Pro Football Hall of Famer Merlin Olsen dies at 69 (AP)
AP - Pro Football Hall of Famer and former television actor Merlin Olsen has died. He was 69.

Reyes told to rest until thyroid normalizes (AP)
AP - Mets shortstop Jose Reyes has been told to rest and refrain from athletic activity until his thyroid levels normalize.

Rockies, Helton agree to 2-year extension (AP)
AP - First baseman Todd Helton and the Colorado Rockies agreed Thursday to $9.9 million, two-year contract extension through the 2013 season.

Vonn crashes, will still ski for overall title (AP)
AP - Lindsey Vonn crashed and bruised her right knee during the World Cup giant slalom Thursday, but is expected to compete Friday in the super-G in an attempt to win her third straight overall title.

Faraway Iditarod fans feed race habit online (AP)
AP - Cathleen Griffin usually feeds her passion for the Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race through the Internet, but next week she'll travel to Alaska for the first time to see the winner cross the finish line in the old gold rush town of Nome.