Today on CNN Newsroom
Taking the Lead: Sky-High Holiday Airfares
On Monday's Taking the Lead, Ali talked with CNNMoney.com's Poppy Harlow about soaring airfares this holiday season.
We're paying more this year – 18% more, in fact. That's not all, though. You also need to worry about baggage fees, which usually start at around $25 for the first bag. We've got a few tips to get you the best deal.
HOLIDAY FLYING TIPS:
1. Travel on less popular days.
EXAMPLE: Don't fly home the Sunday after Thanksgiving.
2. Try off-peak hours.
EXAMPLE: Leave very early in the morning.
3. Strategize which days to buy.
EXAMPLE: Many airlines post sales on Monday nights, which means you'll probably get the best deals Tuesday through Thursday.
4. Use your miles if you can.
EXAMPLE: Despite blackout dates, there may be seat openings that you can trade in miles for.
Teachers On Notice for Bullying
50% of students say they have bullied other kids.
47% of students say they've been the victim of bullying that seriously upset them.
And now teachers are on notice. According to a 10-page letter sent to thousands of school districts and universities, the Department of Education's Office for Civil Rights wants to make sure that teachers and professors know that they could be held accountable for bullying under federal law.
To read the complete letter sent to teachers, click here.
To check out the latest survey done of teens on bullying from the Josephson Institute of Ethics, click here.
THE BIG I: Rubik's Cube
30 years later and 350 million units later, Rubik's Cube is arguably one of the most recognizable toys on the planet. Today on the show, we talked to the inventor of the Rubik's Cube Eron Rubik. His cube has inspired new educational grants to teams of kids that are able to solve the Rubik's Cube faster than any other team.
To check out the youth competition, click here.
And to check out the Rubik's Cube website, click here.
Jury duty, paying taxes and voting?? Should voting be mandatory?
In a country that embraces democracy – the diminishing turn-out makes you wonder.
Think about it. Can you guess the biggest election this century? Obama vs. McCain in 2008? Nope. Carter vs. Reagan in 1980? Think again. It was Nixon vs. JFK in 1960! And only 64 percent of eligible voters came out to the polls. So what’s a nation to do to get more people to vote? What if – like jury duty, paying taxes, and signing up for the draft – voting was mandatory? And skirting your civic duties means you’re slapped with a big, fat fine. It’s a suggestion being toss around right now.
Tell us what you think! Do you think voting should be mandatory? Post your comments and Kyra Phillips will read some of your responses during the 10 o’clock hour.
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