The Department of Defense recently announced a formal change in policy allowing women to serve in combat positions. The announcement was somewhat symbolic given the changing nature of warfare and the role women already play in current military operations.

David Dayen, born on 2.12, provides a round up of the news you might have missed from 2.12.12, including stories on the still undefined bank settlement, Komen Foundation, Maine caucus, jobs reports, an alternative to Keystone, Syria, Iran, gas prices, women in combat and much more.