Dane Placko

Chicago

Investigative Reporter at WFLD-TV (Chicago, IL)

Investigative reporter for @Fox 32, specializing in political corruption & tax waste. Father of 2 beautiful girls, NW sider, battle-scarred Cubs fan.

Articles

People visiting wrong house near Pope Leo XIV's childhood home in Dolton

4 days ago | fox32chicago.com | Dane Placko

DOLTON, Ill. - We've been talking about all the pride Chicago is feeling this week about one of our own being elevated to pope. But as FOX 32 went down to south suburban Dolton to visit Pope Leo XIV's boyhood home on Friday, we found one nearby homeowner who says this holy history is making for some unexpected headaches. "Since about six this morning, I've got reporters like yourself coming to the door. People taking photos outside of the house.
People visiting wrong house near Pope Leo XIV's childhood home in Dolton

4 days ago | yahoo.com | Dane Placko

The BriefExcitement over Pope Leo XIV’s Chicago roots is drawing crowds to his boyhood home in Dolton. One nearby resident is dealing with mistaken visits due to a similar address. The actual pope’s home may soon become a historical landmark as interest grows. DOLTON, Ill. - We've been talking about all the pride Chicago is feeling this week about one of our own being elevated to pope.
New pope's childhood home draws crowds, hope in south suburban Dolton

5 days ago | fox32chicago.com | Dane Placko

DOLTON, Ill. - While Pope Leo was born in Chicago, he grew up in south suburban Dolton and the home he spent his early years in has become somewhat of a spectacle. "We came from Louisville today and came straight here so we could see it," said Adele Ryan. Ryan was among scores of faithful Catholics making a pilgrimage of sorts to see the humble brick home in the south suburb. Dig deeper: Some took pictures and selfies in front of the pope’s boyhood home, while others simply wanted to touch it.
Kankakee mourns George Ryan, former Illinois governor who rose from local roots

6 days ago | fox32chicago.com | Dane Placko

Kankakee mourns George Ryan, former governor who rose from local roots Kankakee residents joined Illinois political veterans Thursday to honor former Gov. George Ryan at a funeral service held at Asbury United Methodist Church in his hometown. KANKAKEE, Ill. - Kankakee residents joined Illinois political veterans on Thursday to honor former Gov. George Ryan at a funeral service held at Asbury United Methodist Church in his hometown.
'Glad he's alive': After Cook County jail attack, community rallies behind injured guard

1 week ago | fox32chicago.com | Dane Placko

COOK COUNTY, Ill. - A Cook County Jail guard is continuing to recover after he was brutally attacked by a murder suspect last March. Now, a fundraiser is being planned to help the injured officer and his family. What we know: "I get emotional because he's my best friend," said Liz Pacatte. Even though it’s been nearly two months since the attack on her husband, Blair, she’s still overwhelmed by what happened as he continues to recover from the brutal beating by an inmate.
Chicago chess program bridges generations with more than just moves

1 week ago | fox32chicago.com | Dane Placko

CHICAGO - You can learn a lot of life lessons playing chess. But you can learn even more by listening to the person you're playing against. That's the goal of a new program pitting some of the Chicago area’s youngest chess players against some of its oldest. They’re calling it a battle of the ages.
Chicago chess program bridges generations with more than just moves

1 week ago | yahoo.com | Dane Placko

The BriefMount Carmel High School students played chess with seniors at the Levy Center in a new intergenerational program. The initiative, led by the Cook County Sheriff’s Office, promotes connection and life lessons across generations. Organizers say the program could expand to more community centers across Cook County. CHICAGO - You can learn a lot of life lessons playing chess. But you can learn even more by listening to the person you're playing against.
CPS students compete in STEM challenge at Field Museum

1 week ago | fox32chicago.com | Dane Placko

CHICAGO - Chicago’s famed Field Museum is always bustling with schoolchildren. But on Thursday, the cavernous hallways were packed with Chicago Public School students who may one day wind up working at the Field as scientists. The backstory: "This is our third annual Steamfest powered by NASCAR," said Kelli Easterly, who heads CPS’ STEM efforts. STEM stands for science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.
CPS students compete in STEM challenge at Field Museum

1 week ago | yahoo.com | Dane Placko

The BriefMore than 600 CPS students gathered at the Field Museum for a STEM competition supported by NASCAR. Students from 51 schools competed using coding, robotics, and design skills to build racing solutions. Winners received tickets to this summer’s NASCAR street race in downtown Chicago. CHICAGO - Chicago’s famed Field Museum is always bustling with schoolchildren.
'Operation Family Secrets': Former Chicago mobster reflects on life after testifying against his father

2 weeks ago | fox32chicago.com | Dane Placko

CHICAGO - It has been called the most important mob prosecution in U.S. history. Twenty years ago this month, the federal government filed charges against more than a dozen top leaders of the Chicago mob, Outfit. It involved nearly two dozen murders that had gone unsolved for decades. They called the case "Operation Family Secrets." On Tuesday, FOX 32's Dane Placko talked to the ex-mobster who wore a wire against his father and triggered the FBI investigation.