Chicago will step up its efforts to diminish violent crime in the city, in the form of a specialized new unit that will use federal law as a crime-fighting weapon.

An emergency summit has also been called for late July in Chicago to address urban violence -- nine people were killed in the Midwestern city over Independence Day weekend, and more than 40 were injured, including two boys in city parks. 

Two stores in the suburbs of Chicago alone sold 10 percent of the weapons confiscated by Chicago police over a three-year period. 

In an effort to stem loitering and neighborhood crime, city officials are revoking business licenses, levying fines and temporarily shutting down businesses for failing to meet regulations.

Despite being five days shorter, the Taste of Chicago food festival will see plenty of police presence to deter "anyone with an agenda," police Superintendent Carry McCarthy says.

Chicago is calling in extra help after the city's homicide rate outpaces New York City, which has twice as many people as Chicago.

The stolen items included 200 bicycles, 200 strollers, 100 golf clubs, TV sets, jewelry and laptop computers, along with more than 50 garage door openers.

As surveillance video has grown increasingly popular, it’s popped up in more places. It watches the cashier in retail stores. It captures license plates as cars enter and exit parking lots. 

Well known in Chicagoland, but perhaps not so well known elsewhere, the Aon Center is a quiet, dignified building in the Chicago skyline. Height and location give its tenants remarkable views in all directions.

Chicago’s murder rate is higher than some other big cities, but according to Chicago Police Supt. Jody Weis, the last time it was this low in the city, Mayor Daley’s father was mayor and Lyndon Johnson was president.