Dane Placko
Dane Placko is a general assignment reporter at FOX 32 News and enjoys covering a variety of stories, from spot news to sports to features.
Placko was born in Chicago in the Rogers Park neighborhood. He moved with his family first to Arlington Heights and then Palatine, where he attended both Fremd and Palatine High Schools. He majored in history at the University of Illinois at Urbana, then began his career in broadcasting at WHO Radio and T.V. in Des Moines.
After a brief stop in Milwaukee, Placko returned home to Chicago and FOX 32 News in 1992, where he has received Emmy awards for spot news reporting and writing.
An avid gardener, Placko lives on the city's Northeast Side, and is best known among his colleagues as a long-suffering Cubs fan (not anymore, though!).
The latest from Dane Placko
Mike Madigan trial: Government calls first witnesses to testify
The attorney for Michael Madigan’s co-defendant, Mike McClain, revealed on Tuesday how lobbyists curry favor with politicians such as the former Speaker of the Illinois House.
Michael Madigan's corruption trial begins with harsh opening statements from prosecutors
Prosecutors delivered sharp opening statements on Monday, painting the long-time political leader as deeply corrupt.
'I got really scared': Couple robbed, kidnapped outside Little Village restaurant they own
Surveillance footage from a neighboring shop captured the moment five men got out of the vehicle and attacked the couple.
Chicago City Council questions CPS CEO on budget crisis, tensions with Mayor Johnson
There was a heated hearing at City Hall on Wednesday as council members questioned the head of Chicago Public Schools about the district's financial problems and his growing battle with Mayor Brandon Johnson.
Trump defends tariffs, criticizes illegal immigration in Chicago interview
Former President Donald Trump stopped by the Windy City on Tuesday to speak at the Economic Club of Chicago.
'A house of brick': New documentary honors 100 years of Memorial Stadium’s legacy
Illini fans and alumni have plenty to celebrate this week. Not only is the football team 5-1, but this weekend marks the 100th anniversary of its home, Memorial Stadium in Champaign.
Chicago fellowship aims to diversify beer research
Think of it as going to school—to learn more about beer.
Chicago Fire Department adopts new cleaning tech to fight cancer risks
We all know that firefighting is a dangerous job. But there's a hidden danger inside all that smoke that you might not know about.
Chicago doctors return from working in Gaza hospitals: 'The worst destruction I've ever seen'
As fighting spreads throughout the Middle East, local doctors who have been working in Gaza are back home.
Octavia Redmond murder: Chicago postal workers demand action as suspect charged in mail carrier's death
Charges against a 15-year-old boy were filed as Chicago postal workers staged a "Day of Action" to raise awareness about the dangers of delivering mail and demand new protections.