Vice President Kamala Harris has picked Gov. Tim Walz (D-MN) to be her running mate for the 2024 presidential election. Upon announcing her campaign, Walz quickly endorsed Harris, keeping vice presidential buzz to a minimum while many of his Midwestern colleagues nudged his name into the fold. He became a favorite, alongside Gov. Josh Shapiro (D-PA), in the final days before her decision became public.

Betty McCollum and Keith Ellison, a Minnesota representative and the state’s attorney general, respectively, have been his most vocal supporters.

“I know Tim Walz, and he’s a great Midwesterner, through and through,” Ellison said. “He’s extremely well positioned.”

But who exactly is Tim Walz?

Age

Tim Walz was born on April 6, 1964. He is 60 years old.

Hometown

Walz was born in West Point, Nebraska, but spent most of his childhood in Chadron, a rural town bordering South Dakota.

Education

He attended Butte High School, graduating with a very small class of 25. Walz later graduated from Chadron State College with a degree in social science education, then received a master’s in educational leadership from Minnesota State University, Mankato, in 2001.

Career

Born in rural West Point, Nebraska, Walz began his life with the hope of making a difference as a school teacher. His first teaching position was at South Dakota’s Pine Ridge Indian Reservation, and he later went on to teach in China with the organization WorldTeach.

For 24 years, Walz served as a noncommissioned officer in the United States National Reserve. During his time in the service, Walz was often assigned to disaster response, rescuing people from danger and rebuilding communities destroyed by tornadoes, floods, and other natural disasters. In 1989, Walz received the Nebraska Citizen-Soldier of the Year distinction and retired as a master sergeant in 2005. A civilian once again, Walz returned to teaching at Mankato West High School.

In 2006, Walz ran for a seat in the U.S. House of Representatives for Minnesota’s 1st Congressional District. Defeating Republican incumbent Gil Gutknecht, Walz went on to serve six consecutive terms until 2016, serving on the House Agriculture Committee and the Committee on Veterans Affairs.

In 2018, Walz became the governor of Minnesota, winning reelection in 2022 as well. In office during the death of George Floyd and its subsequent protests, Walz signed multiple police reform bills into law and condemned Derek Chauvin, the police officer charged with Floyd’s murder. Walz also legalized recreational marijuana in 2023 after years of advocating the decriminalization of cannabis.

Family

Tim Walz married Gwen Whipple in 1994. They lived in Mankato, Minnesota, for 20 years before moving to St. Paul when Walz became governor. They have two children.

Major policy initiatives

As a public school teacher for 20 years, much of Walz’s time in Washington and as governor has been spent bolstering the education system. As governor he has passed a $2.3 billion education budget, the largest in Minnesota’s history. Walz has also passed various laws that ensure students are able to receive free breakfast and lunch at school.

He has been endorsed by the National Education Association and the American Association of University Women, among others. He believes in lowering tuition costs and has opposed merit-based pay for teachers.

His other main focus has been on veterans affairs and advocating active-duty military personnel. Walz has pursued the goal of ending veteran homelessness in Minnesota as well as bolstering veteran bonuses and veteran homes.

“By expanding service bonuses, investing in veterans homes and the health of our service members, and moving Minnesota closer to ending veterans homelessness, this bill will improve the lives of veterans and service members across the state,” Walz said in a press release.

He has also invested in the Minnesota National Guard, and in 2008, he supported a G.I. Bill designed to bolster veterans’ education benefits and even provide tuition assistance to family members.

During his tenure in Congress and as governor, Walz has supported women’s reproductive health and the right to an abortion, voting along Democratic Party lines. Planned Parenthood has given him a 100% rating, while the National Life Committee has given him a rating of 0%.

Walz has also been a vehement supporter of LGBT rights for years and called for the end of the military’s “Don’t ask, don’t tell” policy and support for the Respect for Marriage Act. While in office, he has also flip-flopped on his position on gun rights. Beginning as a staunch supporter of the Second Amendment, he received multiple endorsements from the National Rifle Association while in Congress. After the 2018 Parkland High School shooting, Walz denounced the NRA and claimed he would donate the $18,000 they contributed to his campaigns to the Intrepid Fallen Heroes Fund.

Comments on vice presidency

Walz told reporters in July that he would “be there to do anything [he] can do to help” but mostly dodged the questions about becoming Harris’s running mate. When asked if his name was part of the conversation, he again claimed not to have any information.

CLICK HERE TO READ MORE FROM THE WASHINGTON EXAMINER

“I do not know that,” he said. “I spoke to the vice president on Sunday, shortly after the announcement by President Biden, and she just made it clear that she wants to earn the endorsement.”

“I don’t think you turn down a job that you haven’t been offered,” he continued. “But I have the best job in the world in being the governor of Minnesota.”

2024-08-06 13:05:00, http://s.wordpress.com/mshots/v1/https%3A%2F%2Fwww.washingtonexaminer.com%2Fnews%2Fcampaigns%2F3094754%2Fwho-is-tim-walz-harris-vice-president%2F?w=600&h=450, Vice President Kamala Harris has picked Gov. Tim Walz (D-MN) to be her running mate for the 2024 presidential election. Upon announcing her campaign, Walz quickly endorsed Harris, keeping vice presidential buzz to a minimum while many of his Midwestern colleagues nudged his name into the fold. He became a favorite, alongside Gov. Josh Shapiro,

Vice President Kamala Harris has picked Gov. Tim Walz (D-MN) to be her running mate for the 2024 presidential election. Upon announcing her campaign, Walz quickly endorsed Harris, keeping vice presidential buzz to a minimum while many of his Midwestern colleagues nudged his name into the fold. He became a favorite, alongside Gov. Josh Shapiro (D-PA), in the final days before her decision became public.

Betty McCollum and Keith Ellison, a Minnesota representative and the state’s attorney general, respectively, have been his most vocal supporters.

“I know Tim Walz, and he’s a great Midwesterner, through and through,” Ellison said. “He’s extremely well positioned.”

But who exactly is Tim Walz?

Age

Tim Walz was born on April 6, 1964. He is 60 years old.

Hometown

Walz was born in West Point, Nebraska, but spent most of his childhood in Chadron, a rural town bordering South Dakota.

Education

He attended Butte High School, graduating with a very small class of 25. Walz later graduated from Chadron State College with a degree in social science education, then received a master’s in educational leadership from Minnesota State University, Mankato, in 2001.

Career

Born in rural West Point, Nebraska, Walz began his life with the hope of making a difference as a school teacher. His first teaching position was at South Dakota’s Pine Ridge Indian Reservation, and he later went on to teach in China with the organization WorldTeach.

For 24 years, Walz served as a noncommissioned officer in the United States National Reserve. During his time in the service, Walz was often assigned to disaster response, rescuing people from danger and rebuilding communities destroyed by tornadoes, floods, and other natural disasters. In 1989, Walz received the Nebraska Citizen-Soldier of the Year distinction and retired as a master sergeant in 2005. A civilian once again, Walz returned to teaching at Mankato West High School.

In 2006, Walz ran for a seat in the U.S. House of Representatives for Minnesota’s 1st Congressional District. Defeating Republican incumbent Gil Gutknecht, Walz went on to serve six consecutive terms until 2016, serving on the House Agriculture Committee and the Committee on Veterans Affairs.

In 2018, Walz became the governor of Minnesota, winning reelection in 2022 as well. In office during the death of George Floyd and its subsequent protests, Walz signed multiple police reform bills into law and condemned Derek Chauvin, the police officer charged with Floyd’s murder. Walz also legalized recreational marijuana in 2023 after years of advocating the decriminalization of cannabis.

Family

Tim Walz married Gwen Whipple in 1994. They lived in Mankato, Minnesota, for 20 years before moving to St. Paul when Walz became governor. They have two children.

Major policy initiatives

As a public school teacher for 20 years, much of Walz’s time in Washington and as governor has been spent bolstering the education system. As governor he has passed a $2.3 billion education budget, the largest in Minnesota’s history. Walz has also passed various laws that ensure students are able to receive free breakfast and lunch at school.

He has been endorsed by the National Education Association and the American Association of University Women, among others. He believes in lowering tuition costs and has opposed merit-based pay for teachers.

His other main focus has been on veterans affairs and advocating active-duty military personnel. Walz has pursued the goal of ending veteran homelessness in Minnesota as well as bolstering veteran bonuses and veteran homes.

“By expanding service bonuses, investing in veterans homes and the health of our service members, and moving Minnesota closer to ending veterans homelessness, this bill will improve the lives of veterans and service members across the state,” Walz said in a press release.

He has also invested in the Minnesota National Guard, and in 2008, he supported a G.I. Bill designed to bolster veterans’ education benefits and even provide tuition assistance to family members.

During his tenure in Congress and as governor, Walz has supported women’s reproductive health and the right to an abortion, voting along Democratic Party lines. Planned Parenthood has given him a 100% rating, while the National Life Committee has given him a rating of 0%.

Walz has also been a vehement supporter of LGBT rights for years and called for the end of the military’s “Don’t ask, don’t tell” policy and support for the Respect for Marriage Act. While in office, he has also flip-flopped on his position on gun rights. Beginning as a staunch supporter of the Second Amendment, he received multiple endorsements from the National Rifle Association while in Congress. After the 2018 Parkland High School shooting, Walz denounced the NRA and claimed he would donate the $18,000 they contributed to his campaigns to the Intrepid Fallen Heroes Fund.

Comments on vice presidency

Walz told reporters in July that he would “be there to do anything [he] can do to help” but mostly dodged the questions about becoming Harris’s running mate. When asked if his name was part of the conversation, he again claimed not to have any information.

CLICK HERE TO READ MORE FROM THE WASHINGTON EXAMINER

“I do not know that,” he said. “I spoke to the vice president on Sunday, shortly after the announcement by President Biden, and she just made it clear that she wants to earn the endorsement.”

“I don’t think you turn down a job that you haven’t been offered,” he continued. “But I have the best job in the world in being the governor of Minnesota.”

, Vice President Kamala Harris has picked Gov. Tim Walz (D-MN) to be her running mate for the 2024 presidential election. Upon announcing her campaign, Walz quickly endorsed Harris, keeping vice presidential buzz to a minimum while many of his Midwestern colleagues nudged his name into the fold. He became a favorite, alongside Gov. Josh Shapiro (D-PA), in the final days before her decision became public. Betty McCollum and Keith Ellison, a Minnesota representative and the state’s attorney general, respectively, have been his most vocal supporters. “I know Tim Walz, and he’s a great Midwesterner, through and through,” Ellison said. “He’s extremely well positioned.” But who exactly is Tim Walz? Gov. Tim Walz (D-MN) speaks to reporters after meeting with President Joe Biden, Wednesday, July 3, 2024, at the White House in Washington. (AP Photo/Susan Walsh) Age Tim Walz was born on April 6, 1964. He is 60 years old. Hometown Walz was born in West Point, Nebraska, but spent most of his childhood in Chadron, a rural town bordering South Dakota. Education He attended Butte High School, graduating with a very small class of 25. Walz later graduated from Chadron State College with a degree in social science education, then received a master’s in educational leadership from Minnesota State University, Mankato, in 2001. Career Born in rural West Point, Nebraska, Walz began his life with the hope of making a difference as a school teacher. His first teaching position was at South Dakota’s Pine Ridge Indian Reservation, and he later went on to teach in China with the organization WorldTeach. For 24 years, Walz served as a noncommissioned officer in the United States National Reserve. During his time in the service, Walz was often assigned to disaster response, rescuing people from danger and rebuilding communities destroyed by tornadoes, floods, and other natural disasters. In 1989, Walz received the Nebraska Citizen-Soldier of the Year distinction and retired as a master sergeant in 2005. A civilian once again, Walz returned to teaching at Mankato West High School. In 2006, Walz ran for a seat in the U.S. House of Representatives for Minnesota’s 1st Congressional District. Defeating Republican incumbent Gil Gutknecht, Walz went on to serve six consecutive terms until 2016, serving on the House Agriculture Committee and the Committee on Veterans Affairs. In 2018, Walz became the governor of Minnesota, winning reelection in 2022 as well. In office during the death of George Floyd and its subsequent protests, Walz signed multiple police reform bills into law and condemned Derek Chauvin, the police officer charged with Floyd’s murder. Walz also legalized recreational marijuana in 2023 after years of advocating the decriminalization of cannabis. Family Tim Walz married Gwen Whipple in 1994. They lived in Mankato, Minnesota, for 20 years before moving to St. Paul when Walz became governor. They have two children. Major policy initiatives As a public school teacher for 20 years, much of Walz’s time in Washington and as governor has been spent bolstering the education system. As governor he has passed a $2.3 billion education budget, the largest in Minnesota’s history. Walz has also passed various laws that ensure students are able to receive free breakfast and lunch at school. He has been endorsed by the National Education Association and the American Association of University Women, among others. He believes in lowering tuition costs and has opposed merit-based pay for teachers. His other main focus has been on veterans affairs and advocating active-duty military personnel. Walz has pursued the goal of ending veteran homelessness in Minnesota as well as bolstering veteran bonuses and veteran homes. “By expanding service bonuses, investing in veterans homes and the health of our service members, and moving Minnesota closer to ending veterans homelessness, this bill will improve the lives of veterans and service members across the state,” Walz said in a press release. He has also invested in the Minnesota National Guard, and in 2008, he supported a G.I. Bill designed to bolster veterans’ education benefits and even provide tuition assistance to family members. During his tenure in Congress and as governor, Walz has supported women’s reproductive health and the right to an abortion, voting along Democratic Party lines. Planned Parenthood has given him a 100% rating, while the National Life Committee has given him a rating of 0%. Walz has also been a vehement supporter of LGBT rights for years and called for the end of the military’s “Don’t ask, don’t tell” policy and support for the Respect for Marriage Act. While in office, he has also flip-flopped on his position on gun rights. Beginning as a staunch supporter of the Second Amendment, he received multiple endorsements from the National Rifle Association while in Congress. After the 2018 Parkland High School shooting, Walz denounced the NRA and claimed he would donate the $18,000 they contributed to his campaigns to the Intrepid Fallen Heroes Fund. Comments on vice presidency Walz told reporters in July that he would “be there to do anything [he] can do to help” but mostly dodged the questions about becoming Harris’s running mate. When asked if his name was part of the conversation, he again claimed not to have any information. CLICK HERE TO READ MORE FROM THE WASHINGTON EXAMINER “I do not know that,” he said. “I spoke to the vice president on Sunday, shortly after the announcement by President Biden, and she just made it clear that she wants to earn the endorsement.” “I don’t think you turn down a job that you haven’t been offered,” he continued. “But I have the best job in the world in being the governor of Minnesota.”, , , https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/tim-walz.webp, Washington Examiner, Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/cropped-favicon-32×32.png, https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/feed/, Peter McHugh,

Pete Buttigieg, secretary of transportation and former mayor of South Bend, Indiana, has returned to the public spotlight as a possible running mate for Vice President Kamala Harris, the presumptive Democratic nominee.

A candidate for president in 2020, Buttigieg is a Rhodes scholar and the first openly gay man in a presidential Cabinet position. Among the swirling rumors about his role in 2024, Buttigieg has revealed he is open to joining Harris on the Democratic ticket but “is not in that mode right now.”

Age

Buttigieg was born on Jan. 19, 1982. He is 42 years old, making him the youngest member of Biden’s Cabinet and the youngest person to ever serve as transportation secretary.

Hometown

Buttigieg was born in South Bend, Indiana, the fourth largest city in the state. It sits just south of the Michigan border and once boomed in manufacturing and population in the mid-1900s due to the Studebaker automobile plant. Once the plant closed and manufacturing started to wane in the second half of the 20th century, the number of residents dwindled, and so did jobs. When Buttigieg later became mayor, he was praised for his ability to return some of the city’s vibrancy: Rebuilding downtown and employment and enticing tech companies to settle in the area.

Education

As valedictorian of his high school class, Buttigieg received a number of accolades, including first prize for a “Profiles in Courage” essay on Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-VT) from the John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum. He attended Harvard University and graduated magna cum laude, double majoring in history and literature. Buttigieg then attended the University of Oxford on a Rhodes scholarship, receiving a Bachelor of Arts from Pembroke College, Oxford, and first-class honors.

Career

After college, Buttigieg helped multiple politicians on their roads to public office, including John Kerry during his failed 2004 presidential campaign and John Donnelly during his bid for Congress.

He later became a consultant for McKinsey & Company, balancing high-level clients in the energy and retail sectors. Buttigieg remained with the management group for three years before returning to politics, focusing on a campaign for Indiana state treasurer that was unsuccessful.

In 2009, Buttigieg joined the U.S. Naval Reserves as an ensign in Naval Intelligence. In 2014, he was deployed to Afghanistan for seven months, requiring him to take a leave of absence from his mayoral duties. He was awarded the Joint Service Commendation medal and worked in the Afghan Threat Finance Cell, a counterterrorism unit focused on taking down Taliban financiers.

At 29 years old, Buttigieg became the second youngest mayor of his hometown of South Bend, Indiana. In office during 2015’s controversial Senate Bill 101, originally allowing LGBT discrimination on religious grounds, Buttigieg pushed back against the bill and came out as gay, propelling him into a second term as mayor.

As the 2020 election approached, Buttigieg found himself in a more prominent place within the public spotlight, with many Democratic leaders praising him as an up-and-coming face for their party. In 2029, he joined the presidential race with slim chances of winning.

Despite the odds, he won the majority at the 2020 Iowa Caucus with 14 delegates and then went on to finish second in the New Hampshire primary behind Sanders. He even faced off against Vice President Kamala Harris early on, with her eventually dropping out before the primaries. As the race continued, his prospects dwindled, and in March 2020, he dropped out and endorsed President Joe Biden.

When Biden took office, Buttigieg was chosen as transportation secretary. Instituting tough reviews of Trump-era policies, he also became a leader in the Biden Supply Chain Task Force. The coalition attempted to soothe global supply chain disruptions that blocked people in the United States from receiving household goods in 2021.

As transportation secretary, he has prioritized and made major steps in the Gateway Rail Tunnel Project between the stations in Newark, New Jersey, and New York City, an initiative largely neglected by the Trump administration. He promoted two consequential bills, the American Jobs Plan which sought to create millions of new jobs and improve unions, and Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act which gave discretionary grants to the Department of Transportation adding up $210 billion. When the latter was passed, Business Insider remarked on the newborn spending power of the DOT, calling Buttigieg “the most powerful transportation secretary ever.”

Family

In 2018, Buttigieg married his husband, Chasten Glezman, in South Bend’s Cathedral of St. James. In 2021, the couple adopted two newborn fraternal twins, leading to Buttigieg taking a parental leave from his duties as transportation secretary.

Religion

Buttigieg was baptized in the Catholic Church and attended a Catholic high school. He often speaks about his relationship with Christianity and the deep effects it had on his life. While at Oxford, he started attending Anglican Services and has since become Episcopalian.

Books

Buttigieg is the author of two books, published around the time of his bid for the presidency. Shortest Way Home: One Mayor’s Challenge and a Model for America’s Future was published in 2019, and Trust: America’s Best Chance in 2020. 

Major Policy Initiatives

Buttigieg was chosen as transportation secretary largely because of his commitment to the environment. During his nomination, Biden hoped Buttigieg would “deal with the existential threat of climate change with real jobs” and “build more climate-resistant communities to deal with more extreme floods, droughts, and superstorms.”

As transportation secretary, he has invested heavily in mass transit, especially the prospect of high-speed rails, as well as reinstating former President Barack Obama’s automobile fuel-economy standards.

As a presidential candidate, Buttigieg pledged he would recommit to the Paris Climate Agreement if elected. He also supported the Green New Deal, a proposal from House Democrats that mimics the New Deal of former President Franklin D. Roosevelt but with a deeper emphasis on renewable energy.

CLICK HERE TO READ MORE FROM THE WASHINGTON EXAMINER

An abortion rights and LGBT community advocate, Buttigieg has also taken a firm stance against “systemic racism” with a 2019 proposal that would grant billions to black colleges and entrepreneurs, greatly reducing the federal prison population, legalizing marijuana, and expunging a slew of drug convictions.

He is a supporter of the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals Program and has been highly critical of former President Donald Trump’s strict immigration policies. Buttigieg has also pledged his support for Medicare For All, pushing against Republican efforts to repeal and replace the Affordable Care Act.

2024-07-26 10:00:00, http://s.wordpress.com/mshots/v1/https%3A%2F%2Fwww.washingtonexaminer.com%2Fnews%2Fcampaigns%2F3095868%2Fwho-is-pete-buttigieg-meet-one-of-six-top-names-on-harris-vp-short-list%2F?w=600&h=450, Pete Buttigieg, secretary of transportation and former mayor of South Bend, Indiana, has returned to the public spotlight as a possible running mate for Vice President Kamala Harris, the presumptive Democratic nominee. A candidate for president in 2020, Buttigieg is a Rhodes scholar and the first openly gay man in a presidential Cabinet position. Among,

Pete Buttigieg, secretary of transportation and former mayor of South Bend, Indiana, has returned to the public spotlight as a possible running mate for Vice President Kamala Harris, the presumptive Democratic nominee.

A candidate for president in 2020, Buttigieg is a Rhodes scholar and the first openly gay man in a presidential Cabinet position. Among the swirling rumors about his role in 2024, Buttigieg has revealed he is open to joining Harris on the Democratic ticket but “is not in that mode right now.”

Age

Buttigieg was born on Jan. 19, 1982. He is 42 years old, making him the youngest member of Biden’s Cabinet and the youngest person to ever serve as transportation secretary.

Hometown

Buttigieg was born in South Bend, Indiana, the fourth largest city in the state. It sits just south of the Michigan border and once boomed in manufacturing and population in the mid-1900s due to the Studebaker automobile plant. Once the plant closed and manufacturing started to wane in the second half of the 20th century, the number of residents dwindled, and so did jobs. When Buttigieg later became mayor, he was praised for his ability to return some of the city’s vibrancy: Rebuilding downtown and employment and enticing tech companies to settle in the area.

Education

As valedictorian of his high school class, Buttigieg received a number of accolades, including first prize for a “Profiles in Courage” essay on Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-VT) from the John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum. He attended Harvard University and graduated magna cum laude, double majoring in history and literature. Buttigieg then attended the University of Oxford on a Rhodes scholarship, receiving a Bachelor of Arts from Pembroke College, Oxford, and first-class honors.

Career

After college, Buttigieg helped multiple politicians on their roads to public office, including John Kerry during his failed 2004 presidential campaign and John Donnelly during his bid for Congress.

He later became a consultant for McKinsey & Company, balancing high-level clients in the energy and retail sectors. Buttigieg remained with the management group for three years before returning to politics, focusing on a campaign for Indiana state treasurer that was unsuccessful.

In 2009, Buttigieg joined the U.S. Naval Reserves as an ensign in Naval Intelligence. In 2014, he was deployed to Afghanistan for seven months, requiring him to take a leave of absence from his mayoral duties. He was awarded the Joint Service Commendation medal and worked in the Afghan Threat Finance Cell, a counterterrorism unit focused on taking down Taliban financiers.

At 29 years old, Buttigieg became the second youngest mayor of his hometown of South Bend, Indiana. In office during 2015’s controversial Senate Bill 101, originally allowing LGBT discrimination on religious grounds, Buttigieg pushed back against the bill and came out as gay, propelling him into a second term as mayor.

As the 2020 election approached, Buttigieg found himself in a more prominent place within the public spotlight, with many Democratic leaders praising him as an up-and-coming face for their party. In 2029, he joined the presidential race with slim chances of winning.

Despite the odds, he won the majority at the 2020 Iowa Caucus with 14 delegates and then went on to finish second in the New Hampshire primary behind Sanders. He even faced off against Vice President Kamala Harris early on, with her eventually dropping out before the primaries. As the race continued, his prospects dwindled, and in March 2020, he dropped out and endorsed President Joe Biden.

When Biden took office, Buttigieg was chosen as transportation secretary. Instituting tough reviews of Trump-era policies, he also became a leader in the Biden Supply Chain Task Force. The coalition attempted to soothe global supply chain disruptions that blocked people in the United States from receiving household goods in 2021.

As transportation secretary, he has prioritized and made major steps in the Gateway Rail Tunnel Project between the stations in Newark, New Jersey, and New York City, an initiative largely neglected by the Trump administration. He promoted two consequential bills, the American Jobs Plan which sought to create millions of new jobs and improve unions, and Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act which gave discretionary grants to the Department of Transportation adding up $210 billion. When the latter was passed, Business Insider remarked on the newborn spending power of the DOT, calling Buttigieg “the most powerful transportation secretary ever.”

Family

In 2018, Buttigieg married his husband, Chasten Glezman, in South Bend’s Cathedral of St. James. In 2021, the couple adopted two newborn fraternal twins, leading to Buttigieg taking a parental leave from his duties as transportation secretary.

Religion

Buttigieg was baptized in the Catholic Church and attended a Catholic high school. He often speaks about his relationship with Christianity and the deep effects it had on his life. While at Oxford, he started attending Anglican Services and has since become Episcopalian.

Books

Buttigieg is the author of two books, published around the time of his bid for the presidency. Shortest Way Home: One Mayor’s Challenge and a Model for America’s Future was published in 2019, and Trust: America’s Best Chance in 2020. 

Major Policy Initiatives

Buttigieg was chosen as transportation secretary largely because of his commitment to the environment. During his nomination, Biden hoped Buttigieg would “deal with the existential threat of climate change with real jobs” and “build more climate-resistant communities to deal with more extreme floods, droughts, and superstorms.”

As transportation secretary, he has invested heavily in mass transit, especially the prospect of high-speed rails, as well as reinstating former President Barack Obama’s automobile fuel-economy standards.

As a presidential candidate, Buttigieg pledged he would recommit to the Paris Climate Agreement if elected. He also supported the Green New Deal, a proposal from House Democrats that mimics the New Deal of former President Franklin D. Roosevelt but with a deeper emphasis on renewable energy.

CLICK HERE TO READ MORE FROM THE WASHINGTON EXAMINER

An abortion rights and LGBT community advocate, Buttigieg has also taken a firm stance against “systemic racism” with a 2019 proposal that would grant billions to black colleges and entrepreneurs, greatly reducing the federal prison population, legalizing marijuana, and expunging a slew of drug convictions.

He is a supporter of the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals Program and has been highly critical of former President Donald Trump’s strict immigration policies. Buttigieg has also pledged his support for Medicare For All, pushing against Republican efforts to repeal and replace the Affordable Care Act.

, Pete Buttigieg, secretary of transportation and former mayor of South Bend, Indiana, has returned to the public spotlight as a possible running mate for Vice President Kamala Harris, the presumptive Democratic nominee. A candidate for president in 2020, Buttigieg is a Rhodes scholar and the first openly gay man in a presidential Cabinet position. Among the swirling rumors about his role in 2024, Buttigieg has revealed he is open to joining Harris on the Democratic ticket but “is not in that mode right now.” Age Buttigieg was born on Jan. 19, 1982. He is 42 years old, making him the youngest member of Biden’s Cabinet and the youngest person to ever serve as transportation secretary. Hometown Buttigieg was born in South Bend, Indiana, the fourth largest city in the state. It sits just south of the Michigan border and once boomed in manufacturing and population in the mid-1900s due to the Studebaker automobile plant. Once the plant closed and manufacturing started to wane in the second half of the 20th century, the number of residents dwindled, and so did jobs. When Buttigieg later became mayor, he was praised for his ability to return some of the city’s vibrancy: Rebuilding downtown and employment and enticing tech companies to settle in the area. Education As valedictorian of his high school class, Buttigieg received a number of accolades, including first prize for a “Profiles in Courage” essay on Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-VT) from the John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum. He attended Harvard University and graduated magna cum laude, double majoring in history and literature. Buttigieg then attended the University of Oxford on a Rhodes scholarship, receiving a Bachelor of Arts from Pembroke College, Oxford, and first-class honors. Career After college, Buttigieg helped multiple politicians on their roads to public office, including John Kerry during his failed 2004 presidential campaign and John Donnelly during his bid for Congress. He later became a consultant for McKinsey & Company, balancing high-level clients in the energy and retail sectors. Buttigieg remained with the management group for three years before returning to politics, focusing on a campaign for Indiana state treasurer that was unsuccessful. In 2009, Buttigieg joined the U.S. Naval Reserves as an ensign in Naval Intelligence. In 2014, he was deployed to Afghanistan for seven months, requiring him to take a leave of absence from his mayoral duties. He was awarded the Joint Service Commendation medal and worked in the Afghan Threat Finance Cell, a counterterrorism unit focused on taking down Taliban financiers. At 29 years old, Buttigieg became the second youngest mayor of his hometown of South Bend, Indiana. In office during 2015’s controversial Senate Bill 101, originally allowing LGBT discrimination on religious grounds, Buttigieg pushed back against the bill and came out as gay, propelling him into a second term as mayor. As the 2020 election approached, Buttigieg found himself in a more prominent place within the public spotlight, with many Democratic leaders praising him as an up-and-coming face for their party. In 2029, he joined the presidential race with slim chances of winning. Despite the odds, he won the majority at the 2020 Iowa Caucus with 14 delegates and then went on to finish second in the New Hampshire primary behind Sanders. He even faced off against Vice President Kamala Harris early on, with her eventually dropping out before the primaries. As the race continued, his prospects dwindled, and in March 2020, he dropped out and endorsed President Joe Biden. When Biden took office, Buttigieg was chosen as transportation secretary. Instituting tough reviews of Trump-era policies, he also became a leader in the Biden Supply Chain Task Force. The coalition attempted to soothe global supply chain disruptions that blocked people in the United States from receiving household goods in 2021. As transportation secretary, he has prioritized and made major steps in the Gateway Rail Tunnel Project between the stations in Newark, New Jersey, and New York City, an initiative largely neglected by the Trump administration. He promoted two consequential bills, the American Jobs Plan which sought to create millions of new jobs and improve unions, and Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act which gave discretionary grants to the Department of Transportation adding up $210 billion. When the latter was passed, Business Insider remarked on the newborn spending power of the DOT, calling Buttigieg “the most powerful transportation secretary ever.” Family In 2018, Buttigieg married his husband, Chasten Glezman, in South Bend’s Cathedral of St. James. In 2021, the couple adopted two newborn fraternal twins, leading to Buttigieg taking a parental leave from his duties as transportation secretary. Religion Buttigieg was baptized in the Catholic Church and attended a Catholic high school. He often speaks about his relationship with Christianity and the deep effects it had on his life. While at Oxford, he started attending Anglican Services and has since become Episcopalian. Books Buttigieg is the author of two books, published around the time of his bid for the presidency. Shortest Way Home: One Mayor’s Challenge and a Model for America’s Future was published in 2019, and Trust: America’s Best Chance in 2020.  Major Policy Initiatives Buttigieg was chosen as transportation secretary largely because of his commitment to the environment. During his nomination, Biden hoped Buttigieg would “deal with the existential threat of climate change with real jobs” and “build more climate-resistant communities to deal with more extreme floods, droughts, and superstorms.” As transportation secretary, he has invested heavily in mass transit, especially the prospect of high-speed rails, as well as reinstating former President Barack Obama’s automobile fuel-economy standards. As a presidential candidate, Buttigieg pledged he would recommit to the Paris Climate Agreement if elected. He also supported the Green New Deal, a proposal from House Democrats that mimics the New Deal of former President Franklin D. Roosevelt but with a deeper emphasis on renewable energy. CLICK HERE TO READ MORE FROM THE WASHINGTON EXAMINER An abortion rights and LGBT community advocate, Buttigieg has also taken a firm stance against “systemic racism” with a 2019 proposal that would grant billions to black colleges and entrepreneurs, greatly reducing the federal prison population, legalizing marijuana, and expunging a slew of drug convictions. He is a supporter of the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals Program and has been highly critical of former President Donald Trump’s strict immigration policies. Buttigieg has also pledged his support for Medicare For All, pushing against Republican efforts to repeal and replace the Affordable Care Act., , , https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/pete-buttigeig.webp, Washington Examiner, Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/cropped-favicon-32×32.png, https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/feed/, Peter McHugh,

A trio of Alabama universities, in compliance with state law, will dissolve their diversity, equity, and inclusion programs and move the employees to other positions.

The University of Alabama, with campuses across the state, has gutted the programs at three locations: Birmingham, Huntsville, and the main campus at Tuscaloosa. As of Oct. 1, 2024, the university system will enact these changes in compliance with the Alabama Act 2024-34.

This controversial law bans public funding for DEI programs in state agencies, public universities, and public boards of education. Hoping to limit “divisive concepts,” this bill blocks any initiatives that claim a certain “race, color, religion, sex, ethnicity, or national origin is inherently superior or inferior” or that it “is inherently racist, sexist, oppressive, whether consciously or subconsciously.”

The act further states that schools cannot sponsor events where attendance is gauged by one’s identity and requires public universities to “designate restrooms on the basis of biological sex” with the possibility of “certain penalties for violation.”

In response, the University of Alabama system plans to replace its now-condemned DEI programs with a new “Division of Opportunities, Connections and Success.” The new program is meant to support every student at the University of Alabama, including those who “face educational access and achievement challenges.”

CLICK HERE TO READ MORE FROM THE WASHINGTON EXAMINER

“Differences, including differences of opinion, shared with civility, strengthen our campus community,” University of Alabama President Stuart Bell told the Hill. “Our faculty, staff and students will continue to engage in free speech, exercise academic freedom, and join in wide-ranging thought and discussion on issues that impact our world.”

Alabama follows Florida and Texas as states that have also dissolved DEI programs at universities.

2024-07-24 20:25:00, http://s.wordpress.com/mshots/v1/https%3A%2F%2Fwww.washingtonexaminer.com%2Fpolicy%2Feducation%2F3097757%2Fthree-alabama-universities-cut-dei-programs%2F?w=600&h=450, A trio of Alabama universities, in compliance with state law, will dissolve their diversity, equity, and inclusion programs and move the employees to other positions. The University of Alabama, with campuses across the state, has gutted the programs at three locations: Birmingham, Huntsville, and the main campus at Tuscaloosa. As of Oct. 1, 2024, the,

A trio of Alabama universities, in compliance with state law, will dissolve their diversity, equity, and inclusion programs and move the employees to other positions.

The University of Alabama, with campuses across the state, has gutted the programs at three locations: Birmingham, Huntsville, and the main campus at Tuscaloosa. As of Oct. 1, 2024, the university system will enact these changes in compliance with the Alabama Act 2024-34.

This controversial law bans public funding for DEI programs in state agencies, public universities, and public boards of education. Hoping to limit “divisive concepts,” this bill blocks any initiatives that claim a certain “race, color, religion, sex, ethnicity, or national origin is inherently superior or inferior” or that it “is inherently racist, sexist, oppressive, whether consciously or subconsciously.”

The act further states that schools cannot sponsor events where attendance is gauged by one’s identity and requires public universities to “designate restrooms on the basis of biological sex” with the possibility of “certain penalties for violation.”

In response, the University of Alabama system plans to replace its now-condemned DEI programs with a new “Division of Opportunities, Connections and Success.” The new program is meant to support every student at the University of Alabama, including those who “face educational access and achievement challenges.”

CLICK HERE TO READ MORE FROM THE WASHINGTON EXAMINER

“Differences, including differences of opinion, shared with civility, strengthen our campus community,” University of Alabama President Stuart Bell told the Hill. “Our faculty, staff and students will continue to engage in free speech, exercise academic freedom, and join in wide-ranging thought and discussion on issues that impact our world.”

Alabama follows Florida and Texas as states that have also dissolved DEI programs at universities.

, A trio of Alabama universities, in compliance with state law, will dissolve their diversity, equity, and inclusion programs and move the employees to other positions. The University of Alabama, with campuses across the state, has gutted the programs at three locations: Birmingham, Huntsville, and the main campus at Tuscaloosa. As of Oct. 1, 2024, the university system will enact these changes in compliance with the Alabama Act 2024-34. This controversial law bans public funding for DEI programs in state agencies, public universities, and public boards of education. Hoping to limit “divisive concepts,” this bill blocks any initiatives that claim a certain “race, color, religion, sex, ethnicity, or national origin is inherently superior or inferior” or that it “is inherently racist, sexist, oppressive, whether consciously or subconsciously.” The University of Alabama ends its DEI program (AP Photo/Brynn Anderson) The act further states that schools cannot sponsor events where attendance is gauged by one’s identity and requires public universities to “designate restrooms on the basis of biological sex” with the possibility of “certain penalties for violation.” In response, the University of Alabama system plans to replace its now-condemned DEI programs with a new “Division of Opportunities, Connections and Success.” The new program is meant to support every student at the University of Alabama, including those who “face educational access and achievement challenges.” CLICK HERE TO READ MORE FROM THE WASHINGTON EXAMINER “Differences, including differences of opinion, shared with civility, strengthen our campus community,” University of Alabama President Stuart Bell told the Hill. “Our faculty, staff and students will continue to engage in free speech, exercise academic freedom, and join in wide-ranging thought and discussion on issues that impact our world.” Alabama follows Florida and Texas as states that have also dissolved DEI programs at universities., , , https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/university-of-alabama-dei.webp, Washington Examiner, Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/cropped-favicon-32×32.png, https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/feed/, Peter McHugh,

Thomas Matthew Crooks, the FBI’s sole suspect in Trump’s attempted assassination, was 20 years old when he was seen climbing on to a roof and aiming his father’s rifle at the former president. As investigators search for a motive, those who knew him best attempt to reconcile with their shock.

Crooks, who the Secret Service killed at the scene, hailed from Bethel Park, Pennsylvania, just an hour and a half drive from Butler, where the shooting took place. A 2022 high school graduate, Crooks’ bullets killed father and volunteer firefighter Corey Comperatore, put two others in critical condition, and grazed the ear of Donald Trump.

“I will say he was definitely nerdy, for sure, but he never gave off that he was creepy,” one of his classmates, Mark Sigafoos, told CBS. “He seemed like he wouldn’t hurt a fly.”

Quiet and Ridiculed

In High School, Thomas Crooks mostly kept to himself. Few of his classmates knew much about him, but remembered a quiet, intelligent boy who was constantly bullied.

“He was somebody who came across as lonely a lot,” Jameson Myers told ABC. Myers had been in school with the shooter since elementary school.

A lover of history, Crooks excelled in his academics, even receiving the National Math & Science Initiative Star Awards his graduation year. 

“One thing I did know for sure was he was very smart,” a student in his AP statistics class told the outlet, “I always remember hearing his test grades when we would all compare and he always did very well in math and sciences.”

“I would not say that he ever appeared as a threatening person,” the student continued. For him, Crooks was “never anything but kind.”

Most days, Crooks arrived at school dressed in camouflage and hunting outfits. Many also recalled how Crooks decided to wear a COVID mask in the halls long after the school-wide mandate had been lifted. According to students, he was often singled out and ridiculed for his clothing, shuffling through the school day as a pariah.

“He would sit alone at lunch,” said Jason Kohler, a classmate, “He was just the outcast.” According to him, Crooks was “bullied so much in high school,” and almost universally perceived as a “loner.”

In interviews conducted by the Wall Street Journal, two students painted conflicting portraits of Crooks: one as an apolitical pacifist, and the other as a looming, potential threat.

The first description comes from Sarah D’Angelo who explains how Crooks “never outwardly spoke out his political views or how much he hated Trump or anything.” Similarly, in a quote from CNN, D’Angelo described her classmate as “a quiet kid” who was “not obviously political or violent in any way.”

Juliana Grooms, on the other hand, remembered him quite differently. A year younger, Grooms told the Journal how his passivity struck her as a cause for concern.

“If someone would say something to his face, he would just kind of stare at them,” she said, “people would say he was the student who would shoot up high school.”

Fond of Firearms

During his freshman year of high school, Crooks attempted to join the varsity rifle team. After his first pre-season practice session, he was asked not to return.

“He didn’t just not make the team, he was asked not to come back because of how bad of a shot he was,” said Myers, “it was considered, like, dangerous.”

Despite being shunned by the school’s rifle team, Crooks became a member of a local shooting club, the “Clairton Sportsmen’s Club.” With a 200-yard rifle range as one of its amenities, the club confirmed his membership to multiple outlets, denouncing his attack.

“Obviously, the Club fully admonishes the senseless act of violence that occurred yesterday,” Robert S. Bootay III, the club’s attorney, told ABC, “the club also offers its sincerity condolences to the Comperatore family and extends prayers to all of those injured including the former president.”

During Saturday’s attack, Crooks was reportedly wearing a gray t-shirt associated with the youtube channel “demolition ranch.” The channel, known for its population of firearms with titles such as “is the AK-50 any good?” and “I sawed off a .50 caliber sniper rifle,” released a video Monday, aimed at calling out senseless violence.

“The Sweetest Guy”

Just a couple months prior to the shooting, Crooks graduated from the Community College of Allegheny County with an associates degree in engineering science.

Since then, he has been employed at the Bethel Park Skilled Nursing and Rehabilitation Center, working as a dietary aide. Crooks spent his shifts preparing and serving meals to the sick and elderly and, according to facilities manager, Marcie Grimes, he had passed a background check and “performed his job without concern.”

One of Crook’s colleagues at the nursing home was utterly shocked by the news, claiming him to be the “sweetest guy.” He told CNN that, just last week, the two of them had assisted “sick old ladies” in opening packets of salad dressing during a meal.

“He was a really, really good person that did a really bad thing,” the colleague said, “I just wish I knew why.”

Life in Bethel Park

Bethel Park, Pennsylvania, a homespun Pittsburgh suburb of about 30,000, proudly boasts its median household income of $102,177 and a per capita income just over 1.3 times higher than the rest of Pennsylvania. Dan Grzybek, a county county member, described the Crooks’ little neighborhood to the New York Times as “pretty firmly middle class, maybe upper middle class.” For him, its streets and homes were nothing out of the ordinary, an “incredibly safe” and “close knit” portrait of Rust Belt suburbia.

Both his father, a registered libertarian, and his mother, a registered democrat, are licensed, professional counselors. Crooks, a registered republican, was also reportedly a donor to the left-leaning Progressive Turnout Project, giving $15 dollars on Biden’s inauguration day when he was just 17.

The weapon used the in shooting was a AR-15 style, semi automatic rifle, legally purchased by Crooks’ father. On the day of Trump’s attempted assassination, Crooks purchased around 50 rounds of ammunition from a local gun store and, according to the Wall Street Journal, Crook’s father believed his son had simply gone to the gun range, only growing worried when he failed to respond to any messages.

Situated less than 450 feet away from Trump’s podium on the Butler Farm Show Grounds, Crooks was able to fire multiple shots into the crowd before being neutralized by counter snipers. In addition to the rifle, the FBI also found three explosive devices, two in his car and one in his house, that have been described as “rudimentary.”

Amid initial investigations, the FBI has stated Thomas Crooks had no previous instances of mental illness, and a very minimal social media presence with only an account on Discord that had not been active for months. In 2022, a video crew for Blackrock, the multinational investment company, filmed a commercial during an economics class at Bethel Park High. In one of Crooks’ few video appearances, the commercial shows him the in front row wearing a dark hoodie, his head intently turned toward the whiteboard.

The Search for a Motive

Special Agent Kevin Rojeck, in charge of the FBI investigation, stated that the bureau does not “currently have an identified motive, although [its] investigators are working tirelessly to attempt to identify what that motive was.” 

Looking at the shooting as an act of “potential domestic terrorism,” the FBI has gotten ahold of Crooks’ phone and is attempting to comb through its data in order to uncover a lead. 

CLICK HERE TO READ MORE FROM THE WASHINGTON EXAMINER

Rojek, in a statement, claimed that law enforcement does not currently believe Crooks had ties to any extremist groups, foreign or domestic, believing Crooks to have “acted alone and that there are currently no public safety concerns.”

A group of bipartisan lawmakers has introduced legislation aimed at combating the horde of websites distributing nonconsensual, sexually explicit deepfakes.

Over the last few months, Republicans and Democrats have floated multiple bills that would hold parties accountable for the distribution of deepfake pornography, as well as give victims the ability to seek financial settlement.

The term “deepfake” refers to images or videos that depict individuals in false situations, often using artificial intelligence. In 2019, a study from Deeptrace Labs found that, of all deepfake videos, 96% were nonconsensual pornography. With the use of these websites, anyone can use generative AI to develop realistic and explicit depictions of another person without their consent, even children. What once required hundreds of images and computer editing skills to create now requires one or two photos and a cellphone.

Currently, no federal laws stand in the way of these websites.

“There are now hundreds of apps that can make non-consensual, sexually explicit deep fakes right on your phone,” Senate Judiciary Chairman Dick Durbin (D-IL) told Politico in May. “Congress needs to address this growing crisis as quickly as possible.”

For over a year, advocacy groups have pushed Congress to act against these malicious websites as numerous deepfakes have surfaced of prominent public figures such as Taylor Swift and Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY).

Herself personally affected, Ocasio-Cortez worked with Durbin in spearheading the DEFIANCE Act. This piece of legislation hopes to “stop the proliferation of nonconsensual, sexually-explicit deepfakes” by creating a “federal civil remedy” for victims. Lawsuits would be “enforceable against individuals who produced or possessed [deepfakes] with the intent to distribute” them against the will of the depicted.

Republicans have taken a different yet complementary approach, focusing on the criminalization of these forgeries. Rep. Nancy Mace (R-SC) has introduced a pair of bills meant to increase fines for the distribution of nonconsensual pornography from $150,000 to $500,000.

Sens. Ted Cruz (R-TX) and Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) have proposed the bipartisan TAKE IT DOWN Act, which would “criminalize the publication” as well as the “threat to publish” nonconsensual AI deepfakes. The bill would also require all websites and social media to remove the content from their feed in an effort to minimize distribution.

Some lawmakers, however, are worried that tech companies will refer to Section 230 of the Communications Decency Act in search of a loophole. The section, passed in 1996, protects tech giants from any liability associated with the content of their users. Carrie Goldberg, an attorney known for representing many of Harvey Weinstein’s accusers, has called for the dissolution of this section altogether, believing it to put the concerns of Big Tech over those of internet victims.

“The best way to handle so many harms that are happening on platforms is for the platforms to be themselves sharing in the costs and the liability,” Goldberg told the Hill. 

As the election approaches, legislative mechanisms have seemingly creaked into a near standstill as many lawmakers hope to retain their seats. Durbin, when introducing the DEFIANCE Act to the Senate floor, saw it quickly shot down by Sen. Cynthia Lummis (R-WY) despite her support for the TAKE IT DOWN Act. Lummis worried its language was too broad, potentially damaging online privacy and innovation while ultimately neglecting the victims.

CLICK HERE TO READ MORE FROM THE WASHINGTON EXAMINER

Despite inevitable head-butting, overall support is overwhelming from both sides.

“Victims of nonconsensual pornographic deepfakes have waited too long for federal legislation to hold perpetrators accountable,” Ocasio-Cortez said. “Congress needs to act to show victims that they won’t be left behind.”

A good credit score can go a long way.

The rating, based on one’s ability to fulfill financial commitments, can be the driving force behind whether or not a lender will sign off on a loan or mortgage. A higher score can provide borrowers with lower interest rates and even open the door to new credit opportunities with better perks and cash-back options. A good credit score is not just about bragging rights: It shows responsibility to lenders and paves the way to financing your dreams.

Despite their importance, simple mistakes can mean the difference between a good score and a bad score. The way you balance your finances and manage payments plays an instrumental part in maintaining your rating, and these scores can often drop without you realizing the true cause.

Here are a few common mistakes many people make that can lead to a drop in credit score.

Late payments

Probably the most common explanation for a slip in ratings is people being late on paying back their loans. Whether it be for a mortgage or simply zeroing your monthly credit card balance, lenders expect to get their money back by the deadline set. Because over 30% of credit score is tied to payment history, accumulating overdue amounts can significantly deplete the overall number.

If creditors have not been paid for over a month, the loan might be reported to the credit bureaus and included on a credit report. If the borrower continues to postpone payment, companies may take more serious measures, such as hiring a debt collector or placing a “charge-off” on the account.

Charge-offs

Charge-offs occur when a delinquent account has evaded payment for so long that the creditor has decided to give up their pursuit. When they decide to charge off the account, a stain is left on the borrower’s reputation as the user reported to the credit bureau. While this may sound like a creditor has given up and set the borrower free, the money owed is still expected, still accruing interest as it becomes dealt with by higher organizations. The remnants of a charge-off will remain on the borrower’s account for seven years from the date of delinquency and will plummet one’s credit score, regardless of eventual repayment.

Only paying the monthly minimum

While it may seem like simply paying off your minimum monthly loan payment is the best option, the amount of interest compounded monthly will actually increase. If you can, pay beyond the baseline and it will likely lower your interest rates and improve your overall credit score.

Applying for a large amount of credit in a short period of time

When someone applies for a loan, it is customary the lender will perform what is called a “hard inquiry,” taking a deep dive into their credit report. Because hard inquiries affect your credit score, applying for multiple loans at once or in a short period of time will generate the reputation of a risky borrower.

If you are simply shopping for a lender rather than filing for multiple loans, you might still be subject to a hard inquiry from each individual firm. If the loans are attached to a mortgage or auto contract, as well as loans for new utility providers, the firms will likely file their individual hard inquiries under one examination. But for other loans, such as credit cards, you might face multiple hard inquiries, further hurting your credit score.

Closing out your credit card

Another factor involved in calculating a credit score is the “debt-to-credit ratio.” This determines how much credit you are currently using compared to what is available to you. Lenders prefer the number to reflect more credit than debt, ideally below 30%. Closing out on a credit card, along with opening up new accounts to try and mitigate debt, can impact your debt-to-credit ratio.

Closing a credit card can also disrupt the diversity of accounts in your credit report, as lenders like to see a wide variety of accounts held over a long period of time. Even if it is paid off, you will be better off keeping them open. But do not leave them around collecting cobwebs. If you do not use a credit card for a long period of time, lenders may reduce your line of credit or close it for you anyway.

Choosing the wrong card

While choosing a credit card without a credit limit is not inherently damaging, you may be tempted to overindulge with how much you spend. Eventually, you will have to pay off that money, which is why choosing a card with a credit limit, as well as manageable interest rates and fees will ensure that you will be able to pay everything off each month. That way, you will not be late on your payments or lower your score.

Defaulting on your loans

If you miss more than one payment and do not pay it off, your account will be marked as defaulted. Similar to a charge-off, lenders will contact the credit bureaus and factor this into your data. Defaulted loans paint the borrower as a high-risk individual who might not pay back loans. This makes it harder to be accepted by creditors.

Declaring bankruptcy

While it is hardly a surprise that bankruptcy will damage your credit score, the extent of the damage often can be underestimated. Declaring bankruptcy is a legal maneuver relieving borrowers of their debtors and giving them the ability to start anew. While bankruptcy may discharge outstanding payments, it can also take a large chunk out of your ratings, even reducing a respectable credit score of 780 by as much as 240 points.

Having no credit history

It may seem like the easiest way to pay off your credit card is to never actually apply for one at all, but, more often than not, you will eventually need the help of lenders in buying a home or car. This is why you need their trust. If you have never taken out a credit card or applied for a loan, creditors will not have any information to base their judgements on when you apply.

CLICK HERE TO READ MORE FROM THE WASHINGTON EXAMINER

To prove you are a reliable borrower, it is recommended that you start out a credit card, only purchasing small items that can be paid off on time. That way you will create a pattern of trust and experience while also learning how to stick to a payment schedule.

Maintaining a good credit score may seem intimidating, but with a proper understanding of the ways many borrowers fail and ways to combat them, you should be able to maintain the proper reputation needed to apply for loans. Most importantly, paying loans off on time will ensure that you and your financial plans are able to flourish.