SALT LAKE CITY (FNN) — Former U.S. Representative Mia Love, a trailblazing Republican and the first Black Republican woman elected to Congress, passed away Sunday at the age of 49 following a battle with brain cancer.

Her family confirmed the news on her official X account, stating that she passed away peacefully at her home in Saratoga Springs, Utah.

Family’s Statement & Public Reactions

“With grateful hearts filled to overflowing for the profound influence of Mia on our lives, we want you to know that she passed away peacefully,” the statement read. “We are thankful for the many good wishes, prayers, and condolences.”

Utah Governor Spencer Cox expressed his condolences, referring to Love as a “true friend” whose legacy of service inspired all who knew her.

Her Political Legacy

Love, the daughter of Haitian immigrants, made history in 2014 when she won Utah’s 4th Congressional District seat, making her the first Black Republican woman elected to the U.S. House of Representatives.

She first entered politics in 2003, winning a seat on the city council in Saratoga Springs before becoming the city’s mayor. Her rise in the Republican Party was marked by her conservative views, strong stance on fiscal responsibility, and emphasis on self-reliance.

Battle with Brain Cancer

Earlier this year, Love had been undergoing treatment for brain cancer at Duke University’s Brain Tumor Center, receiving immunotherapy as part of a clinical trial. However, earlier this month, her daughter revealed that she was no longer responding to treatment.

What’s Next?

• Utah leaders are expected to hold a public tribute to honor Mia Love’s legacy.

• Congressional colleagues and former political opponents are offering tributes, recognizing her impact on politics and her community.

• Arrangements for memorial services will be announced soon.

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J Willie David, III
Florida National News and FNN News Network
News@FloridaNational News.com

WASHINGTON (FNN) — UFC superstar Conor McGregor strongly criticized the Irish government’s handling of illegal immigration during a press conference at the White House on Monday. His comments came ahead of a St. Patrick’s Day meeting between Ireland’s Prime Minister and U.S. President Donald Trump.

Speaking from the White House briefing room, the 36-year-old former mixed martial arts champion accused Ireland’s leaders of neglecting public concerns about immigration.

“The Irish government has abandoned the voices of the Irish people,” McGregor declared. “Rural towns in Ireland are being overrun by immigrants.”

McGregor warned that the country’s cultural identity was at risk, adding:

“Ireland is at the cusp of potentially losing its Irishness.”

His remarks drew swift backlash from Ireland’s Prime Minister, who condemned the comments as divisive and harmful.

McGregor’s outspoken stance on immigration has ignited public debate, with supporters praising his defense of Irish culture and critics accusing him of spreading inflammatory rhetoric.

WASHINGTON (FNN) – Tensions escalated between The Associated Press (AP) and Trump’s White House Tuesday during a heated exchange between White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt and AP reporter Josh Boak.

During the briefing, Mr. Boak questioned President Trump’s economic policies, claiming his proposed tariffs amounted to tax hikes on Americans. However, Ms. Leavitt pushed back on that assertion.

“He’s actually not implementing tax hikes. Tariffs are a tax hike on foreign countries that, again, have been ripping us off. Tariffs are a tax cut for the American people,” Ms. Leavitt said firmly.

She further defended President Trump’s economic agenda, emphasizing his commitment to eliminating:

• Taxes on tips
• Taxes on overtime
• Taxes on Social Security benefits

“He is committed to all three of those things, and he expects Congress to pass them later,” she added.

Mr. Boak pressed further, asking, “Have you ever paid a tariff? Because I have. They don’t get charged on companies; they get charged on the imports.”

In response, Ms. Leavitt countered, “And ultimately, when we have fair and balanced trade, which the American people have not seen in decades, revenues will stay here, wages will go up, and our country will be made wealthy again.”

The confrontation revealed the ongoing rift between the White House and the AP, particularly after the AP was barred from some press events for refusing to adopt the White House’s requested terminology of renaming the Gulf of Mexico to the ‘Gulf of America’ in its widely used AP Stylebook.

Despite this strained relationship, Ms. Leavitt still called on the wire service during Tuesday’s press briefing, which led to the fiery exchange.

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What’s Next for AP?

The AP has yet to respond to the White House’s renewed pressure on terminology changes. Media analysts predict the standoff could intensify as the administration continues its push to redefine traditional media language.

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J Willie David, III
Florida National News and FNN News Network
News@FloridaNationalNews.com