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
Bally’s reports higher revenue as Chicago alderman questions company’s financial future
Bally’s reported $792.2 million in revenue for the quarter ending June 30, up from $657.5 million during the same period last year.
NIPSCO outage leaves hundreds of thousands without power across northwest Indiana
A massive power outage is leaving hundreds of thousands of people across northwest Indiana without electricity — and residents say they're struggling to find generators, gasoline and other supplies as they wait for the power to come back on.
ICE activity in East Chicago draws concern after two arrests near school on first day
Witnesses say federal immigration agents arrested at least two people Monday morning in East Chicago, with both incidents happening within blocks of each other.
Wrongful death lawsuit filed against Richard Stevenson after fatal Fox River boat crash
The family of 48-year-old Magdalena "Madzia" Jablonska filed a wrongful death lawsuit against Richard Stevenson following the fatal Fox River boat crash in McHenry County.
Suburban Chicago real estate professional, girlfriend found dead after Wisconsin kayaking trip
A 20-year-old suburban Chicago real estate professional remembered by coworkers as "wise beyond his years" is being mourned after he and his girlfriend were found dead following a kayaking trip near Washington Island, Wisconsin.
Aurora recall petitions could test Illinois law on removing elected officials
A grassroots group wants Aurora voters to decide whether the city should create a process allowing residents to recall a sitting mayor or alderman-at-large.
Indiana AG sues Merrillville, claims town officials illegally blocked ICE detention facility
The lawsuit claims council members passed a resolution opposing the facility and privately pressured property owners to refuse to sell to DHS.
Indiana’s new CDL law puts English proficiency, license checks under the microscope
A new Indiana law aimed at tightening requirements for commercial truck drivers is now changing how the state checks who is allowed behind the wheel of a big rig.
'She was the rock of our family': Sister remembers Marine veteran killed in Fox River boating crash
As Richard Stevenson remains in the McHenry County Jail awaiting future court appearances, the family of Magdalena Jablonska is remembering the woman they lost instead of the tragic way she died.