Latest news with #JimRitts
Yahoo
20-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Moontower Comedy Festival brings laughs, economic boost to area
AUSTIN (KXAN) — The Moontower Comedy Festival is wrapping up its final shows in Austin, marking the end of a more than week-long celebration of comedy that has become a staple in the industry. The festival, which attracts big-name acts, has drawn approximately 65,000 attendees this year, significantly boosting the local economy, organizers said. 'We'll do something around 65,000 people in attendance of the festival,' said Jim Ritts, CEO of the Austin Theatre Alliance. The non profit runs the Paramount Theater which hosts the annual festival. The festival has grown from its humble beginnings off Congress at the State and Paramount theaters since it began in 2012. It's now in more venues, and more venues mean more people, and more money. 'We really do drive the economy around this. I think our economic contribution from all of this is somewhere between $7.5 to $10 million,' Ritts added. Despite its growth and the presence of huge stars, the festival maintains a focus on economic accessibility, ensuring that as many people as possible can enjoy the performances. 'We try to make sure that economic access isn't a barrier for being able to see comedy. So you can go to clubs and see it for $20, or buy a badge for $100 that lets you hop from club to club, as well as all the headliners,' Ritts said. As the festival concludes, organizers hint at further expansion and the potential for comedy specials to be filmed at the Paramount for platforms like Netflix or Hulu. All facts from this article were gathered by KXAN journalists. This article was converted into this format with assistance from artificial intelligence. It has been edited and approved by KXAN staff. Read about our approach to using AI tools. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
11-04-2025
- Yahoo
Report: Ontario County DA employees drank alcohol during workplace party
ROCHESTER, N.Y. (WROC) — The Ontario County DA's Office is facing criticism after allegations of a 'Fall Fest' party involving alcohol in the workplace. An investigation report detailed an event known as 'Fall Fest,' an alleged event held annually by the DA's Office. The report says it grew over the years from a cook-off and games during a lunch break to a day-long event involving alcohol, decorations, and karaoke. According to the report, the workplace was decorated, and employees were in costume for the November 5, 2024, event. One employee allegedly dressed up as a stripper and decorated their office to resemble the 'Bada Bing!,' a fictional strip club from 'The Sopranos.' The report also says that some employees purchased alcohol and brought it into the courthouse. Some of them admitted to bringing drinks into the jury and courtrooms. Ontario County DA Jim Ritts allegedly admitted that he drank at work after 4 p.m. the day before 'Fall Fest' and drank during last year's event. News 8 reached out to Ritts for comment. Jason MacBride, who is running for Ontario County DA, released a statement Friday morning criticizing Ritts for being 'untruthful' when questioned during the investigation into the party. MacBride says this is not about 'silly politics,' but says the residents of Ontario County deserve 'leadership rooted in'integrity, transparency, and an unwavering commitment to justice.' ONTARIO-DA-1Download Stay with News 8 WROC as we continue to update this developing story. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
