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

     

Justifiable homicide

Justifiable homicide

Albuquerque, NM (KKOB) — Albuquerque police says it appears the shooting death of a 14-year-old boy at a northeast apartment complex was justifiable homicide. Officers responded around 10:15 Friday night to the Sandia Vista Apartments on Northeast Tramway for a shooting. A resident told officers he warned a group of teens he was armed as…MORE

Judge Jessen to retire

Judge Jessen to retire

Albuquerque, NM (KKOB) — Twelfth Judicial District Court Judge Ellen Jessen will be retiring from the bench on March 31st. She presided over more than 6,500 cases since taking the bench in July 2020. Before being appointed by Governor Lujan Grisham, Jessen served as a domestic relations hearing officer and an attorney.MORE

Another joins APD DWI scandal

Another joins APD DWI scandal

Albuquerque, NM (KKOB) — Today former Albuquerque Police Department officer Nelson Ortiz joined former APD officers Honorio Alba Jr., Joshua Montaño, Neill Elsman, and Bernalillo County Sheriff’s Office Deputy Jeff Hammerel in pleading guilty to the DWI scandal. Ortiz worked with paralegal Ricardo “Rick” Mendez and Defense Attorney Thomas Clear III to get DWI cases…MORE

Wildfire Prepared Program

Wildfire Prepared Program

Albuquerque, NM (KKOB) — Senate Bill 33, the Wildfire Prepared Act, establishing the New Mexico Wildfire Prepared Program is headed to the Governor’s desk. It develops property protection standards and certification guidelines to make communities safer from wildfires. The measure requires the state Fire Planning Task Force develop standards for defensible space and the five-foot…MORE

Want Garcia tried as an adult

Want Garcia tried as an adult

Albuquerque, NM (KKOB) — Prosecutors said today they want to charge 16 year old William Garcia as an adult. He faces charges for a hit-and-run crash that killed Scott Habermehl as he was riding to work at Sandia National Labs. Garcia is accused of filming the video, allegedly showing him encouraging 13 year old driver…MORE

Tax relief for vets

Tax relief for vets

Albuquerque, NM (KKOB) — Today, Gov. Lujan Grisham signed two bills that will provide significant tax relief and recreational opportunities for New Mexico veterans. House Bill 47 will raise the standard veteran property tax exemption from $4,000 to $10,000, with adjustments for inflation in subsequent years. While House Bill 161 provides veterans residing in New…MORE

A stamp of approval for New Mexico

A stamp of approval for New Mexico

Albuquerque, NM (KKOB) — New Mexico’s Native American community will be spotlighted with the release of new Forever stamps from the U.S. Postal Service. The “Powwows: Celebrating Native American Culture” stamps include the Women’s Traditional Dance, Crow Hop Dance, Men’s Hoop Dance, and Women’s Fancy Shawl Dance. A first-day-of-issue ceremony for the stamps, created by…MORE

Possible border buffer zone

Possible border buffer zone

Albuquerque, NM (KKOB) — The Trump administration is considering plans to have the U.S. military control a buffer zone along the southern border and temporarily hold migrants who enter the country illegally. The plans would establish a military-controlled, 60-foot-deep buffer zone along the southern border that could extend from west Texas near El Paso to…MORE

William Garcia in custody

William Garcia in custody

Albuquerque, NM (KKOB) — Police detectives have arrested 15-year-old suspect, William Garcia, in connection with the homicide of 63-year-old Scott Habermehl, who was killed in a bicycling accident. Garcia is one of three individuals accused of the crime. Along with 13-year-old Johnathan Overbay, Garcia faces charges of murder, conspiracy to commit murder, leaving the scene…MORE

Santa Fe Airport renovation complete

Santa Fe Airport renovation complete

Albuquerque, NM (KKOB) — Phase One of Santa Fe’s airport expansion is now complete, 3 years after they broke ground. The renovation includes a new terminal, more parking and an indoor patio. The expanded airport has seen expanded use, with a 24-percent increase in passengers in the past 2 years, according to managers. Up next…MORE