From KCRW in Santa Monica and PRI, Public Radio International, this is To the Point.

Another gender barrier is about to come down.

Hello again, I'm Roman Alney, and this is To the Point from Public Radio International.

A daily look at the issues Americans care about most. Defense Secretary Leon Panetta is lifting the ban on women in combat at the request of a

unanimous joint chiefs of staff. In fact, the nature of modern warfare already puts women in

combat where they've earned purple hearts and medals of honor been wounded and died. But opponents are adamant based on physical strength, sexual distraction, and traditions of male camaraderie as old as the practice of warfare itself.

We'll hear the arguments of both sides as the Pentagon prepares to implement a historic change.

On reporters' notebook later on, a White House message to Wall Street.

First, here's the news.

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Hello again, Marmona. Back with To the Point. Defense Secretary Leon Panetta is stepping down after just 18 months at the Pentagon, but his legacy is guaranteed to be a long one.

He has lifted the ban on women in combat.

We'll look at the pros and cons for the military, in constitutional law, and an American culture.

On reporter's notebook, a former prosecutor is being named to head the Securities and Exchange Commission.

The White House says it wants a crackdown on Wall Street.

First, this news update.

California Senator Diane Feinstein today announced a new bill to ban assault weapons

replacing the ban that expired in 2004.

She called on the public to overcome guaranteed opposition from both Republicans and

fellow Democrats.

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