News Team

  • Our team…

  • Sean Michael Lisle has over 4 decades of radio experience in a variety of on-air and management roles. More recently, Sean has focused on news, with stops in the San Francisco Bay Area, Salt Lake City and St. Louis where he was part of a news team that won the prestigious Edward R. Murrow National Award for best newscast in 2021 and 2023. Sean and his wife, Candice, have been married since 1978 and now call Downtown Albuquerque home.

  • Natassja Leyba is a dynamic journalist and news anchor known for her engaging storytelling and commitment to uncovering the truth. With a passion for journalism that began in her early years, Natassja has dedicated her career to informing and connecting with audiences through impactful reporting. Natassja honed her skills at various television news stations before making her mark as a lead reporter and anchor at News Radio KKOB. Her keen insight and ability to break down complex issues have made her a trusted voice in the community. Throughout her career, Natassja has covered a wide range of topics, from breaking news and political events to human interest stories that highlight the resilience of individuals and communities. Her commitment to journalistic integrity is evident in her thorough research and dedication to providing balanced perspectives. In addition to her work in front of the camera and behind the mic, Natassja is passionate about mentoring young journalists and advocating for diversity in media. She believes that diverse voices are essential for a comprehensive understanding of the world we live in. When she’s not reporting the news, Natassja enjoys traveling, reading, volunteering, and is an avid supporter of Animal Humane New Mexico. Her vibrant personality and dedication to her craft continue to inspire those around her, making her a respected figure in the field of journalism.
     
    Follow Natassja Leyba on IG, X and Facebook to stay updated on her latest stories and insights.

     

  • Mike Gaba joined the KKOB News Team in 2015 and anchors the award-winning PM news on KKOB radio. Gaba enjoys spending his time hiking and exploring National Parks. His witty interactions with hosts can be heard weekdays from 1pm-6:30pm

     

Phone free schools

Phone free schools

Albuquerque, NM (KKOB) — Schools in New Mexico will soon become “phone free”. Senator Crystal Brantley says phones have proven to be a major distraction school leaders have been grappling with nationwide. Adding, students are spending well over five hours a day on social media apps. The bill, signed into law by Gov. Lujan Grisham,…MORE

Arsonist caught

Arsonist caught

Albuquerque, NM (KKOB) — The US Attorney says they’ve caught a suspect political arsonist. An Albuquerque man has been arrested in connection with last month’s firebombing of the New Mexico Republican Party headquarters. 40-year-old Jamison Wagner is also charged in the vandalism of the Tesla Albuquerque showroom in February. The FBI was able to identify…MORE

Dreamers to Defenders

Dreamers to Defenders

Albuquerque, NM (KKOB) — Mayor Tim Keller says the new state law just passed which expands who can become law enforcement officers in New Mexico, can turn dreamers into defenders. Senate Bill 364, will allow people who are DACA recipients, or legal permanent residents, to now become a police officer, marshal, or sheriff anywhere in…MORE

Governor makes use of her veto

Governor makes use of her veto

Albuquerque, NM (KKOB) — On the final day for legislative action, New Mexico Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham vetoed 16 bills, urging elected officials to prioritize urgent matters. She criticized the Legislature for failing to give hearings to many bills, including House Bill 494, which sought to provide tax exemptions for veterans. The governor argued that…MORE

Mother released after son shoots himself

Mother released after son shoots himself

Albuquerque, NM (KKOB) — The mother of a 2-year-old boy who shot himself last Sunday has been ordered released from jail. District Judge Bruce Fox said it appeared the death of the boy in a southeast Albuquerque apartment was accidental. Prosecutors had charged 20-year-old Amilia Garcia with child abuse for allowing her son, Leon, to…MORE

Burglary suspect shot in Lowe’s parking lot

Burglary suspect shot in Lowe’s parking lot

Albuquerque, NM (KKOB) — One man was shot by law enforcement in a Lowe’s parking lot in Espanola Thursday afternoon. The Rio Arriba County Sheriff’s Office says the man was a burglary suspect from Dixon and brandished a gun before being wounded. His condition at Presbyterian Hospital in Espanola has not been released. Deputies and…MORE

U-Haul wild ride

U-Haul wild ride

Albuquerque, NM (KKOB) — The Santa Fe couple who took a wild ride in a U-Haul as it was stolen explained to police what they were doing in the back of the truck. Court records show they were cleaning out the vehicle Tuesday morning when 50-year-old Stacy Walker is accused of locking them in and…MORE

Wolves in the Duke City

Wolves in the Duke City

Albuquerque, NM (KKOB) — There’s at least 286 Mexican gray wolves living throughout the wilds of New Mexico and Arizona. But you won’t have to go farther than Old Town to find them. Some new, wild packs will soon call the ABQ BioPark home. The director of the facility says construction is well underway on…MORE

Pink pistol brings charges

Pink pistol brings charges

Albuquerque, NM (KKOB) — A teen boy pointed a pink pistol at a woman and her child, but now the boy’s mother is facing charges. Another adult has been arrested for leaving a firearm accessible to a minor. Wednesday, 35-year old Rachel Aranda, turned herself in at the Clovis Police Department. She was charged with…MORE

Motel 6 demolished

Motel 6 demolished

Albuquerque, NM (KKOB) — There’ll be no more light left on at the the Motel 6 near off Avenida Cesar Chavez, because the building is being demolished. Long considered an eyesore and criminal haven, over the last half-decade there have been more than 3,000 calls for police and EMS. Those include calls for shootings, murders,…MORE