I remember watching the movie “Hidden Figures” not long after it was released in 2016 and wondering, “Why didn’t I learn about this in school?”

Surely the story of three Black female mathematicians at NASA who overcame racism and sexism in the early 1960s to help America gain footing in the Space Race should’ve warranted at least a passing mention in the history books. But seeing as the vast majority of human history has been written by men, that’s who we tend to see represented in stories of the past.

That’s just one example of how the efforts of women who led social movements, created art, advanced science, and held communities together have often been minimized or altogether forgotten. But in Pennsylvania and across the country, museums and historic sites are working to reclaim these stories.

Seeing as March is Women’s History Month, it’s an ideal time to visit Pennsylvania sites and tours highlighting the female leaders and everyday women who helped shape our state and the wider world. 

Only one in four Americans approves of the US strikes on Iran that began Saturday and have plunged the Middle East into chaos. About half—including one in four Republicans—believe President Donald Trump ‌is too willing to use military force, according to a Reuters/Ipsos poll.

We’d like to know: How do you feel about the US attack on Iran?

Here’s what you’re saying:

“As a conservative Republican—not aligned with the MAGA movement—I support President Trump’s decision to strike Iran, viewing it as a clear embodiment of ‘peace through strength.’ While Trump campaigned on avoiding new wars and prioritizing America first, this targeted mission could ultimately advance those goals by deterring aggression and fostering long-term stability. That said, I remain deeply skittish about escalation; I hope for a swift, decisive end without US boots on the ground. Neither I nor the nation has any appetite for another prolonged conflict.” 

— Dave, Erie

“I think the only reason Trump is attacking Iran is because he was empowered by his dirty deed in Venezuela, and so he continues. I am livid that he started what will probably be another ‘forever war.’ Congress needs to rein him in immediately.”

— Anita McG, Kingston

“Trump lit yet another match igniting a powder keg that will blow up the entire Middle East region. He starts the fire and will take credit for putting it out.”

— Paul Devine, Blue Bell

“Killing an evil dictator and weakening a terrorist state, is met with applause even in Iran. However, war opens Pandora’s box. No one can predict how much destruction and loss of innocent life will result. To begin a war—even with the most noble intentions—before honest explanation to citizens, lacking serious consultation with elected representatives and allies—to open that dangerous box jeopardizes our own democracy and world order. I sincerely hope the decision turns out right, that the opportunity for lasting peace is real, but the process lacks consensus fitting the moment’s seriousness. The lessons of history are not promising.”

— Steve, Woxall

“I see no reason for this attack, and I see no good coming from it. To me, this appears to be Trump’s way of helping out his Middle Eastern friends so that he can get kickbacks from them for his family’s projects there. Americans will see no benefit, only the needless deaths of members of our Armed Forces, frayed relationships with allies, and more tax dollars going to fund pointless military operations.”

— Danielle S., Butler

“I fully support it. The Iranian regime has killed many Americans and our allies since 1979, as well as thousands of its own citizens, either directly or through its proxy terrorist groups.”

— Craig Brown, Marietta

Tell us where you stand on the US launching a war against Iran, and please let us know where you live.

Mary Michel was born Feb. 16 at Saint Vincent Hospital, three months after her mother, Ericka, lost almost all of the baby’s amniotic fluid. (USA Today Network via Reuters Connect)

Last month, Mary Michel was born at Erie’s Saint Vincent Hospital, three months after her mother, Ericka, lost almost all of the baby’s amniotic fluid. 

Ericka and her husband, Dustin Michel, named their daughter after Jesus’ mother.

Mary Michel was born Feb. 16 by caesarean section and weighed two pounds, 14 ounces. She was placed in an incubator and wheeled to her mother, who remains at Saint Vincent as she gains weight and develops her lungs.

She has been weaned off the ventilator for short periods of time, and Dr. Alaaeldin Omar, a neonatologist at Saint Vincent, said she could be sent home before her original due date in May.

“This is a miracle,” Omar said. “There have been other babies who survived after suffering a rupture this early in the pregnancy but it is not common.”

· A new commuter vanpool service was unveiled recently in an attempt to eliminate transportation as a barrier to employment in Cumberland, Dauphin, and York counties. Learn about the RabbitWORKS service in this story.

· Democrat Bob Brooks, who worked as a firefighter in Bethlehem for 20 years, was endorsed by the Working Families Party in his bid to unseat Republican incumbent Ryan Mackenzie as Lehigh County’s US Rep. Find out more here.

· Last month’s fire at J&K Salvage in York County melted several dozen containers holding about 10,000 gallons of various oils, which then seeped into the soil and into an adjacent creek that flows into the Codorus Creek, according to officials. Get more details here. 

Retired Beaver County K9 Rangwo. (USA Today Network via Reuters Connect)

We close today’s newsletter by remembering retired Beaver County K9 Rangwo, who died on Feb. 25.

Rangwo served with Deputy Joe Osche on the Beaver County Sheriff’s Office K9 unit from June 2015 until he retired in October 2023.

“Throughout his tenure, he demonstrated unwavering dedication, loyalty and tireless work ethic, protecting not only the citizens of Beaver County but also the surrounding counties within Region 13,” the Beaver County Sheriff’s Office said in a social media post.

“May K9 Rangwo rest in peace.”

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Thanks for reading. This newsletter was written by Patrick Berkery with stories from Kalena Thomhave, Sean Kitchen, and USA Today Network via Reuters Connect. It was edited by Paula Solis.

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