WASHINGTON (AP) - The House has voted to prohibit coverage of abortions in a new government-run health care plan that Democrats want to compete with private insurers.

The 240-194 vote was a blow to liberals who would let the Obama administration decide whether to cover abortions in a government-provided insurance plan. Sixty-four Democrats joined 176 Republicans in favor of the prohibition.

The vote was on an amendment to a Democratic-written bill to provide health care insurance coverage to 36 million Americans who

(NECN: Washington, D.C.) - As member of the House debated the health care reform bill on Saturday, one Congressman used an unique approach in opposition of the bill's passage.

Holding a baby, Rep. John Shadegg (R-Ariz.) spoke for her, saying that she does not want government-run health care.

"This is Maddie. Maddie likes America because we have freedom here and Maddie believes in patient choice health care. She has come here to say she doesn't want government to take over health care. She wants to keep her plan," Rep. Shadegg said.

(NECN: John Moroney, N.H.) - The debate over health care reform was a live one in New England on Saturday.

Those in favor of reform rallied in Concord, New Hampshire on Saturday, while those opposed gathered in Manchester.

The Concord rally was organized by the Democratic National Committee. The party in power is pushing a $1 trillion plan to expand health care coverage through a government-run health insurance program. Plus, it would stop insurance companies from denying coverage to people with pre-existing conditions.

WASHINGTON (AP) - President Barack Obama is traveling to Capitol Hill on Saturday to try to close the sale on his signature health care overhaul, facing a make-or-break vote in the House certain to be seen as a test of his presidency.

Obama scheduled a late-morning visit with House Democrats convening a rare Saturday session on legislation to remake the U.S. health care system, extending coverage to tens of millions now uninsured and banning insurance company practices such as denial of coverage based on pre-existing medical problems.

(NECN) - Do you have questions or concerns about the H1N1 (swine) flu virus? If so, we've got your answers. Today and every Friday afternoon on NECN, we will be continuing our special focus on H1N1 and what you need to know. We'll be taking your questions, which you can e-mail to us at: flu@necn.com.

Click here for more information.

Dr. Sean Palfrey of the Boston Medical Center joins NECN for a discussion.

AUGUSTA, Maine (AP) - Maine health officials are reporting the state's first swine flu death since August.

The state Center for Disease Control and Prevention said Friday a young man from Penobscot County has died. CDC Director Dora Anne Mills says the victim, who was between 18 and 25 years old, had serious underlying medical conditions.

Mills says that most people who get H1N1 have had a relatively mild infection. But the recent death shows how severe influenza can be, especially in those with underlying conditions, pregnant women and children.

(NECN: Brian Burnell, Hartford, Conn.) - A Connecticut senator was the target of angry protesters in Washington, D.C. today. Demonstrators crowded the hallways outside Joe Lieberman's office, voicing their concerns about the Independent lawmaker's stance on health care reform.

Click here to watch more raw video from the protests.

"Shame on Senator Lieberman! Shame!"

(NECN) - Next week, many people around the nation will pause to mark Veterans Day. On the campus of UMass Boston, military veterans will also be the focus of a forum on the issues facing many service members as they return home.

Click here for more information on the program.

Barry Brodsky is the director of the UMass Boston Veterans Upward Bound program, and he joins NECN for a discussion.

(NECN: Washington) - President Barack Obama is touting the endorsements of AARP and doctors for a health care overhaul.

"They are endorsing this bill because they know it will strengthen Medicare, not jeopardize it. They know it will protect the benefits our seniors receive," said Obama of the AARP.

"The same is true for the doctors and medical professionals who are supporting this bill," said Obama. "They would not be supporting it if they really believed that government bureaucrats making decisions that are best left to doctors."

FULL REMARKS FROM PRESIDENT OBAMA: