Bruce Lesman’s Pumpkin Caramel Cheesecake combines silky pumpkin filling with a Mexican hot chocolate crust, a subtle touch of cayenne, caramel ribbons, and billowy caramel whipped cream. Baked low and slow for a creamy texture, this indulgent Southwestern-inspired dessert is finished with warm caramel, cinnamon, and grated Mexican chocolate for an elegant presentation.

Nano Nuclear is reviving plans for a commercial nuclear tailings deconversion facility near Hobbs, taking over a project first proposed by International Isotopes more than a decade ago. Lea County commissioners approved a letter of intent extending negotiations for a 640-acre site. The company also plans future fuel conversion, potentially creating up to 400 jobs.

Artesia City Council delayed voting on proposed golf cart and recreational OHV street regulations after residents questioned safety equipment requirements and age limits, including an 18-year-old minimum for drivers and 12 for passengers. Council will seek further input before a potential November vote. Members also approved rezoning three lots near 13th Street and Hermosa Drive for apartments.

New Mexico’s unpaid Legislature may benefit those with flexible careers, professional connections, or institutional backing while limiting who can afford to serve. As voters consider Constitutional Amendment 4, the debate also highlights lawmakers’ conflicts of interest, weak recusal rules, and the need for broader reforms, including stronger ethics standards and longer legislative sessions.

After moving 6,830 miles from Cameroon to Roswell, sophomore Debrice Ashung has become a standout four-sport varsity athlete. The soccer forward leads New Mexico with 29 goals during Roswell’s 11-1 season while also competing in basketball, track and football. His journey reflects resilience, gratitude and a commitment to encouraging teammates on and off the field.

Scenes from the Bulldogs 51-0 over Chaparral on Friday night.

A 13-year-old Highland Middle School student accused of shooting and stabbing special education teacher Kelly Matthews will remain in custody, following a Fifth Judicial District Court ruling. RT faces charges including attempted first-degree murder, aggravated assault, weapons violations, evidence tampering and resisting arrest. Matthews survived and continues recovering in a Lubbock hospital as investigators work to determine a motive.

A $10 million federal investment is funding repairs to U.S. Highway 285 near New Mexico’s Waste Isolation Pilot Plant. The New Mexico Department of Transportation and Department of Energy began work Oct. 1, with the state given one year to spend the funds. Officials say annual support is needed to maintain WIPP’s aging transportation routes.

Southeast New Mexico College will host its annual Taste of Culture from 5 to 7 p.m. Oct. 15 at 1500 University Drive in Carlsbad. The free public event invites community members to sample foods from around the world, learn about cultural traditions, and celebrate Eddy County’s diversity. For information, call 575-234-9200.

Artesia mercy-rules Chaparral 51-0.

Artesia Bullldogs win 51-0 over the Chaparral Lobos.

About 2,000 people attended Artesia’s 11th annual Red Dirt Black Gold Festival despite September temperatures in the 90s. The two-night downtown event featured live music, food, drinks and vendors, with Downshift Brewing serving more than 1,800 beers. Organizers called the festival a success after moving it to Quay Avenue to improve safety and downtown foot traffic.