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
DePaul begins demolishing historic Lincoln Park buildings for new $50M basketball facility
Construction crews are demolishing a group of row homes and apartment buildings in Lincoln Park to make room for DePaul University's new practice facility.
Chicago street performer arrested during performance says he is being targeted
A Chicago street performer said he got arrested Friday night in the middle of his performance in front of the Wrigley Building.
Bears stadium search: New Chicago location floated as possible option
State Representative Curtis Tarver, D-Chicago, says the Chicago Bears should take a closer look at more than 300 acres of undeveloped land near 85th Street and DuSable Lake Shore Drive.
10 years after NEIU acquired properties, neighbors see first signs of progress
After a decade of frustration over vacant properties acquired through eminent domain, residents in Chicago's North Park neighborhood say they're finally seeing momentum.
Chicago Public Schools proposes $9.8B budget with cuts, furloughs and staffing changes
Chicago Public Schools leaders say they have crafted a balanced budget despite mounting financial challenges, but acknowledge getting there required difficult decisions.
Data center fears mount after Illinois village residents prepare for the worst
It's been two days since we first told you about Constellation Energy buying several hundred acres of land in or near the Village of Essex and it's still anyone's guess what they are going to do with all of that land.
Chicago plays key role as DOJ trade fraud crackdown tops $1 billion in recoveries, charges
Federal law enforcement gathered Tuesday to announce that the Department of Justice's Trade Fraud Task Force has surpassed $1 billion in civil and criminal recoveries, penalties, forfeitures and publicly charged losses since its launch in August 2025.
Data center fears grow after massive land purchases in Chicago suburb
Residents in far south suburban Essex have been on edge for nearly a year about a data center possibly being built in their village.
Former Gov. Pat Quinn pushing 'Millionaire Amendment' to lower Illinois property taxes
Former Illinois Governor Pat Quinn says Illinois homeowners are paying some of the highest property taxes in the nation, and he believes a new tax on millionaires could help provide relief.
Chicago reportedly facing $130M midyear budget shortfall
Mayor Brandon Johnson announced Tuesday the city is facing a $130 million budget shortfall.