Nine people were killed and 52 others — including a 3-year-old — were wounded in shootings in Chicago over the weekend.

At 61 total shot, the weekend was nearly as violent as last weekend, when 64 people were shot, nine of them fatally.

The 3-year-old was shot, possibly by accident, Saturday morning in a South Side home.

The child was shot in his back around about 10:45 a.m. in the 9300 block of South Escanaba Avenue, police said. The boy was hospitalized in good condition.

Detectives, who are still conducting interviews, believe the shooting may have been accidental, police spokeswoman Karie James said Monday morning. She was unable to provide additional details, citing the ongoing investigation.

Five killed in four-hour span Saturday morning

A majority of the weekend murders happened in a four-hour period early Saturday, when five people were killed.

Two of the five were killed in a drive-by shooting in Lawndale on the West Side. were struck by someone in a passing red vehicle about 12:15 a.m. in the 1900 block of South Saint Louis Avenue, police said.

Charles Jackson Jr., 34, was struck once in his head and was pronounced dead at the scene, authorities said. The other man, 29, was shot in the eye and hand and taken to Mount Sinai Hospital, where he died, police said. His name hasn’t been released yet.

Man found dead on Far South Side

Less than an hour later, officers found Marwin Sanders-Price, 31, on the ground unresponsive with gunshot wounds to his torso and buttocks about 12:50 a.m. in the 200 block of East 121st Place, police and the medical examiner’s office said. He was taken to Christ Medical Center in Oak Lawn, where he later died, police said.

Man killed during East Garfield Park argument

A man was fatally shot during an argument in East Garfield Park on the West Side. The 21-year-old was arguing with a woman about 2:40 a.m. when a man approached and opened fire in the 3100 block of West Arthington Street, striking him in the chest, arm and hip, police said. He was taken to Mt. Sinai, where he later died, police said. His name hasn’t been released yet.

Near North murder

A man was fatally shot in a drive-by early Saturday on the Near North Side. The 33-year-old was standing next to his vehicle about 3:50 a.m. in the 800 block of North Orleans Street when someone inside a blue SUV opened fire, police said. He was struck once in the chest, and was taken to Northwestern Memorial Hospital, where he died, police said. He was identified as Royal Shorts by the medical examiner’s office.

Tow truck driver killed in Englewood

A tow truck driver attempting to provide service Sunday morning was fatally shot in Englewood on the South Side, police said. The 27-year-old, who hasn’t been identified yet, was attempting to provide service about 3:50 a.m. in the first block of West 57th Street when someone approached and opened fire, police said. He was taken to the University of Chicago Medical Center, where he died, police said.

Double homicide in West Pullman

Two men were fatally shot Sunday in West Pullman on the Far South Side, police said. About 1:25 p.m., they were in the 11800 block of South Emerald Avenue, when two people walked up to them and fired shots, police said. Chahine Younger, 28, was struck in the head and pronounced dead at a hospital, authorities said. Deangelo Lamont, 33, was struck in the head, chest and rear and also died at a hospital.

Motorist killed in Chatham

A man was fatally shot while driving Sunday night in Chatham on the South Side. A man in his 30s was driving southbound about 11:35 p.m. in the 8300 block of South Vincennes Avenue when he was shot in the head by someone in a red van, police said. He crashed into a pole, injuring three women inside the car, authorities said. He was pronounced dead at the scene, police said.

Mass shooting on West Side

Five people were shot and seriously wounded Sunday morning in the Austin neighborhood. Three men and two women were sitting on a porch about 3:05 a.m. in the 900 block of North Massasoit Avenue when a white SUV stopped and two males opened fire, police said. The victims, between 18 and 47 years old, were listed in serious condition.

15-year-old girl shot in West Englewood

A 15-year-old girl was one of two people shot Saturday night in West Englewood on the South Side. The teen and a 20-year-old woman were standing outside with a group of people about 11:20 p.m. in the 5900 block of South Paulina Street when someone opened fire in the distance, police said. The were both hospitalized in good condition.

Double shooting in Belmont Cragin

Two men were shot and wounded early Saturday in Belmont Cragin on the Northwest Side. Two 20-year-olds were outside on a porch about 12:35 a.m. in the 2600 block of North Melvina Avenue when they were shot at, police said. They were taken to a hospital in good condition.

At least 42 others were wounded in citywide shootings from 5 p.m. Friday to 5 a.m. Monday.

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Preparing Hopleaf’s signature mussels in beer calls for just a handful of common ingredients and 15 minutes of your time. “They perfectly showcase how good food doesn’t have to be fussy or complicated,” says Brett Coolidge, chef for the Andersonville craft beer bastion. But don’t mistake simple for unremarkable; paired with crusty bread, pints of witbier, and good company, a batch of these bay-leaf-perfumed bivalves feels downright festive.

Makes:2 servings
Active time:5 minutes
Total time:15 minutes

1 Tbsp.Olive oil2Shallots, thinly sliced lengthwise1Celery stalk, thinly sliced diagonally1½ tsp.Finely chopped fresh thyme2Fresh bay leaves1½ tsp.Kosher salt½ tsp.Pepper2 lb.Mussels, scrubbed and debearded3 Tbsp.Unsalted butter, cubed12 oz.Witbier, like Unibroue Blanche de Chambly

1. Heat a medium pot or saucepan with a tight-fitting lid over a medium-high burner. Pour olive oil into the pot, swirling to coat. When oil shimmers, add shallots and celery. Toss vegetables to coat in oil and cook them until softened, about 30 seconds.

2. Add thyme, bay leaves, salt, pepper, mussels, and butter, tossing to combine. Turn heat to high, add beer, and cover the pot.

3. Steam mussels for 2 minutes. Quickly uncover, stir, and replace the lid. The dish is ready when all mussels have opened, 1 to 4 minutes longer. Discard any that haven’t, then pour mussels and broth into a serving bowl.

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There is nothing more Chicago than the classic courtyard apartment building. Popular between 1902 and 1929, thousands of these buildings are found in just about every neighborhood of the city. Coming in different shapes and sizes, the standard U-shape tends to be the most common. But Chicagoland also has numerous examples of L-shaped half courts, S-shaped modules, and multi-court structures that resemble the letter M. How did this unique building style take root in the city? A 1902 ordinance was passed to prevent the overcrowded and dangerous conditions of tenement housing that defined the 19th century. It required new multi-unit buildings to not only have windows in every room, but to take up no more than 65% of the lot. The result? Every apartment — usually no taller than three or four stories — was guaranteed light and ventilation, along with views of a shared central green space. Separate entrances also provided much needed privacy. Let’s take a look at this vernacular building type, many of which have now gone condo.

You won’t find courtyards quite like the ones at Park Castle in West Ridge. Designed in 1925 by architect James Denson, the castle-like structure comes with turrets, battlement, crenellations, and gargoyles. Fountains with female figures grace the outdoor spaces. The sprawling double-courtyard complex turns its back to Western Avenue and instead opens up directly to Indian Boundary Park. The building originally had a moat filled with swans; the retaining walls and bridges still exist today. Inside you’ll find one of the city’s best-kept secrets: an extravagant mosaic pool with a tent ceiling that takes you right back to the Roaring Twenties. Talk about amenities! This corner unit currently for sale has been recently remodeled with a brand-new kitchen and bathroom. So you can think of this condo as medieval meets modern.

This 1,000-square-foot, one-bedroom, one-bathroom condo might be small, but its front yard is enormous. Not only does the Midway Apartment Building in Hyde Park have a beautifully landscaped courtyard, but the Midway Plaisance and Jackson Park are right across the street. It’s the perfect excuse to spend time outdoors. Built in 1924 by architect Paul Frederick Olsen, the architecture itself is a star attraction with an impressive limestone entrance gate and metalwork accents around the windows. Inside you’ll find an airy unit with east and west exposure that also has a heated sunroom that can be enjoyed year-round: Perfect for reading.

Staying in Hyde Park to share something that I didn’t think still existed in our culture of HGTV renovations: A 1923 courtyard apartment building with a historically intact first-floor unit. There is an abundance of character and charm here with the natural wood trim, vintage hardwood floors, and original windows and doors including a transom in the kitchen. South-facing windows bring in lots of light and air. And something you don’t see everyday: One of the closets has an original Murphy bed, which used to be a common feature in these kinds of apartments. It can accommodate overnight guests who can escape to the University of Chicago campus, just a few blocks away.

Not all courtyard buildings are architectural marvels with statues and manicured landscaping. Most people who have rented or bought real estate in the city probably lived in a design just like this condo located in Logan Square. Plain brick exterior with a gated entrance and simple lawn, nothing too elaborate. The 1920 building sits opposite Palmer Square, which provides nearly eight acres of additional green space and a direct connection to the historic boulevard system. The condo itself is a mix of old and new with two updated bathrooms. But the best part? Washer and dryer included in the unit!

Originally constructed in 1917, this vintage Rogers Park condo building is right next to a Metra and Red Line stop, as well as a few blocks away from Loyola Beach. It has everything one would expect in a classic courtyard apartment with an interesting architectural design and attractive landscaped garden. The top-floor unit features tall ceilings, original hardwood floors and doors, a wood-burning fireplace with original mantle in the living room, and a master bedroom that opens up to a 16-foot balcony overlooking the beautiful courtyard and its central fountain.

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At least nine people were killed and 50 others — including a 3-year-old — wounded in citywide shootings from 5 p.m. Friday to 5 a.m. Monday.

Five men were killed over the span of about four hours early Saturday morning.

Two of the five were killed in a drive-by shooting in Lawndale on the West Side. Two men, 29 and 34, were struck by someone in a passing red vehicle about 12:15 a.m. in the 1900 block of South Saint Louis Avenue, Chicago police said. The 29-year-old was struck in the eye and hand and was taken to Mount Sinai Hospital, where he died, police said. His name hasn’t been released yet. The 34-year-old was struck once in his head and was pronounced dead at the scene, police said. He was identified by the Cook County medical examiner’s office as Charles Jackson Jr.
Less than an hour later, officers found Marwin Sanders-Price, 31, on the ground unresponsive with gunshot wounds to his torso and buttocks about 12:50 a.m. in the 200 block of East 121st Place, police and the medical examiner’s office said. He was taken to Christ Medical Center in Oak Lawn, where he later died, police said.
A man was fatally shot during an argument in East Garfield Park on the West Side. The 21-year-old was arguing with a woman about 2:40 a.m. when a man approached and opened fire in the 3100 block of West Arthington Street, striking him in the chest, arm and hip, police said. He was taken to Mt. Sinai, where he later died, police said. His name hasn’t been released yet.
A man was fatally shot in a drive-by on the Near North Side. The 33-year-old was standing next to his vehicle about 3:50 a.m. in the 800 block of North Orleans Street when someone inside a blue SUV opened fire, police said. He was struck once in the chest, and was taken to Northwestern Memorial Hospital, where he died, police said. He was identified as Royal Shorts by the medical examiner’s office.
A tow truck driver attempting to provide service Sunday morning was fatally shot in Englewood on the South Side, police said. The 27-year-old, who hasn’t been identified yet, was attempting to provide service about 3:50 a.m. in the first block of West 57th Street when someone approached and opened fire, police said. He was taken to the University of Chicago Medical Center, where he died, police said.
Two men were fatally shot Sunday in West Pullman on the Far South Side, police said. About 1:25 p.m., the men, 33 and 28, were in the 11800 block of South Emerald Avenue, when two people walked up to them and fired shots, police said. Chahine Younger, 28, was struck in the head and was taken to Roseland Community Hospital, where he was pronounced dead, police and the Cook County medical examiner’s office said. The 33-year-old was struck in the head, chest and rear, police said. He was also taken to Roseland Community Hospital, where he died. He was identified as Deangelo Lamont.
A man was fatally shot driving and three others were injured when the vehicle crashed Sunday night in Chatham on the South Side. An unidentified man, believed by police to be in his 30s, was driving southbound about 11:35 p.m. in the 8300 block of South Vincennes Avenue when he was shot in the head by someone in a red van, causing him to lose control of his vehicle and crash into a steel beam, police said. He was pronounced dead at the scene, police said. Chicago Fire Department spokesman Larry Merritt confirmed he was an adult. Three women, who were also in the vehicle, were injured in the crash, police and fire officials said.

In nonfatal attacks, a 3-year-old boy was shot in the back Saturday morning inside a home in Calumet Heights on the Far South Side, police said. The shooting happened about 10:45 a.m. in the 9300 block of South Escanaba Avenue, according to Chicago police. The circumstances weren’t immediately known. The boy was taken to Trinity Hospital and later transferred to Comer’s Children Hospital in good condition, police said. More than 250 minors have been shot in Chicago so far this year.

Five people were shot and seriously wounded Sunday morning in South Austin on the Northwest Side, authorities said. Three men and two women were sitting on a porch about 3:05 a.m. in the 900 block of North Massasoit Avenue when a white SUV stopped and two males opened fire, Chicago police said. A 20-year-old man was struck twice in his leg and once in his arm and was taken to the Loyola University Medical Center, where he was in serious condition, police said. A man, 18, was struck in his back and a woman, 41, was shot in her leg, police said. Both were taken to Stroger Hospital, where they were in serious condition, police said. A 42-year-old man and 47-year-old woman were both shot in the left thigh, and also taken to Stroger, where they were listed in serious condition, police said.
A 15-year-old girl was one of two people shot Saturday night in West Englewood on the South Side. The teen and a 20-year-old woman were standing outside with a group of people about 11:20 p.m. in the 5900 block of South Paulina Street when someone opened fire in the distance, police said. The girl was shot once in the buttocks and was taken to Comer, where she was listed in good condition, police said. The woman was shot in the thigh and was taken to the University of Chicago, where she was also in good condition, police said.
Two men were shot and wounded in Belmont Cragin on the Northwest Side. Two 20-year-olds were outside on a porch about 12:35 a.m. in the 2600 block of North Melvina Avenue when they were shot at, police said. One of the men was grazed in the buttocks, while the other was shot twice in his leg, police said. Both were taken to the Loyola in good condition, police said.

At least 40 others were wounded in citywide shootings from 5 p.m. Friday to 5 a.m. Monday.

At least 64 people were shot in Chicago last weekend, including a 12-year-old boy killed by his mother, and an off-duty firefighter and his 15-year-old niece wounded in a mass shooting.

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As “Chicago Fire, “Chicago P.D.,” and “Chicago Med,” return for their season premieres Wednesday, the “One Chicago” shows have season finale cliffhangers and cast changes to address.

Season 10 of “Fire,” season 9 of “P.D.” and season 7 of “Med” begin with personnel changes at Firehouse 51, love lives solidifying for some of the firefighters, a police sergeant backsliding into familiar habits, a doctor facing career-altering consequences, and the exits of two main characters.

Longtime fans, who are nicknamed “Chi-hards,” have a few questions of the trio of series:

How will “One Chicago” continue to adhere to the complaints of “copaganda” — portrayals of police who can do no wrong — amid social unrest and reform?
Will the shows have a backup plan regarding the delta variant after COVID-19 abruptly shut down filming last year?
How will the shows plan to stay relevant after being on the air for several seasons?

‘Chicago Fire’ Season 10

Will Firehouse 51’s “Squad” unit make it out of the submerged boat?
Does Chief Boden have second thoughts in regards to his possible promotion? How will the promotion affect Firehouse 51?
How will Stella and Kelly’s relationship progress after he proposed to her in the midst of a fire?
Will Firehouse 51 Capt. Matthew Casey and paramedic Sylvie Brett go forward with acting on their feelings?

‘Chicago P.D.’ Season 9

Will Officer Kim Burgess (Marina Squerciati) recover from her near-fatal injuries?
How will Officer Adam Ruzek step up in taking care of Burgess’ adopted daughter?
Where does Upton and Halstead’s relationship go from here?
Will Sgt. Hank Voight (Jason Beghe) continue to revert to his old ways and drag Detective Hailey Upton down with him in their cover-up for failing to adhere to proper police procedure?
Will Upton and Voight’s cover-up have explosive consequence for the unit?
One of the main storylines going into season 10 of “Chicago Fire” has to do with the health of Officer Kim Burgess (right), played by Marina Squerciati.NBC

‘Chicago Med’ Season 7

How will “Med” adjust after Dr. Natalie Manning (Torrey DeVitto) and nurse April Sexton (Yaya DaCosta) left the show?
What is life like for Dr. Nick Halstead after he was fired?
Does Halstead come clean about why he lied about taking the trial medication?
Does Dr. Choi have any trauma after he was shot by a patient in the hospital parking lot?
Does Dr. Choi blame Dr. Archer, played by Steven Weber, for his shooting since they were arguing when it happened?

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When Jerald Gary unlocks the doors of the theater now called the Avalon Regal, he enters a wonderland, almost a museum, from another age in culture and escapism. But he carries with him heavy burdens from today.

The theater near 79th Street and Stony Island Avenue is a Chicago landmark, eminently deserving the honor. It’s an exotic stew of styles — Arabian Nights meets King Arthur — and is largely preserved despite many years of disuse and neglect. Much of that is to Gary’s credit.

Since taking over the property in 2014 in a still-evolving private venture, Gary has secured the place and overseen the start of plumbing work. There is vast restoration left, but it starts with a fabulous canvas and a place in the heart of African Americans who remember it as an elegant showcase for performances by Duke Ellington, Dizzy Gillespie and many others, some depicted on an outdoor mural along one wall that dates from the 1980s. For most of its life, the theater was the Avalon. A revival made it the New Regal in 1987 as a homage to a lost venue serving the Black community. Gary’s new name blends the eras.

“Look how ridiculous that ceiling is,” Gary said, pointing above the lobby to a design like a Persian rug that includes glass fixtures so fine they hang like threads. In the auditorium, the walls suggest patrons are seated in a palace courtyard beneath a starry sky. Signs for long-ago patrons are in English but with Arabic styling. “Be seated, I beg you,” says one.

Everywhere, there is a need for new paint and plaster that requires not just labor but craftsmanship. Gary is planning on improvements to the heating and air conditioning and he’d like solar panels on the roof, figuring he can take one of South Shore’s largest and tallest buildings off the grid.

Gary said it’ll take maybe $10 million to get the place ready for a close-up. Thirty-six years old and with a background in finance and music, Gary doesn’t have that kind of scratch. He’s got connections, having previously worked at LaSalle Bank and served as an intern for Barack Obama when he was a U.S. senator. There, he got to know Ken Williams-Bennett, better known today as the dad of Chance the Rapper.

The auditorium and proscenium of the Avalon Regal Theater.Anthony Vazquez/Sun-Times

There’s also the matter of Kanye West, who now wants to be called Ye. West surfaced in 2018 with a $1 million pledge for Gary’s vision. That pledge is a work in progress. Gary declined to discuss it but said he hopes to provide an update soon.

During a tour of the theater, I asked Gary about any connection with the planned film studios nearby at 7731 S. South Chicago Ave. Its promoter, TV producer Derek Dudley, called it Regal Studios and talked grandly of building a cultural and entertainment district including the theater. But when asked, Dudley curtly denied any financial tie to Gary’s venture.

Regarding those studios, Gary said only that he’s after other partners. “We need all hands on deck. I think the entire civic fabric of the city of Chicago needs to get behind this project right now.”

It’s a lot to ask. COVID-19 has knocked so many business plans askew. Gary also has to address how to regularly fill a 2,500-seat auditorium in an age of streaming and social disconnection. Movies used to fill the calendar at the Avalon, but the business hasn’t worked like that in decades. Some remember that a former owner of the theater lost it in foreclosure and went to prison in a government grant scam. Experts in development and preservation praise Gary’s diligence but doubt his prospects.

He reveres the theater. A trip with him through its catacombs is like an archeological expedition. There’s a sign for a Smokey Robinson gig in 2010 and stained-glass windows dated in 1987, evidently to honor visits by Anita Baker and Gladys Knight. A money chute above a safe in the basement was where box office workers dropped the cash.

Gary gets the skepticism but chalks up some of it to pushback whenever a disadvantaged community seeks self-sufficiency. He tries to focus on the possibilities. “We’re three minutes from the Obama [Center]. … It just takes time. This is going to be the new Harlem, the new Brooklyn. I’m just hopeful that we can hold on.”

He needs that money chute to work again, and for a certain Ye to have more than a little faith.

The lobby’s ceiling at the Avalon Regal Theater.Anthony Vazquez/Sun-Times

A fountain at the Avalon Regal Theater.Anthony Vazquez/Sun-Times

The marquee and mural at the Avalon Regal Theater.Anthony Vazquez/Sun-Times

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