How about just something pointing out "Hot Zones." You could call it a "threat board" There is wayyyy too much "where's the fight guys-" type calls over country.
Even now (hard core 6 monther) I sometimes have trouble finding the main fight.
This would especially help out noobs who take off from that first base the game throws you in, which may be completely inactive.
I think a LOT of people when first exposed to this game get turned off by this.
Also, it's very difficult to tell who's winning the war currently.