Denise Zarrella

Denise Zarrella brings a wide range of news experience to our team. After her work as an associate producer for CNN and an Emmy Award-winning reporter for TBS's "Interact America," she turned her attention to local news. Denise began her reporting career as the weekend anchor and weekday reporter for WBBJ-TV in Jackson, Tenn. From there, she went on to hold the same positions at WCIA-TV in Champaign, Ill. Before coming to Cleveland, Denise worked as a reporter and weekend morning anchor for WBRE-TV in Wilkes-Barre, Pa. She is a graduate of Moravian College in Bethlehem, Pa., where she majored in Political Science and English. She might have spent a lot of time in Pennsylvania in the past, but Denise says that she has quickly transformed herself into a Cleveland girl, proud to call Ohio home. She enjoys traveling, catching the latest movies and spending time with friends. She lives on the west side with her husband Tony, daughter Gianna, son Anthony, and two dogs.

Recent Articles by Denise

More changes at Cleveland Hopkins: Lyft, Uber & taxis can once again pick up, drop off at terminal

What's old is new once again at Cleveland Hopkins International Airport.

Denise Zarrella

Published February 11, 2019 at 5:13 AM

Man who crashed into Vermilion Township home triggering explosion faces judge, pleads not guilty

The man who crashed his vehicle into a Vermilion Township home, rupturing a gas line and triggering a devastating explosion, was in court Thursday afternoon.

Chris Anderson and Denise Zarrella

Published February 7, 2019 at 2:37 PM

Avon Police shocked by blunt murder confession during traffic stop (bodycam, 9-1-1 tape)

53-year-old Robert Raff told Avon Police that he killed his parents in Virginia. He said he had been severely abused as a child.

Denise Zarrella

Published February 4, 2019 at 5:22 PM

Weather may have played a role in massive warehouse fire in Cleveland

Gas bubbled up through a puddle on the outside of a warehouse fire in Cleveland on Industrial Parkway. A sources said that Sixth City Brewing Company and Coats for Kids had offices inside the warehouse that were completely destroyed.

Denise Zarrella

Published February 3, 2019 at 1:20 PM

Victim in Vermilion Township house explosion: ‘We made it out with our lives’

"We got downstairs to find a rushing noise which was out gas so we started throwing the doors open," says Jackson-Haslage.

Denise Zarrella

Published January 31, 2019 at 4:37 PM

Drop in day care not as busy as expected, as businesses and government offices shut down for cold

Need a place to take your kids tomorrow when they have yet another snow day? Sweet Kiddles accepts kids as quickly as 10 minutes.

Denise Zarrella

Published January 30, 2019 at 5:09 PM

Tow truck drivers say many people don’t obey the ‘Move Over Law’ on Ohio highways

Nick Vitalone, of Vitalone’s Towing, has been towing cars about as long as he can remember.

Denise Zarrella

Published January 29, 2019 at 4:35 PM

Do you have to shovel that sidewalk? Cold weather legal questions answered

The law in Ohio does not require a property owner to shovel driveways and sidewalks.

Denise Zarrella

Published January 28, 2019 at 3:44 PM

Potential for multiple days off from school for kids has Northeast Ohio parents scrambling

With the coldest temperatures in the forecast since 1994, there's a good chance that there will be school cancellations for more than one day this week.

Denise Zarrella

Published January 28, 2019 at 6:07 AM

More lawsuits filed against University Hospitals regarding 4,000 destroyed embryos

A new development related to the damage to thousands of embryos at University Hospitals Fertility Clinic was announced on Thursday.

Chris Anderson and Denise Zarrella

Published January 24, 2019 at 6:34 PM

Clogged sewer drains, heavy rain lead to winter flooding concerns in Cleveland

NE Ohio Regional Sewer District dealing with increased flow due to heavy rains, melting snow

Denise Zarrella

Published January 23, 2019 at 4:49 PM

Cleveland police ticket, tow away cars in violation of parking ban

This man, like many Clevelanders spent their holiday shoveling out their cars after staying inside over the weekend, when the storm hit.

Denise Zarrella

Published January 21, 2019 at 4:09 PM

Cleveland homeless shelters say they are prepared for area homeless trying to escape dangerous cold

The Northeastern Ohio Coalition for the Homeless estimate at any given time in the city of Cleveland there are about 200 people walking the streets who are not staying in a homeless shelter.

Denise Zarrella

Published January 20, 2019 at 1:56 PM

Northeast Ohio stores finally moving winter weather merchandise with snow ready to fly

Winter is finally here.

Denise Zarrella

Published January 17, 2019 at 4:21 PM

Do you have a space heater? Here’s how to use one without causing a fire

"We need to get it out to the public that these things are dangerous."

Denise Zarrella

Published January 16, 2019 at 4:09 PM

‘Go Red for Women’ campaign encourages women to get blood pressure taken

Heart disease is the number one killer of women in the United States.

Denise Zarrella

Published January 16, 2019 at 8:16 AM

Face transplant recipient reunites with rehab staff at MetroHealth, says she is grateful for prayers and support

There was an emotional reunion at MetroHealth Medical Center’s Old Brooklyn campus on Tuesday.

Denise Zarrella

Published January 15, 2019 at 4:45 PM

Lorain council member pleads not guilty to domestic violence, agrees to wife’s request for protection order

Angel Arroyo Jr. entered a not guilty plea to domestic violence and resisting arrest on Monday after a call for help came into Lorain police overnight.

Denise Zarrella

Published January 14, 2019 at 5:04 PM

Wide open spaces at the West Side Market, vendors worry about the future

Vendors like Narrin Noud Carlberg of Narrin’s market said it has gotten a lot harder for small business owners at the West Side Market.

Denise Zarrella

Published January 13, 2019 at 2:01 PM

Lordstown GM Employees brace for unemployment as plant closure looms

Anyone affected by the halt in production scheduled for March at the Lordstown General Motors plant, was invited to an open house at Local 1112 headquarters in Warren.