millicent Fawcett A statue of suffragist leader Millicent Fawcett, by Turner prize-winning artist Gillian Wearing, was erected in Parliament Square after a campaign. But a few years after its unveiling in 2018, a book by professor Melissa Terras claimed the words depicted on the statue, 'courage calls to courage everywhere', had been taken out of context. Widely cited as a tribute to suffragette Emily Davison, Terras said Fawcett had not actually penned the line until years after Davison's death, and only then to explain why her death had attracted widespread attention, rather than to celebrate her. Virginia Woolf Last year, a bust of writer Virginia Woolf in Bloomsbury was the subject of a dispute after Camden council labelled it with a QR code directing viewers to an explanation of Woolf's 'imperialist views'. The move was part of a project established in the aftermath of Black Lives Matter protests to 'make meaningful connections between our diverse communities and Camden's public realm,' the council said. Woolf's great-niece Emma Woolf slammed the decision, calling Camden council 'the wokerati'.
Yahoo
11-03-2025
- Science
- Yahoo
Dad's incredibly rare find on Aussie beach worth over $59,000 a kilo
An Aussie dad claims to have stumbled across an extremely rare and potentially very valuable find while investigating ex-Cyclone Alfred's destructive wake. The anonymous man told Yahoo News Australia he recently took his family to a beach near the border of New South Wales and Queensland to see the 'damage and if anything interesting [had] washed up'. Much to his surprise, he uncovered even more than he'd hoped for. While picking up shells, the dad spotted what appeared to be a chunk of ambergris — a solid, waxy material substance produced in the intestine of less than 5 per cent of sperm whales. It is used for making perfume and is worth over $59,000 per kilogram based on previous sales. 'Because of its waxy texture and scent I instantly knew it was a whale by product,' the man said. 'I took it home and consulted some good friends from Australia and USA who are high ranked in fields of marine 'taxidermy' and a marine biology professor.' After speaking with his mates, the dad used an expert recommended method to test if it was indeed ambergris. When he placed a hot metal needle into the approximately 350g chunk, a small puff of smoke emerged, he said. After reviewing images of the possible treasure, Professor Michael Stoddart with the University of Tasmania, told Yahoo the 'material looks the right colour and texture for ambergris', though it would be helpful to see if there are any traces of squid beaks appearing in it. 'That would clinch it,' he said. Sperm whales secrete the waxy material to help prevent the sharp beaks of squid — their main diet — from damaging their gut as they digest. 'It's thus part of the whale's poo. The stuff is black when voided and smells disgustingly of faeces but becomes greyish white after years floating about in the ocean subject to the action of saltwater and sunlight. By then it smells of musty/dampness — like fungi, or like a forest floor does after summer rain,' he explained. While the discovery left the Queensland dad buzzing, Professor Stoddart cautioned other Aussies not to get too thrilled if they make a similar find. 'Most finds turn out not to be ambergris, so I'd caution anyone not to get too excited. Anyway, it can't legally be monetised in Australia so there's not much to get excited about!' he said. 🏝️ 'Frightful' discovery on beach some think could be worth a fortune 🌊 Hundreds of mysterious white blobs turn up on beaches 🦈 Tradie stunned as shark spotted in floodwaters metres from homes Under the Environmental Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 it is illegal to own, hold or sell ambergris because it's deemed to be part of an endangered species. If found, it 'should be reported' to the relevant state or territory environment department, with varying laws surrounding ambergris around the country, the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water states. 'Any findings must be turned into the relevant state authority — usually the state's museum or parks and wildlife agency. Having it in your possession requires a licence granted to you by that body,' Professor Stoddart said, noting it is freely owned and traded in most countries except for Australia and the USA. The dad told Yahoo he is in the process of contacting authorities to get paperwork to keep his find. Do you have a story tip? Email: newsroomau@ You can also follow us on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Twitter and YouTube.
