The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) announced Monday that it selected eight proposals for a new pilot program testing new advanced air mobility and electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft in 26 states.

Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy and the FAA unveiled the pilot program, known as the Advanced Air Mobility and eVTOL Integration Pilot Program (e-IPP), which will center on eight projects in 26 states.

The futuristic aircraft can run on electric or hybrid engines and may carry people or cargo, taking off and landing in relatively confined spaces. They’re often referred to as “air taxis” or “flying cars” since they represent an alternative to traditional means of transportation.

Under the pilot program, several operational concepts will be tested, including urban air taxi services and regional passenger transportation, including with short takeoff and landing aircraft.

THE FLYING TAXI: A LOOK AT THE FUTURE OF TRAVEL

Joby Aviation tests its full-scale prototype eVTOL aircraft in New York City in 2023. (Joby Aviation )

Additional concepts include cargo and logistics networks, emergency medical response operations, autonomous flight technologies and offshore and energy-sector transportation.

Among the projects selected for participation in the pilot program was one involving the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, which will have four industry partners participate in testing 12 operational concepts across New England.

The Texas Department of Transportation will be involved with four industry partners in supporting regional flights connecting Dallas, Austin, San Antonio and eventually Houston with air taxi networks expanding from each city.

ARCHER AVIATION TEAMS UP WITH UNITED AIRLINES TO MAKE AIR TAXIS A REALITY

The Archer Aviation Midnight eVTOL aircraft in flight. (Courtesy of Archer Aviation / Fox News)

Four states spanning the Pacific Northwest, the Rocky Mountains and the Plains of Oklahoma will test a range of next-generation aircraft and operational concepts under the leadership of the Utah Department of Transportation.

Florida’s Department of Transportation will work with industry partners to test three phases of operations focused on cargo delivery, passenger transportation, automation and medical response with public and private investment.

Louisiana will host operations to test cargo and personnel transportation capabilities to enable flights over the high seas into the Gulf of America and energy industry locations in Louisiana, Texas and Mississippi.

A NEW WAY OF COMMUTING IS CLOSER TO TAKING OFF IN THE US

Joby Aviation tests its full-scale prototype eVTOL aircraft in New York City in 2023. (Joby Aviation )

Other projects detailed in the announcement include those led by the transportation departments of North Carolina and Pennsylvania, as well as the City of Albuquerque.

The program was created under an “Unleashing Drone Dominance” executive order signed by President Donald Trump.

“Thanks to President Trump, the future of aviation is here, and it’s going to dramatically improve how people and products move,” Duffy said. “Congratulations to the great American innovators behind each of these exciting pilot programs.

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“Working together, we will ensure America leads the way in safely leveraging next-gen aircraft to radically redefine personal travel, regional transportation, cargo logistics, emergency medicine and so much more.”

Companies named as participants in the pilot program include Archer, BETA, Electra, Joby, Wisk, Ampaire, Elroy Air, Reliable Robotics and others.

The search for Nancy Guthrie, the 84-year-old mother of NBC “Today” show co-anchor Savannah Guthrie, has reached its 38th day with authorities continuing to chase multiple leads in what they describe as an active abduction investigation. No arrests have been made, and no confirmed suspect has been publicly identified, but recent developments—including examination of a damaged utility box, neighbor sightings of a suspicious individual, and ongoing analysis of physical evidence—have kept hope alive for the family and investigators.

Nancy Guthrie was last seen on the evening of Jan. 31, 2026, when her son-in-law dropped her off at her home in a quiet Tucson-area suburb around 9:30 p.m. She was reported missing the following day, Feb. 1, after failing to appear for planned activities, including joining friends for an online church service. Authorities quickly determined she had been taken against her will, citing signs of forced entry, drops of blood on the front porch and evidence suggesting she was removed from her bed in the middle of the night.

The case has drawn national attention due to Savannah Guthrie’s prominence as a co-host on the long-running morning program. Savannah has made emotional appeals on air, describing her mother’s deep faith and close family ties. “Someone out there knows something,” she said in a February statement announcing a $1 million family reward for information leading to her mother’s safe return. The reward remains active.

Pima County Sheriff’s Department officials, assisted by the FBI, have pursued thousands of tips from the public. Key developments in recent days include:

– A neighbor’s account of seeing a “suspicious man” walking toward Nancy Guthrie’s home on Jan. 11—three weeks before the disappearance. The witness described the individual taking a “long look” at the street, appearing to scope the area. The FBI has sought additional Ring camera footage from that date and surrounding weeks to corroborate the sighting.

– Investigation into a damaged utility box located around the corner from Guthrie’s residence. Confirmed by the sheriff’s department on March 8 and discussed on the “Today” show March 9, the box is being reviewed for potential connections to a reported internet outage in the area around the time of the abduction. Some analysts speculate it could explain disruptions to home security systems or doorbell cameras.

– Ongoing forensic work on DNA evidence collected from gloves found near the scene and other items, including a backpack associated with a person seen tampering with Guthrie’s doorbell camera on the night of her disappearance. Earlier reports indicated one image of a man at the home may date to before Jan. 31, complicating timelines.

– Examination of new evidence at the home, with investigators stating they are “definitely closer” to answers. The property, previously sealed as a crime scene, is no longer restricted, allowing family members to return, according to federal law enforcement sources.

Multiple ransom notes have surfaced, some demanding Bitcoin payments, but authorities have not confirmed their authenticity or links to the perpetrator. A woman’s body discovered near a Phoenix-area canal sparked brief speculation, but police ruled it unrelated after identification.

The investigation has not gone cold, officials emphasize. Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos told NBC News the case remains dynamic, with federal resources aiding in technical analysis and evidence review. An ex-FBI agent recently floated a possible connection to an unrelated Arizona teen case, though no official link has been established.

Savannah Guthrie returned to the “Today” studio for the first time since the abduction in early March, marking an emotional milestone. Co-anchor Craig Melvin and others have covered updates on air, including the utility box lead. The family pastor has shared messages of hope, faith and prayer, underscoring Nancy Guthrie’s religious devotion—she was scheduled to watch a church service the morning she vanished.

Nancy Guthrie, a resident of the Tucson area for decades, is described by loved ones as vibrant, kind and deeply involved in her community and church. She is the mother of three, including Savannah, and grandmother to several. Her disappearance has highlighted vulnerabilities for elderly residents in suburban neighborhoods and prompted discussions about home security and rapid response to missing persons cases involving seniors.

As Day 38 dawned on March 11, search efforts continued with ground teams, aerial support and digital forensics. Investigators urge anyone with information—particularly from Jan. 11 onward or related to suspicious activity near Guthrie’s home—to contact the Pima County Sheriff’s tip line or the FBI.

The case has captivated the nation, blending elements of a true-crime mystery with the personal anguish of a public figure’s family. With no resolution yet, the focus remains on bringing Nancy Guthrie home safely. Family, friends and authorities hold out hope that persistent leads will yield a breakthrough in the coming days.

A Scientist Focused on What Helps Patients

Dr. Flavia Pichiorri has spent much of her career asking one core question: how can discoveries in the lab help patients faster?

Based in Los Angeles, she works at the intersection of translational science and clinical research, focusing on blood cancers such as multiple myeloma and acute leukemia. Her work explores therapeutic targets like CD38 and CD84, as well as radiation-based treatment strategies designed to improve patient outcomes.

But her path into cancer research did not start in a hospital or a lab. It began in the Roman countryside.

“I grew up riding horses every morning before school,” she recalls. “That environment taught me discipline and focus very early in life.”

Those lessons would later shape the way she approaches science.

Growing Up in Rome: Discipline and Curiosity

Pichiorri was born in Rome in 1974 and grew up in a family deeply connected to analytical fields. Her mother worked in statistics and organizational science. Her father was a mechanical engineer who worked on large industrial projects across Europe and the Middle East.

The home environment valued structure and problem solving. But her childhood also included long hours outdoors.

She spent years living near the historic Appia Antica, an ancient Roman road lined with archaeological ruins. Before school, she often rode horses through the surrounding countryside. She also competed in show jumping for nearly twenty years.

“That experience taught me resilience,” she says. “In science, just like in riding, you have to stay focused and keep moving forward even when things don’t go as planned.”

From Classical Studies to Molecular Biology

Pichiorri’s academic path began with classical literature. In high school she studied Latin and Greek, which sharpened her analytical thinking.

Later, she shifted toward science at the University of Rome Tor Vergata, where she studied molecular biology and biochemistry. She earned a master’s degree in Biochemistry and Enzymology in 1999, graduating with top honors.

Her early research focused on enzyme polymorphisms and protein interactions. She trained on advanced biochemical techniques such as circular dichroism spectroscopy, FPLC, and HPLC.

Soon after graduating, she joined the Italian National Research Council, where she began studying growth factors that influence the growth of multiple myeloma cells.

That work introduced her to the disease that would define much of her scientific career.

“At the time, patients with multiple myeloma often survived only a short period after diagnosis,” she explains. “There was a huge need to understand the biology of the disease.”

Moving to the United States for Cancer Research

In the early 2000s, Pichiorri joined research teams in the United States. She worked at Thomas Jefferson University in Philadelphia and later at The Ohio State University, where she completed doctoral research on tumor suppressor genes and cancer biology.

Her studies explored fragile site genes and the molecular mechanisms involved in tumor development.

During this period she helped develop a diagnostic assay based on Clusterin, a circulating biomarker for colon cancer detection.

The project led to a patented screening method and early clinical applications.

But the turning point in her career came during her postdoctoral research.

A Breakthrough in Multiple Myeloma Research

After finishing her PhD, Pichiorri focused on understanding how multiple myeloma cells evolve and survive.

Her research revealed that the disease is influenced not only by genetic mutations but also by epigenetic changes driven by oncogenic pathways such as c-Myc.

The findings were published in the journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences. The paper quickly became one of the most cited publications in its field.

“It showed that plasma cell degeneration is not just about genetic mutations,” she says. “Epigenetic regulation also plays a major role.”

The discovery helped open new paths for therapeutic research.

Building Translational Research Programs

In 2011, Pichiorri launched her independent research career as an assistant professor in internal medicine. She received several major grants and began leading translational programs focused on new therapies for blood cancers.

Her work helped advance clinical development of AR-42 (REC-2282), an HDAC inhibitor studied for hematologic malignancies.

She also contributed to research on oncolytic viral therapy, including Pelareorep, designed to target cancer cells while sparing healthy tissue.

“In translational research, the goal is always the same,” she says. “You move ideas from the laboratory to the clinic, and then back again to refine them.”

Advancing CD38 and CD84 Targeted Therapies

In 2016, Pichiorri joined City of Hope, where she expanded her research programs and secured multiple federal grants.

Her team developed new antibody-based therapies targeting CD38, a protein widely expressed on myeloma cells. Some of these therapies combine antibodies with radioactive isotopes to deliver targeted treatment directly to cancer cells.

The work has already led to clinical trials in multiple myeloma and acute leukemia.

Her group also identified CD84 as a therapeutic target in acute myeloid leukemia, leading to the development of an antibody later licensed to a biotechnology company.

Another project involves a single-chain CD38-directed T-cell engager, a therapeutic approach designed to help immune cells recognize and destroy leukemia stem cells.

A Philosophy Centered on Scientific Rigor

Despite a long list of grants, publications, and clinical programs, Pichiorri measures success in a different way.

“I rarely dwell on success,” she says. “In science it can be fleeting.”

Instead, she focuses on the durability of scientific findings.

“True scientific value comes when results stand the test of time,” she explains. “It takes patience and careful validation.”

She believes meaningful progress often requires challenging established thinking.

“Scientific progress relies on questioning assumptions,” she says. “That is how new knowledge is created.”

Looking Ahead

Today, Pichiorri continues working on translational therapies targeting CD38, CD84, and radiation-based treatments for blood cancers.

Her research spans laboratory experiments, animal models, and early-phase clinical trials. The goal remains the same: bring new treatments to patients who need them.

Outside the lab, she finds balance in hiking, gardening, horseback riding, and writing about science.

During demanding periods, she keeps her priorities simple.

“During times of change, I focus on what I value most,” she says. “Writing science and being present with my family.”

For Pichiorri, curiosity remains the driving force.

“Each day brings new questions,” she says. “Staying engaged with those questions is what keeps science moving forward.”

The eco-friendly pet brand Piddle Patch, which rose to national prominence following an appearance on Dragons’ Den, has won a significant trademark infringement case in the UK courts after a judge ruled that a rival company deliberately attempted to profit from its brand recognition.

District Judge Obodai ruled in favour of Makeality Ltd, the company behind the Piddle Patch brand, in a dispute with City Doggo Ltd and its founder Laurencia Walker-Fooks. The case was heard on the Intellectual Property Enterprise Court (IPEC) small claims track at the High Court.

The judge concluded that the defendants had deliberately attempted to benefit from the Piddle Patch trademark and associated goodwill, stating that their actions were part of a coordinated attempt to exploit the brand’s market presence.

In the written judgement, Judge Obodai said the defendants’ conduct was not accidental but formed part of a “deliberate policy to promote the sign in the relevant market”. He added that “passing off is exactly what she intended when she began her campaign of infringement”.

Piddle Patch was created by entrepreneur Rebecca Sloan, who launched the product as a sustainable alternative to disposable puppy training pads. The product uses real grass to provide an eco-friendly indoor toilet solution for dogs, particularly popular with urban pet owners.

Makeality Ltd registered the Piddle Patch trademark in 2016, establishing legal protection over the brand name and product identity.

Over the following years the business built strong brand recognition through a growing subscriber base, endorsements from celebrity veterinarians and dog trainers, and media coverage across national press outlets.

The company’s profile rose significantly in 2022 after appearing on BBC’s Dragons’ Den, where Sloan received an investment offer from entrepreneur and investor Steven Bartlett. The appearance helped propel the brand into the national spotlight and strengthened its commercial position in the pet care market.

Court documents revealed that Laurencia Walker-Fooks, the founder of City Doggo Ltd, had previously been a long-term customer of Piddle Patch.

During the Covid-19 pandemic she reportedly approached Sloan with an offer to acquire the company. Negotiations did not proceed after Sloan ultimately declined the proposal.

Shortly afterwards, City Doggo Ltd was incorporated and began trading in November 2020, entering the same market for dog toilet products.

The court heard evidence that the rival company subsequently used the Piddle Patch name extensively across its digital marketing channels, including website content, search engine optimisation tags and social media posts.

Evidence presented in court showed that the Piddle Patch trademark appeared in numerous areas of the City Doggo website.

These included product titles such as “SHOP: Piddle Patch”, as well as keyword metadata, alt tags and landing page descriptions designed to attract search engine traffic.

The trademark also appeared in hidden text on the website, including phrases such as “Piddle Patch Dragons Den”, which the court heard were intended to capture search traffic generated by the brand’s television exposure.

Additionally, City Doggo registered the domains piddlepatch.info and piddlepatch.shop, both of which directed users to its own website.

The trademark was also used as a hashtag across social media platforms including Facebook, Instagram and TikTok, further increasing the likelihood that consumers searching for Piddle Patch would encounter City Doggo’s products.

The judge concluded that these actions were a calculated attempt to benefit commercially from the existing brand reputation built by Makeality Ltd.

Makeality Ltd argued that City Doggo’s activities caused a measurable decline in traffic to the Piddle Patch website.

The court accepted that the rival company’s online marketing strategy had successfully positioned its website alongside the genuine brand in search engine results.

Judge Obodai noted that this outcome was intentional, commenting that the activity “had the desired effect” because City Doggo’s website appeared alongside the claimant’s when consumers searched for the Piddle Patch name.

The defendants had argued that the alleged infringements were too small or insignificant to be legally actionable, describing them as “de minimis”.

However, the court rejected this defence, ruling that the actions were deliberate and commercially motivated.

During the proceedings Walker-Fooks described City Doggo as a “sideline” business and suggested she lacked experience in intellectual property matters.

The judge rejected this characterisation, stating he did not believe her portrayal of limited business knowledge.

Judge Obodai noted that Walker-Fooks had a background in financial services and held senior roles in the investment sector, including serving as Vice President of Macro at Lighthouse Investment Partners between 2022 and 2025 before becoming Chief Operating Officer at hedge fund Anahata Capital Management LLC in October 2025.

The court found that she had sufficient commercial understanding to recognise the implications of using the Piddle Patch trademark in her marketing.

While the court ruled in favour of Makeality Ltd on trademark infringement and passing-off claims, the amount of financial compensation has not yet been determined.

The case will now proceed to a separate quantum trial, which will establish the level of damages owed to the Piddle Patch brand.

The court also considered requests for an injunction preventing further use of the trademark.

Following the ruling, Piddle Patch founder Rebecca Sloan welcomed the outcome and said the judgement vindicated the company’s efforts to protect its intellectual property.

“We are very happy with the result,” Sloan said.

She added that the case had required extensive preparation and thanked her legal team for their work during the proceedings.

“I’d like to thank our direct access barrister Christy Rogers, who worked tirelessly to help us make our case to the Court. This was by no means a straightforward process.”

The ruling is likely to attract attention among UK entrepreneurs and intellectual property specialists because it highlights how trademarks can be exploited through digital marketing techniques.

The case illustrates how search engine optimisation, domain registration and social media tagging can be used to redirect online traffic and potentially mislead consumers.

Legal experts say the judgement reinforces the principle that digital marketing tactics designed to exploit a rival’s brand reputation can constitute trademark infringement and passing off.

For small businesses and start-ups, particularly those building strong online brands, the case underscores the importance of securing and defending intellectual property rights as businesses scale.

With the Piddle Patch brand continuing to expand following its national exposure on Dragons’ Den, the ruling represents a significant legal victory for the company and a warning to competitors seeking to capitalise on established brand names.

Jamie Young

Jamie is Senior Reporter at Business Matters, bringing over a decade of experience in UK SME business reporting.
Jamie holds a degree in Business Administration and regularly participates in industry conferences and workshops.

When not reporting on the latest business developments, Jamie is passionate about mentoring up-and-coming journalists and entrepreneurs to inspire the next generation of business leaders.