Julian Esparza

Multimedia journalist

Julian Esparza is a reporter and weekend anchor at KLTV/KTRE.

Julian is from McKinney, Texas and graduated from the University of North Texas in 2019 where he majored in journalism and minored in political science and history. During college, Julian interned with NBC 5 in Dallas and CBS Sunday Morning in New York City. In addition, Julian also worked as a reporter at UNT’s student-run TV station, ntTV.

Julian was awarded a Lone Star EMMY Student Production Award for his work at ntTV.

Julian is very excited to be here and telling the stories of East Texans!

Recent Articles by Julian

Tyler mayor Martin Heines discusses COVID-19 response, extension of term

Mayor Heines discusses COVID-19 response

Julian Esparza

Published June 1, 2020 at 1:13 PM

As universities weigh fall semester plans, some students turn to community college

College students across the country had their on-campus classes cut short or moved online this spring, leaving many wondering if online, distance learning will be the plan for the fall semester. An alternative some are making is enrolling in community colleges.

Julian Esparza

Published May 28, 2020 at 6:24 PM

The Next Normal: How COVID-19 is changing the way you can rent a car

How renting a car is changing in the era of COVID-19.

Julian Esparza

Published May 27, 2020 at 6:10 PM

The Next Normal: How getting your car serviced could look different

The Next Normal: How getting your car worked on could look different because of COVID-19

Julian Esparza

Published May 23, 2020 at 8:59 AM

Texas Supreme Court rules evictions can resume in Texas

Evictions will soon continue in Texas

Julian Esparza

Published May 20, 2020 at 6:54 PM

Report shows estimated economic loss caused by COVID-19

East Texas metro areas have suffered an estimated hundreds of millions of dollars

Julian Esparza

Published May 19, 2020 at 6:19 PM

Students report issues when trying to submit AP tests

Many students are having issues when trying to submit their AP tests.

Julian Esparza

Published May 14, 2020 at 6:11 PM

The Next Normal: Voting will look different this year, all because of COVID-19

With COVID-19 still looming, officials are looking into how to protect people when the show up to vote.

Julian Esparza

Published May 13, 2020 at 6:47 PM

East Texas nurses describe working at New York City hospital during pandemic

It's been about four weeks since nurses Amanda Clakley, Jennifer Plunkett, and Hannah Latham arrived in New York City to help treat patients.

Julian Esparza

Published May 7, 2020 at 5:21 PM

61 inmates, 20 employees test positive for COVID-19 at East Texas prison

There are five prisons in Anderson County and all of them are reporting positive cases of COVID-19.

Julian Esparza

Published May 6, 2020 at 10:01 PM

Motorcyclist found shot dead in Smith County

Person found shot dead in Smith County

Julian Esparza

Published May 2, 2020 at 10:48 PM

UT Tyler survey finds mental health impact of COVID-19

In a poll done by the University of Texas at Tyler, 1,197 random Texans were asked about a range of topics, all dealing with COVID-19 and how it's impacting them.

Julian Esparza

Published April 30, 2020 at 11:23 PM

UT Tyler poll examines Texans’ feelings, perceptions about COVID-19 pandemic

The poll was conducted statewide between April 5 and April 12.

Julian Esparza

Published April 30, 2020 at 12:04 PM

Blood plasma therapy being used to treat COVID-19 patients in East Texas

Convalescent plasma therapy is being used in East Texas to treat critically ill COVID-19 patients

Julian Esparza

Published April 29, 2020 at 5:30 PM

Red Cross adapts disaster response procedures due to COVID-19

From providing food to housing, the Red Cross is adjusting to follow social distancing guidelines.

Julian Esparza

Published April 23, 2020 at 5:57 PM

American Airlines cutting flights at Tyler Pounds airport as demand falls

Across the country, airline travel is happening at a fraction of its normal rate. According to the TSA, they're now screening less than 100,000 passengers a day in the U.S., down from their normal 2 million a day.

Julian Esparza

Published April 16, 2020 at 7:45 PM

Texas National Guard assisting area food bank with distribution efforts following increase in demand

The agency wants to ensure it can safely meet the need for food assistance in its 26-county coverage area.

Julian Esparza and Jeff Wright

Published April 15, 2020 at 8:53 AM

City of Tyler making adjustments as sales tax revenue decreases

Smith County's stay-at-home order forced the closure of businesses deemed non-essential. These businesses brought sales tax revenue to the city of Tyler. With those businesses now closed, the city is preparing for a lower sales tax revenue.

Julian Esparza

Published April 14, 2020 at 8:37 PM

East Texas nurses traveling to New York City to aid in COVID-19 response

In the epicenter of the COVID-19 outbreak, Hannah Latham and the other nurses will be treating patients.

Julian Esparza

Published April 9, 2020 at 9:36 PM

Rep. Gohmert talks stimulus package, possible treatment for COVID-19

Congressman Louie Gohmert says the economy was in good shape, until COVID-19 forced closures across the country and left many out of work.

Julian Esparza

Published April 7, 2020 at 7:52 PM

Chapel Hill High School senior killed in shooting

An early morning shooting left a Chapel Hill High School senior dead.

Julian Esparza

Published April 2, 2020 at 6:14 PM

Many Texans experience slow website, backed up phone lines when trying to file for unemployment benefits

Many experience slow website, backed up phone lines while trying to file for unemployment amid the COVID-19 outbreak.

Julian Esparza

Published April 1, 2020 at 5:32 PM

Rent Ruckus: Some UT Tyler students encounter pricey problem upon move out

As colleges move classes online amid the COVID-19 outbreak, some students at the University of Texas at Tyler are being told they'll have to pay their apartment rent for April and May, despite voluntarily moving out for the semester.

Julian Esparza

Published March 31, 2020 at 5:43 PM

Retired KLTV engineer returns home from quarantine in California

Retired KLTV engineer Butch Adair and his wife returned to East Texas after a two week quarantine in California.

Julian Esparza

Published March 25, 2020 at 9:53 PM

Officials urge ‘social distancing’ amid COVID-19 outbreak

So how do you fight a disease with no cure and no vaccine? CEO of NET Health George Roberts says one of the most effective ways to prevent the virus is to keep your distance.

Julian Esparza

Published March 24, 2020 at 8:45 PM

Privacy laws protect patients amid COVID-19 outbreak

As cases of COVID-19 began to be reported in East Texas, we heard from many of you wondering where these patients live and where they have been. However, the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability act, or HIPAA, prevents the release of that information.