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
Hobart police corporal accused of punching woman, beating her boyfriend in off-duty fight
A Hobart police officer is on paid administrative leave, accused of punching a woman, hitting her boyfriend multiple times, and driving drunk.
River North condo owner raises balcony safety concerns at 54-story high-rise
A River North condo owner is raising concerns about deteriorating balconies at a downtown high-rise, pointing to exposed metal reinforcement and crumbling building material he fears could eventually fall onto people below.
Lawyers seek bank records in lawsuit against man accused in deadly Fox River boat crash
The estate of Magdalena Jablonska is seeking access to Richard Stevenson’s financial records and asking to expand its wrongful death lawsuit, adding new developments in the civil case stemming from a fatal boat crash on the Fox River.
172 jobs lost as Gerresheimer closes Chicago Heights plant, moves production to Italy, India
A packaging company closed operations last Wednesday and laid off 172 workers in the process.
Bears stadium saga heats up as Arlington Heights plan gets new life
There's some renewed optimism the Chicago Bears will stay in Illinois and build a new stadium on property they already own in Arlington Heights.
Bears stadium talks: What lawmakers said after meeting with Roger Goodell
The Chicago Bears met with lawmakers and NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell to talk about staying in Illinois.
Johnsburg yacht club legal fight raises new questions about village’s $20K cost estimate
The legal fight between the Village of Johnsburg and the Pistakee Yacht Club may be over, but questions remain about the public cost of a dispute that stretched from 2023 through a September bench trial.
Rich Township food pantry sees surge in demand as families struggle with rising costs
A Rich Township food pantry is seeing more families turn to its shelves for help, as rising costs make it harder for some residents to afford the groceries they need.
Chicago City Council weighs renewing CTA police contract amid drop in crime
Chicago City Council is looking to renew a contract between Chicago Police and the Chicago Transit Authority as another level of security on CTA buses, trains and property.