We've built a tool called TeamSnippets.com to help keep teams in sync - I believe it works extra well for remote teams.
On an interval you like, we send out an email to each team member reminding them to write a status update of what they've been working on. Everyone's status updates are gathered into a summary email sent out the next day.
We're in our free beta right now and would love some feedback. Give us a try at http://TeamSnippets.com