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

Traffic signal timing improvements made at historically congested Tyler intersections

It's been over a year since the city of Tyler funded a traffic study to identify issues within the city's aging traffic system. Today, that study is complete and they're now moving towards several improvements.

Julian Esparza

Published August 12, 2020 at 5:55 PM

COVID-19 pandemic brings change in how election workers are trained

Soon, training for election workers will begin ahead of the 2020 general election. But in Smith County, they're adapting their training methods to follow COVID-19 safety guidelines.

Julian Esparza

Published August 11, 2020 at 6:32 PM

2 arrested after several fires set in Henderson County

2 people have been arrested after five structures were set on fire in the Cherokee Shores subdivision Wednesday morning.

Julian Esparza

Published August 5, 2020 at 4:02 PM

Jacksonville ISD prepares for upcoming school year with new changes in place

This month, many students across East Texas will return to school. In Jacksonville ISD, changes are in place to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

Julian Esparza

Published August 4, 2020 at 5:05 PM

Future of proposed overpass along Tyler loop now uncertain

It drew negative feedback from several Tyler businesses, and now, the future of a proposed overpass in Tyler is uncertain.

Julian Esparza

Published July 30, 2020 at 9:50 PM

First Monday Trade Days in Canton open amid pandemic

With precautions in place, First Monday Trade Days is back open.

Julian Esparza

Published July 29, 2020 at 6:50 PM

WEBXTRA: Canton’s First Monday Trade Days held amid COVID-19 pandemic

Canton’s First Monday Trade Days opens tomorrow with precautions in place.

Julian Esparza

Published July 29, 2020 at 3:04 PM

Road improvements could come to location of multiple fatal crashes in Tyler

Along the “S” curve on W. Grande Boulevard between Hollytree Drive and Old Jacksonville Highway, at least two fatal crashes have happened since May 2016. Now, changes could be coming.

Julian Esparza

Published July 28, 2020 at 6:00 PM

East Texas Crisis Center adapts counseling methods amid COVID-19 pandemic

Changes are now in place at the East Texas Crisis Center to follow COVID-19 guidelines, while still providing help to those in need of it.

Julian Esparza

Published July 24, 2020 at 9:12 PM

UT Tyler awarded grant to support economic recovery in East Texas

UT Tyler is being awarded a federal grant of $300,000 to support economic recovery in East Texas.

Julian Esparza

Published July 24, 2020 at 2:08 PM

Tyler City Council approves purchase of two new sewer cameras

This morning, the Tyler City Council approved the purchase of two cameras designed to look inside sewer lines for any issues that may require fixing.

Julian Esparza

Published July 22, 2020 at 5:51 PM

East Texas first responders adapt hurricane response plan amid COVID-19 pandemic

First responders have had to adapt how they respond to hurricanes amid the ongoing COVID-19 outbreak

Julian Esparza

Published July 21, 2020 at 4:37 PM

Next Normal: Many new procedures in place ahead of UT Tyler’s return to on-campus classes

In just over a month, UT Tyler students will return to campus – and it’s going to look a lot different than the last time most of them were here.

Julian Esparza

Published July 17, 2020 at 11:24 PM

Henderson County Republican Party votes to censure Gov. Abbott over face masks, closures

Committee joins 7 other Texas counties publicly rebuking Abbott's COVID-19 response.

Julian Esparza and Jeff Wright

Published July 15, 2020 at 11:47 AM

UT Tyler survey finds Biden leads Trump ahead of election, Texans more receptive to health recommendations

A new survey from UT Tyler’s Center for Opinion Research shows how Texans are feeling about the pandemic and the November election.

Julian Esparza

Published July 14, 2020 at 5:22 PM

The Next Normal: How COVID-19 is changing your visit to the dentist

The next time you go in for a cleaning, you'll notice several new precautions

Julian Esparza

Published July 8, 2020 at 7:53 PM

Pets Fur People in Tyler is making some changes to the traditional adoption process to help curb the spread of COVID-19.

Julian Esparza

Published July 1, 2020 at 3:58 PM

Tyler, Longview see more than 20% decrease in sales tax revenue following stay-at-home order

It's been nearly two months since Governor Abbott lifted the statewide stay at home order. When it comes to sales and use tax revenue, cities across East Texas are just now beginning to see the shortfall after about a month of closed businesses and decreased economic activity.

Julian Esparza

Published June 24, 2020 at 5:10 PM

WEBXTRA: City of Tyler sees 20 percent decrease in sales tax revenue

KLTV’s Julian Esparza has more on the numbers and what the City of Tyler is doing to ease the blow.

Julian Esparza

Published June 24, 2020 at 11:15 AM

With COVID-19 cases climbing, East Texas hospitals say their capacity is in good shape

For a fourth day, Texas has reached a new high in the number of people testing positive for COVID-19, with more than 2,600 new cases just today.

Julian Esparza

Published June 16, 2020 at 6:12 PM

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.