Find Out What's Happening Locally In Our Albany NY News Roundup

Book Worms Rejoice: Crossgates Is Finally Getting a Bookstore

News Channel 13 reports that Crossgates Mall will be welcoming Barnes & Noble in the fall of this year!

The store is planned to be 18,000 feet with a cafe, and will be located on the upper level across from REI Co-op.

Currently, there are two other Barnes & Noble locations in the Capital Region - the Wilton Mall store opened in the early 1990s, and the one at Colonie Center opened in 2007.

Crossgates hasn't had a bookstore since Borders, which closed in 2011.

Sources:

• News Channel 13: Barnes & Noble coming to Crossgates in 2026

New Era Begins at Albany's New York State Museum

A bold new era has arrived at the New York State Museum. Backed by a historic $150 million investment from Governor Kathy Hochul, Phase One of a multi-year transformation is officially underway.

This project aims to create a more modern, family-friendly, and engaging destination in downtown Albany.

Initial updates include major new exhibitions, a dedicated Kids Zone, and the reopening of the museum gift shop and cafe. Such improvements are designed to reflect the vibrancy, inclusivity, and diversity of New York State.

The museum's exhibition schedule is also expanding, with four to six major installations planned annually. Following the December 2025 debut of a new Barbie-themed exhibition, the 2026 calendar will feature diverse programming centered on New York history and culture. Notable highlights include commemorations of the 200th anniversary of abolition in New York State and the 25th anniversary of the September 11 attacks.

A newly formed Visioning Task Force will guide future improvements, ensuring community voices remain at the heart of the renovation process. As these new experiences take flight and more projects emerge, the New York State Museum is reclaiming its place as a premier destination that honors the state's past while embracing its future.

Source: https://www.nysed.gov/news/2026/governor-hochul-and-commissioner-rosa-announce-bold-new-chapter-new-york-state-museum

Albany Named One of the Top 15 Best Places to Retire in 2026

A historic wave of Americans is about to reshape retirement, and Albany is ready for it! According to a new report by StorageCafe, more than 4 million Americans will turn 65 in 2026 - a dramatic increase from a decade ago. 

At the same time, inflation and healthcare costs continue to rise, and 15 million Americans over 55 have no children to help support them through this transition. additionally, more than 75% of older adults say they plan to age in place. But where?

The team behind StorageCafe analyzed 108 cities across the country to determine which communities are best positioned for the coming wave of retirees. Their rankings take into account affordability, comfort, and access to care, evaluating factors like demographics, financial stability, senior-focused housing, safety, healthcare access, and lifestyle amenities like golf courses.

Albany ranked #15 nationally, placing it among the top retirement destinations in the country. Some factors the article highlighted included:

• Life expectancy: 78.6 years (compared to 80.6 in the #1 spot, Cape Coral-Fort Myers FL)
• Air quality: 39 (out of a possible 50)
• # of healthcare workers & social assistance per 10,000 residents: 3,062
• Parks per 10,000 residents: 5
• Golf courses per square mile: 67

StorageCafe is a nationwide online marketplace for self-storage, often described as the "Zillo for storage units." The organization is powered by real-time data and the team is made up of experts in housing and storage trends.

Sources:

• StorageCafe: Best Places To Retire: Top U.S. Metros for Golden-Year Quality Of Life