WASHINGTON (BN24)— The U.S. National Air Traffic Controllers Association (NATCA), representing over 20,000 air traffic controllers, engineers, and aviation safety professionals, has urged its members to continue working through the ongoing government shutdown despite growing frustration over unpaid labor and a rising number of sick calls. Now entering its second week, the shutdown has strained federal aviation staff, with some controllers calling in sick, raising concerns about potential impacts on air safety.
In a message to members, NATCA warned that any job actions or protests could violate federal law and risk the union’s credibility, while also exposing employees to termination. The union emphasized the critical responsibility air traffic controllers bear in safeguarding the flying public, urging members to maintain professionalism despite the financial and emotional toll.
Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy confirmed during a press briefing at Newark Liberty International Airport that the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) and air traffic control teams have seen a slight uptick in sick calls since the shutdown began. He cautioned that continued absences could result in flight delays, but reassured that safety remains the highest priority. Duffy acknowledged the financial hardships faced by workers, noting, “They have bills, and they’re thinking about that at the same time they’re controlling the airspace,” and called on employees to remain focused amid the uncertainty.
As essential federal employees, air traffic controllers are required to work through the shutdown without immediate pay, with the government promising back pay once funding is restored. NATCA President Nick Daniels addressed members via TikTok, recognizing the “uncertainty and hardships” caused by the shutdown but reaffirming the union’s commitment to unity and professionalism.
Similar challenges face TSA officers, who also must work during the shutdown. Historical precedents during the 2018–2019 shutdown saw approximately 10% of TSA workers calling in sick, causing widespread delays at airports nationwide. With Congress still deadlocked over budget approval, the aviation sector remains under pressure, grappling with staffing shortages at more than 90% of control towers across the country.
As the shutdown persists, the aviation community watches closely, hoping for a swift resolution to restore funding and alleviate the strain on essential workers responsible for the safety and efficiency of the nation’s airspace.
ABUJA (BN24)— Professor Mahmood Yakubu has officially handed over the leadership of Nigeria’s Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to May Agbamuche-Mbu, who has been appointed as the Acting National Chairman of the commission. The transition took place during a meeting with Resident Electoral Commissioners at INEC’s headquarters in Abuja on Tuesday.
Agbamuche-Mbu, the longest-serving National Commissioner within INEC, assumed the new role amid high expectations to steer the commission through its ongoing responsibilities. She currently chairs the INEC Legal Services, Clearance & Complaints Committee (LSCCC), positioning her as a seasoned and influential figure within the electoral body.
Professor Yakubu, whose second and final five-year term is set to expire in November 2025, urged the commission’s commissioners and directors to fully support Agbamuche-Mbu in her interim leadership role until a substantive chairman is appointed. The outgoing chairman emphasized that his departure complies with the constitutional term limits, having completed his first term in November 2020 before being reappointed for a second tenure by the President and confirmed by the Senate.
In an emotionally charged farewell address, Yakubu expressed profound gratitude to INEC staff and Resident Electoral Commissioners for their dedication, commitment, and tireless efforts during his leadership. His tenure saw significant strides in Nigeria’s electoral processes, underscoring the critical role the commission plays in the country’s democracy.
As May Agbamuche-Mbu steps into the role of Acting Chairman, stakeholders and observers across Nigeria are watching closely, anticipating how she will navigate the challenges ahead, especially as the commission prepares for upcoming elections and maintains the integrity of the nation’s electoral system.
KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia (BN24) — FIFA has accused Malaysia’s football federation of forging citizenship documents to make seven foreign-born players eligible for the national team, calling the move a “form of cheating” in a detailed report released Monday.
The world governing body for football had already suspended the players in September. It fined the Football Association of Malaysia (FAM), but this is the first time it has made public the full findings of its investigation.
FIFA’s disciplinary committee determined that the FAM submitted altered birth certificates falsely showing that the grandparents of the players were born in Malaysian cities such as Penang and Malacca. FIFA’s investigators obtained what they claim are original certificates that place the grandparents’ births in countries including Argentina and Spain, the same nations where the players themselves were born.
According to FIFA, the falsified documents were used to exploit its “grandfather rule,” which permits a player to represent a country if a biological parent or grandparent was born there. The rule is intended to strengthen national ties, not serve as a loophole for naturalization.
“This constitutes, pure and simple, a form of cheating,” the disciplinary report said.
FAM denied wrongdoing, attributing the discrepancies to “administrative error” and insisting that the players remain “legitimate Malaysian citizens.” The association said it will appeal FIFA’s ruling.
The seven players include Spanish-born Gabriel Felipe Arrocha, Facundo Tomas Garces, and Jon Irazabal Iraurgui; Argentinian-born Rodrigo Julian Holgado and Imanol Javier Machuca; Dutch-born Hector Alejandro Hevel Serrano; and Brazilian-born Joao Vitor Brandao Figueiredo.
Malaysia came under scrutiny after a 4-0 win over Vietnam in June, prompting questions about player eligibility. FIFA launched a formal investigation shortly thereafter.
The disciplinary committee fined each player 2,000 Swiss francs (approximately $2,500) and handed them one-year suspensions. The FAM was ordered to pay 350,000 Swiss francs (around $440,000).
The controversy unfolds amid a broader regional trend, with several Southeast Asian nations accelerating recruitment of foreign-born players. Indonesia, in particular, has drawn on talent from its Dutch-Indonesian diaspora in recent years.
Malaysia’s Sports Minister Hannah Yeoh acknowledged the damage to the country’s reputation, saying her office would withhold further comment until the appeal process concludes.
“I also understand that all local football fans are naturally angry, disappointed, and want to see improvements,” Yeoh said at a Tuesday press conference, as reported by the national news agency Bernama.
Malaysia is scheduled to face Laos in an upcoming Asian Cup qualifier this week. The squad will be without the suspended players, marking a significant change to its line-up.
MIAMI (BN24) — Jordi Alba, the legendary Spain and FC Barcelona left back now playing for Inter Miami, announced Tuesday that he will retire from professional soccer at the end of the 2025 Major League Soccer season, bringing to a close a storied 16-year career at the top level.
The 36-year-old defender revealed his decision in a heartfelt Instagram post, saying the time had come to “close a truly meaningful chapter” of his life. “I’ve decided to bring my professional football career to an end at the conclusion of this season,” Alba wrote. “I do so with complete conviction, peace and happiness. Because I feel I’ve walked this path with every ounce of passion I had, and now it’s the right time to open a new chapter and close the previous one with the best possible feeling.”
Alba expressed gratitude to the clubs that shaped his career, from his beginnings at Atlético Centro Hospitalense, Cornellá and Nàstic de Tarragona, to Valencia CF, where he debuted in Spain’s top flight. He described FC Barcelona as “the club of my life,” where he spent more than a decade, won every major title available, and cemented his status as one of the best left backs of his generation. He also thanked the Spanish national team, Inter Miami, teammates, coaches, and fans for their support.
“Football has given me absolutely everything,” he wrote. “Today I close this chapter knowing I’ve given it my all. Football has been and always will be an essential part of my life. Thanks, football, for everything.”
Alba joined Inter Miami in July 2023 after leaving Barcelona, reuniting with former teammates Lionel Messi and Sergio Busquets. He quickly became a key figure in the club’s rapid rise, helping Miami capture the 2023 Leagues Cup and the 2024 Supporters’ Shield while setting the league record for most points in a single season. Over three MLS campaigns, Alba registered 10 goals and 27 assists in 63 regular-season appearances, often linking up with Messi to devastating effect.
Earlier this year, Alba extended his contract through the 2027 season but opted to rescind the deal and retire. His decision comes as Inter Miami moves to secure his successor, with the club in advanced talks to sign Spanish left back Sergio Reguilón on a free transfer. Reguilón has been a free agent since leaving Tottenham Hotspur in July. Miami faces MLS roster restrictions that may delay his debut until the 2026 season.
Alba’s club career is defined by his 11 years at Barcelona, where he won six LaLiga titles, one UEFA Champions League, and produced 37 goals and 107 assists in 605 appearances across all competitions. Internationally, he won the 2012 UEFA European Championship and the 2023 UEFA Nations League with Spain.
His retirement marks the end of a career that bridged eras at Barcelona and saw him play a central role in both club and country’s greatest triumphs.
MADRID (BN24) — Four construction workers were missing after a five-story building under renovation partially collapsed in central Madrid on Tuesday, prompting a major search and rescue operation near some of the Spanish capital’s most historic landmarks.
The three men and one woman were reported missing by the construction company overseeing the project, Madrid Deputy Mayor Inma Sanz told reporters at the scene. She said the collapse involved the building’s upper floors, which fell downward, creating a massive amount of rubble. “We’re talking about a very significant amount of rubble that will take a long time to clear — not just hours, but probably several days,” Sanz said.
The incident occurred shortly after 1 p.m. on Calle de las Hileras in the Opera district, just steps from Madrid’s royal palace and opera house. Witnesses described hearing a loud crash followed by a huge cloud of dust and debris filling the street.
The partial collapse happened inside the structure, leaving its exterior facade standing but unstable. Authorities said the building, which includes a basement, was in the process of being converted into a hotel by developer Rehbilita. The company did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
Emergency services spokesperson Beatriz Martín said two people sustained minor injuries, while a third was hospitalized with a broken leg. Police and firefighters deployed drones and sniffer dogs to search for the missing workers.
Construction worker Mikhail, who was pumping concrete into the building’s lower floors at the time, said he was outside when the structure gave way. “I was the first to run, I didn’t care about anything else. I’ll save my life first and, if I can, save others later,” he told reporters.
Sanz said that the immediate priority is to locate the missing workers and ensure the safety of the teams on site. She noted that the facade remains unstable, complicating the work of firefighters, engineers, and medical personnel. Psychologists were also deployed to support affected families.
Rescue operations are expected to last for several days as crews carefully clear debris and stabilize the structure. The cause of the collapse is under investigation.
STOCKHOLM — Three scientists whose pioneering work transformed the strange world of quantum mechanics into practical tools for computing and communications won the 2025 Nobel Prize in Physics on Tuesday.
John Clarke, 83, of the University of California, Berkeley; Michel H. Devoret, 72, of Yale University and the University of California, Santa Barbara; and John M. Martinis, 67, of the University of California, Santa Barbara, were honored for their research on quantum tunneling, a phenomenon in which subatomic particles pass through seemingly impenetrable barriers.
Their research, conducted largely in the 1980s, laid the foundation for technologies that now underpin ultra-sensitive measuring devices and help drive the rapid evolution of quantum computing.
Speaking from his cellphone after the announcement, Clarke highlighted how their discoveries have already influenced everyday communications. “One of the underlying reasons that cellphones work is because of all this work,” he said. Clarke told The Associated Press he was “pleased to receive this prize” alongside his colleagues.
Martinis was still asleep when the Nobel Committee made the announcement. His wife, Jean, told AP reporters that they usually stay up to await the physics prize news but had decided rest was more important this year. Devoret could not immediately be reached for comment.
Jonathan Bagger, CEO of the American Physical Society, said the trio’s work brought the “weirdness of quantum mechanics” into the human realm, making it possible to build real-world applications from subatomic phenomena.
Quantum mechanics, a 100-year-old field, describes how particles can exist in multiple states simultaneously and “tunnel” through barriers. Richard Fitzgerald, editor-in-chief of Physics Today, noted that the laureates’ achievements bridge the gap between the invisible quantum world and technologies that people can use.
Mark Pearce, a professor of astrophysics and member of the Nobel Physics Committee, said their discoveries are essential for the development of quantum computers, quantum sensors, and advanced cryptography. “Quantum computers is one very sort of obvious use,” Pearce said, adding that the technology can also enable extremely sensitive measurements of magnetic fields and secure communications.
While Clarke acknowledged the research is “in some ways the basis of quantum computing,” he noted that its exact role in today’s rapidly advancing quantum landscape is still unfolding. Bagger and Fitzgerald said the impact on cellphones is often overstated but confirmed that the work makes technologies such as MRI scans far more sensitive and useful.
“Quantum mechanics is everywhere in everything we do, from the cellphone to the satellite communications that are connected to the cellphones to the screens on which we watch our videos on our cellphones,” Bagger said.
Olle Eriksson, chair of the Nobel Committee for Physics, praised the laureates for demonstrating how century-old quantum mechanics continues to offer “new surprises” while underpinning all modern digital technology.
Clarke said he was stunned to receive the call, describing it as “the surprise of my life.” His daughter was the first to congratulate him early in the morning. “It had never occurred to me, ever, that I would win the Nobel Prize,” Clarke said.
The Nobel Prize in Physics has been awarded 119 times. Last year, John Hopfield and Geoffrey Hinton won the award for pioneering breakthroughs in artificial intelligence. This year’s Nobel announcements continue with chemistry on Wednesday, literature on Thursday, the Peace Prize on Friday, and the economics prize on Oct. 13. The awards will be formally presented on Dec. 10, the anniversary of Alfred Nobel’s death.
Each Nobel Prize includes global prestige and a cash award of 11 million Swedish kronor (nearly $1.2 million).
A medical helicopter crashed upside-down on a Sacramento highway Monday evening, critically injuring three crew members including a woman pinned underneath the aircraft who was rescued after approximately 15 motorists and firefighters lifted the helicopter to free her.
The REACH Air Medical helicopter experienced an “in-air emergency” just after 7 p.m. while returning from a hospital where it had transported a patient, according to Captain Justin Sylvia, spokesperson for the Sacramento Fire Department. The Airbus EC-130 T2 aircraft crashed in the center of Highway 50, creating a large debris field.
A pilot, nurse and paramedic were transported to hospitals in critical condition following the crash. Remarkably, no motorists on the highway were injured despite the helicopter crashing in the center of the roadway during active traffic.
“People reported that they basically saw the helicopter kind of going down quickly. So all the traffic slowed down,” Sylvia said, characterizing the lack of highway casualties as “mind blowing” given the crash location.
One injured crew member became trapped underneath the overturned helicopter, requiring an extraordinary rescue effort. A small crew from the fire department coordinated with highway motorists to physically lift the aircraft off the trapped woman.
“It took every ounce of all approximately 15 people to move that aircraft up just enough to get her out,” Sylvia said, describing the collaborative effort that enabled emergency responders to extract the victim and transport her to an ambulance.
The helicopter did not catch fire following the crash, Sylvia confirmed, potentially preventing additional casualties and enabling the ground rescue operation.
The National Transportation Safety Board and Federal Aviation Administration announced they were investigating the crash circumstances. Both agencies will examine factors including mechanical issues, weather conditions and flight operations leading to the in-air emergency.
The crash closed eastbound lanes of Highway 50 for several hours while emergency crews worked the scene and investigators documented evidence. Officer Mike Carrillo, spokesperson for the Valley Division of California Highway Patrol, confirmed the lanes have since reopened to traffic.
REACH Air Medical acknowledged the incident in a statement expressing concern for those impacted. “We are keeping all those impacted in our thoughts and prayers,” the company said. “We are in the process of determining the details of this situation, as well as the condition of the REACH crew involved, who were all taken to area hospitals.”
Images posted online showed a lengthy line of vehicles backed up on Highway 50 immediately behind the crashed helicopter, illustrating the dramatic scene that unfolded during evening commute hours.
Sacramento City Councilwoman Lisa Kaplan, who was on a ride-along with law enforcement responding to the crash, reported seeing plumes of white smoke emanating from the downed aircraft. She reflected on the risks faced by emergency medical aviation personnel.
“It’s really sombering and sobering. I am up flying with sheriff pilots that do this day in and day out,” Kaplan said. “And it really makes you grateful for every day and grateful for our officers and our medical pilots.”
The cause of the crash remains under investigation, Carrillo emphasized, with emergency crews and California Highway Patrol conducting scene documentation and preliminary assessments.
Medical helicopter crashes, while relatively rare, pose unique challenges for emergency responders due to the potential for multiple casualties including both crew and patients, as well as risks to people on the ground. The aircraft’s inverted landing position complicated rescue efforts but the absence of fire enabled the ground-based extraction.
The collaborative rescue effort between professional firefighters and civilian motorists demonstrated the extraordinary measures sometimes required in roadside emergencies. The physical demands of lifting a helicopter, even partially, required maximum effort from all participants.
REACH Air Medical operates emergency medical services across multiple states, providing critical care transport for seriously ill or injured patients requiring rapid hospital access. The company’s helicopters regularly respond to accidents, medical emergencies and inter-facility transfers.
The Monday evening crash occurred during the helicopter’s return flight after completing a patient transport mission, meaning no patient was aboard during the emergency. The three crew members injured represent the typical staffing complement for medical helicopter operations.
Federal investigators will likely examine multiple factors including maintenance records, pilot experience and training, weather conditions, mechanical systems and operational protocols. The NTSB typically takes months to complete comprehensive investigations and issue findings regarding probable cause.
The Highway 50 location where the crash occurred sees heavy traffic during evening hours, making the lack of motorist injuries particularly fortunate. The helicopter’s descent apparently provided sufficient warning for drivers to react and avoid the landing zone.
WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump left the door open Monday to pardoning Ghislaine Maxwell, who was convicted of helping the late financier and convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein sexually abuse teenage girls, while also revealing that Sean “Diddy” Combs has requested clemency following his recent prison sentence.
Trump indicated he would consult with the Department of Justice regarding Maxwell’s case after the U.S. Supreme Court declined to hear her bid to overturn her conviction. When asked whether he would grant Maxwell freedom through a pardon, Trump said he needed to examine the matter more closely.
“I haven’t heard the name in so long. I can say this, that I’d have to take a look at it. I would have to take a look,” Trump said. “I will speak to the DOJ.”
The president’s comments came on the same day the nation’s highest court rejected Maxwell’s appeal, leaving her conviction intact. Maxwell was found guilty of facilitating Epstein’s sexual abuse of underage girls and is currently serving her sentence.
Trump also disclosed that Combs, who was sentenced Friday to more than four years in prison following his conviction on prostitution-related charges, has formally requested a presidential pardon. “I call him ‘Puff Daddy’ has asked me for a pardon,” Trump said, using the hip-hop mogul’s former stage name.
The Epstein case has troubled Trump and his Justice Department for months, creating unusual friction with the president’s Make America Great Again political base. Supporters have been uncharacteristically critical of the administration for not releasing more information about Epstein’s crimes and alleged associates.
Trump and Epstein maintained a friendship that later ended in a falling out between the two men. Epstein died in a Manhattan jail cell in 2019 while awaiting trial on sex trafficking charges, with his death ruled a suicide.
Issuing a pardon to Maxwell would carry significant political risk for Trump. Both his supporters and Democratic opponents have demanded that the administration release files from the Justice Department’s investigation into Epstein’s criminal network and alleged co-conspirators.
The president acknowledged that many people have approached him seeking pardons but specifically mentioned Combs among those who have made formal requests for clemency. Trump did not indicate whether he was inclined to grant either Maxwell or Combs relief from their convictions.
Maxwell’s conviction stemmed from her role in recruiting and grooming young girls for sexual abuse by Epstein over multiple years. Prosecutors presented evidence that she participated directly in the abuse and helped maintain Epstein’s network of victims.
Combs was convicted on two counts of arranging for paid male escorts to travel across state lines to participate in drug-fueled sexual performances with his girlfriends while he recorded video. The jury acquitted him on more serious racketeering and sex trafficking charges that could have resulted in a life sentence.
The pardon requests come as Trump has faced pressure from various quarters regarding his use of presidential clemency powers. Critics have questioned his criteria for granting pardons, while supporters argue he should exercise more leniency toward certain categories of offenders.
Trump’s indication that he would consult with the Justice Department regarding Maxwell suggests he is not prepared to make an immediate decision on her case. Such consultation could provide political cover for whatever determination he ultimately reaches.
The president’s comments about multiple pardon requests highlight the constant stream of clemency petitions that reach the White House. Trump noted that numerous individuals have sought pardons during his administration, with Combs representing one of the more high-profile recent requests.
Maxwell’s legal team has maintained throughout her appeals that she did not receive a fair trial and that prosecutors improperly used her conviction to substitute for the criminal accountability that Epstein escaped through his death. The Supreme Court’s refusal to hear her case effectively exhausts her direct appeal options.
The political calculations surrounding a potential Maxwell pardon are complex. Trump’s base has expressed frustration with what they perceive as incomplete disclosure about Epstein’s network, while simultaneously many would likely oppose clemency for Maxwell given the serious nature of her crimes involving minors.
Democratic opponents have consistently demanded transparency regarding the Epstein investigation and would likely view any pardon for Maxwell as evidence of improper influence or an attempt to prevent further revelations about Epstein’s associates.
Trump’s statement that he has not heard Maxwell’s name “in so long” suggests the case has not been at the forefront of White House discussions, though it remains a subject of intense public interest given Epstein’s connections to numerous powerful figures.
The president did not provide a timeline for his consultation with the Justice Department regarding Maxwell or indicate what factors would influence his final decision on her pardon request, if one has been formally submitted.
PARIS (BN24) — France plunged deeper into political turmoil Monday after Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu resigned less than a month into his tenure, marking the latest twist in a period of sustained governmental instability under President Emmanuel Macron.
Lecornu, who took office only 26 days ago following the collapse of François Bayrou’s government, stepped down amid mounting pressure and parliamentary hostility. The move leaves the country once again without a head of government and adds to the growing uncertainty over how Macron plans to govern with a deeply fragmented National Assembly.
The 38-year-old former armed forces minister had just unveiled his cabinet over the weekend, a lineup that closely resembled that of his predecessor. But the continuity failed to win over lawmakers. Parties across the political spectrum quickly condemned the appointments and signaled their intent to reject Lecornu’s government in a looming confidence vote.
In a brief address outside the Hôtel de Matignon, Lecornu criticized the entrenched partisanship that he said paralyzed any attempt at compromise.
“All parties are behaving as if they had an absolute majority,” he said. “It wouldn’t take much for this to work, but that would require humility and the willingness to cast some egos aside.”
President Macron has not commented publicly on the resignation, and the Élysée Palace offered no immediate signal of his next move. With no clear path forward, speculation swirls around three options: appointing a new prime minister, dissolving the National Assembly to call new elections, or resigning, though the latter remains highly unlikely.
Lecornu, seen by many as Macron’s most loyal lieutenant, was widely viewed as a last resort in a rapidly shrinking pool of viable leaders. His departure underscores the depth of the crisis now gripping France’s executive and legislative branches.
Macron’s troubles began in earnest after his centrist coalition failed to secure a majority in July 2024’s snap parliamentary elections, called in the wake of a bruising defeat in the European Parliament vote. The result left the National Assembly fractured among ideologically rigid blocs unwilling to form coalitions.
Since then, successive governments have collapsed under the weight of political deadlock and fiscal strain. Michel Barnier was ousted in a no-confidence vote just three months after being named prime minister. His successor, François Bayrou, lasted nine months before his austerity budget proposing €44 billion in spending cuts was rejected by lawmakers.
France’s economic pressures continue to mount. The country’s budget deficit reached 5.8% of GDP in 2024, and public debt now stands at 114% of GDP, one of the highest ratios in the eurozone, behind only Greece and Italy. That amounts to nearly €50,000 per French citizen.
The political instability rattled financial markets on Monday. Paris stock exchange indices dropped sharply following news of Lecornu’s resignation.
Calls for new legislative elections are growing louder. Marine Le Pen, leader of the far-right National Rally (RN), described the current situation as untenable.
“The joke’s gone on long enough,” Le Pen said. “The French people are fed up. Macron has put the country in an extremely difficult position. The only wise thing to do now is to hold elections.”
Yet elections could deliver further blows to Macron’s already weakened centrist alliance, potentially handing major gains to Le Pen’s RN or the hard-left.
With his authority diminished and options narrowing, Macron faces one of the most perilous moments of his presidency. The next steps may determine whether France can emerge from its legislative deadlock or sink further into dysfunction.
LONDON (BN24) — Dame Jilly Cooper, the beloved British novelist whose sharp wit and racy romances made her one of the country’s most enduring literary icons, has died suddenly at the age of 87.
Her death on Sunday followed a fall, her children Felix and Emily confirmed, calling it a “complete shock” and remembering her as the “shining light” of their lives.
Cooper, often dubbed the “Queen of the bonkbuster,” became a household name with her bestselling Rutshire Chronicles series, beginning with Riders in 1985. Her novels, known for their glamorous settings, scandalous affairs, and sparkling humour, sold over 12 million copies and reshaped the modern romance genre in Britain.
Queen Camilla led a wave of tributes from across the worlds of literature, media, and royalty, calling Cooper “a legend” and “a wonderfully witty and compassionate friend.”
“She created a whole new genre of literature and made it her own through a career that spanned over five decades,” the Queen said. “Very few writers become legends in their lifetime, but Jilly was one.”
Long linked to British high society, Cooper’s characters, especially the charismatic and roguish Rupert Campbell-Black, became iconic. Campbell-Black was long rumoured to be inspired by Andrew Parker Bowles, Camilla’s first husband and a longtime friend of Cooper’s.
Born in 1937, Jilly Cooper’s rise to fame was anything but immediate. After being dismissed from 22 PR jobs, she found her breakthrough at 48 with Riders, a racy, riotous look at England’s polo-playing elite. The novel launched a franchise that included Rivals, Polo, The Man Who Made Husbands Jealous, and Jump!, all known for their mix of biting social satire and unapologetic romantic drama.
Author and broadcaster Gyles Brandreth called her “simply adorable,” describing her as “brilliant, beautiful, funny, sexy, the best company, the most generous and kind-hearted friend.”
Actress Victoria Smurfit, who starred in the 2008 TV adaptation of Rivals, remembered Cooper as a “divine queen,” while her literary agent Felicity Blunt praised her as “sharply observant and utter fun.”
Though known for writing about love and scandal, Cooper’s own life was one of resilience. She was married to military publisher Leo Cooper for more than 50 years until he died in 2013. The couple adopted two children and weathered personal trials, including Leo’s public infidelity in the 1990s and his later battle with Parkinson’s disease.
Despite the challenges, Cooper remained fiercely devoted to her husband and continued writing well into her 80s, partly, she once said, to help cover his medical care.
In August, just weeks before her death, she hosted a lively party at her Gloucestershire home for cast members of a new TV adaptation of Rivals, joined by old friends including the ever-colorful Parker Bowles.
Her family’s statement on Monday echoed the affection felt for her across Britain:
“Mum was the shining light in all of our lives. Her love for her family and friends knew no bounds. Her unexpected death has come as a complete shock. We are so proud of everything she achieved and can’t imagine life without her laughter and warmth.”
Cooper received her damehood in 2017 for services to literature and charity.
In her tribute, Queen Camilla offered a final, whimsical farewell: “May her hereafter be filled with impossibly handsome men and devoted dogs.”
Dame Jilly Cooper leaves behind a literary legacy filled with passion, satire, and a deep affection for life’s messy complexities, stories that brought joy to generations of readers, and a genre she made all her own.
