Friday News Brief
Written by Pete Zehler on July 24, 2026
RED OSIER DROPS LAWSUIT AGAINST SUNNY’S RESTAURANT
A legal dispute between two well-known Genesee County restaurants has come to an end.
The Red Osier Landmark Restaurant has voluntarily withdrawn its lawsuit against Sunny’s Restaurant in Batavia. The lawsuit, filed in March, alleged Sunny’s had stolen confidential recipes for menu items including prime rib, bourbon-glazed salmon and other signature dishes after hiring two former Red Osier employees, including its longtime head chef.
An attorney for Sunny’s says Red Osier never produced evidence that any recipes had been stolen before dismissing the case.
In a statement, Red Osier’s owners said they are satisfied their recipes, brand and nearly century-long heritage remain protected. They say the lawsuit helped confirm that their proprietary information is secure and added they welcome fair competition while remaining committed to preserving the restaurant’s long-standing traditions and reputation.
BERGEN ADOPTS PARK RULES, INCLUDING WEAPONS BAN
The Bergen Town Board has approved a new local law establishing rules for town-owned parks and recreation areas, including Robins Brook Park, Drew’s Nature Center, and the West Shore Recreation Area.
The law prohibits a number of activities, including possessing weapons such as firearms, hunting knives, switchblades, bows and arrows, slingshots and metal knuckles while on the properties.
The measure passed Tuesday after board members discussed whether the weapons restriction could expose the town to legal challenges. Town Supervisor Ernie Haywood said the rule mirrors existing New York State law, which already prohibits firearms in sensitive locations such as public parks. Board member Mark Swanson questioned whether the restriction could conflict with recent court rulings on gun rights but ultimately voted to move the law forward. No residents spoke during the required public hearing before the board approved the measure.
JOHN WAITE TAKES THE STAGE AT BATAVIA DOWNS TONIGHT
Rock fans can catch John Waite live tonight at Batavia Downs Gaming & Hotel.
The singer-songwriter, best known for the number one hit “Missing You,” will perform music from his solo career as well as favorites from The Babys and Bad English, including “Isn’t It Time” and “When I See You Smile.” Gates open this evening, with the concert running from 5 until 10 p.m. Tickets are still available through Batavia Downs.
YOUTH SPORTS GRANTS AVAILABLE IN GENESEE COUNTY
Youth sports organizations in Genesee County have an opportunity to receive state funding for the upcoming program year.
The Genesee County Youth Bureau is encouraging local nonprofits, community organizations and eligible municipal youth bureaus to apply for two New York State grant programs that support youth sports and recreation. One program funds a wide range of physical activity and recreation opportunities, while the other is aimed specifically at organized team sports. The funding is available for programs operating between October of this year and September of next year.
Applications are due August 14th. Organizations looking for assistance with the application process can contact the Genesee County Youth Bureau or visit geneseeny.gov/youth-sports-funding for more information.
TROPICAL STORM BERTHA MAKES SECOND LANDFALL
Tropical Storm Bertha made a second landfall Thursday along the Texas-Louisiana border, bringing heavy rain, rough surf and the threat of additional flooding to the Gulf Coast.
The storm came ashore northeast of Galveston, Texas, with sustained winds of 40 miles per hour and is expected to continue weakening as it moves inland. Forecasters say up to two feet of storm surge and isolated flash flooding remain possible across parts of coastal and southeast Texas.
While no deaths or major damage have been reported, the storm forced SpaceX to postpone a planned Starship launch because of thick cloud cover. That launch has now been rescheduled for Friday, when weather conditions are expected to improve.
TRUMP ANNOUNCES NEW IMPORT TARIFFS
President Donald Trump has announced new tariffs on imports from 60 countries, just hours before temporary trade taxes were set to expire.
The administration says the new tariffs, ranging from 10 to 12.5 percent, target countries it says have failed to adequately prevent goods made with forced labor from entering global markets. Products including oil, natural gas, fertilizer, and items covered under the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement are exempt.
The White House says the move is intended to strengthen trade enforcement, but economists warn the higher import taxes could increase costs for businesses and consumers. The tariffs are scheduled to take effect just after midnight Friday.
MUCKDOGS ROLL PAST AUBURN
The Batavia Muckdogs continued their strong season Thursday night with a 9-3 victory over the Auburn Doubledays.
The win improves Batavia’s record to 27-10-1, keeping the Muckdogs among the top teams in the Perfect Game Collegiate Baseball League as the regular season winds down. Batavia will now hit the road for its second-to-last regular season game tonight, traveling to Newark to take on the Pilots. First pitch is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. as the Muckdogs look to build momentum heading into the postseason.
