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
Chicago sees uptick in shootings, homicides in first months of 2026
After violent crime significantly fell to its lowest levels in a decade in Chicago, the first third of 2026 is showing more shootings and homicides.
Man accused of killing Chicago police officer to remain in custody, judge rules
The man charged with fatally shooting a Chicago police officer will remain in custody after a judge denied him pretrial release.
Pritzker wants Illinois Senate to move on Mega Projects bill ‘soon,’ but hurdles remain
Gov. JB Pritzker wants Senators to move on the House version of the bill, but multiple issues need to be hashed out, he says.
Edison Park businesses see Bears' potential stadium in Arlington Heights as boost
There are some business owners in Edison Park who see a potential new Chicago Bears stadium in Arlington Heights as an economic boost.
Fox River flooding impacting Port Barrington: 'We might get to 2017'
Parts of Port Barrington are underwater after days of heavy rain. Multiple roads are closed in Lake and McHenry Counties.
Six dogs found dead in bags in Chicago suburb: 'Deeply disturbing'
Authorities in Will County are investigating the torture and killing of six dogs whose bodies were found discarded in trash bags.
Tentative deal reached to end NIPSCO-USW lockout
There's a tentative deal in place to end the lockout between NIPSCO and the United Steelworkers.
Illinois lawmakers debate school cellphone ban as some districts enact their own policies
Illinois lawmakers continue to debate a bill that would ban cellphone use in the classroom.
Chicago mayor warns of teen takeovers on city's South Side
Parents decided to take action in response to planned teen takeovers on the South Side.