Latest news with #BTF
Business Upturn
12-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Business Upturn
Jay Pharoah and Sommore to Headline Third Annual Because They're Funny DC Comedy Festival, Tickets Now Available
Washington, DC, June 12, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — NICE CROWD, in partnership with Events DC, is proud to announce Jay Pharoah and Sommore as the headline acts at the third annual Because They're Funny (BTF) DC Comedy Festival, returning to Washington DC's The Wharf from October 10–12, 2025. From the team behind the American Black Film Festival, BTF was created to celebrate diverse comedic talent and elevate emerging voices, while spotlighting DC as a comedy hub. Jay Pharoah, renowned for his hilarious impressions, a six-season run on Saturday Night Live, and his role in Comedy Central's Out of Office, will take the stage at the Anthem on Saturday, October 11 and host BTF's flagship 'Breakout Comedian of the Year' Competition. During the event, six finalists will compete for a $10,000 grand prize and the career-changing opportunity to sign with Innovative Artists, a top Hollywood talent agency. 'Because They're Funny's momentum continues to grow, and DC, with its deep roots in comedy, is the perfect home for it,' said NICE CROWD CEO Jeff Friday and President Nicole Friday. 'This festival showcases many of the top comics in the business while creating space for the next generation. We're thrilled to have both Sommore and Jay Pharoah headlining two nights at the Anthem this year.' Following the Breakout Comedian of the Year Competition, the festival continues with the highly anticipated Hey Ladies Comedy Experience hosted by Sommore on Sunday, October 12. Hailed as the 'Queen of Comedy,' Sommore is celebrated for her razor-sharp wit, trailblazing stand-up specials, and unforgettable roles in films such as Friday After Next and Soul Plane. This dynamic showcase will feature a star-studded lineup of female comics, including beloved actress and singer Tisha Campbell who made television history starring alongside Martin Lawrence in the hit sitcom Martin, and later with Damon Wayans in My Wife and Kids. A true multi-hyphenate, Campbell continues to captivate audiences, bringing comedic talent, resilience, and authenticity to every stage she graces. 'We are thrilled to present the third annual Because They're Funny Comedy Festival in Washington, DC,' said Events DC President and CEO Angie M. Gates. 'This event not only positions the District as a premier comedy destination but also shines a spotlight on emerging talent. We are excited to welcome major acts, including Jay Pharoah, to our city, and I can't wait for comedy fans from around the world to experience the unforgettable performances and vibrant energy of this world-class festival.' Because They're Funny will also feature panels, podcasts, an open mic event for local DC comics, and more. Presale tickets for the two headline shows are available now through June 13 at with presale code NICECROWD2025. General admission tickets will be released shortly after. Submissions for the 2025 Breakout Comedian of the Year Competition are open through June 16. Aspiring comedians nationwide are invited to submit for a chance to compete in this year's festival. Since its debut in 2023, BTF has received over 1,000 submissions and helped propel comedic talent to the next level. Last year's winners, Flo Hernandez and Alfred Kainga, were both signed by Innovative Artists and awarded $10,000. Since winning, Hernandez joined the 'Guey Funny' comedy tour and Kainga has performed at venues across the country. For more details on entering the Breakout Comedian of the Year competition, visit Because They're Funny Comedy Festival is a property of NICE CROWD, a leading entertainment company in the live events arena founded by Nicole and Jeff Friday. The event is presented in partnership with Events DC, the official convention and sports authority for the District of Columbia. About Nice Crowd Nice Crowd is a pioneering live events company operating at the intersection of entertainment and tourism. Dedicated to creating culturally impactful experiences, the company celebrates diversity and elevates underrepresented voices through world-class events. Founded by Nicole and Jeff Friday—the visionaries behind the American Black Film Festival (ABFF)—Nice Crowd is the creative force behind a growing portfolio of community-driven properties, including ABFF, Because They're Funny Comedy Festival, ABFF London, and the Black Art Empowerment Summit. Through powerful storytelling, inclusive programming, and unforgettable live experiences, Nice Crowd continues to unite global audiences in celebration of culture and creativity. For more information, visit About Events DC Events DC, the official convention and sports authority for Washington, DC, delivers premier event services and flexible venues across the nation's capital. Leveraging the power of a world-class destination and creating amazing attendee experiences, Events DC generates economic and community benefits through the attraction and promotion of business, athletic, entertainment and cultural activities. Events DC oversees the LEED Gold-certified Walter E. Washington Convention Center, an anchor of the District's hospitality and tourism economy and the historic Carnegie Library at Mt. Vernon Square. Events DC manages the RFK Stadium-Armory Campus (RFK Campus), including Robert F. Kennedy Memorial Stadium, Festival Grounds at RFK Campus, The Fields at RFK, the non-military functions of the DC Armory and the Skate Park at RFK Stadium. Events DC also built and serves as landlord for Nationals Park, the first LEED-certified major professional sports stadium in the United States. Events DC manages Gateway DC, R.I.S.E. Demonstration Center and CareFirst Arena all conveniently located in the Congress Heights neighborhood of Washington, DC. For more information, please visit and find us on social media – Facebook, Instagram and YouTube (Events DC), and Twitter (@TheEventsDC). Disclaimer: The above press release comes to you under an arrangement with GlobeNewswire. Business Upturn takes no editorial responsibility for the same. Ahmedabad Plane Crash
Newsweek
26-05-2025
- General
- Newsweek
US Sends New Bombers to Frontline Air Base in West Pacific
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. The United States appears to have rotated its bomber fleet to the Western Pacific Ocean by deploying aircraft to Guam, a strategic hub that serves as a staging area for projecting power. Newsweek has reached out to the U.S. Pacific Air Forces for further comment by email. Why It Matters The U.S. often deploys its bombers—consisting of the B-1B Lancer, B-2 Spirit, and B-52H Stratofortress—at bases in the Indo-Pacific region for Bomber Task Force (BTF) missions, including Guam, its westernmost territory in the Pacific Ocean, a Newsweek map shows. Guam serves as the center of the Second Island Chain under the U.S. containment strategy, which seeks to keep adversaries' forces in check. The island also hosts Air Force, Navy, and Marine Corps bases that sustain and maintain the American military presence in the region. What To Know The U.S. Air Force 2nd Bomb Wing—a B-52H Stratofortress bomber unit headquartered at Barksdale Air Force Base in Louisiana—released a video on Saturday indicating that an unspecified number of bombers have been deployed to Andersen Air Force Base in Guam. The video shows a bomber undergoing maintenance and post-flight inspections at the air base on May 22, with its caption stating that BTF missions provide opportunities to train and work with U.S. allies and partners across different combatant command areas of operations. The B-52H bomber is capable of carrying up to 70,000 pounds of nuclear or conventional weapons and features "worldwide precision navigation capability." It has a stated range of 8,800 miles and a top speed of 650 miles per hour, according to a U.S. Air Force fact sheet. This marked the third BTF deployment in the Western Pacific Ocean this year, according to the map created by Newsweek. The last mission saw four B-1B bombers deploy to Misawa Air Base in Japan in mid-April, returning to the U.S. in two flights on May 9 and May 12. A United States Air Force B-52H bomber arrives at Andersen Air Force Base in Guam after completing a Bomber Task Force mission on April 29, 2024. A United States Air Force B-52H bomber arrives at Andersen Air Force Base in Guam after completing a Bomber Task Force mission on April 29, 2024. Tech. Sgt. Eric Summers Jr./U.S. Air Force The map also shows that Andersen Air Force Base hosted another BTF deployment from mid-January to early March, involving a separate group of four B-1B bombers. These bombers are not nuclear-capable and carry up to 75,000 pounds of conventional weapons. It was not clear how long the B-52H bombers will be deployed in Guam. The U.S. Air Force Global Strike Command, responsible for America's bomber force, previously told Newsweek that it is ready to conduct BTF missions "anyplace, anytime, and for any duration required." What People Are Saying The U.S. Air Force 2nd Bomb Wing said: "Bomber Task Force missions demonstrate the credibility of our forces to address a global security environment that is more diverse and uncertain than any other time in recent history." The U.S. Air Force Global Strike Command previously told Newsweek: "Our command is committed to working with U.S. allies and partners to deter aggression in the Indo-Pacific; those allies and partners provide an asymmetric advantage that our adversaries can never hope to match." The U.S. Pacific Air Forces previously told Newsweek: "The U.S. Air Force routinely deploys a variety of aircraft and units throughout the Indo-Pacific area of operations in support of geographic combatant command objectives and training." What Happens Next It remains to be seen when the Guam-based B-52H bombers will execute their first mission since arriving on the Western Pacific island, where tensions remain high in the South China Sea, across the Taiwan Strait, and on the Korean Peninsula.
Forbes
15-05-2025
- General
- Forbes
Air Force Calls For Latvians To Photograph B-52 During Friday Flyover
A B-52 Stratofortress will bly over Riga, Latvia, on Friday. (Photo by Robert ATANASOVSKI / AFP) ... More (Photo by ROBERT ATANASOVSKI/AFP via Getty Images) The United States Air Force will deploy at least one Boeing B-52 Stratofortress bomber to Latvia on Friday, where the aircraft will conduct a flyover of the capital city of Riga. U.S. Air Force Europe-Air Force Africa (USAFE-AFAFRICA) took to social media on Thursday. It encouraged residents to photograph the long-range strategic bomber as it passes over the Monument of Freedom. "[The] B-52H Stratofortress is scheduled to conduct a flyover in Riga, Latvia, above the Monument of Freedom and Lielvārde Air Base on 16 May at approximately 12:00 p.m. local as part of the Bomber Task Force Europe mission set, demonstrating the United States' commitment to security in the Baltic region and across NATO's eastern flank," USAFE-AFAFRICA said in a media statement. In a post on X, the social media platform formerly known as Twitter, USAFE-AFAFRICA further announced the "Photo Contest" and called for those in Riga to "Capture the multinational flyover & submit your photo for a chance to be featured. Take a photo of the B-52 & Allied aircraft during the flyover. Post it on Instagram or Facebook with #RigaFlyer & tag: @usafe_afafrica @HQUSAFE.' The winner will get "a spotlight feature" on the USAFE-AFAFRICA social media feeds. The U.S. Air Force does not typically give advanced notice about Bomber Task Force (BTF) missions; instead, deployments are announced after the aircraft begin to arrive in the region. The most recent BTF 25-2 mission, the second of the service's fiscal year, was carried out from the middle of February to early April and saw at least four B-52s sent to Europe. In this case, USAFE-AFAFRICA employed a social media campaign to alert allies, partners, and potential adversaries of the BTF mission. "The U.S. Air Force is mostly giving the Russians advanced notice they are coming. The Latvians are invited to watch," explained technology industry analyst Roger Entner of Recon Analytics. "It is a way to lean into the social media era," added Dr. Matthew Schmidt, associate professor of national security and political science at the University of New Haven. "It is much like the Air Force equivalent of driving a carrier task force through the Taiwan Strait. It's a presence patrol. They want to be seen. They want it all over in the civilian world because it encourages a sense that the U.S. is there defending its allies." What is also notable about this potential BTF mission is that it isn't just about the fact that the Cold War-era bomber will fly over a former Soviet Republic, but also about the fact that the Air Force is encouraging photos to be taken and shared on Instagram and Facebook. The service routinely releases official images of BTF missions and other deployments of its aircraft, while unofficial photos quickly make the rounds on social media. In this case, USAFE-AFAFRICA may hope that B-52 is a trending topic on Friday. "What's remarkable here isn't just the military maneuver itself, but the way the U.S. is turning a high-level defense operation into a social media moment," said global brand marketing strategist Angeli Gianchandani, adjunct instructor of marketing and public relations. "Encouraging public sharing turns a military signal into a viral one—blurring the lines between defense strategy and public engagement," added Gianchandani, who earned her master's degree at Tuft University's Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy under Admiral James Stavridis. She said this is a textbook example of leveraging soft power, an essential skill in modern diplomacy. "It also reflects the value of strategic transparency as deterrence—keeping things above board, controlling the narrative early, and signaling resolve without crossing into aggression," Gianchandani continued. "By inviting civilians to participate, the U.S. transforms a traditional show-of-force into a public display of alliance solidarity." Friday's planned flight follows the low-pass flyover of Stockholm, Sweden, of two B-52H bombers to observe the first anniversary of the Nordic nation's accession to NATO, while Estonia's Independence Day was also marked with a flyover that included an American B-52, escorted by a Finnish Air Force F/A-18 Hornet and Royal Netherlands Air Force F-35A Lightning II. The upcoming flight promises to be more of the same, notably flying over the monument that was installed to honor the soldiers killed during the Latvian War of Independence (1918-1920). "It projects power in an open and welcoming way, positioning this mission as reassurance, not provocation, and sending a clear message that the U.S. stands shoulder-to-shoulder with Latvia and NATO—in full view of the world," said Gianchandani. "Where we see so much chaos, this move feels unexpected and super smart—turning a routine flyover into a master class in public diplomacy."
Miami Herald
22-04-2025
- General
- Miami Herald
Indo-Pacific Map Shows Where US Bombers Operate Outside of America
The United States has been rotating its bomber fleet, including those that are equipped for nuclear armament, in the Indo-Pacific region to deter aggression, a Newsweek map shows. The U.S. Air Force Global Strike Command, which is responsible for the entire American bomber force, is ready to conduct Bomber Task Force (BTF) operations "anyplace, anytime, and for any duration required," the Louisiana-based command told Newsweek on Monday. The U.S. Air Force operates three types of bombers in active service: the nuclear-capable B-2 Spirit and B-52H Stratofortress and the B-1B Lancer, which can carry up to 75,000 pounds of nonnuclear weapons. American bombers have been conducting BTF missions since 2018 in the European and Pacific theaters by deploying at U.S. and allied air bases for an unspecified period, demonstrating the Pentagon's ability to "command and control bomber forces anywhere." These missions, which are regular and routine, show the U.S. is committed to strengthening deterrence and promoting peace and stability by providing "combat-ready forces for nuclear and conventional global strike," according to the U.S. Air Force Global Strike Command. Since the commencement of BTF missions, the U.S. has sent its bombers to five locations in the Indo-Pacific region that are outside the continental U.S., including two locations on U.S. territory: Andersen Air Force Base in Guam and Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam in Hawaii. Guam and Hawaii are part of the second and third island chains, respectively, under a U.S. containment strategy to restrict Russian and Chinese military access to the Pacific Ocean. Both islands also serve as strategic outposts for projecting the U.S.'s military power. The remaining locations are Royal Australian Air Force Base Amberley in Australia, Misawa Air Base in Japan and Naval Support Facility Diego Garcia in the British Indian Ocean Territory. Australia and Japan are located within the first and second island chains. Each BTF mission involves two to four aircraft and lasts for a month on average. The U.S. is currently conducting two deployments: the B-1B bombers at Misawa Air Base and the B-2 bombers at Naval Support Facility Diego Garcia. While the U.S. Pacific Air Forces told Newsweek that it would refrain from discussing the number of deployed bombers and the length of their presence in Japan, it has been confirmed that this will be a "limited deployment" for training with U.S. allies and partners in the region. Prior to the first-ever rotational BTF deployment in Japan, the B-1B bombers took part in training with the South Korean air force in the ally's airspace. North Korea later condemned Washington for "escalating tension" and "inciting confrontation" in the Korean Peninsula. Earlier this month, the Pentagon said additional "air assets" had been ordered to deploy to the Middle East amid rising tensions. However, it has yet to confirm the deployment of as many as six B-2 bombers at the Indian Ocean outpost, which were spotted by satellite imagery. The U.S. Air Force Global Strike Command told Newsweek: "Our command is committed to working with U.S. allies and partners to deter aggression in the Indo-Pacific; those allies and partners provide an asymmetric advantage that our adversaries can never hope to match." The U.S. Pacific Air Forces told Newsweek: "The U.S. Air Force routinely deploys a variety of aircraft and units throughout the Indo-Pacific area of operations in support of geographic combatant command objectives and training. … Bomber Task Force deployments support the larger Indo-Pacific strategy to uphold a free and open Indo-Pacific and are not in direct response to any political or economic factors." The U.S. looks for every opportunity to train alongside allies and partners in the Indo-Pacific region to bolster collective ability, the U.S. Pacific Air Forces told Newsweek. It remains to be seen whether the U.S. will expand BTF missions by sending bombers to new locations. Related Articles Iran Ready for Nuclear Deal with TrumpChina Releases Video of Encounter With US Aircraft Carrier Fighter JetIf Nations Won't Fight Global Warming, Cities Can and Will | OpinionUS Bolsters Israel With Airlift Amid Regional Threats 2025 NEWSWEEK DIGITAL LLC.
Newsweek
22-04-2025
- General
- Newsweek
Indo-Pacific Map Shows Where US Bombers Operate Outside of America
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. The United States has been rotating its bomber fleet, including those that are equipped for nuclear armament, in the Indo-Pacific region to deter aggression, a Newsweek map shows. The U.S. Air Force Global Strike Command, which is responsible for the entire American bomber force, is ready to conduct Bomber Task Force (BTF) operations "anyplace, anytime, and for any duration required," the Louisiana-based command told Newsweek on Monday. Why It Matters The U.S. Air Force operates three types of bombers in active service: the nuclear-capable B-2 Spirit and B-52H Stratofortress and the B-1B Lancer, which can carry up to 75,000 pounds of nonnuclear weapons. American bombers have been conducting BTF missions since 2018 in the European and Pacific theaters by deploying at U.S. and allied air bases for an unspecified period, demonstrating the Pentagon's ability to "command and control bomber forces anywhere." These missions, which are regular and routine, show the U.S. is committed to strengthening deterrence and promoting peace and stability by providing "combat-ready forces for nuclear and conventional global strike," according to the U.S. Air Force Global Strike Command. A pair of United States Air Force B-1B bombers taxiing to be parked at Andersen Air Force Base in Guam on January 17 in support of Bomber Task Force 25-1. A pair of United States Air Force B-1B bombers taxiing to be parked at Andersen Air Force Base in Guam on January 17 in support of Bomber Task Force 25-1. Tech. Sgt. Robert M. Trujillo/U.S. Air Force What To Know Since the commencement of BTF missions, the U.S. has sent its bombers to five locations in the Indo-Pacific region that are outside the continental U.S., including two locations on U.S. territory: Andersen Air Force Base in Guam and Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam in Hawaii. Guam and Hawaii are part of the second and third island chains, respectively, under a U.S. containment strategy to restrict Russian and Chinese military access to the Pacific Ocean. Both islands also serve as strategic outposts for projecting the U.S.'s military power. The remaining locations are Royal Australian Air Force Base Amberley in Australia, Misawa Air Base in Japan and Naval Support Facility Diego Garcia in the British Indian Ocean Territory. Australia and Japan are located within the first and second island chains. Each BTF mission involves two to four aircraft and lasts for a month on average. The U.S. is currently conducting two deployments: the B-1B bombers at Misawa Air Base and the B-2 bombers at Naval Support Facility Diego Garcia. While the U.S. Pacific Air Forces told Newsweek that it would refrain from discussing the number of deployed bombers and the length of their presence in Japan, it has been confirmed that this will be a "limited deployment" for training with U.S. allies and partners in the region. Prior to the first-ever rotational BTF deployment in Japan, the B-1B bombers took part in training with the South Korean air force in the ally's airspace. North Korea later condemned Washington for "escalating tension" and "inciting confrontation" in the Korean Peninsula. Earlier this month, the Pentagon said additional "air assets" had been ordered to deploy to the Middle East amid rising tensions. However, it has yet to confirm the deployment of as many as six B-2 bombers at the Indian Ocean outpost, which were spotted by satellite imagery. What People Are Saying The U.S. Air Force Global Strike Command told Newsweek: "Our command is committed to working with U.S. allies and partners to deter aggression in the Indo-Pacific; those allies and partners provide an asymmetric advantage that our adversaries can never hope to match." The U.S. Pacific Air Forces told Newsweek: "The U.S. Air Force routinely deploys a variety of aircraft and units throughout the Indo-Pacific area of operations in support of geographic combatant command objectives and training. … Bomber Task Force deployments support the larger Indo-Pacific strategy to uphold a free and open Indo-Pacific and are not in direct response to any political or economic factors." What Happens Next The U.S. looks for every opportunity to train alongside allies and partners in the Indo-Pacific region to bolster collective ability, the U.S. Pacific Air Forces told Newsweek. It remains to be seen whether the U.S. will expand BTF missions by sending bombers to new locations.
