If you’ve lived in the Twin Cities for more than a few winters, you know the faces on your TV screen start to feel like neighbors. That’s exactly how it felt with Wren Clair. One minute she was the steady hand guiding us through blizzard warnings, and the next, she just... disappeared. Twice.
It’s been a whirlwind couple of years for the meteorologist. First, there was that sudden exit from KSTP in early 2025 that left everyone scratching their heads. Then, just as fans were celebrating her "homecoming" at KARE 11, she was gone again in under four months.
Honestly, the drama behind the scenes was wilder than a Minnesota August thunderstorm.
From Chemistry Labs to the KARE 11 Weather Desk
Wren Clair—whose legal name is actually Renee Fox—isn't your average "weather girl" stereotype. She’s a massive overachiever in the best way possible. Before she ever stepped in front of a green screen, she spent five years working as a chemist.
Her resume is honestly kind of intimidating:
- B.S. in Meteorology from Mississippi State University.
- Degrees in Chemistry and Anthropology from the University of Minnesota.
- A Master’s in Environmental Science and Policy from Johns Hopkins University (completed in 2023 while working full-time).
She started out in the "Northwoods" of Wisconsin (Rhinelander) before a stint in Boston, where she cut her teeth on Nor'easters and "bomb cyclones." By the time she landed back in Minnesota at KSTP in 2018, she was a seasoned pro. When legendary weatherman Dave Dahl retired in 2020, Wren was the one who stepped into that prime evening slot. People loved her. She was smart, technical, and didn't talk down to the audience.
The KSTP Lawsuit: What Really Happened
Everything looked perfect on the surface, but the lawsuit she filed in August 2025 told a much darker story. According to the court filings, Wren alleged she dealt with years of "overtly sexist conduct."
We’re talking about pretty heavy stuff. The complaint mentioned senior staff making comments about her body, being told she should wear "tighter fitting clothing," and even allegations of being undermined by male colleagues during live severe weather coverage. One specific incident in the suit claimed she was basically "shut out" of a broadcast for ten minutes by a co-worker while the cameras were rolling.
KSTP denied everything, of course. They claimed she was fired for "poor performance," even though she had two years left on her contract and a history of good reviews.
The whole thing eventually settled out of court in late 2025. They "mutually agreed" to dismiss the case, which usually means a confidential check was written and everyone agreed to stop talking.
Why the KARE 11 Stint Was So Short
When KARE 11 announced they’d hired Wren in May 2025, it felt like a win for the "good guys." Fans were thrilled. She was slated for the KARE 11 News Sunday Morning slot and digital updates.
But by September 2025? Gone.
It was a weird day at the station. Longtime sports director Reggie Wilson announced his position was being eliminated on the exact same day Wren posted that she and KARE 11 had "mutually agreed to part ways."
Why the sudden exit? While the station stayed quiet, Wren’s own social media gave a hint. She mentioned wanting to focus on her personal life and—this is the big one—pursuing scientific careers outside of television.
After years of fighting for respect in a newsroom and dealing with the stress of a public lawsuit, it’s not hard to see why someone with a Master’s from Johns Hopkins and a chemistry background might decide the TV life just isn't worth the headache anymore.
Where is Wren Clair Now?
If you're looking for her on the 6:00 PM news, you're probably out of luck. As of early 2026, Wren seems to be moving toward the "Science" part of her "Meteorology and Science" title.
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The Twin Cities news landscape is changing fast. With layoffs and "position eliminations" hitting local stations, many veteran broadcasters are looking for the exits. For Wren, it feels less like a "goodbye" and more like a "pivoting to something better." She’s still a Minnesota native at heart, but her days of standing in the snow at the State Fair (where she also alleged she was harassed by drunk attendees in her lawsuit) are likely over.
Practical Next Steps for Fans:
- Follow the Science: If you miss her technical breakdowns, keep an eye on professional networking sites like LinkedIn. She's likely moving into environmental policy or private-sector meteorology.
- Support Local Journalism: The details of her departure only came to light because of local reporting. Supporting outlets like the Star Tribune or MPR helps keep newsroom cultures transparent.
- Check the KARE 11 Lineup: If you're looking for your weather fix, the station has leaned back into its veteran team, including Belinda Jensen and Ben Dery, to fill the gaps left by the 2025 departures.
The era of Wren Clair on Minnesota TV was a bit of a roller coaster, but she definitely left her mark on the local weather world.