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
Where is 'The 78'? What to know about Chicago’s newest neighborhood and the Fire’s $650M stadium
Chicago’s South Loop welcomes The 78, a 62-acre development featuring the Chicago Fire’s new stadium.
Data centers spark debate across Chicagoland: 'It was like there was a helicopter on our roof'
Data centers are popping up across Chicagoland, and so is pushback. Here's what neighbors are saying.
Prosecutors release new details in suburban daycare child abuse case
One of the women accused of physically harming several children at a suburban daycare appeared in court Wednesday.
As Trump talks prices, Indiana utility customers struggle to pay their bills
This plan comes as many across Northwest Indiana are struggling to pay rising utility bills.
Illinois teacher pay, school funding, ICE top concerns for residents, survey finds
A new survey from the Illinois Education Association reveals concerns about school funding, teacher pay, and ICE officers near schools.
Beverly record store faces more setbacks after New Year's Day crash
A family-owned record store in the Beverly neighborhood is still closed after a crash damaged the building on New Year’s Day.
Tributes pour in for Jesse Jackson in Chicago: 'The legacy speaks for itself'
Outside Jackson's home in Chicago, several people laid roses, left balloons and prayed as a tribute to the man who inspired them.
Chicago charter school network at risk of closing before school year ends
ASPIRA of Illinois, a network of charter schools, is at risk of closing before the school year is over.
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.