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
NIPSCO accused of overbilling more than 4,000 customers as meter investigation continues
A consumer advocacy group is accusing NIPSCO of overbilling more than 4,000 natural gas customers — and says the number could continue to grow.
Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson faces $882M budget gap heading into 2027
Chicago is facing a projected $882 million budget gap in 2027, according to the city’s newly released financial forecast.
Aurora referendum questions still uncertain as Illinois early voting nears
Two referendum questions are being challenged after the Aurora for Change said they collected enough signatures to put a proposed recall system before voters.
NIPSCO power outages: Mike Braun orders probe into storm response
Nearly three weeks after severe weather hit northwest Indiana, Governor Mike Braun is promising a formal investigation into how NIPSCO handled the massive power outage.
Bears stadium saga echoes 1990s as NFL commissioner gets involved in Illinois talks
The Chicago Bears say their focus is on building a new stadium in Hammond, Indiana — but a familiar storyline is unfolding across the state line.
Hazel Crest police investigating viral video showing young men with apparent guns
A video circulating social media that appears to show a group of young men carrying guns and flashing money has caught the attention of law enforcement.
NIPSCO seeks rate increases as hundreds remain without power in northwest Indiana
Nearly two weeks after severe storms knocked out power across Northwest Indiana, NIPSCO requested three rate hikes starting August 11.
Thousands of Gary residents without power for 2 weeks are breathing sigh of relief
Two weeks after severe weather hit northwest Indiana, there were still thousands of Gary residents without power.
Indiana governor calls for investigation into power restoration: 'NIPSCO has failed'
Nearly two weeks after the Aug. 11 storms, thousands of NIPSCO customers across northwest Indiana are still waiting for their power to come back. Gary has been among the hardest-hit communities.
NIPSCO bills put northwest Indiana cat shelter at risk of closing
Just as tens of thousands of people in northwest Indiana are still without power after last Tuesday's severe weather, one nonprofit is worried about how long they can stay open.