Good morning, Albany.

A First Friday celebration last night showcased downtown Albany’s nightlife at The Hollow Bar and Kitchen, featuring live music in honor of Women’s History Month and support for women-owned businesses.

Mayor Dorcey Applyrs (Albany’s first Black female mayor) attended to help revive the local scene.

Empire State Development announced a $2.36M investment in six projects to boost waste tire reuse and recycling in New York.

The initiative includes $1.4M from the NYS Waste Tire Program (managed by REMADE Institute) to turn waste tires into economic opportunities.

Paolo La Pietra from Boucher Financial Group advised clients to use long-term 401k strategies amid market volatility from the Middle East conflict, stressing a diversified portfolio with a 10 to 15% contribution and two years of cash reserve to avoid losses — he added market conditions may offer buying opportunities.

Rally participants demanded more transparency of the state’s CDPAP home care program in Albany Thursday after the transition to Public Partnerships Limited led to disruptions with over 150,000 workers and 90,000 consumers leaving, and New York Caring Majority delivered a letter to Gov. Hochul (urging public spending reports).

Hospitals in upstate and rural areas urge lawmakers to restore funding like the Vital Access Assurance Program due to staffing shortages and federal funding cuts before the April 1 state budget deadline — measures aimed at easing financial strain.

St. Peter’s Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Albany will close after 68 years because it cannot fund the required $60 million in repairs.

Residents will transfer over three months, and a public meeting is scheduled for Friday, Mar. 20 (5 to 6 p.m.).

Dr. Jason Mouzakes has been named president and CEO of Albany Medical Center Hospital after serving as executive vice president — he will lead the First Choice 2030 initiative to improve patient care across its Glens Falls, Saratoga and Columbia Memorial hospitals.

The New York State Dental Association pushed for a bill to require insurers to report spending on patient care, aiming to later mandate a set percentage of premiums on dental services (an approach used in the Affordable Care Act) as similar laws already exist in other states.

Spring brings a taste of change as favorite eateries open this season; Snowman Ice Cream is launching today in Troy + Jack’s Drive-In and Huck Finn’s Playland in other communities are set to open on upcoming dates through May 2.

PETA’s Hell on Wheels truck visited Albany Friday as part of a national vegan campaign+ it played recordings of pigs headed for slaughter while offering vegan recipes to local restaurants to promote plant-based eating.

The UAlbany baseball team battled 15 innings Friday as St. John's beat them 2-1 with a walk-off RBI single at Jeff Kaiser Stadium in Queens — the Great Danes will play two more games tomorrow at 2:00 p.m. and Sunday at 1:00 p.m.

UAlbany Esports teams won first place trophies at the National Esports Collegiate Conference in their debut season by excelling in Marvel Rivals and Valorant.

Their new 4,000 sqft arena is open daily from 3 to 10 p.m. (with free equipment rentals) to support both competitive and casual gamers.

Candlelight Concert: 90s Unplugged

8:30-9:30 p.m. — The Egg — Ticket prices vary — Experience a magical evening of 90s classics performed by a string quartet under the soft glow of candlelight.

Turn It Up Dance Challenge

March 13-15 — Palace Theatre — Registration open — Enjoy a thrilling weekend of regional dance competitions with awards and scholarships.

Capital District Wind Challenge

8:30 AM – 2:30 PM — Sand Creek Middle School — School team participation — Experience the excitement of student-designed wind turbines in a competitive setting.

Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus

12-3 p.m. — MVP Arena — Tickets available — Experience the thrill of the circus with world-class performances and family-friendly entertainment.

Candlelight: A Tribute to Taylor Swift

8:30-9:30 p.m. — UAlbany Performing Arts Center — Tickets available — Experience the enchanting music of Taylor Swift illuminated by candlelight.

Live Music with Luke Palvus

7-10 p.m. — Seven Dining and Catering — Free entry — Enjoy an evening of live music by Luke Palvus at a popular local venue.

1964 The Tribute

7:30-9:30 p.m. — Troy Savings Bank Music Hall — Tickets vary — Experience the most authentic Beatles tribute band as they recreate a live concert from the early '60s.

I Love R&B Party

8:30-11:30 p.m. — Empire Live — $20 - $50 — The ultimate R&B party experience featuring sing-along anthems and feel-good energy.

First Friday at Albany Center Gallery with Mixed Roots

5-8 p.m. — Albany Center Gallery — Free entry — Experience live music by Mixed Roots while enjoying the 27th annual High School Regional Juried Art Exhibition.