by Jameelah Mullen

November 6, 2025

The Ride Stops Here : Six Flags America Closes After More Than 50 Years

The end of an era in the DMV

After 50 years, Six Flags America has officially closed its Bowie, Maryland, location. The park, located in the Washington, D.C. metro area, welcomed its last visitors on Nov. 2. The park employed over 70 full-time employees.

Six Flags Entertainment merged with Cedar Fair in July 2024 amid financial struggles. The newly merged company now owns more than 20 amusement parks, water parks, and resorts across the U.S., Canada, and Mexico. The decision to close the park is part of the company’s ongoing efforts to restructure and manage its existing debt.

“As part of our comprehensive review of our park portfolio, we have determined that Six Flags America and Hurricane Harbor are not a strategic fit with the company’s long-term growth plan,” Richard Zimmerman, Six Flags president and CEO, said in a May, 2025 press release “After reviewing a number of options, we believe that marketing the property for redevelopment will generate the highest value and return on investment, “ Zimmerman said.

About four months later, Six Flags Entertainment Corporation announced Zimmerman’s upcoming departure from the company following substantial profit losses.

The park took to social media to thank its longtime supporters.

“Thank you, Six Flags America fans, for 50 years of family fun. We will always cherish the memories made together.”

Thank you, Six Flags America fans, for 50 years of family fun. We will always cherish the memories made together. 💙 pic.twitter.com/8vhHP37bTJ

— Six Flags America (@SixFlagsDC) November 2, 2025

Six Flags fans flooded the comments section with personal memories of the park.

Thank you for the memories. You truly will be missed. I first went back when it was called Wild World, and now it’s closed. So sad.” A fan replied.

“This was my first real job, another follower noted.

Six Flags Entertainment said it is unsure what it will do with the park’s equipment after it closes.

“We have not yet determined what will happen to each ride or attraction after the park is closed, but relocation to other Six Flags parks or selling to other amusement park operators are options that may be considered,” the company told People.

The park opened its doors in 1974 as a drive-thru safari known as The Wildlife Preserve and later relaunched as a Six Flags park in 1999.

by Jeroslyn JoVonn

November 6, 2025

Silence is Pricy: Russell Simmons Settles Sexual Misconduct Claims With At Least Three Accusers

Russell Simmons has reportedly paid more than $3 million to three women who accused him of sexual assault and misconduct.

Russell Simmons has reportedly reached and paid settlement agreements with three women who accused him of sexual assault and misconduct.

For over a year, at least five women who accused Russell Simmons of sexual misconduct were awaiting their settlement payments. According to attorneys for Wendy Franco, Sil Lai Abrams, and Sherri Abernathy, Simmons has paid more than $3 million in outstanding amounts owed to them, Rolling Stone reports.

“The matter has been resolved,” a lawyer for the ladies said while declining to provide any additional details.

Under the settlement terms, the Def Jam co-founder agreed to pay Franco $515,000 and Abrams and Abernathy $1,265,000 each for alleged incidents of rape and misconduct. Abernathy accused Simmons of raping her in 1983, while Abrams alleged a similar assault in 1994. Franco has not publicly detailed her claims, but court documents indicate her settlement involves alleged “physical injuries and sickness.”

Legal documents filed in January 2025 show that Simmons still owed at least $8 million to three other accusers—Tina Klein-Baker, Toni Sallie, and Alexia Jones. The filings stated that, as of earlier this year, he had paid them only $220,000 in total.

The settlements appear to allow Simmons to move forward without admitting guilt. The agreements with Franco, Abrams, and Abernathy omit specific allegations, instead stating that payments were made for “alleged personal, physical injuries and sickness.” Each settlement also clarifies that Simmons’ payments do not constitute “any admission of liability, fault, or wrongdoing.” Similarly, the settlements with Sallie and Jones include no detailed claims and reaffirm that no liability is admitted.

Before the settlements were paid, Franco, Abrams, and Abernathy described Simmons’ delay in payment as another emotional setback in their long legal battle over the alleged assaults and misconduct. After more than a year of waiting, they said his nonpayment felt like an added layer of trauma.

“It was devastating,” Franco said in April. “I just felt so stupid that I thought this person would follow through, that I thought that someone who could do what he did would turn around and acknowledge me and make some type of amends. You exposed yourself to this, and now this person again shows you that it doesn’t matter to him.”

Meanwhile, Simmons continues to pursue a defamation lawsuit against HBO and filmmakers Amy Ziering and Kirby Dick, who produced On the Record, the 2020 documentary featuring interviews with several of his accusers. Simmons’s attorney argues that “credible information, persuasive evidence, and witness statements” supporting him were ignored during production.

HBO’s parent company, Warner Bros. Discovery, has dismissed the suit as lacking “both merit and substance,” affirming its support for the film.

by Sharelle B. McNair

November 6, 2025

FAA To Reduce 10% of Flights at Busiest Airports By Nov. 7 If Government Shutdown Continues

The announcement comes just days after Duffy highlighted the lack of air traffic controllers on the job.

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) says 10% of flights at 40 of America’s busiest airports will be reduced by Nov. 7 if the longest government shutdown in history carries on, CNN reports.

At a Nov. 5 news conference, Department of Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy said the movie could put travelers at risk of having to cancel travel plans.

“As we start to implement this drawdown in service. It will be restricted to these 40 high-volume traffic markets,” FAA Administrator Bryan Bedford said. “We’re going to ask the airlines to work with us collaboratively to reduce their schedules.”

The announcement comes just days after Duffy highlighted the lack of air traffic controllers on the job due to unpaid wages, putting airspace safety at risk. He touched on the possibility of having to limit airspace if the shutdown continues. Close to 50% of major air traffic control facilities are experiencing staffing shortages. The FAA said 80% of its New York-area staff called out on Halloween.

Affected airports include the “core 30,” including New York City’s big three—LaGuardia, JFK, and Newark—and major airports in Washington, D.C., Chicago, Atlanta, Dallas, Las Vegas and Los Angeles.

“Our sole role is to make sure that we keep this airspace as safe as possible,” Bedford said, according to ABC News. “Reduction in capacity at 40 of our locations. This is not based on light airline travel locations This is about where the pressure is and how to really deviate the pressure.”

As travelers stressed, industry experts celebrated the decision on social media. On X, National Transportation Safety Board Chairperson Jennifer Homendy supported the move.

“THIS is safety management, the very foundation of our aviation system, and it’s the right thing to do,” she wrote.

.@NTSB has repeatedly stated low air traffic control staffing levels, mandatory overtime, and six-day work weeks have a direct impact on #safety.

Controllers are dedicated safety professionals (thank you for your continued service), but pressures are building in the system.… https://t.co/x2taGO8pOW pic.twitter.com/iMBpP3qUOb
— Jennifer Homendy (@JenniferHomendy) November 6, 2025

While White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said President Donald Trump is aware of the FAA restrictions, he has yet to speak on the matter as Republicans and Democrats continue to blame each other for the shutdown.

Bedford said in his 35-year career, he has never seen such an unprecedented move by the FAA and DOT. Though there is “no perfect solution,” he said, it’s the best way to guarantee safety.

“We’re not going to wait for a safety problem to truly manifest itself when the early indicators are telling us we can take action today to prevent, you know, things from deteriorating,” he continued. “So the system is extremely safe today and will be extremely safe tomorrow.”

Kimatni Rawlins, Auto Flex, Electric G-Wagon

by BLACK ENTERPRISE Editors

November 6, 2025

Auto Flex: The G-Class Still Excites The Urban Market

It might just be an urban legend

By Kimatni Rawlins

Its exploits are legendary, its capabilities on- and off-road are fascinating, and fans from every denomination of society idolize its reputation. It’s the world-acclaimed Mercedes-Benz (M-B) G-Class, an urban legend defined by Geländewagen, which translates to off-road vehicle. But to the global masses, the SUV is better known as the G-Wagen or G-Wagon.

Since 1979, the G-Class has embodied nostalgia for the influential urban market. It can be seen and heard in hip-hop videos and is prominently on the streets of every major metropolis, from Los Angeles to Atlanta, Dallas, New York, or Miami. In fact, L.A. became the epicenter for the launch of the electric G-Class for Hollywood’s elite. Hosted at the enchanting Franklin Canyon Park, the stunning evening featured a performance by Travis Scott, who performed on a custom, extended dock atop the park’s 3-acre lake.

His set featured a pristine South Sea Blue Magno G 580 with EQ Technology, an electrifying light exposition, and a sound presentation that hypnotized hundreds of guests. M-B invited close friends of the brand from film, music, sports, and fashion industries, including Trevor Noah, Tracee Ellis Ross, Damson Idris, Saweetie, Ciara, and Kendall Jenner, who loaned her 2014 G 500 Cabriolet for the event. M-B created a wonderland for G-Class activities that showcased classic vehicles, an enlarged lounge overlooking the water, celebrity DJs Chase B and Zack Bia, curated cuisines, a massive speaker system, and libations.

The G-Wagen’s trendy status in the community is highly respected. It’s viewed as a lifestyle vehicle for anyone ready to flex. Yet, few know of its actual capabilities. To comprehend the DNA and superpowers of the muscularly rugged but luxurious G-Class, one must visit Graz, Austria, where the utility is hand-built with precision. More importantly, Graz is home to the G-Class Experience Center, where proud owners and brand aficionados can play for a day with various G-Class models from the all-electric G 580 with EQ Technology to the stalwart G 63 AMG.

EQ represents Mercedes-Benz’s advanced electric vehicle platform. At the same time, Mercedes-AMG’s “One Man, One Engine” build philosophy brings new meaning to life as the powerful and pompous performance SUV blesses you with unmitigated bliss after every drive.

Last year alone, roughly 3,000 customers visited the G-Class adventure playground. The course consists of various stages and challenges, like attacking rocks and voyaging through the forest, a snack for the G-Class in its natural habitat. Covering 100,000 square meters, the one-day training session consists of:

• A welcome presentation and tech demo

• Three active on- and off-road stations

• Tour of the Magna factory where the G-Class is built

• Lunch and coffee breaks

• Off-road hot laps

Attendees will learn about the 45 years of G-Class history and the classical icons of a G-Class that have remained the same since day one, like the original square body, traditional door handles, and fender indicators, round headlights, the tailgate-mounted spare, and the authentic sound of the doors slamming shut.

Marquis Thomas, a Mercedes-Benz fanatic, shared how the G-Wagen compares to other performance or luxury SUVs such as the Range Rover HSE:

“It honestly doesn’t compare,” Thomas said. “The G-Class is literally in a class of its own.”

Thomas continued: “Whether a Land Rover, Escalade, or HUMMER, I’ve owned and driven some of the most prestigious SUVs money can buy. They all have their strengths, but the G-Class stands apart. The legendary utility is more than just an SUV; it’s an icon that blends uncompromising off-road performance with daily usability and unmatched character. That combination is why the G continues to represent the cornerstone of my fleet, and why I’ll always keep one in the collection.”

In accordance, his reverence for the G-Class brand is mirrored by millions around the globe. For more information and booking, make sure to visit the G-Class Experience Center. It’s where urban legends live.

Black Americans, DOE, student loans, Inflation, Debt, Bills, Achieve Center for Consumer Insights, Kilgore

by Kandiss Edwards

November 6, 2025

American Debt Rises Moderately In 3rd Quarter Of 2025

The New York Fed said 4.5% of outstanding household debt can be attributed to delinquency.

The Federal Reserve Bank of New York’s latest quarterly report states that the U.S. household debt rose by 1% in the third quarter of 2025.

Average household debt has risen to $18.59 trillion, with credit card and student loan balances at the top of the list. Auto debt remains steady.

Mortgage balances have grown by $137 billion, totaling $13.07 trillion. Additionally, credit card balances rose by $24 billion to $1.23 trillion, while student loan balances grew by $15 billion to $1.65 trillion. Overall, non-housing debt gained $49 billion from the prior quarter.

The New York Fed said 4.5% of outstanding household debt can be attributed to delinquency.

“Household debt balances are growing at a moderate pace, with delinquency rates stabilizing,” said Donghoon Lee, an economic research advisor at the New York Fed. “The relatively low mortgage delinquency rates reflect the housing market’s resilience, driven by ample home equity and tight underwriting standards.”

Student loans remain at the forefront of American debt. The share of student debt that is 90 days or more delinquent, or in default, stood at 9.4% at the end of Q3. The New York Fed notes that missed federal payments from 2020 to 2024 are now appearing on credit reports. Consequently, adjusted reports are keeping delinquency rates elevated even as some borrowers resume repayment.

The report draws from the New York Fed’s nationally representative Consumer Credit Panel, which uses Equifax credit files to track borrowing and repayment behavior over time. The dataset provides a lens into how families manage mortgages, credit cards, auto loans, student loans, and other liabilities. The tracking is said to help community groups and policymakers respond to shifting economic conditions.

Researchers and practitioners watching household balance sheets say the topline numbers show that consumers are becoming frugal. Mortgage delinquencies remain low, supported by strong home equity that gives many owners a cushion.

by Nahlah Abdur-Rahman

November 5, 2025

Costume Designer Paul Tazewell’s Award-Winning Looks Part of Upcoming Chicago Exhibit

The famed designer has won multiple awards for his elaborate costumes.

Paul Tazewell will have his famed costumes from beloved Broadway musicals in the spotlight, Playbill reports.

The Oscar- and Tony-winning costume designer will have an exhibit of his works at the Griffin Museum of Science and Industry in Chicago. Crafting Character: The Costumes of Paul Tazewell will debut on Jan. 19, 2026.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Paul Tazewell (@paultazewell)

“This exhibition offers an intimate and immersive look into my creative process—where story, character, andd craft come together to build the visual language of performance,” Tazewell shared on Instagram.

He added, “Being invited to share my work in a way that will be engaging and immersive, and to be able to invite others into that experience means so much to me.”

Known for his work on productions such as Hamilton, Wicked, and West Side Story, fans of his designs and these beloved musicals will soon see his art up close.

Not only will exhibit visitors witness Glinda’s pink bubble dress from Wicked and the original Schuyler Sisters’ winter ball gowns from Hamilton, but his Met Gala outfit curation for Janelle Monae as the “Time Traveling Dandy.”

The Black American costume designer has found success in theater, dance, film, and television. He made his Broadway costume design debut in 1996 with the production of Bring in ‘Da Noise, Bring in ‘Da Funk, which secured him his first of 10 Tony nominations for costume design.

He has won two Tonys: Hamilton in 2016 and Death Becomes Her in 2025. At the 2025 Oscars, Tazewell became the first Black man to win the Academy Award for Best Costume Design for the film adaptation of Wicked.

The exhibit will not only dive deeper into Tazewell’s creative expertise but include his exclusive narration, video, and original sketches. Tickets are available now at the Griffin Museum website.

by Kandiss Edwards

November 5, 2025

A Rising Number Of Americans Are Choosing To Super-Commute

For a rising number of Americans, patience is key as they integrate "super-commutes" into their lives.

For a rising number of Americans, patience is key as they integrate “super-commutes” into their lives.

A 2024 Stanford University study defines as “super-commutes” as a trip of more than 75 miles each way. The number of Americans taking such long journeys to work has surged by 32 percent since the COVID-19 pandemic.

The researchers attribute much of this shift to the increasing number of work-from-home opportunities available. When employees don’t have to commute every day, they often elect to live farther from their place of work. Consequently, the reduction in road congestion makes those longer trips more feasible. The study also notes that typical super-commutes take an average of “2 hours and 19 minutes” one-way.

For professionals like Memwanesha Daniels, a registered nurse whose lifestyle involves flying between Jacksonville and the Bay Area, super-commuting is necessary.

Daniels refers to herself as a “bicoastal nurse.” She lives with her boyfriend and three children, ages 2 to 13, in Jacksonville, Florida, but works in the San Francisco Bay Area.

The bicoastal nurse spoke with CNBC Make It about the benefits of living and working on two coasts.

“I can save a lot, and it gives me a different type of life than what I would have tried to make things work in Florida,” Daniels said. “Paying an extra $2,000 a month to make three times the amount I would make in Florida is very much worth it.”

Since 2017, she’s been flying between coasts. Her shifts typically run 12 hours at a hospital in Oakland, where she earns more than $100 an hour. She sometimes pulls in up to $25,000 a month when she adds overtime.

Her super-commute can involve early-morning flights between Jacksonville and the Bay Area, landing around midday Pacific time. She rents a one-bedroom apartment within walking distance of her hospital for about $1,300 a month. Daniels said she typically spends under $500 monthly on travel by flying round-trip twice per month.

“I love to fly, and I love to travel,” Daniels said. “Flying is relaxing for me.” She sometimes naps on planes before heading straight into work.

For Daniels, the payoff is both financial and personal. Working in California allows her to provide more for her children while keeping her roots in Florida.

“You still have to have a life,” she said, “but this one gives me choices.”

Daniels’ decision to accept the time and travel in exchange for higher pay aligns with what the data suggest: modern long-distance commuting is increasingly part of the trade-off equation for professional workers balancing cost, location, and career gains.

Trump, Venezuela, President Nicolás Maduro, oil

by Sharelle B. McNair

November 5, 2025

A Rude Awakening: New Poll Shows Half Of Americans Feel Trump’s Administration Isn’t Committed to Protecting Rights

Close to half don't think the president is committed to protecting freedom of religion but 73% are not concerned about the right to bear arms, saying the team is committed to protecting that freedom.

A new poll reveals that Americans don’t feel their freedoms and rights are being protected as the Trump administration promised to do on the campaign trail, ABC News reports.

Data with high numbers from Ipsos’ Knowledge Panel point the finger at President Donald Trump for not being committed to protecting their birth-given rights. Sixty-one percent of survey participants feel their freedom of the press is protected, while 57% think freedom of speech is at risk, and 56% feel the administration has slacked on a fair criminal justice system and elections.

Close to half don’t think the president is committed to protecting freedom of religion, but 73% are not concerned about the right to bear arms, saying the team is committed to protecting that freedom.

Survey results became divisive when asked which political party — Republicans or Democrats — has their best interests at heart. Fifty-three percent of American voters think the Democratic Party is committed to protecting freedom of the press and speech, while 52% say freedom of religion is protected, and 51% thank the party for staying committed to protecting free and fair elections. A majority of Republican voters think Trump has stayed true to his promise of protecting all rights, but most Democrats and independents say otherwise.

It’s not just Democratic and Republican voters who are dialing back on Trump, but Black and Latino voters have expressed feeling alienated by his agenda. A poll from the nonpartisan Public Religion Research Institute (PRRI) and the Brookings Institution highlights a majority that don’t recognize the country they live in anymore. Black and Latino Americans are the most dissatisfied demographic with the direction the country is headed, according to Axios.

Fifty-three percent of Black and 56% of Latinos — a record high for the poll — say they feel like “strangers in their own country.” Their feelings may come from the Trump administration downplaying diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives that cater to Black Americans, citing them as being “anti-white.” Since taking office in January, stories of slavery and Black excellence have been purged from federal websites, in addition to Smithsonian museums being under review to remove images of “woke” ideology.

Additional feelings could spring from the massive anti-immigration moves seen in metro cities across the country by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents. Agents have faced allegations and viral social media videos of racially profiling both Black and Latino people, detaining U.S. citizens during raids.

However, some Americans have identified some ways for the country to get back to normal, with one in three supporting political violence. Following the murder of conservative activist Charlie Kirk in September 2025, 70% disagree with violence, but 30% feel that it is the best way, going up 11 points from April 2024.

by Nahlah Abdur-Rahman

November 5, 2025

Black Hollywood Joins Crayola Creativity Week For A Colorful Learning Experience

The initiative will encourage young learners to use their creative skills while educating them.

Black Hollywood, from Questlove to Michael Rainey Jr., will join Crayola for its fifth annual Creativity Week to educate young learners.

Taking place from Jan. 26 to Feb. 1, Crayola will introduce these educational activities to help children grow into vibrant thinkers. For next year’s festivities, several Black celebrities will lend their voices and talents to the multigenerational cause. From astronauts to award-winning artists and sports stars, the lineup will also delight students of all ages.

Under the theme of “Color Inspires Creativity,” these groundbreaking creatives will help Crayola boost engagement in schools, homes, and learning centers worldwide. With sessions ranging from team-building to music, Crayola supports children’s holistic learning in a variety of facets.

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A post shared by Crayola Australia (@crayola_anz)

On Jan. 28, Questlove will join illustrator Sean Qualls for an “Embracing Your Ideas” workshop. The author and acclaimed illustrator of “The Idea In You” plans to connect with a younger audience, inspiring them to take flight with their imagination.

Later on that week, “Power” actor Michael Rainey Jr. will converse with illustrator Rob Flowers on the importance of “Empowering Communities.” Rainey Jr. has used his platform before to inspire high schoolers in his local Staten Island community; now, he is taking his efforts to encourage a younger cohort.

As the signature activation of Crayola’s Campaign for Creativity, this week intends to make learning a colorful experience. Each activity taps into the creative potential within and beyond the classroom, fostering critical development skills while embracing unique talents. The inclusive learning activities also aligned with global curricula from the National Art Education Standards to the AASL National School Library Standards.

Alongside its star-studded lineup, it will also provide free access to resources, challenges, and educational videos to help children wherever they are taught.

“We launched Crayola Creativity Week to infuse creative experiences into the teaching and learning of all subjects,” said Cheri Sterman, senior director of Education at Crayola, in a press release. “Creativity is an essential life skill that helps everyone reach their full potential. Educators report that after participating in Creativity Week, 80% of students increased their creative confidence, enthusiasm for learning, and curiosity.

Teachers report that their classrooms radiated a more joyous atmosphere that fostered creativity after joining the program and that they increased their understanding of how creativity improves learning. The impact the program has on students and educators reinforces the importance of this global movement growing.”

Following its jam-packed week of learning, the Crayola Creativity Week will conclude with a global, live-streamed school assembly to celebrate another year of uplifting youth. Registration is available now.

Marietta, city hall, mayor, Sam Foster,, incumbent,

by Nahlah Abdur-Rahman

November 5, 2025

Marietta Mayor Incumbent Barely Defeats 24-Year-Old Challenger

Foster had plans to flip the seat from the long-time Republican mayor.

The mayoral race for the Metro Atlanta city of Marietta has ended with the possibility of change on the horizon.

The Marietta mayor incumbent, 78-year-old Steve “Thunder” Tumlin, defeated his opponent, 24-year-old Sam Foster, in a tight race. According to Atlanta News First, Tumlin only won by 78 votes. Poll watchers called the vote at around 1 a.m. on Election Night.

Politicos watched to see if the GOP incumbent could be bested by the much younger Democrat, who had never held office before. Despite his inexperience, Foster had bright plans as Marietta’s mayor, growing to call the city home after attending Kennesaw State University in Marietta.

The IT systems engineer ran on a campaign of lower costs of living, improved public transportation, and increased safety. Foster grew his social media presence to explain his plans to make life easier for those within Marietta, located 20 miles north of Atlanta.

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A post shared by Sam Foster (@samformarietta)

While Foster lost his first race, his numbers signal a slow but steady shift toward the left in the north Atlanta suburb. If he had won, he would have made history as the youngest Black mayor in Georgia history.

Previously covered by BLACK ENTERPRISE, Foster had lofty goals for Marietta, noticing the systemic issues in the city during his undergraduate years. Staying in Marietta after receiving his degree, he fostered community by leading a local nonprofit and attending city council meetings, sparking his idea to run for the top seat.

With a population of 60,972 recorded in the 2020 census, Foster sought to alleviate displacement while increasing accessibility and transparency in city government. Backed by local and national nonprofits such as The CollectivePAC, Candidates for Common Good, and Georgia Conservation Voters, Foster’s campaign proved historic, even though it did not result in a win.

Although politics in Marietta remain relatively unchanged, Foster remains among many Georgia Democrats hoping to carry a blue wave across the southern state. While he did not win, left-leaning voters still made history by electing two Democrats to the Public Service Commission, reshaping the political landscape ahead of the midterms.