Bret Buganski
Bret Buganski joined Fox 32 Chicago in December 2025.
He is so happy to be back home in Chicago after living in seven other cities across the country over the last 18 years. Bret's most recent stop was in Cincinnati, Ohio as the weekend evening anchor and reporter at WCPO 9 News.
He's an award-winning journalist, including a two-time recipient of a regional Edward R. Murrow Award for anchoring and investigative reporting.
Born and raised on the northwest side of Chicago in Jefferson Park, Bret graduated from St. Patrick High School (Go Shamrocks) and Columbia College Chicago.
Bret believes it's important the public is well-informed about what's happening in our community, the nation and the world at large. He hopes his stories not only shine a light on a problem, but lead to positive change. Bret strongly believes in the Fourth Estate and freedom of speech as the cornerstone of democracy.
When he's not reporting the news of the day, Bret is a distance runner, guitar player, professional wrestling fan, as well as a fan of the Bears, Bulls, Blackhawks and White Sox. If you have a story idea or news tip, feel free to email Bret at: bret.buganski@fox.com.
The latest from Bret Buganski
172 jobs lost as Gerresheimer closes Chicago Heights plant, moves production to Italy, India
A packaging company closed operations last Wednesday and laid off 172 workers in the process.
Bears stadium saga heats up as Arlington Heights plan gets new life
There's some renewed optimism the Chicago Bears will stay in Illinois and build a new stadium on property they already own in Arlington Heights.
Bears stadium talks: What lawmakers said after meeting with Roger Goodell
The Chicago Bears met with lawmakers and NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell to talk about staying in Illinois.
Johnsburg yacht club legal fight raises new questions about village’s $20K cost estimate
The legal fight between the Village of Johnsburg and the Pistakee Yacht Club may be over, but questions remain about the public cost of a dispute that stretched from 2023 through a September bench trial.
Rich Township food pantry sees surge in demand as families struggle with rising costs
A Rich Township food pantry is seeing more families turn to its shelves for help, as rising costs make it harder for some residents to afford the groceries they need.
Chicago City Council weighs renewing CTA police contract amid drop in crime
Chicago City Council is looking to renew a contract between Chicago Police and the Chicago Transit Authority as another level of security on CTA buses, trains and property.
Bears stadium talks: Records show August meetings with Illinois officials
The Bears have repeatedly said their focus is on Indiana. But a new report reveals the team was still talking with Illinois officials last month.
Thousands lost power Thursday after storms hit Northwest Indiana
The storms may have moved through quickly, but for thousands of NIPSCO customers, the power problems continued well after the rain stopped.
Pistakee Yacht Club claims victory in 3-year legal fight with Johnsburg
After almost three years in court, including a bench trial, the legal fight between the Village of Johnsburg and the Pistakee Yacht Club appears to be over, after the judge gave a mixed ruling.