Latest news with #Sulpizio
Technical.ly
23-06-2025
- Business
- Technical.ly
Clean Plate Innovations lands UPMC partnership and teases major deals with national chains
Pittsburgh startup Clean Plate Innovations has secured a preliminary agreement for an undisclosed amount with healthcare giant UPMC Mercy Hospital. The startup's tech takes overhead scans of food trays at the hospital's campus near Duquesne University to gauge food satisfaction and waste in the patient cafeteria. While it won't be finalized until spring 2026, the partnership is foundational for the early-stage startup, according to Clean Plate founder Nolan Sulpizio. '[UPMC's] initial goal was to have it go to all their locations,' Sulpizio told 'I mean, they still said they see a lot of value and they still want to do it. It's just got to get postponed.' UPMC is finalizing a separate partnership before moving on to the Clean Plate deal, Sulpizio said, but that's not slowing down the barely one-year-old company. Even though the deal with UPMC is on hold, Sulpizio said Clean Plate is still securing plenty of other partnerships. At his alma mater, Duquesne University's Palumbo-Donahue School of Business, Sulpizio and Clean Plate team members will lead an internship program for Duquesne students next semester. Nearby at the University of Pittsburgh, Clean Plate will be featured in classes on sustainability. Clean Plate is also in talks with US Foods, Shady Maple and Golden Corral, which are all looking to partner with the startup, according to Sulpizio. 'We're still moving forward,' Sulpizio said. Clean Plate did not disclose any financials related to the partnerships. 'Critical alerts' tell cafeterias when to pivot production Clean Plate uses machine learning to analyze waste in large dining rooms and track where cafeterias can improve service, according to Sulpizio. For UPMC, that looks like a small screen wired to a ceiling-mounted camera that sharply warns: 'new critical alert.' 'Caesar wraps showing elevated waste levels,' a widget on the screen reads. 'Immediate intervention recommended.' While it may sound as though someone's lunch is heading for a meltdown, this warning is actually meant to serve as guidance for food providers. In this instance, a critical alert is guiding food workers to revise the meals they provide to save money in the long run. More than 67,000 patients go through UPMC Mercy's hospital system each year, likely sparking a big demand in dining facilities. The healthcare provider reported a nearly $200 million loss in 2023. UPMC did not respond to requests for comment. From pitch competition to $130k raised Nearly a master's student at Duquesne in sustainability before shifting focus to the startup, Sulpizio said food waste is a chief issue for him. 'My parents, we always grew up that way, especially with food waste,' Sulpizio said. 'I'm a South Philly Italian. Food is really big in our culture and especially at home. You don't waste, you take what you need and you eat it all.' Clean Plate got its feet off the ground after coming in second place at Techstars Startup Weekend in 2024. The prize package included six months of free office space at InnovatePGH's Avenu Workspaces, which has been crucial to the company's launch, according to Sulpizio. The startup's growth and slew of promising partnerships came as it has been transparent about setbacks. In April, Sulpizio said federal contract freezes postponed a project with a major research university. 'Now we are scaling,' Sulpizio said, 'We've raised $130,000 in the last year.'
Yahoo
24-04-2025
- Yahoo
Julie Sulpizio ordered back into Lake County Jail, competency hearing scheduled
The Brief Julie Sulpizio is being returned to Lake County Jail after a judge ruled she no longer qualifies for mental health commitment. She was arrested in 2024 after her family ambushed deputies at their Eustis home, killing one and injuring two others. A court-ordered competency hearing is set for May 1 to determine if she can stand trial. LAKE COUNTY, Fla. - Julie Sulpizio is being returned to Lake County Jail after a judge ruled she no longer qualifies for mental health commitment. What we know Julie Sulpizio, 48, is being returned to the Lake County Jail following a court order signed April 15. The ruling states she no longer meets the criteria to remain in a state mental health facility, where she has been held since her arrest in August 2024. Sulpizio was previously housed at the South Florida Evaluation and Treatment Center in Miami-Dade County under the supervision of the Department of Children and Families. She is accused of luring deputies to her Eustis-area home, where her husband and two daughters ambushed officers, killing one and injuring two others. Sulpizio is the only surviving member of her household. What we don't know Key questions remain about Sulpizio's mental state and whether she is fit to stand trial. Though the court has determined she no longer meets criteria for mental health commitment, a full determination on her competency to face charges will be made during the upcoming hearing. The motive behind the ambush and the extent of Sulpizio's involvement are also still unclear. The backstory In August 2024, the Lake County Sheriff's Office responded to a call to Sulpizio's home near Eustis. Upon arrival, deputies were met with gunfire. Master Deputy Bradley Link was killed, and Deputies Harold Howell and Stefano Gargano were injured in the ambush. Sulpizio's husband and two daughters — Cheyenne and Savannah — were killed during the exchange. Sulpizio has been held in a state mental facility pending mental health evaluations. What they're saying Rajan Joshi, a criminal defense attorney not involved in the case, commented on the broader context of competency hearings. "They can use it as a tool to try and actually get the charges dropped eventually if they are found to be incompetent for a substantial amount of time," Joshi said. "So it can be used, people to malinger, people do take advantage of the system, but we have got to safeguard people who could be sick and can't stand trial." What's next A competency hearing is scheduled for May 1, 2025, at 10 a.m. STAY CONNECTED WITH FOX 35 ORLANDO: Download the FOX Local app for breaking news alerts, the latest news headlines Download the FOX 35 Storm Team Weather app for weather alerts & radar Sign up for FOX 35's daily newsletter for the latest morning headlines FOX Local:Stream FOX 35 newscasts, FOX 35 News+, Central Florida Eats on your smart TV The Source This story was written based on information shared by the Lake County Sheriff's Office , and Florida's Fifth Judicial Circuit.
Yahoo
06-03-2025
- Yahoo
Lake County deputies honored for bravery in deadly ambush that killed Master Deputy Bradley Link
The Brief The Lake County Sheriff's Office honored deputies and support staff for their bravery during an August ambush that killed Master Deputy Bradley Link. Authorities say Julie Sulpizio lured deputies into a deadly trap, leading to a shootout where her husband and daughters took their own lives. Deputies wounded in the attack received medals, while Link was posthumously recognized for his heroism. TAVARES, Fla. - The Lake County Sheriff's Office honored deputies and support staff for their bravery during an August ambush that killed Master Deputy Bradley Link. What we know The Lake County Sheriff's Office held an award ceremony to honor deputies and support staff involved in the response to the deadly ambush that took the life of Master Deputy Bradley Link. Authorities say Julie Sulpizio lured deputies to her bunker-style home under the guise of a well-being check in August, leading to a violent shootout. During the confrontation, Sulpizio's husband and two daughters took their own lives. Deputies Harold Howell and Stefano Gargano were both shot and hospitalized but survived. Sulpizio now faces trial for her role in the incident. What we don't know While Sulpizio has been charged, her exact motive for orchestrating the ambush remains unclear. Authorities have not provided further details on what led her family to stockpile weapons or what may have triggered their final actions. Additionally, questions remain about the extent of law enforcement's prior knowledge of the household's doomsday-prepper activities. The backstory Julie Sulpizio and her family lived in a heavily fortified, bunker-style home, stockpiling weapons as doomsday-preppers. In August, she reportedly called law enforcement for what seemed to be a routine well-being check, but when deputies arrived, they were met with gunfire. Master Deputy Link returned fire to protect his fellow deputies before being fatally wounded. During the shootout, Sulpizio's husband and daughters turned their weapons on themselves. The incident left a lasting impact on the sheriff's office, with multiple deputies injured and the loss of one of their own. What they're saying Sheriff Peyton Grinnell praised those involved in the deadly ambush. "Everyone being recognized today represents the very best of our community," said Sheriff Peyton Grinnell at the ceremony, emphasizing the bravery of his deputies. "They go above and beyond the call of duty, often putting their safety at risk to protect others." Deputies honored Master Deputy Link's sacrifice when presenting his wife with a posthumous Purple Heart and Medal of Honor. "Without hesitation, Master Deputy Link returned fire, giving other deputies on scene the ability to vacate the residence with their lives. Master Deputy Link died a hero," deputies announced, as she accepted the awards. STAY CONNECTED WITH FOX 35 ORLANDO: Download the FOX Local app for breaking news alerts, the latest news headlines Download the FOX 35 Storm Team Weather app for weather alerts & radar Sign up for FOX 35's daily newsletter for the latest morning headlines FOX Local:Stream FOX 35 newscasts, FOX 35 News+, Central Florida Eats on your smart TV STAY CONNECTED WITH FOX 35 ORLANDO: Download the FOX Local app for breaking news alerts, the latest news headlines Download the FOX 35 Storm Team Weather app for weather alerts & radar Sign up for FOX 35's daily newsletter for the latest morning headlines FOX Local:Stream FOX 35 newscasts, FOX 35 News+, Central Florida Eats on your smart TV While Sulpizio has been charged, her exact motive for orchestrating the ambush remains unclear. Authorities have not provided further details on what led her family to stockpile weapons or what may have triggered their final actions. Additionally, questions remain about the extent of law enforcement's prior knowledge of the household's doomsday prepper The Source This story was written based on information shared by the Lake County Sheriff's Office and previous reporting by FOX 35 News.
