Robert Hanley

Reporter

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Robert Hanley was born and raised in Dallas, Texas and is a recent graduate from the University of North Texas where he obtained a Bachelor’s degree in Journalism with a concentration in Broadcast and Digital Journalism.

He enjoys singing in his free time and even has written and performed songs of his own. Many of his other hobbies include collecting sports cards and watching/playing sports including soccer, basketball, and disc golf.

Articles

New Plate Drives Organ Awareness

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) - Tennessee drivers now have a new way to show their support for organ donation right on their license plate. Right now, more than 3,000 Tennesseans are waiting for a life-saving…

Goats Return to Island Duty

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) - The goats are back on Maclellan Island, and they’re already making a big impact. Five goats and one guard dog were brought to the island three weeks…

Incline Railway Back On Track

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) - A Chattanooga icon is making its long-awaited return.  The Lookout Mountain Incline Railway reopened this morning for a special preview ride, months after a fire brought operations…

Choo Choo Garden Gets Makeover

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) - The iconic Chattanooga Choo Choo is getting a much-needed facelift.  Don Boutz, a longtime business owner, has operated Sweetly Southern with his wife inside the historic Choo…

Salvation Army Beats Summer Heat

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) - The Salvation Army of Chattanooga is working to protect the most vulnerable from the sweltering summer heat with its annual Beat the Heat Program. Running through the…

Reptiles Take Over Camp Jordan

EAST RIDGE, Tenn. (WDEF) - Repticon Chattanooga is back this weekend, bringing exotic creatures and curious crowds to East Ridge.  Camp Jordan Arena is transforming into a reptile lover’s paradise for…

Big Fun in Small Town

TRENTON, GA. (WDEF) - If you’re looking for a small-town celebration that packs a big punch, Trenton, Georgia just delivered as the 1945 Fair lit up Jenkins Park for another unforgettable…

Fireworks, Music Fill Coolidge Park

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) - Coolidge Park turned red, white, and blue Wednesday night as thousands gathered for one of Chattanooga’s most beloved summer traditions, Pops on the River. The free, family-friendly…

Chattanooga Chefs Face Off Live

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) - From sizzling skillets to secret ingredients, Sunday’s Chattanooga Market turned into a live-action kitchen stadium. Before most shoppers arrived, five local chefs rolled up their sleeves and…

Smart Tips for Summer Travel

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) - Families hitting the road for the Fourth of July are opting for car trips over flights, but that doesn’t mean they’re skimping on fun. With rising prices,…

Road Rage Ends in Conviction

CHICKAMAUGA, GA (WDEF) - A Walker County jury has returned a guilty verdict in a deadly road rage case that ended in gunfire outside a Dollar General in Chickamauga. Jeremy Dewayne…

Keeping Pets Safe in Heat

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) - Summer heat can be tough on pets during walks. Here’s how to keep them safe when temperatures rise. Use the 7-second rule.  If you can’t hold the…

Three Downtown Restaurants Closing

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) - The local dining scene is saying goodbye to three well-known restaurants, each with its own loyal following and unique story. From longtime favorites to newer ventures, the closures…

Energy Sparks STEAM Summer Fun

CLEVELAND, Tenn. (WDEF) – The Museum & Cultural Center at 5ive Points is buzzing with excitement as the “Energy Everywhere” STEAM Camp kicks off a two-day adventure in discovery and innovation.…

Fandoms Unite at Metrotham Con

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) - It was a weekend full of fandom at the Dalton Convention Center for Metrotham Con, where a celebration of all things sci-fi, fantasy, and pop culture took…

Red Bank Celebrates 70 Years

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) - The City of Red Bank is turning 70 and they’re celebrating with music, food, and a full day of family fun. Saturday’s anniversary event at Red Bank…

Music Fills Chattanooga This Saturday

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) - Make Music Day returns to Chattanooga this Saturday, June 21, transforming the city into one big stage. More than 30 free performances are scheduled throughout the day,…

Tech Talent Takes the Stage

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) - Chattanooga’s largest annual tech event, Scenic City Summit, is set to return June 19–21, 2025, marking a decade of advancing the region’s innovation economy. Organized by a…

Three-State Paddle Adventure Begins

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) - Hundreds of paddlers are dipping their oars into history this week as Paddle Georgia marks its twentieth anniversary with a journey unlike any other.  The annual week-long event,…

Smart Grocery Savings with Amazon

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) - As grocery costs climb this summer, many Americans are looking to save. For twenty-two million SNAP households, every dollar counts.  Online shopping is helping as nearly four…

Battle of the Badges Blood Drive

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) - The annual Battle of the Badges Blood Drive wrapped up another year of friendly competition between the Catoosa and Walker County Sheriff’s Offices, proving once again…

Deadbird Studio Opens to Public

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) - It’s a hidden piece of Chattanooga’s music history, now stepping into the spotlight.  Once a secret recording space known only to insiders, Deadbird Studio has officially opened…

Red Bank Marks 70 Years Soon

RED BANK, Tenn. (WDEF) - The City of Red Bank is celebrating its 70th anniversary on Saturday, June 21st, and preparations are already underway for this major milestone.   The event…