TopspinFollowing the embarrassing removal of a taxpayer-funded mural in Lakeview that was confused for graffiti, city officials on Thursday emphasized their support for public art as aldermen evaluated an ordinance to prevent such art from being blasted away by Chicago workers. Officials with the city's Departments of Streets and Sanitation and Cultural Affairs and Special Events on Thursday appeared before the City Council's Committee on Zoning, Landmarks and Building Standards, which is considering an ordinance to create a city registry for murals that work crews could check before removing graffiti. The hearing followed two high-profile incidents. Chicago-based artist JC Rivera's signature bright yellow "bear champ" was put up at the CTA Paulina Brown Line stop after it was commissioned by the Lakeview Chamber of Commerce and paid for from a special taxpayer fund earlier this month. But last week, it was taken down by workers after it was reported as graffiti. And in March, the work of French street artist Blek le Rat was blasted away from the side of Cards Against Humanity's headquarters as the city stepped up graffiti cleanup near proposed sites for Amazon's second headquarters. Ald. Brian Hopkins, whose 2nd Ward includes the site of the le Rat incident, is leading the push for the registry. "Graffiti is removed almost as fast as it can be applied in the city of Chicago," Hopkins said. "We don't want to change that. But unfortunately sometimes that aggressive approach leads to mistakes." Lisa Laws, first deputy commissioner of the Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events, called the proposed ordinance "a good first step in establishing a coordinated process that will encourage and protect murals." Laws also emphasized the city's support for public art, noting Emanuel is a fan. "Public art improves our quality of life and makes Chicago a more vibrant place to live, work and play," she said, later adding, "Not all murals are graffiti, and not all graffiti is public art." Cole Stallard, Chicago Department of Streets and Sanitation deputy commissioner, also addressed the committee, telling officials that workers respond to 100,000 calls of graffiti a year. "Recently, there have been instances where public art has been affected by our work," Stallard said. "We are committed to working with the aldermen and the residents to ensure murals in the city are protected during our neighborhood improvement work." The ordinance will be discussed at a later meeting. (Gregory Pratt)
What's on tap*Mayor Rahm Emanuel will attend an elementary school annex ribbon cutting ceremony with Chicago Public Schools CEO Janice Jackson and discuss how many "2018 graduates earned early college and career credentials." *Gov. Bruce Rauner has no public events scheduled. *Lt. Gov. Evelyn Sanguinetti is scheduled to speak in Chicago, Arlington Heights and Itasca for International Overdose Awareness Day. *Programming note: Morning Spin will take a break for the Labor Day weekend and return for the campaign stretch run on Wednesday.
From the notebook*On the 'Sunday Spin': Tribune political reporter Rick Pearson's guests are state Sen. Tom Cullerton, D-Villa Park, on Quincy Veterans Home legislation; former state GOP chair Pat Brady on the death of U.S. Sen. John McCain; and University of Illinois political scientist Christopher Mooney on the traditional Labor Day kickoff of the fall campaigns. The Sunday Spin airs from 7 a.m. to 9 a.m. on WGN-AM 720.
What we're writing*In new book, former aide says he posed as Rod Blagojevich on national security call governor refused to take. *Recording: 6th District Democrat Sean Casten says President Trump, bin Laden 'have a tremendous amount in common.' *'A perfect tax storm': Breaks meant to soften Emanuel property tax hikes backfire on some homeowners. *Obama to accept government ethics award from U. of I. *Van Dyke's lawyer blasts special prosecutor for seeking to hold the officer in contempt and jail him for Tribune interview. *Judge upholds record $44.7 million jury award in Michael LaPorta case. *Lake Shore Drive speeding: Here's where, and why, cops write so many tickets.
What we're reading*The Southern/ProPublica: 'Senators seek answers from HUD about public housing crisis in East St. Louis.' *Chicago, suburban libraries brace for the question: Can I print out a 3D gun? *Prosecutors moving former U.S. Rep. Aaron Schock's corruption case to another district. *When forecasters fight, a fog hangs over Chicago winter outlook. So it's either going to be 'teeth-chattering cold' or mild.
Follow the money*Track Illinois campaign contributions in real time here and here.
Beyond Chicago*Man charged with threatening to kill Boston Globe employees over Trump editorials. *U.N. watchdog says Iran continues to comply with nuclear restrictions despite U.S. pullout. *Inspired by 'Trump Baby,' protesters will fly a new blimp of London's mayor in a bikini. *Justice Department criticizes Harvard in affirmative action case. | 
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