Find Out What's Happening Locally In Our Albany NY News Roundup
From new business openings, to exciting updates about events, to major community announcements, our Albany NY news roundup has you covered. Check out what's going on in the city and Capital Region!
Siena Men's Basketball Wins MAAC, Advancing to March Madness
Never count out an underdog. Despite entering the tournament as the No. 3 seed, the Siena Saints silenced the skeptics on Tuesday, March 10, toppling top-seeded Merrimack 64-54 in a thrilling matchup.
Despite initially being down, the Saints were able to quickly score against the Warriors and stay on top for the remainder of the game. The team's starting unit took charge, accounting for all 64 points, with Gavin Doty reaching a game-high 23 points!
This victory marks the Saints' first title since 2020 and their seventh MAAC trophy overall, moving them into second place for the most MAAC championships in league history.
By defeating Merrimack, the Saints will advance to the NCAA March Madness tournament for the first time since 2010.
Siena's spot and opponent for the tournament will be determined during the NCAA Men's Basketball Selection Show, which airs live on CBS on Sunday, March 15, at 6:00 pm.
Source: MAAC Sports
Something New to Toast To: Glens Falls Liquor Joins Downtown
A new spot has recently joined the downtown Glens Falls scene. Glens Falls Liquor, located at 280 Glen Street, officially opened its doors earlier this March, bringing another locally owned business to the heart of Glen Street.
Owned by Queensbury graduate Tim Ortiz, the shop adds a convenient place for residents and visitors to stop while spending time downtown. As Glens Falls continues to grow, new storefronts like this help keep the energy of the area moving forward and give people another reason to explore the city.
With warmer days ahead, many in the community are looking forward to the streets of downtown filling up again with people enjoying the sunshine, good company, and the lively atmosphere that makes Glens Falls special. New businesses like Glens Falls Liquor add to that excitement and give locals another place to stop in while spending time in the heart of the city.
As the seasons change and more people return to downtown, it’s always exciting to see new places open their doors and become part of the community.
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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
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
Cardona’s Market Launches Gift Card Swap for Closed Local Deli
Cardona’s Market is helping residents use gift cards from several recently closed businesses. The family-owned market has launched a gift card exchange program that will run throughout March.
Customers who still have gift cards or certificates from Gershon’s Deli in Schenectady, Genoa Importing Co. in Loudonville, or Primal: Your Local Butcher in Guilderland and Saratoga Springs can bring them to Cardona’s. In return, the market is offering a one time $25 in store credit.
Cardona’s Market Co Owner and Executive Chef Robert Cardona Jr., explained that the team created the program after realizing many community members were left with unusable gift cards following the recent closures.
The exchange is limited to one $25 credit per customer and must be used during a single visit. The credit cannot be applied to online catering orders.
Cardona’s Market operates several locations across the Capital Region, including stores in Albany, Latham, and Saratoga Springs. The limited offering is a small but meaningful way for customers to reclaim lost value while supporting a local business.
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
Hi-Note Bar: A New Addition to Downtown Saratoga Springs
Downtown Saratoga Springs continues to grow everyday, adding fresh energy to the city’s nightlife scene. With how busy life can get, having a place where people can meet up with friends and family and enjoy a night out together brings a lot of joy to the community. Nothing better than a new lively bar added to Downtown. Hi-Note Bar, now open at 63 Putnam Street, is the latest addition to Saratoga’s hospitality scene, giving locals and visitors another exciting place to meet up, unwind, and enjoy a night out.
The bar was designed to keep things simple while still delivering a great experience. Hi-Note focuses on a streamlined drink and food program that prioritizes speed, quality, and consistency, perfect for those nights when you want a great drink without the wait and it’s always nice to have some food options to go along with it.
One popular standout feature is the drink lineup, which includes espresso martinis on tap, along with beer and wine on tap as well. And honestly, who doesn’t love an espresso martini? Having them ready to pour makes it even easier to grab one and cheers to your beautiful night out with friends and family.
With its convenient downtown location and lively atmosphere, Hi-Note Bar is quickly becoming a spot worth checking out. Whether you're starting the evening with friends or stopping by for a late-night drink, it’s another reason Saratoga’s nightlife continues to bring people together for great nights out.
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