Robert Hanley

Reporter

Email Robert

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

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…

Flip Card Show Draws Crowds

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) - Hundreds of collectors and families packed into Camp Jordan Arena this weekend for The Flip Trade Show.  The two-day event brought together more than 230 vendor tables,…

Dangerous Fall at Greenway Quarry

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) - Another dangerous rescue at a well-known local spot.  Chattanooga firefighters were called to the rock quarry at Greenway Farms Tuesday night after a man fell more than thirty feet from…

Honoring History on Lookout Mountain

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) - Chickamauga and Chattanooga National Military Park honored Memorial Day with a full day of historical programming.  At Point Park on Lookout Mountain, visitors gathered throughout the day…

Steps of Support and Strength

 CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) - Families, friends, and supporters laced up their shoes this weekend in Chattanooga, not just for fitness, but for a powerful cause. The first-ever race hosted by Chattanooga…

Bacon Fans Flock to BaCON

CLEVELAND, Tenn. (WDEF) - The smell of sizzling bacon is drawing crowds today at the Tri-State Exhibition Center in Cleveland, Tennessee, where the 7th annual BaCON Festival is officially underway. Running from 10 a.m. to…

Battle Brews in the Kitchen

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) - Two Chattanooga principals traded their ties for aprons in a high-heat showdown earlier this month. Battle of the Bosses: Culinary Wars took place May 3rd at…

75 Years of Southern Tradition

  CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) - A Chattanooga favorite is celebrating a milestone this week. Bea’s Restaurant is turning 75. Located on Dodds Avenue, right at the foot of the ridge, Bea’s…

Johnston Park Legacy Lives On

CLEVELAND, Tenn. (WDEF) - It was a meaningful moment for downtown Cleveland this past week as Johnston Memorial Park officially reopened to the public.  The newly renovated Johnston Memorial Park was…

Teams Unite for Foster Care

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) - In honor of Foster Care Awareness Month, Tennessee’s pro sports teams, including our very own Chattanooga FC, are joining forces in a new initiative aimed at uplifting…

Students Design for Public Works

RED BANK, Tenn. (WDEF) - Public Works Appreciation Week kicks off soon, and one local elementary student is helping celebrate in style. The City of Red Bank Public Works Department partnered with Alpine…

Dean Arnold Reflects on Chattanooga

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) - Hamilton County Pachyderm Club members gathered today for their weekly meeting, where guest speaker Dean Arnold took the spotlight.  Arnold is a Chattanooga-based author, historian, filmmaker, and activist who has…

Horror Takes Over East Ridge

EAST RIDGE, Tenn. (WDEF) - A celebration of all things spooky took over East Ridge this weekend.  ShudderCon 2025 brought together horror lovers, haunted attraction pros, and pop culture fans under…

East Tennessee Rattled by Quake

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) - A 4.1-magnitude earthquake shook East Tennessee this morning, with the epicenter located near Greenback in Blount County.  The tremor struck at 9:04 a.m. Eastern, and residents across…