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/Longview area COVID-19 hospitalization rate remains above 15% for one month

Today marks one month straight of COVID-19 patients making up 15% or more of total hospital capacity in Trauma Service Area G, which includes Tyler and Longview.

Julian Esparza

Published January 14, 2021 at 4:46 PM

Ten months after first reported cases, East Texas COVID-19 hospitalizations, new cases are highest ever

It was ten months ago today in the Tyler City Council chambers where officials announced the first cases of COVID-19 in Smith County. Now 306 days later, much has changed.

Julian Esparza

Published January 13, 2021 at 4:24 PM

East Texas man reported missing without phone, ID, needed medication

An East Texas family is asking for the public’s help with finding their son.

Julian Esparza

Published January 9, 2021 at 12:04 AM

Economy recovering faster in East Texas than other parts of the state, economist says

Speaking virtually today at the annual economic outlook, economist Dr. Ray Perryman says after a few hard months in 2020, the East Texas economy is showing signs of recovery.

Julian Esparza

Published January 7, 2021 at 7:10 PM

East Texas man recalls seeing church shooting suspect crash into his yard

A couple that lives next to the Starrville Methodist Church watched Saturday night as 21-year-old Mytrez Woolen crashed into their yard.

Julian Esparza

Published January 3, 2021 at 10:33 PM

East Texas man loses mother to COVID-19 while recovering from the virus himself

For almost three months, 49-year-old Jason Meler was confined to his hospital bed while battling COVID-19.

Julian Esparza

Published December 31, 2020 at 3:46 PM

COVID-19 vaccine could be available to general public by late January, early February, officials say

This week, East Texas healthcare workers are rolling up their sleeves − becoming some of the first to receive a COVID-19 vaccine.

Julian Esparza

Published December 17, 2020 at 6:15 PM

Police investigating shots fired near UT Tyler campus Wednesday night

Tyler police are investigating a shooting that happened at The Foundry apartment complex around 10 p.m. Wednesday night across from the UT Tyler campus.

Julian Esparza

Published December 17, 2020 at 12:59 PM

East Texas woman learns to walk again after suffering long-term health effects of COVID-19

An East Texas woman is still experiencing long-term effects of COVID-19 ─ months after testing positive.

Julian Esparza

Published December 16, 2020 at 6:36 PM

UT Tyler says COVID-19 response plan helped keep campus cases relatively low during fall semester

Throughout the semester, the university has implemented their "Return to Normal" plan with several COVID-19 protocols designed to limit the spread of the virus.

Julian Esparza

Published November 24, 2020 at 5:13 PM

Tyler Junior College identifies man who died following officer-involved shooting

A TJC Campus police officer shot someone who was armed while responding to a call.

Julian Esparza

Published November 18, 2020 at 10:48 PM

Texas African American Museum to move into old Tyler fire station building

It might not look like much right now, the former Tyler fire station #4 is about to get new life in the form of the new Texas African American Museum.

Julian Esparza

Published November 11, 2020 at 4:39 PM

Record number of people hospitalized with COVID-19 in Tyler/Longview area

Following a surge of COVID-19 hospitalizations in July, state data shows the number of people in East Texas hospitals with COVID-19 is once again meeting, and in some cases, exceeding hospitalization numbers from July.

Julian Esparza

Published November 5, 2020 at 5:38 PM

Record number of Texans vote in 2020 election

UT Tyler Assistant Professor of Political Science Mark Owens says while the results of the presidential election are unclear, one thing is. Texans showed up to the polls in record numbers this election.

Julian Esparza

Published November 4, 2020 at 4:47 PM

WATCH: UT Tyler professor discusses record voting numbers

UT Tyler Assistant Professor of Political Science Mark Owens says while the results of the presidential election are unclear, one thing is clear: Texans showed up to the polls in record numbers this election.

Julian Esparza

Published November 4, 2020 at 3:57 PM

Sen. John Cornyn makes campaign stop in Tyler

U.S. Senator John Cornyn made a stop in East Texas this morning.

Julian Esparza

Published October 29, 2020 at 12:29 PM

New East Texas bomb squad almost ready for operation

For over two years now, plans have been in the works to form an explosive ordnance device team, or bomb squad, based in East Texas.

Julian Esparza

Published October 28, 2020 at 4:20 PM

How Texas could determine the results of the 2020 presidential election

In the final days of the campaign, former Vice President Joe Biden and President Donald Trump are polling within single digits of each other in Texas.

Julian Esparza

Published October 27, 2020 at 8:43 PM

Voters to decide future of $22.6 million Troup ISD bond proposal

With a growing student population and aging schools, voters in Troup ISD will now decide the future of a $22.6 million bond proposal.

Julian Esparza

Published October 15, 2020 at 5:42 PM

Health officials: New COVID-19 cases trending upwards again in East Texas

After a spike in July and a decline in August, daily new COVID-19 cases are now rising again

Julian Esparza

Published October 14, 2020 at 4:06 PM

Long lines, COVID-19 safety protocols seen on first day of early voting

One the first day of early voting, several East Texas counties saw long lines of people today ready to cast their ballot throughout the day.

Julian Esparza

Published October 13, 2020 at 5:39 PM

East Texas polling places see long lines on first day of early voting

East Texas News' Julian Esparza is at an early voting location in Tyler where the line to vote has stretched down the block since polls opened at 8 a.m.

Julian Esparza

Published October 13, 2020 at 11:40 AM

After election is pushed back, two candidates in running for Tyler mayor

A month from now, the city of Tyler will have a new mayor for the first time in six years. Two candidates are hoping to be elected to the position.

Julian Esparza

Published October 8, 2020 at 5:41 PM

WATCH: Tyler mayoral candidate Don Warren says government experience vital

City of Tyler candidate for mayor Don Warren appeared on East Texas Now to discuss his philosophies on running a city.

Julian Esparza

Published October 8, 2020 at 10:52 AM

Whitehouse ISD to end virtual learning, citing majority of students are failing to succeed

Whitehouse ISD will require remote learning students to return to the classroom.

Julian Esparza

Published October 7, 2020 at 5:50 PM

East Texas woman experiencing severe, long-term effects following COVID-19 diagnosis

Prior to her COVID-19 diagnosis, Uyria Kemp says she was a healthy 24-year-old with no serious pre-existing conditions. She's been in the hospital for about a month with severe, long-term effects from the virus.

Julian Esparza

Published October 6, 2020 at 5:33 PM

New Smith County Health Authority appointed

Today, Tyler City Council members voted to approve the appointment of Dr. Paul McGaha to the position.

Julian Esparza

Published September 23, 2020 at 5:20 PM

COVID-19 recoveries outpacing new cases in several East Texas counties

In several East Texas counties, recoveries from COVID-19 are now outpacing new reported cases of the virus.

Julian Esparza

Published September 2, 2020 at 5:03 PM

East Texas officials prepare for damage, evacuees sent to other areas of Texas as Laura approaches

In years past, evacuees from the Texas coast traditionally traveled north into East Texas to escape storms. Tyler Fire Chief David Coble says hurricane Laura evacuees are mainly being sent further west to Dallas and Tarrant counties.

Julian Esparza

Published August 26, 2020 at 5:11 PM

UT Tyler enrolls record number of first time in college students

This year, a record number of first time in college students are enrolled at UT Tyler − 1,031 of them − that's 15% more than last year.

Julian Esparza

Published August 25, 2020 at 4:12 PM

Currently in
Tyler, TX

Julian Esparza

Multimedia journalist

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