The deputy mayor for economic development under former Mayor Lori Lightfoot has landed a new role in academia as managing director of the University of Chicago’s Polsky Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation. A tech entrepreneur before he became deputy mayor, Mayekar will look to commercialize academic innovation at the University of Chicago to take on challenges such as climate change and the responsible application of artificial intelligence.
Rhode Island-based Bally’s won a heated competition last year, besting four other proposals with its plan to build a $1.74 billion casino at the site of Tribune Publishing’s Freedom Center printing plant in River West. It plans to open the permanent casino in 2026. Medinah Temple in River North, which will serve as a temporary casino for up to three years while the permanent facility is built, opened Sept. 9. It drew 80,000 visitors and generated nearly $6.