AM Briefing: Senate Moves On 2 Bills; Mass. Democrats Face Few Nov. Challenges

Good morning. Top local stories and what we're watching this Thursday:

-- Today, the state Senate is likely to take up a bill aimed at preventing unnecessary foreclosures, after the House unanimously passed it yesterday.

-- The Senate is also likely to take up legislation that would extend the statute of limitations for civil lawsuits related to child sex abuse, after House passage yesterday. [Boston Globe]

-- A review finds that less than one-third of the Legislature's Democratic incumbents will face Republican opponents in November. [Globe]

-- In a surprise move, Boston Schools Superintendent Carol Johnson says she can extend the day at certain public schools under an existing contract provision.

-- After a series of crashes, police are stepping up patrols on Route 24. [Associated Press, via Boston Herald]

Sports:

-- Two wild pitches from Josh Beckett helped the Rangers top the Red Sox in Texas.

-- Meanwhile, Fenway was turned into a soccer pitch last night, where AS Roma beat Liverpool in a friendly. [ESPN Boston]