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 teens tell City Council lack of youth spaces fuels teen takeovers
Chicago teenagers urged City Council to invest in more free, safe, and welcoming spaces where young people can gather, arguing that a lack of youth-focused options contributes to teen takeovers.
Illinois special session possible, but lawmakers say Bears must provide specifics first
Illinois lawmakers say a special legislative session to address the Chicago Bears' stadium plans remains possible, but only if the team can present a detailed proposal and demonstrate enough support to pass it.
Chicago leaders call for new gun violence reduction department after deadly weekend
After a weekend that left at least six people dead and 33 others injured in shootings across Chicago, faith leaders, community activists and city officials are renewing calls for a permanent city department dedicated to reducing gun violence.
Chicago alder wants to crack down on parents of kids involved in teen takeovers, other crimes
A Chicago alder wants to crack down on the parents of children who commit crimes and are involved in teen takeovers.
Indiana protesters demand pause on Data Centers outside event with Gov. Mike Braun
Protesters gathered outside a private luncheon Tuesday, urging Indiana Governor Mike Braun to slow the expansion of data centers across the state and stop offering tax incentives to the companies behind them.
Chicago City Council to vote on sweepstakes machine ban as bar owners warn of business closures
Chicago alders are divided over a debate on whether to ban or keep sweepstakes machines legal in the city.
Chicago Fire and Recess hosting all 104 FIFA World Cup matches
If you want to feel like you're at the 2026 FIFA World Cup in Chicago, there's a venue hosting a watch party for all 104 games.
Nearly a year later, Chicago still hasn't chosen a ShotSpotter successor
More than a year after bids were submitted to replace Chicago's ShotSpotter gunshot detection system, some aldermen say they still have no answers about what comes next — and families affected by gun violence are demanding action.
Mixed messages? Lawmakers say Bears strategy helped kill megaprojects bill
There are questions about whom to blame for why the Megaprojects Bill failed in the Illinois Legislature during the spring session.
10 years later, vacant NEIU properties fuel frustration in Albany Park
Ten years ago, Northeastern Illinois University acquired several properties in Albany Park by declaring eminent domain. To this day, several of those spaces are still vacant.