Now more than ever, we know what’s going on in the world. National and international news is at our fingertips — with a few quick taps, I can get the latest updates on a measles outbreak in Pennsylvania, the Trump administration or wars across an ocean. Even without searching for it, national and international headlines are often the first posts to pop on my social media feed.

It’s so easy to learn about places I’ve never stepped foot and people I’ll never meet. I’m more “plugged in” to the world than ever before.

There’s great value in that. Ideally, it fosters an informed society with access to a breadth of diverse experiences and worldviews.

But — and speaking with a little bit of bias here, as a local news reporter — I hope readers don’t pass over the news that’s close at hand. I hope we pay attention to what’s happening in the U.S. Congress, yes, but I also hope we pay attention to what’s happening in our local Boards of Aldermen or at the St. Louis County Council. These issues might not have flashy headlines, but they affect each of us profoundly.

I’m proud to say that South County takes a strong hold of that idea. In the past several months alone, we’ve seen South County residents taking rapt interest in local issues that will affect them.

Not only are they paying attention, but they’re making their voices heard — whether that be the residents of Lemay who showed up to the St. Louis County Council to raise concerns about the filling project of the inactive Ruprecht Quarry, or the Oakville residents who pushed back against the expansion of the Monte Nido treatment center.

Whether you’re for or against these issues, civic engagement on a local level is always an encouraging sight to see. There are very few of us who will ever stand before Congress and let them know what we think, but there is always space for you at your local Board of Aldermen or County Council meeting.

South County, thank you for caring about your community. I hope you continue to make your voice heard.