Minnesota Democratic-Farmer-Labor Party Chair Ken Martin is viewed as one of the top contenders to lead the national Democratic Party and will face a key test tomorrow. 

Republicans have been unable to conduct business in the Minnesota House during a DFL boycott of the legislative session. And yesterday, they filed a lawsuit with the Minnesota Supreme Court seeking to move a stalled session forward. 

The annual City of Lakes Loppet Winter Festival takes place this weekend at Theodore Wirth Park in Minneapolis.  Organizers make their own snow for the event.

This is an MPR News morning update, hosted by Phil Picardi. Music by Gary Meister.