Wednesday News Brief
Written by Pete Zehler on June 3, 2026
MAX PIES TO CLOSE AFTER 121 YEARS IN BATAVIA
A Batavia institution is preparing to close its doors after more than a century in business. Max Pies Furniture, located on South Jackson Street, will begin a store-closing sale this week, ending a remarkable 121-year run that spanned four generations of the Pies family.
Owner Phil Pies, now 83, says the decision comes down to timing more than any one factor. While challenges such as inflation, tariffs, and changing shopping habits played a role, the family says the closure is also about retirement and celebrating a successful legacy.
Steve Pies, who has helped run the business for more than two decades, says he made the decision not to pass the company on to a fifth generation, instead choosing to let the family business conclude with his father.
The store has survived the Great Depression, multiple recessions, the rise of online shopping, and the COVID-19 pandemic, all while remaining in the same South Jackson Street location. The closing sale is expected to run for about 12 weeks, with all inventory being sold.
The Pies family says they are grateful for generations of loyal customers and hope the final chapter of the business is remembered as a celebration of one of Batavia’s great success stories.
YMCA UPDATES FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE PROGRAM
The GLOW YMCA has expanded its Access For All Financial Assistance Program to make memberships, childcare, and programs more accessible for local families.
The updated program includes a simplified application, an online calculator, and a more personalized review process.
Officials say the goal is to ensure financial circumstances don’t prevent anyone from participating in YMCA programs.
The initiative is funded through the YMCA’s Strong Communities Campaign, with all donations staying local to support residents throughout the GLOW region.
TRUMP SIGNS NEW AI OVERSIGHT ORDER
President Donald Trump has signed a new executive order creating a framework for the federal government to review potential national security risks posed by the most advanced artificial intelligence systems.
The order establishes a voluntary process allowing AI developers to share information with the government before releasing cutting-edge AI models. Federal agencies would have up to 30 days to review those systems for potential security concerns.
The White House says the policy is designed to protect critical infrastructure and strengthen cybersecurity while avoiding regulations that could slow innovation. Supporters say the move balances safety and technological leadership, while critics have raised concerns about how the government will determine which AI systems receive scrutiny.
SHERIFF’S OFFICE REPORTS CONCERT ARRESTS, ASSAULT, AND CONTRABAND CASE
The Genesee County Sheriff’s Office reports several recent arrests across the county.
Following the Hardy concert at Six Flags Darien Lake, Kirby Heath, 22, of Lackawanna, was charged with DWI. Deputies also charged Devin Kuntz, 19, of Alden; Jacob Pangrazio, 20, of York; Ryan Brady, 18, of Batavia; Cole Davis, 18, of Batavia; and Paul Sesnie, 18, of Churchville, along with four juveniles, with unlawful possession of alcohol by a person under 21.
In Batavia, Anyla Doward was charged with third-degree assault after allegedly injuring another person during a fistfight on Veterans Memorial Drive on May 26th.
And Steven Godinho, 41, of Batavia, was charged with introducing dangerous contraband into a prison, tampering with evidence, and criminal possession of a controlled substance after deputies say he attempted to conceal clonazepam while entering a secure facility.
All charges are accusations, and the defendants are presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.
ROTARY CLUB HELPS TRANSFORM YWCA HALLWAYS
Visitors to the YWCA of Genesee County will notice a fresh new look thanks to a service project completed by the Rotary Club of Batavia.
Rotarians spent several weekends painting public hallways at the North Street facility and installing new chair rails and baseboards, creating a more welcoming environment for residents and visitors.
YWCA Executive Director Jamie Beedham-Rada says the improvements have helped bring new life to the building and create a greater sense of comfort and dignity for those served by the organization.
The Rotary Club also donated the paint and materials used for the project.
REPORT DETAILS ALLEGED MEDICAL CARE ISSUES IN ICE DETENTION CENTERS
A new investigation by The Associated Press and KFF Health News found hundreds of allegations of inadequate medical care at immigration detention facilities across the country. Detainees in federal court filings claim medications were delayed or denied, chronic conditions went untreated, and requests for medical attention were sometimes ignored for weeks.
The report reviewed hundreds of cases involving facilities in at least 33 states. Allegations included untreated infections, missed cancer appointments, and lapses in care for conditions such as diabetes, high blood pressure, epilepsy, and HIV.
The Department of Homeland Security maintains that detainees receive timely and appropriate medical care and says healthcare services are provided in accordance with federal standards. Operators of detention facilities also dispute many of the allegations.
The report comes as the number of people held in ICE custody has risen significantly over the past year, placing additional strain on the immigration detention system.
NOTRE DAME SHINES AT SECTIONAL TRACK CHAMPIONSHIPS
Notre Dame turned in a dominant performance at the Section V Class C5 Track and Field Championships, capturing nine event titles while both the boys and girls teams finished second overall.
Emilie Noble led the way, winning four events — the 100, 200, 400 and 400 hurdles — and was named the Girls Most Outstanding Track Athlete.
MacKoy Hall earned Boys Most Outstanding Field Athlete honors after winning both the shot put and discus.
Other sectional champions for the Irish included Brielle McGirr in discus, Sara Nickerson in triple jump, and Cooper Parker in the 400-meter hurdles.
Top finishers now advance to Saturday’s Section V State Qualifier at Caledonia-Mumford.
