Minnesota's pretty big. Sometimes the weather at one end of the state is a far cry from what's going on at the other end. But this December -- regardless of whether you're on the Range, in the Valley, in the Cities -- the same question is floating out over the brown grass and leaves.

Researchers from the University of Minnesota are studying a cold-hardy bug that serves as a filling meal for trout during the winter season. The insect has little tolerance for warmth, and scientists tell the Star Tribune that even a small fluctuation in temperature could cause changes in the ecosystem.

The Twin Cities could get nearly an inch of rain Thursday as temperatures drop during the day, leaving the possibility for a little slush and snow, but no accumulation. It was already snowing early Thursday in western parts of the state as the cold front moves in. Areas in the northern part of the state could get 2-3 inches of snow on the grass, forecasters say.

The state DNR tells the Star Tribune lingering mild weather caused more leaves to fall 10 days to two weeks later than normal. Now, with the prospect of accumulating snow on the way, Minnesota residents are scrambling to scoop up a flurry of leaves.

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Lynn Rogers says he was looking forward to documenting the evolution of Hope’s family as the 2-year-old bear matured. He says scientists had never gotten so close to a mixed-age bear family.

An international team that includes University of Minnesota scientist Gary Muehlbauer has mapped the genome of barley, one of the world's most important and genetically complex cereal crops, and a key beer ingredient. The researchers say the findings could lead to higher yields and a grain that can more easily handle climate change.