Good morning, Albuquerque.

UNM students teamed with Depop to host a sustainable clothing popup market on Friday on Vassar Drive near Central Campus.

Thirty vendors offered vintage finds and organizers plan to hold similar monthly events.

After a fire forced Tomasita's to close just before Balloon Fiesta, local restaurants are offering temporary jobs to help its workers avoid lost income.

Yeller Sub and Sadie's are hiring, with Sadie's planning up to 25 new roles (a boost for the local community).

University of New Mexico alum Mateo Romero will open El Pan Bakery and Farm this weekend in Nob Hill on the corner of Central Avenue and Solano, offering freshly baked sourdough bread and pastries made with wheat grown on his family farm in Veguita.

The New Mexico State Fair drew 521,314 visitors this year as fairgoers enjoyed rides, food, concerts, and cultural events while flash sales and discount days made tickets more affordable.

Organizers announced next year’s fair will run Sept. 9 — 19, 2027.

Pilots at the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta are spending personal funds of two to three thousand dollars to fly in the event while receiving help with travel and lodging expenses from the nonprofit organizers (which cover pilot packs and meals).

The fiesta, featuring worldwide competitors, continues through Sunday.

Yesterday, an Albuquerque Journal reporter faced his fear by riding a no-basket hot air balloon piloted by Michael Glen (the first paraplegic pilot using a two-seat metal bench) during the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta competition in Corrales, and he landed safely at Fiesta Park.

The Balloon Discovery Center is celebrating 25 years at Balloon Fiesta in Albuquerque where visitors of all ages can try interactive activities including virtual-reality rides and a Wind Factor simulation (the white-tent venue expanded to host more than 35,000 guests annually).

The University of New Mexico reported a 2.6% increase with 24,584 students on its Albuquerque campus this fall—up from 23,955 last year—as new undergraduate classes grow by roughly 46% since 2019, prompting plans to expand advising and housing support.

University of New Mexico President Steve Goldstein held his introductory press conference (at the Student Union Building) where he emphasized campus safety, detailed measures against a recent OpenAI breach, and affirmed equal support for non-STEM programs while outlining plans for a state-based children’s hospital and a listening tour of branch campuses.

New Mexico’s College of Education is overhauling math teacher preparation so future educators build both competence and confidence by blending mathematics content, special education, and multilingual instruction in classrooms across the state; the initiative will connect policy with practice to support diverse learners.

Bernalillo County launched its new Close the Loop system on Monday, Oct.

5 to help residents access behavioral health and social services. The system includes a public resource directory, an online assistance request form and a tool that identifies gaps in care.

PNM warns residents and visitors during Balloon Fiesta to stay 100 feet away from downed power lines and hot air balloons that hit lines.

Officials urge people to call 911 or PNM immediately if hazards are spotted.