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Meteorologist Wren Clair files sexual harassment suit against former employer KSTP
Meteorologist Wren Clair files sexual harassment suit against former employer KSTP

Yahoo

time6 days ago

  • Yahoo

Meteorologist Wren Clair files sexual harassment suit against former employer KSTP

Former KSTP-TV meteorologist Wren Clair filed a sexual harassment and retaliation lawsuit against the St. Paul-based television station this week, saying she was abruptly terminated after she reported the conduct. Her lawsuit said she was demoted in 2024 and terminated in February, 'but the sex-based disparate treatment and sexual harassment occurred throughout the entirety of her employment,' which began in 2018. KSTP, in a legal response filed Wednesday in Ramsey County District Court, said Clair was terminated 'as a result of her poor performance, on which she was repeatedly coached.' The response also said she was not 'subjected to sex-based harassment.' Clair is now a meteorologist for KARE-TV, serving in the role since May. Paul Schinner, attorney for Clair, who filed the lawsuit Tuesday under her legal name of Renee Fox, said the work environment at KSTP was 'the kind that you would hope no longer exists in 2025 and unfortunately it is still alive and well.' 'We feel that a fact that a woman is on television is not an excuse to subject her to offensive sexual comments and sexist double standards,' he said. Mike Garber, KSTP's news director who was hired after Fox's departure, said Wednesday that the station 'does not comment on personnel matters or active litigation.' Fox, who grew up in Hopkins and went to the University of Minnesota, was a morning show meteorologist in Boston, a top-10 market in the U.S. at the time. Her husband obtained a promotion that required a move back to Minneapolis and she was hired as a KSTP meteorologist. From 2021 until her employment ended, Kirk Varner, who was KSTP news director at the time, 'regularly made offensive sex-based comments about (Fox's) body and appearance … voiced his preference for tighter fitting outfits, complained when she wore 'pants' instead of a dress … and complained about her decision to switch from blonde to her natural hair color,' the lawsuit said. KSTP said in its legal response that in the context of discussion of Fox's on-camera appearance, which is 'standard for on-air talent,' Varner 'emphasized the importance of clothing fit, informed (Fox) that wearing certain pants, such as joggers, on-air was unprofessional, and addressed (Fox's) abrupt hair color change from blonde to brunette by referencing the appearance clause in her employment agreement.' Fox's lawsuit said Varner was also 'more harshly critical' of her, 'assigned her less favorable hours and assignments; and gave her less and lower quality promotional support than her male peers, whose blatant misconduct and glaring performance deficiencies he ignored and/or tolerated,' the suit continued. KSTP denied those allegations in its response. In a meeting, Varner said Fox 'could not be trusted with severe weather coverage and ended the meeting after (she) began deflecting and blaming others for her poor performance,' the station said in its response. The lawsuit is only against KSTP and not against individuals. 'Given that status, I cannot comment on the matter further at this time,' Varner said in an email Wednesday. After chief meteorologist Dave Dahl retired in 2020, Fox took over as the prime-time weekday evening meteorologist for '5 Eyewitness News.' Before Dahl retired, 'on multiple occasions, he commented on (Fox's) appearance, telling her how 'great' and 'slim' she looked,' Fox's lawsuit said. She 'reported and opposed' Dahl's comments to Varner. Related Articles Movie review: Spike Lee's 'Highest 2 Lowest' soars at times, stumbles in places Movie review: Zach Cregger's 'Weapons' is the scariest movie of the year Here's what Joan Steffend did when TikTok began mocking 'Decorating Cents' Movie review: 'Freakier Friday' manages to hit a sweet spot of nostalgia 'Together' review: Codependency gets a little sticky in clever horror parable with Alison Brie and Dave Franco 'Varner excused Dahl's conduct in a way that expressly referenced gender,' the suit said. 'Only after (Fox) personally confronted Dahl on her own did he at least start refraining from aiming his sexist conduct directly at (Fox).' KSTP said in its legal response that she reported to human resources that she confronted Dahl about her concerns and he 'apologized and agreed to work on it.' As Dahl was deciding when to retire, he told Fox he knew 'how (she) wanted to have a baby' and could 'cover her maternity leave,' but Fox had not said anything about having a child to anyone at KSTP, the suit said. 'These kinds of sex-based presumptions were commonplace at KSTP.' Dahl did not return a message seeking comment Wednesday. Before Fox got Dahl's prime-time spot, Varner 'repeatedly and vocally doubted that 'the public can accept a lead female in a scientist role,' despite the fact that another local station has had a female lead meteorologist for years,' Fox's lawsuit said. Fox has degrees in chemistry and meteorology, a master's degree from Johns Hopkins University and is a co-author on multiple scientific publications, her lawsuit pointed out. KSTP's legal response said Varner 'repeatedly coached (Fox) to use less scientific and highly technical jargon in her weather reports, and to instead use basic language that could be readily understood by viewers.' Fox's lawsuit said: 'Once it became official that (Fox) would be replacing Dahl as the weekday evening meteorologist in 2021, (Fox's) male peers treated her with blatant disrespect.' The lawsuit also said that KSTP male meteorologists' 'refusal to work constructively with (Fox) directly impacted the quality of severe weather broadcasts and even the accuracy of weather forecasts,' a claim that KSTP denied. In early to mid-2024, Fox 'began to oppose the inappropriate sexist conduct of Varner and certain male co-workers more frequently and formally, via complaints to HR,' the lawsuit said. 'Varner's response was swift and nakedly retaliatory.' KSTP said in its response that Fox complained to HR about communications with Varner on one occasion. Her lawsuit said she was demoted from the prime-time evening show to a 'dayside' schedule. KSTP said the reassignment was not a demotion and that her compensation was not changed. Related Articles Burnsville man convicted of killing, dismembering mother St. Paul Brewing sues city over Hamm's site rezoning plan Cottage Grove man sentenced to 8 years in 25-year-old sexual-abuse case Little Canada man sentenced for strangling woman in Eagan hotel room Blaine man found guilty of bilking Medicaid program out of more than $7M When Fox was terminated, she had more than two years left on her contract; KSTP said it had the right to terminate her employment before her contract ended. She had no formal disciplinary action, but 'received repeated performance coaching and warnings up to the date of her termination,' KSTP said in its legal response. Fox's lawsuit claims coworker and supervisor sexual harassment in violation of the Minnesota Human Rights Act and reprisal under the act. She is seeking back pay, compensatory damages and attorneys' fees. Solve the daily Crossword

Top federal prosecutor says Minnesota's fraud total could surpass $1 billion
Top federal prosecutor says Minnesota's fraud total could surpass $1 billion

Axios

time24-07-2025

  • Politics
  • Axios

Top federal prosecutor says Minnesota's fraud total could surpass $1 billion

Minnesota's acting U.S. Attorney Joe Thompson says his office has prosecuted a half billion dollars in fraud in state programs in recent years — and the total tally could double by the time it's done. The latest: FBI agents searched several properties last week in connection with what they called "massive" fraud involving Minnesota's Housing Stabilization Services program. The program, which started in 2020 and provided Medicaid dollars for housing for seniors and people with disabilities, paid out over $100 million in claims last year, over 38 times the initial cost estimates. The big picture: The latest investigation comes on top of the $250 million-plus Feeding Our Future scheme, which has already resulted in 48 guilty pleas or convictions. A separate Medicaid-funded program meant to serve people with autism continues to face scrutiny amid fraud concerns and a 2024 FBI raid. What they're saying: "It's an extraordinary problem, the fraud that's pervasive in this state," Thompson told KSTP in an interview this week. Prosecutors have called the new housing stabilization program, one of the first of its kind nationwide, "uniquely vulnerable to fraud." The other side: DFL Gov. Tim Walz defended his administration's handling of the issue in an interview with Axios this week, saying the prosecutions are "counterintuitively a good thing" because it means state and federal investigators are catching — and stopping — fraud. "We want to help people, but we need to be skeptical. And if there's any thought whatsoever [that] these people are doing this, we need to refer them over [to law enforcement]," he said. Zoom in: Walz noted that a recent change in law allowed the state Department of Human Services to freeze payments amid fraud concerns in the housing stabilization program. An FBI search warrant confirms that DHS stopped payments to at least two providers in May, shortly after the law passed. But by that point, the providers had already received millions in reimbursements for what investigators say were false claims, per a federal search warrant. Friction point: Once the money's out the door, it's difficult to claw back. The government has recovered just $60 million in the Feeding our Future case, per KSTP. What we're watching: DHS told the Star Tribune it's opened about 40 investigations into providers connected to a single building in the housing aid case "and stopped payments everywhere we have seen evidence of fraud." "You will see more people going to jail," Walz said of the broader fraud crackdown.

Canadian wildfire smoke chokes Minnesota—Air quality alert in effect
Canadian wildfire smoke chokes Minnesota—Air quality alert in effect

Mint

time13-07-2025

  • Climate
  • Mint

Canadian wildfire smoke chokes Minnesota—Air quality alert in effect

Thick smoke from over 100 wildfires in Canada's Manitoba province is sweeping into Minnesota, reducing air quality. According to KSTP, dense smoke is expected to persist in the areas till noon today. The outlet added that a Southwest wind of 5 to15 mph is expected to push away the smoke north and east, with some relief expected around 2 pm. However, the hazy conditions and poor air quality are expected to be back on Monday (July 14). The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) has issued a statewide air quality alert, in effect through 9 a.m. on July 14. The alert covers the entire state, including the Twin Cities metro and communities such as Brainerd, Alexandria, Albert Lea, Marshall, Worthington, Rochester, Hinckley, St. Cloud, Winona, Ortonville, Mankato, Bemidji, East Grand Forks, Moorhead, International Falls, Two Harbors, Hibbing, Ely, Duluth, Roseau, and other places. Temperatures are expected to reach the high 80s on July 13, as per KSTP. Some scattered thunderstorms may occur from 8 to 10 pm local time, but skies will become clear afterward. However, another thick mass of wildfire smoke may drift over from Canada overnight, leading to another decline in air quality by early Monday. Overnight lows will dip to around 70°F. Though Monday will start with smoke lingering in the atmosphere, the day will see sunshine and warm weather with highs around 90 degrees. An increase in humidity is expected in the afternoon with winds of 5 to 10 mph. Temperatures are anticipated to approach 90°F. By Monday evening, it is expected that stronger winds will disperse the smoke once again. Temperature will also drop to the low to mid 70s Humidity and heat is expected to increase on Tuesday, leading to partial sunny conditions and temperature peaking in the low 90s. Later in the day, there are chances of intense wind rainfall. Over a 100 wildfires have been reported in the country's Manitoba province. The smoke drifting from the blazes has put almost 22 million people in Wisconsin, Minnesota and Michigan at risk of breathing poor quality air. According to Fox News, all of Minnesota has issued some form of air quality alert. The haze in Minneapolis is caused by thick smoke drifting in from wildfires burning across parts of Canada. Shifting wind patterns have carried the smoke into the region, reducing visibility and air quality. A change in wind direction brought dense wildfire smoke from Canada into several US states, leading to a sharp rise in fine particle pollution. This caused the air to shift quickly from moderate to unhealthy levels. The smoke affecting Minnesota is coming from wildfires burning in Canadian provinces like Alberta, Saskatchewan, and Manitoba. These fires have sent large plumes of smoke south into the Upper Midwest.

Wisconsin Nurse Pleads No Contest To Amputating Man's Foot Without Permission
Wisconsin Nurse Pleads No Contest To Amputating Man's Foot Without Permission

Yahoo

time11-07-2025

  • Yahoo

Wisconsin Nurse Pleads No Contest To Amputating Man's Foot Without Permission

AWisconsin nurse has pleaded no contest to negligently abusing a patient after she amputated a man's foot without his permission. Mary K. Brown's plea earlier this week in a Pierce County courtroom means that two felony charges against her will be dismissed: physical abuse of an elder person intentionally causing great bodily harm, and mayhem. She had previously pleaded not guilty. In May 2022, Brown was employed as a nurse at a senior living home in Spring Valley, where Doug McFarland, 62, was being treated after a fall in his home a few months earlier. McFarland had contracted severe frostbite in his feet, which both became necrotic, and had reportedly been moved to hospice care, according to ABC affiliate KSTP. Court documents say that Brown referred to the McFarland's lower limbs as 'mummy feet' and told investigators that she thought amputation would'make the quality of life better for him,' KSTP reported. Authorities later discovered that Brown had amputated McFarland's right foot on May 27, 2022, but didn't get permission from McFarland or his physician beforehand. According to court documents cited by KSTP, one facility administrator told authorities that while he thought a doctor might have agreed that amputation was necessary, he specifically instructed Brown not to perform the procedure, which was outside the scope of her practice, KSTP reported. McFarland died days after the amputation. Brown's unauthorized amputation came to light after the county medical examiner flagged that McFarland's foot had been separated from his body. Brown was charged six months after the incident, and her nursing license was suspended in early 2023. Spring Valley Health and Rehab Center said Brown was no longer employed with the company. Although Brown claimed that she believed the amputation would ease her patient's suffering, co-workers suggested she might have had another reason for wanting McFarland's foot removed from his body. One nurse reportedly told investigators Brown had mentioned that her family had a taxidermy shop and she wanted to preserve the necrotic foot with a sign reading 'Wear your boots, kids.' 'When I found out, I pretty much lost it,' McFarland's sister Heidi McFarland told KSTP. 'He had a heart of gold and he was a phenomenal artist,' she said of her brother. Brown will not serve any time for the crime, but will have to pay $443 in court costs, KSTP reported. Olympian Chooses To Undergo Amputation So He Can Compete In Paris Some Kansas City Chiefs Fans Advised To Undergo Amputation After Cold-Weather Game

22-year-old killed by man when she refused his romantic advances, MN cops say
22-year-old killed by man when she refused his romantic advances, MN cops say

Miami Herald

time08-07-2025

  • Miami Herald

22-year-old killed by man when she refused his romantic advances, MN cops say

A 22-year-old woman found dead in her apartment had just rebuffed a man's romantic advances, Minnesota authorities say. Weeks after the 'extreme, targeted violence' against Kayli Grace Arseth, 27-year-old Jose Luis Lopez Xique is now charged with second-degree intentional murder in her death, the Hennepin County Attorney's Office said in a July 7 news release. Text messages leading up to Arseth's killing reveal Lopez Xique was interested in starting a romantic relationship with her, but she told him she was only interested in being friends, prosecutors said. 'I did enjoy hanging out with you, but I don't have enough mental capacity for any type of relationship right now,' Arseth told Lopez Xique in a Snapchat message on June 16, according to court records. Arseth was shot in the head and died that same day, KSTP reported, citing Richfield police. An analysis of Lopez Xique's phone showed he was at Arseth's apartment from 3:38 p.m. to 4:47 p.m. the day of her killing, according to the court records. A neighbor reported hearing the two arguing a few minutes before he left to go to a hardware store. 'How could you do this to me?' the neighbor heard Arseth say, according to the criminal complaint obtained by Bring Me The News. Lopez Xique went on to purchase 'masking tape, gauze, an apron, masks, gloves, sunglasses, wipes and other products' at a store, the publication reported. Those items were later found in the trash in an area where his phone had pinged. A welfare check was requested at Arseth's home on July 17, leading authorities to what they called a 'gruesome scene,' KARE reported, citing the criminal complaint. 'The search warrant states there were bloodstains in the apartment and officers observed what appeared to be a blood smear on the exterior side of the apartment door,' according to KMSP. The Richfield Police Department said Lopez Xique was arrested near his Shakopee home on July 3. He is being held in jail on $2.5 million bail. Lopez Xique appeared 'unsurprised' and did not ask authorities why he was being arrested, KSTP reported. 'This was a terrible instance of extreme, targeted violence that took Kayli from her loved ones,' Hennepin County Attorney Mary Moriarty said in a statement. 'My thoughts are with her family during this extraordinarily difficult period. Our office will prosecute Mr. Lopez Xique to protect our community and hold him accountable for his actions.' Arseth was described in an obituary as a 'vibrant spirit, with a very bright, sassy, funny and caring personality.' Working as a behavioral technician, Arseth was said to have an 'unwavering compassion for others.' 'Kayli made a positive difference in many people's lives and will be deeply missed,' according to the obituary. 'She always told people, 'Well, you're stuck with me'. The irony is that she is now stuck in our hearts forever.' Richfield is a southern suburb of Minneapolis.

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