Albuquerque Daily Headlines: Affordable Housing Breaks Ground, Record Heat, Lunar Eclipse
Albuquerque, NM – March 3, 2026 – Affordable cottages break ground near Central as record warmth continues, a lunar eclipse nears, and police prep for protest.
Local Headlines
Affordable housing cottages break ground in the International District
A new affordable housing build has officially broken ground near Central and Chama. The project, known as the Cottages at 161 Chama, is planned as a small cottage-style community aimed at residents earning around 50% of the area median income, with a mix of one- and two-bedroom homes.
Project backers say the development is designed for people who are working but still struggling to stay housed, including some who are moving out of homelessness or recovery programs. The current timeline shared publicly points to move-ins next summer.
Record warmth keeps fire danger in the conversation
March opened with unusually warm, dry air across the metro. Albuquerque set a daily heat record at the Sunport on Sunday, and forecasters said more warm days and periodic wind are possible before a midweek cool-down.
With low humidity and breezy afternoons, fire weather alerts were issued for parts of the state, and local officials urged extra caution with anything that could spark a grass fire.
Set the alarm: a total lunar eclipse peaks before dawn
Skywatchers around Albuquerque will get a show early Tuesday morning, March 3, when a total lunar eclipse turns the moon a deep red. The best viewing window is expected during the pre-dawn hours, with totality lasting roughly an hour.
If clouds stay away, it is the kind of event you can catch from your backyard or a nearby park, as long as you have a clear view of the sky.
Police plan for a base-area protest and traffic impacts
Police said they were preparing for a Saturday, Feb. 28 protest near Kirtland Air Force Base, with traffic control possible around the Truman Gate area on Gibson. The demonstration was promoted online by an anti-war group, and officials emphasized safety and keeping roadways moving.
Sources
- https://www.yahoo.com/news/articles/multi-million-albuquerque-affordable-housing-044813836.html
- https://www.abqjournal.com/news/albuquerque-shatters-heat-record-roswell-nearly-reaches-90-degrees-on-the-first-day-of-march/2991987
- https://www.kob.com/news/top-news/new-mexico-weather-warm-temps-winds-lunar-eclipse/
- https://www.koat.com/article/total-lunar-eclipse-new-mexico-march-2026/70498199
- https://www.koat.com/article/albuquerque-police-ready-for-todays-iran-war-protest/70551420