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
Illinois craft brewers revolutionizing game day beverage options for football fans
Football fans often seek more than just two teams and a ball during games; they often crave a cold beer. In a FOX 32 special report, Dane Placko explores how Illinois' craft brewers can help you switch up your gameday drink lineup.
Investigative report reveals Dolton residents are shelling out big bucks for mayor's security detail
It's not unusual for the mayor of a big city like Chicago to have a security detail, but residents of south suburban Dolton, with a population of a little more than 20,000, are shelling out hundreds of thousands of dollars a year for police to drive and protect their mayor.
Bears fans flock to suburban dispensary as legendary QB Jim McMahon's cannabis brand launches in Illinois
Legendary Chicago Bears quarterback Jim McMahon is breaking into the Illinois weed market.
Rev. Marshall Hatch celebrates 30 years of inspiring leadership at New Mount Pilgrim Church
Thirty years in a single job is quite an accomplishment. But 30 years leading one of the city's biggest churches? That's a blessing.
South Side residents frustrated as their cars are repeatedly smashed and ransacked
There is anger and frustration among many south Side residents after thieves broke dozens of car windows in the South Loop and Bronzeville neighborhoods early Tuesday.
AJ Freund murder: Trial begins for former DCFS workers who handled Crystal Lake boy's case
Two former employees of the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services went on trial Monday over their handling of 5-year-old AJ Freund’s case in Crystal Lake before his death.
Suburban Chicago animal shelter fights back after hackers steal thousands through hijacked Facebook page
A northwest suburban animal shelter is trying to take a bite out of crime after it fell victim to digital fraud.
Water safety group calls for mandatory education in Illinois schools after recent Lake Michigan drownings
It was a deadly Labor Day holiday weekend on Lake Michigan, capped early Tuesday morning by a drowning about a mile off of 31st St. Beach.
Crews search for swimmer who went missing mile out in Lake Michigan
Chicago first responders are searching for a swimmer who went missing a mile offshore of Lake Michigan Tuesday morning.
WOOGMS Parade returns to Chicago's North Side for Labor Day
Monday was Labor Day and that means the WOOGMS Parade was back for its 61st year on the North Side!