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
Illinois wrongful death lawsuit raises concerns over car exhaust safety
A Grayslake auto repair shop faces a wrongful death lawsuit after two people died from carbon monoxide poisoning inside a vehicle in Crystal Lake, with negligence allegations at the center of the case.
Illinois secession movement grows as 12 more counties back split
Illinois' secession movement is gaining momentum after voters in 12 more counties approved nonbinding referendums, bringing the total to 45 counties supporting separation from the state.
Chicago City Council votes to use $75 million parking meter payment for pension debt
Chicago City Council voted 44-6 on Monday to put $75 million from the city's parking meter deal toward pension debt, a move supporters say could save taxpayers millions but complicate the 2027 budget.
Could a White Sox move open the door for the Bears to stay in Chicago?
Could the future home of the Chicago Bears be on the South Side, where the White Sox currently play?
Chicago police budget tops $2.2 billion as staffing questions persist
Chicago police officials are defending their staffing and deployment strategies as aldermen question whether the department has enough officers to meet the city's public safety needs.
Chicago police investigate break-ins at 13 Lincoln Park businesses
At least 13 businesses along North Clark Street in Chicago's Lincoln Park neighborhood were burglarized early Tuesday, leaving shattered glass, damaged doors and stolen cash registers.
BP Whiting refinery lockout reaches day 221 as workers struggle to make ends meet
About 800 BP Whiting refinery workers remain locked out after 221 days, with employees struggling financially as contract negotiations remain stalled and the holidays approach.
BP Whiting lockout reaches 218 days as workers face fight over unemployment benefits
About 800 workers at BP’s Whiting Refinery have been locked out of their jobs for 218 days, with another meeting between the company and the union scheduled for Monday.
Chicago small business owner says mayor's proposed tax hike could add to growing costs
After Mayor Brandon Johnson unveiled his budget proposal that looks to close an $882 million gap, some alders and small business owners are criticizing a plan that would raise taxes on businesses.
Former Gerresheimer workers fight for unpaid retention bonuses after Chicago Heights plant closure
Months after learning their jobs were ending, former Gerresheimer employees say they are still fighting for thousands of dollars in retention bonuses they expected to receive for helping wind down the Chicago Heights plant.