Daniel Alfredsson will have a big challenge on his hands in the All-Star skills competition — trying to unseat four-time hardest-shot champ Zdeno Chara. One day after choosing up sides in a player draft, the two All-Star game captains got to work Friday. The captains of Team Alfredsson and Team Chara, along with their respective alternate captains, Henrik Ludqvist and Joffrey Lupul, made their own roster assignments for the six events to be contested Saturday night. Read More

WEDNESDAY, Feb. 1 WASHINGTON — Institute for Supply Management releases its manufacturing index for January, 10 a.m.; Commerce Department releases construction spending for December, 10 a.m.; House Budget Committee hearing on the budget and the economy, with Douglas Elmendorf, director of the Congressional Budget Office.; Senate Budget Committee hearing on the outlook for countries that share the euro as their currency. Read More

A judge said Friday that he sees merits in arguments that a North Dakota law that restricts the use of drugs to cause abortions illegally restricts abortion rights. Read More

Freezer gel packs can help keep food at a safe temperature when on the go. But be careful if a pack bursts and the substance inside oozes out. It may be toxic and anyone ingesting it could be poisoned. The week's list of recalls includes two food carriers with gel packs that could put users at risk. Here's a list of this week's recalls: ___ INSULATED LUNCH BOXES Read More