December 9, 2020 - PBS NewsHour full episode

A recent survey found roughly a quarter of women were considering reducing hours, switching to less demanding jobs, or leaving the workforce altogether. At least 2 million women have dropped out of the labor force since last year. Paul Paul Solman has our "Making Sense" story as part of the "Chasing the Dream'' series.

In our news wrap Wednesday, some Congress members say retired Army General Lloyd Austin's nomination for defense secretary could violate a rule prohibiting recently serving military officers from running the Defense Department, Britain health officials warn of possible side effects from a newly distributed COVID vaccine, and the Boeing 737 Max is back in the sky after two fatal crashes.

As Congress continues to debate the details of an economic relief package, one key voice of dissent over the current framework of a bipartisan plan is Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders. He joins Judy Woodruff to discuss why he believes stimulus money should go directly into the pockets of Americans.

More than 9,000 people are now hospitalized in Texas, and the death toll there is now above 23,000. Cases are spiking across the state including in and around Houston. Dr. Richina Bicette, of the Baylor College of Medicine and an emergency room physician treating COVID patients, joins Amna Nawaz, to discuss what she is facing on the job.

Facebook is one of the most valuable companies in the world, but its dominance is the subject of major new antitrust actions. A pair of lawsuits filed by the Federal Trade Commission, and by 46 states, allege that Facebook used its power illegally to drive out competition and buy out rivals. Phil Weiser, Colorado's Democratic attorney general, joins Judy Woodruff to discuss the suits.

A new independent report details widespread systemic problems at Fort Hood, Texas, including a culture that allows sexual assault in its ranks. It was ordered after the murder of U.S. Army Specialist Vanessa Guillén, and led to the removal or suspensions of 14 senior officers. Nick Schifrin spoke with retired Col. Ellen Haring, a research fellow at the Service Women's Action Network, to discuss.