Chattanooga, Hamilton County named digital trailblazer
The City of Chattanooga and Hamilton County have been named a “Digital Inclusion Trailblazer” by the National Digital Inclusion Alliance, according to The Enterprise Center.
The recognition was given to 16 communities across the country whose local governments promote digital literacy and broadband access.
Chattanooga and Hamilton County are in the company of cities such as San Francisco, Seattle, New York, and Boston. The recognition is based on six indicators that reflect each government’s commitment to digital equity, including if there is devoted staff and internet access is affordable. Chattanooga and Hamilton County were one of just three communities to receive checks in all six categories. This is the second year in a row that Chattanooga and Hamilton County were named a Trailblazer.
“Everyone in Hamilton County deserves reliable, high-speed internet, and we have now been working hard for several years to ensure that access,” said Hamilton County Mayor Jim Coppinger.
“We are committed to making sure that every Chattanoogan, regardless of income or neighborhood, has access to technology,” said Chattanooga Mayor Tim Kelly.
Volkswagen ID.4 on 48-state drive
Volkswagen of America, Volkswagen Credit Inc., and Electrify America have teamed with long-distance driving expert Rainer Zietlow on a mission to visit more than 600 VW dealers in 48 states in the new ID.4 electric SUV.
The attempt will take Zietlow and driving partner Derek Collins on a counterclockwise loop of the country, starting and ending in Herndon, Virginia. The duo anticipates driving through 48 states and making use of more than 200 Electrify America charging stations, highlighting both the durability of the ID.4 and the breadth of the charging network, according to Volkswagen of America.
“The VW ID.4 is designed to bring electric vehicles to the mainstream,” said Zietlow.
The ID.4 is now in production in Germany but will be assembled in Chattanooga in 2022.
– Compiled by Mike Pare