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

     

Humans pass shigellosis to primates

Humans pass shigellosis to primates

Albuquerque, NM (KKOB) — New Mexico researchers report that a highly infectious gastrointestinal infection caused by a type of bacteria called Shigella, was spread from humans to primates at the Albuquerque BioPark Zoo between May 2021 and November 2023. Research published Tuesday found the infection spread into the zoo, causing six primate deaths. The infection…MORE

Fentanyl addiction affecting those south of the border

Fentanyl addiction affecting those south of the border

Albuquerque, NM (KKOB) — Fentanyl, made with chemicals from Asia and manufactured by the Sinaloa and Jalisco cartels in Mexico, has flooded the streets of the U.S., and is now extracting a toll on Mexican citizens. Local leaders in Juarez say the city is not prepared to cope with widespread consumption of fentanyl, which is…MORE

Student with gun at middle school

Student with gun at middle school

Albuquerque, NM (KKOB) — A 13-year-old student was arrested Tuesday at Jimmy Carter Middle School in Albuquerque after staff discovered a loaded gun in the student’s possession. Authorities say the gun had a bullet in the chamber and was found following a tip. The student was taken to a juvenile facility and charged with unlawful…MORE

New Albuquerque dental clinic

New Albuquerque dental clinic

Albuquerque, NM (KKOB) — Touro College of Dental Medicine is now accepting appointments at its new Albuquerque clinic, with services starting June 25. The facility will offer low-cost dental care in areas like orthodontics and pediatric dentistry. Located on the Lovelace Biomedical campus, it also serves as a training site for dental students.MORE

Fire restrictions in place

Fire restrictions in place

Albuquerque, NM (KKOB) — The State Forestry Division is imposing fire restrictions across much of New Mexico as we head into the Memorial Day weekend. .This means smoking, campfires, fireworks and other activities that produce sparks or flames are prohibited on state lands. The restrictions include all of central New Mexico, including Bernalillo, Sandoval and…MORE

California man repeats in New Mexico

California man repeats in New Mexico

Albuquerque, NM (KKOB) — A man has been arrested for exposing himself to a 7-year-old girl at the H and M clothing store in the Coronado Mall. APD says Timothy Riha exposed himself to a woman at a shoe store at Cottonwood Mall, and was caught making videos of young girls in the fitting room…MORE

Street racing deaths sentencing date is set

Street racing deaths sentencing date is set

Albuquerque, NM (KKOB) — Sentencing is set for June 16th after an Albuquerque man was found guilty Friday of killing 2 people while street racing. Andy Doreste-Samuell faces up to 20-years after being convicted of vehicular homicide in the October 2023 crash on Louisiana Northeast. Jenna Hamilton died and 2 children in her car were…MORE

New owner for PNM

New owner for PNM

Albuquerque, NM (KKOB) — The Public Service Company of New Mexico is getting a new owner. Albuquerque-based TXNM Energy has agreed to a stock and debt buyout of $11.5-Billion, handing the parent company of PNM over to Blackstone Infrastructure of New York City. Stockholders of TXNM will be paid $61.25 per share, which is 16-percent…MORE

Emergency funding allocated for National Guard X 3

Emergency funding allocated for National Guard X 3

Albuquerque, NM (KKOB) — New Mexico law allows the governor to allocate emergency funding in increments of up to $750,000, and Governor Lujan Grisham is taking advantage of it. Since the first announcement of National Guard being deployed to assist APD in Albuquerque, the governor has allocated $2,250,000 in emergency funding to support Operation Zia…MORE

Rate increase approved

Rate increase approved

Albuquerque, NM (KKOB) — Your electric bill is going up after the New Mexico Public Regulation Commission approved an increase request from PNM. The typical customer will see a $12.50 monthly increase over the next year, with half that going up in July and the other $6.23 bump next April. While the increase is significant,…MORE