WASHINGTON (AP) - A crucial first Senate vote on President Barack Obama's health care overhaul in a rare Saturday night session looms as a test of Democratic unity and the president's prestige.

Democratic leaders are optimistic of success, but they need every Democrat and both independents to vote "yes," and two moderates remained uncommitted ahead of the roll call, which is expected around 8 p.m. The vote will determine whether debate can go forward on Majority Leader Harry Reid's 2,074-page bill to dramatically remake the U.S. health care system over the next decade.

(NECN: Peter Howe, Boston) - Four of the six U.S. Senate candidates for Massachusetts mixed it up over fixing the economy Friday -- with some sparks flying over one candidate's link to a business deal gone bad.

The forum was sponsored by the Progressive Business Leaders Network, a 200-member, three-year-old Boston group, and held at the John F. Kennedy Presidential Library in Dorchester. Appearing were Democrats Michael Capuano, Alan Khazei and Steve Pagliuca and Republican Jack E. Robinson. Skipping the forum were Democratic and Republican front-runners Martha Coakley and Scott Brown.

(NECN) - With six weeks remaining in 2009, doesn't the Massachusetts legislature still have work to do? There's no doubt in Governor Patrick's mind. He's still steaming 24 hours after the House gaveled its session to a close.

Patrick is calling on legislators to come back into formal session to pass key pieces of legislature. Thursday, he faulted lawmakers for ending the year's session without acting on the bills.

State Senator Brian Joyce (D-Milton) and Joe Malone, a former Republican state treasurer discuss the situation on Broadside.

(NECN: Brian Burnell, Hartford, Conn.) - The health care showdown moves to the U.S. Senate. A test vote is set for Saturday. Majority Leader Harry Reid needs 60 votes. Republicans today tried to peel off some moderate Democrats.

The vote of Senator Chris Dodd isn't in doubt, but the fate of the health care bill was on his mind today as he toured a factory in New Britain.

(NECN: Alison King, Quincy, Mass.) - Four Democrats and two Republicans are vying to replace the late Senator Ted Kennedy. But what issues will define the race?

NECN political reporter Alison King spoke with voters in Quincy, Massachusetts.

Quincy, Massachusetts. Population 90,000.

It is a city with rich political history -- the birthplace of two former U.S. Presidents.

A place where many voters pay attention and have opinions come election season.

BOSTON (AP) - House leaders are ordering their staff members to take five furlough days, although lawmakers won't have to take them themselves.

House Speaker Robert DeLeo and Minority Leader Bradley Jones of North Reading said in a statement Friday furloughs for the 540 staffers will save the state $620,000.

They also highlighted other recent cuts, including discontinuing reimbursement of Massachusetts Bar fees and staff business cards, capping franking privileges and reducing cleaning costs.

But this week lawmakers rejected Gov. Deval Patrick's request

(NECN) - With six weeks remaining in 2009, doesn't the Massachusetts legislature still have work to do? There's no doubt in Governor Patrick's mind. He's still steaming 24 hours after the House gaveled its session to a close.

Patrick is calling on legislators to come back into formal session to pass key pieces of legislature. Thursday, he faulted lawmakers for ending the year's session without acting on the bills.

But how do legislators feel?

(NECN)- When a popular president like Barack Obama falls below 50 percent in the "job approval" surveys, the message from the American public is clear.

"We may like you personally, but shape up. Or that could change..."

And so I’d like to remind President Obama about some unfinished business involving the Wall Street firm of Goldman Sachs.

(NECN) - On the Braude Beat, gearing up for a health care fight in the Senate. The Democrats have a new proposal. Can this bill pass?

A new report is raising questions about stimulus projects in Massachusetts, and a health study suggests movie cinema popcorn has a whole lot more calories and fat than might expect.

Broadside host Jim Braude has more.

BOSTON (AP) - Gov. Deval Patrick is calling on the Massachusetts House and Senate to come back into formal session to pass key pieces of legislation, including a crime bill and education overhaul.

Patrick made the unusually blunt appeal in comments to reporters late Thursday.

Patrick faulted lawmakers for ending their formal session for the year without acting on the bills. He also criticized lawmakers for not giving him expanded powers to make additional budget cuts across state government.

Patrick said the state is still in the midst of a fiscal crisis.