Sports

Cage fighting gets cornered
A new law passed by the Legislature means the Minnesota Boxing Commission will now oversee "ultimate fighting." That worries some who say the new rules could put a stranglehold on one of the fastest-growing sports in the country.
The Shues tell their story through film and soccer
Say the name Elisabeth Shue to many people, and they'll bring up the actress' popular films like "The Karate Kid" and "Adventures in Babysitting." And, of course, her Oscar-nominated performance in "Leaving Las Vegas." Shue now has a very different kind of film about to open. "Gracie" is a fictional story, based on her experiences as a teenage athlete.
The Beckham effect
Minnesota's biggest soccer event in decades is coming up in October, when superstar David Beckham and the LA Galaxy will play an exhibition game at the Metrodome. Minnesota's pro soccer team, the Thunder, hopes Beckham's appearance will boost pro soccer's popularity in the state.
Football player hopes for call from NFL
A Minnesota native who played football for the North Dakota State Bisons last year may be selected in the NFL draft this weekend. Craig Dahl describes what feels like to be sized up by professional football scouts.
Game 2: Ducks continue  postseason mastery of Wild
Francois Beauchemin scored on a pair of power plays and Ilya Bryzgalov made 30 saves to help the Ducks to a 2-0 lead in the best-of-seven Western Conference series. Games 3 and 4 are in St. Paul on Sunday and Tuesday.
The green jacket goes to Cedar Rapids, Iowa
Zach Johnson, who describes himself as "just a Midwestern guy from Iowa," won the 2007 Masters tournament at Augusta, Georgia. But he couldn't have gotten there without a small group of investors who helped get his professional golf career off the ground.
"Amen Corner" hits the shelves
It's Shefchik's debut murder mystery novel after a 26-year career as a reporter and columnist at the St. Paul Pioneer Press. Shefchik says the phrase "Amen Corner" refers to the most dramatic part of the course.
Twins win opener
Two-time Cy Young award-winning pitcher Johan Santana struck out six and last year's American League MVP, Justin Morneau, got three hits, including a home run. However, the excitement around their first day and first win was muted as they honored the memory of broadcaster Herb Carneal, who died Sunday.
Pawlenty questions limits on high school transfer rule
The uproar over a new rule revoking full athletic eligibility from students after high school transfers went up another notch Tuesday when Gov. Tim Pawlenty weighed in against the change.