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
Residents voice concerns ahead of end of Aurora data center pause
There's a 180-day moratorium on data center construction for the city of Aurora. However, that temporary pause expires March 25.
Train derails near Oak Lawn, Chicago Ridge; Metra riders face major delays
A freight train derailment near Chicago Ridge prompted road closures and suspended Metra service on Wednesday morning.
Family plans to sue Valparaiso Community Schools over football injuries
A Valparaiso family is preparing to sue a local school district, alleging it failed to properly treat their son after he was injured during football practice.
La Grange neighbors say squatter situation has become a safety concern
Residents in La Grange say they’re dealing with squatters who refuse to leave a home that was foreclosed on last year.
Lawsuit seeks to block Amazon data center permit in Hobart, Ind.
A lawsuit seeks to block Hobart from issuing a permit for a proposed Amazon data center after a heated plan commission meeting approved a fill permit.
'We want transparency before approvals happen': Residents oppose proposed $11 billion Amazon data center
The city of Hobart's plan commission approved a "fill permit" for Amazon. It's designed for a developer to dig, grade and excavate a site to determine if the property is viable for construction.
Protests over high NIPSCO bills outside of company's headquarters
A group of protesters stood outside NIPSCO's headquarters in Merrillville, Ind. on Wednesday. People are angry about their utility bills and they want financial relief.
Chicago snap curfew proposal revised again, allowing 30-minute police dispersal warning
Chicago leaders are once again revising a proposed “snap curfew" ordinance, with a new draft giving police more flexibility before issuing citations.
Above-average snowfall keeps plow crews busy across Chicagoland
Snow removal companies are gearing up for another busy weekend with a winter storm warning in effect for the city of Chicago.
Report: Utility bills are outpacing inflation and grocery prices
A new report says your utility bills have become the fastest driver of inflation, according to Powerlines.