Sports

Mauer ready from Day 1 of spring training
After a series of ailments limited him to only 82 games in 2011, Minnesota Twins star Joe Mauer reported to spring training on Saturday and said he planned to start catching right away when pitchers and catchers hold their first workout on Sunday. Mauer hopes to put last season's poor performance behind him.
Great challenges await U of M's next athletic director
A big job awaits the successor of Joel Maturi, retiring athletic director of the University of Minnesota. He - or she - faces a department running an annual deficit of up to $3 million, elusive championships, and numerous competing demands.
Ramsey County reboots tax plan for Vikings stadium
Ramsey County is dropping its countywide sales tax plan to help pay for an Arden Hills stadium for the Minnesota Vikings, and is instead proposing new user fees and parking lot naming rights.